22.9.2017

I've had my M430 for about a month now. As a keen user of its predecessor, the M400 for over two years, the addition of wrist based heart rate was a definite motivator to upgrade, having been fed up with chafing chest belts. For anyone who's familiar with the M400, here are some thoughts.- It's exactly the same form factor. This is a major plus. I wear mine all day, every day. I think it passes as a regular watch without looking too geeky. The M400 was pretty robust, I have no reason to think the M430 will be any different.- The strap is a bit lighter and thinner. It's got a bit of stretch in it which the M400 doesn't have - doubtless an essential feature to get the optical heart sensor workingproperly.- Battery life with 24 hour heart tracking is definitely less than the M400 which I charged up roughly once a week; with the M430 it's more like once every 4 days or so. But there are a few new battery management features beyond the ability to downgrade the GPS recording rate - the watch will give you a warning of how much battery life is left if there is less than an hour remaining for tracking an activity. And on today's run with minimal charge left the watch seems to have switched GPS off and tracked distance by the inbuilt accelerometer - accurately too, recording a known 7 mile run as 7 miles even though the GPS stopped at 4 miles.- The backlight comes on automatically whenvever you press a button on the watch - not at full intensity, but at a sort of half brightness unless you have purposely pressed the backlight button. This might be responsible for some of the battery performance. It's not really necessary - the display is clear enough even in dim indoor conditions. There may be a way of switching this off but I've not found it yet.- The activity tracking algorithm seems to have changed - for the worse. On my non-running days it would take a bit of conscious effort to hit the 100% target on the middle activity level using the M400. With the M430, however, I have had to set it up the the top activity level to stop hitting 100% by the middle of the day (which might only include some dog walking in the morning and sedentary work activity). At first I thought this was the 24 hour HR monitoring, but I get the same effect with it turned off. For me that makes the activity monitoring a bit less useful.- You can do the "fitness test" without needing to wear the H7 heart monitor belt (as is the case with the M400). Much easier to do as a consequence.- The watch automatically syncs to Polar Flow if in range of your phone after an activity or after you reach 100% of your activity goal.- I do miss the audible alerts; whilst the vibration alerts are good enough to wake you up, I often miss automatic laps when out running. Having the strap tighter seems to make the vibrations less noticeable, oddly.- I've been impressed with Polar's continual firmware development with the M400, the M430 is no different so far with the rollout of the continuous heart rate monitoring. Polar products in my experience are much more reliable than the Garmins I've used, there's no gimmicky functions, the displays are clear and uncomplicated. I had to use Polar customer service to return the M400 due to a defective charging port; the process was very simple and straightforward, unlike the experiences I've had with Garmin (the charging issue is unlikely to be a problem with the M430 which uses a completely new connector)- A major advantage is that it looks so similar to the M400 that I think I've managed to sneak *another* running watch purchase past the domestic authority without it being spotted! :-)My only hesitation is that Polar's autonomous optical heart rate sensor, the OH1, came out just after I bought the M430. This would have paired with the M400 I already had and I would have had a few hours extra battery life for activities. It would have been cheaper than upgrading to the M430. But like a chest strap it would be another bit of kit to remember and keep charged. I would probably still have coughed up for the M430, though - the convenience of having all the functions in one unit outweighs the other issues. I fear if Polar brings out an upgraded V800 with optical heart rate, audible alerts and better battery life I would be sorely tempted!

27.10.2018

Over the past year I have gotten more and more into running. First it started off with 1 or 2 runs a week, then I had what might be called an epiphany when I heard that you need to build your base by running sloooowly. This helped to improve my endurance and stamina and suddenly running became so much more enjoyable. I figured I'd put myself through a running program to improve. I love some stats and graphs, so I embarked on a major research project into finding the right GPS running watch for me. I already have a Polar HR monitor (H10) which I got over a year ago because it was cheaper than a watch and I wasn't that serious about training, just curious. It's very accurate,which seems to be what Polar's reputation is built on. So it seemed logical to stick with one brand.What the watch does over the HR monitor is allow you to load a specific running program from the Polar Flow website, which then tells you what kind of run or exercise to do each day and what targets (heart rate and distance) to hit. The program is pretty comprehensive and includes easy, medium, interval and long runs, mobility sessions, and core and strength work outs. There are supporting Polar videos on YouTube for the recommended exercise routines for anything that's not running. If you follow the program, you will get better. I couldn't stick rigidly to the program due to work commitments but I still shaved 5 minutes off my 5k time in 3 months. Pretty chuffed. So you set up everything in the Polar Flow website, and then sync your watch. It's pretty simple and operates smoothly for me. Syncing with the Polar Flow app on my Android phone is a bit more hit and miss though. The watch also allows you to record your sessions doing a multitude of other sports - it will record your heart rate, time, and calculate calories burned based on your other metrics. It's waterproof so you can go swimming with it. It will record most things, but it doesn't automatically register laps. There is a manual option for this if you so wish. It will also monitor your sleep and churn out a report on it. I really only use it to log exercise sessions. Finally, it will do a "fitness test", which involves monitoring your heart rate while you sit or lie still.As far as accuracy goes, wrist-based heart rate monitors are accepted as less accurate as chest-based ones, especially when you're doing interval work, but the Polar M430 is pretty good - accurate enough for me that I don't really use the HR10 much now.GPS takes a few seconds to lock, and it's also very accurate, much more so than my phone, which was temperamental, and another reason why I went into the market for a GPS running watch.Battery life lasts around 4-5 days for me, although this is mostly on standby as I only really wear it when I'm working out. Still, it's pretty impressive. I wore it fairly continuously when I first got it and had to charge it after 3 days. There is an option to have constant heart rate monitoring, which obviously uses more battery.Finally, with regards to aesthetics, I wasn't sold on the look of it. It's quite chunky on my smallish wrist (I'm a 5'4" woman), and it's square design is definitely less common than the current trend of round faces. However it was the least important factor for me.For what it's worth, initially I tried the Suunto Spartan, but this fell short on accuracy and was returned. I've met people who rave about Garmin, but I'd also read reviews about them having a cheap-ish build quality for the price, and the ecosystem seems to divide opinion like Marmite. Some guys who ran a running shop told me that TomTom was going to stop producing watches and so support would fade over time.Overall, this ticks all the boxes that I wanted out of a running watch, with features and a build quality at a price that I think beats other alternatives.

18.9.2017

I've been using this Polar GPS watch for quite a while now and I have to say, I am really impressed!The initial set up and configuration was really easy and straightforward. You can configure some of the settings via the watch, but to change the data screens for activities, you have to use the Polar Flow app or the website. It would have been nice to be able to change data screens on the watch itself for those times when you don't have your phone with you, but this is only a minor niggle. Changing the data screens via Flow or the website is really easy, just remember to sync your device once you've made changes.In use the watch is very comfortable. The plastic strap is very slightly stretchy so it does give a little in use,however, the retaining ring to hold the strap has a tab on the underside to keep it in place so as not to move, but this makes it very difficult to move when you're putting the watch on. Once on though, it does it's job of keeping the 'free' part of the strap secured.I have used the watch for running mainly, i've used it on a few bike rides and it performed really well too. For running it's great! Just set the data screens via the app/website to display what you want. You can fit 4 bits of data per screen, but some of the data options are large (like speed/pace for example) so you can only fit 3 pieces of data depending on the ones you choose. You can have loads of pages though to allow you to scroll through as you're running. It picks up a GPS fix really quickly. It uses 'A-GPS' data prediction to predict your position which enables the watch to get a fix really quickly. It takes about 5 seconds which is great, and much quicker than some of the competition that uses GPS and GLONASS!The GPS accuracy is excellent too. My runs generally take me through dense woodland where other watches have struggled to keep an accurate fix. The M430 though always tracks really accurately which is very impressive. I have my GPS set to the most accurate setting where it measures every second, but the battery does last for a long time and if you're doing really long runs, you can change the accuracy to extend battery life. The wrist heart rate is pretty accurate too. It performs similarly to my chest strap, so I was quite surprised and happy with that.Changing data screens is easy during a run, you just scroll through using the top and bottom right buttons. Pressing the start button during a run marks a lap, which i've pressed by mistake a few times which was a bit annoying. Holding the bottom left button ends your activity. The screen is nice and clear and easy to read as well.The stats you get once you've uploaded your activity are really comprehensive and easy to read on the app, although it does take quite a while to upload an activity. You can set the app to automatically upload your activity to 3rd party sites like Strava too.There are a few niggles though. I could not get the 'fitness test' to work at all, and I tried at least 4 times altering the strap each time, but it still would not work for me - just got 'test failed' each time which was a shame. Also, for me, the watch just looks a bit dated compared to some of the competition out there. This is a shame as the watch really does perform well, however, it is very reasonably priced.All in all, I am really enjoying using this watch for running. There's so many data options for you to use, it's comfortable and very accurate, it's GPS accuracy is better than my fenix! It's just a bit of a shame that it looks a bit dated. But if you want an accurate GPS watch that is not only good for running, but cycling and many other sports, you should really take a look at the M430.

24.7.2017

I have worn this for about a week now, so early days, but I will return to this review to update it.Firstly, can I say that you should download the manual rather than rely on the enclosed notes. There is a lot that this can do, not at first apparent.Secondly, a warning: set it up the first time with a PC, not a mobile. It comes with an old firmware and went into a coma on trying to update with my tablet. Fortunately, the PC interface brought it out of the coma.Thirdly, be aware that most of the time you just wear it as it is. It then monitors your activity passively. If you set it to a training mode, it goes into intensive mode, monitoring heart rate and distance, and battery life is curtailed.

18.7.2017

The POLAR M430 Gps Running Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate Advanced Training Features and 24/7 Activity Tracking arrives nicely packaged with the traacker watch to view. A connecting USB lead to charge your watch and some brief information is included in the pack. In summary what I did initially was to charge the watch for 6 hours before first ues. I downloaded the app to my mobile phone and read the manual available from the Polar website, to familirise myself with funtionality. Once the mobile was charged I was then prompted to synchronise this to my mobile phone, when it synced it prompted the code number to pair this with my phone.

3.9.2018

I had the M400 before buying the new updated version of Polar Sport watches...M430!! I read many different critics in the internet even stats and comparison tests in order to end up with it. One bonus has to do with the smart notification ability..but be careful the language which is showed is only English. Any other language is possible not recognized.. (may be there are the languages which u can set up it..)My basic idea was to find smth smart, accurate and easy going watch to have all the time with me. So that, I could manage to follow up my daily activity in job, sports and leisure time. Despite of the strange way that has to be placed above wrist in order to be as accurate as it can be,

23.6.2017

I don't normally write many reviews but thought I would in this case as no reviews were available at the time of writing and reviews on Amazon.com seemed excessively negative.I initially pre-ordered this watch direct through Polar thinking I'd get it quickly. This did not happen and as such I cancelled the order with Polar, ordered through Amazon and received it the next day. I almost didn't re-order due to a lot of poor reviews on Amazon.com.People on Amazon suggested this watch was difficult to set up. I disagree as I had no issues, plug it into PC to charge and while its charging go through the set-up procedure. Simple. If no PC is available I don't know how simple it will be.For anyone using polar flow with a H7 chest strap and their mobile,

2.8.2019

Having gotten more and more in to running I decided it was time to purchase a GPS running watch. I was weighing up whether to go with a Polar or a Garmin but my partner who already owned an M430 steered me towards Polar.So yeah, as has been said already aesthetically the M430 is not the most stylish and probably something you are not going to wear throughout the day like say a fitbit. Despite that, the watch is really light and not nearly as bulky as some of the pics would suggest.On to the serious stuff. Substance over style is what the M430 is all about. I didn’t want to spend a fortune but wanted something reliable that would give me some decent metrics to work with.

5.5.2020

Writing this review for attention of Polar and anybody who might be in the market for this sort of GPS watch. I had a TomTom Runner 1 before. Loved it. Wish TomTom still made GPS watches, because the 'racing against a ghost' feature was great. This watch has estimated finish time instead. Unfortunately I quickly found that to be a chocolate teapot. Perhaps they have fixed it with a firmware update. I haven't checked. It didn't work because it calculates your finish time based on your current pace, which jumps around too much (imagine doing a 25 minute 5km, and the predictor jumps around every second from 20-30 minutes = not useful). The TomTom ghost feature showed you how many metres ahead or behind your ghost you are,

10.8.2017

I have thoroughly enjoyed using this product.The watch is a chunky design. I have to admit it's almost a bit too chunky for my arms and I'm finding it gets a bit stuck under tighter sleeves on cardigans and hoodies. However being chunky means the display is s nice size for reading through the various info stored on it.I use this on a daily basis to track my activity, sleep patterns and any exercise I do (mostly running and swimming). The keeps track of all of these and then I read the full analysis when I sync data via my latop. There is the option to do this via a smartphone too but I haven't done that. As a new runner I'm finding this very helpful for tracking my efforts whilst I'm building up to 5k.

15.9.2017

This watch is very good as a fitness tracker especially the Heart Rate monitor which I have found to be very accurate. When measuring it against a chest strap monitor it is spot on. The level of detail re the activity states is very good much more advanced than both the Garmin Vivofit and Fitbit Alta that I had before. It tends to be a little bit generous re steps taken but overal gives a good summary if used for walking. Watch is comfortable to wear and not as bulky as I thought from reading previous reviews. I would have rated it as a 5 were it not for two things. 1. The sleep tracker is frustrating. It works on an algorithm that you must be continuously asleep for more than 4hrs before it records your sleep.

7.9.2018

I've started running again after a break of 6 or 7 years and my old Garmin Forerunner 305 had given up the ghost. I was going to go for another Garmin but this had good reviews and was a good price. I haven't been disappointed. It picks up GPS in about 20 seconds, that's on a cloudy day in central London standing just outside my office building. The Garmin could sometimes take 5 minutes, when I was at home I'd leave it out in the garden to pick up GPS whilst I got ready as it took so long. This watch is very accurate, showing exactly where I've had to slow down or stop for traffic etc on the map on the Polar Flow website. When I watched reviews it looked a little chunky but it's really not.

20.9.2018

I bought the M430 after my M400 finally met its end. The difference between the M400 and M430 is only really related to the M430 having the wrist-based HRM function. I'm a rower, and find that the wrist-based capacity doesn't work for rowing, probably because it involves constant flexing of the wrist and using the hands as the end of a lever. However, the M430 connects fine to the chest belt that I had from my M400 and is accurate for that. The wrist-based HRM is fine for running and cycling. The Polar Flow app that comes with it is really excellent and a useful way to look back at your training. I like that you can customise the watch faces in terms of what information is given to you,

15.10.2017

I bought this for my partner who has started running seriously but isn't the best with technology. I have my own Polar HR monitor and like the intuitive interface. This watch is no different. Once you do a short setup where you answer questions about yourself (gender, weight, height etc) you're away!She ran a half marathon with it recently and loved it - she had it on the screen that shows HR and min/km. I downloaded the software for mac and plugged in the watch, all looks very smart and well designed. The maps are accurate and the "relive" feature is particularly quirky, mixing your route, HR, pace and google images for the run you did.The battery seems to last a while when it's not in use

29.9.2017

This is a useful and interesting bit of kit for anyone who wants to track their training sessions or just their general activity. It's quite large but not too big to wear all the time. Battery life is very good until you start using the GPS. One long ride or run will take most of the life from the battery and a charge is required. The features are useful but soon become repetitive e.g. there are only a few different versions of the feedback given after a workout, which vary according to the intensity. Sometimes the heart rate monitor is obviously way out but in general it's not bad. Much better when used with the H10 monitor which I bought at the same time.Setting up and syncing with the app is easy,

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