Polar M400 Review

This is a fantastic entry-level++ GPS running watch. It has a very good design throughout from one of the leading suppliers.

Positives: It’s a great bit of running kit and when coupled with a Polar HRM/chest strap you will have pretty much all your running needs met. The assisted GPS is generally good by industry standards as is the activity ‘load’ tracker. Smartphone notifications will probably be up and running by the time you read this. At times, the price has been hovering around GBP100 (without HRM).

Negatives: It will be a world-beater if ever an optical HR device is integrated into the watch. The only problem with the activity tracking is that ‘proper’ sleep tracking can’t be ascertained from a motion sensor, which is what Polar and many other vendors have to do without optical HR as a chest strap is impractical.

Comments: I like the watch and would certainly recommend it; from the looks to the using of it. The interface is intuitive and some of the features are novel. Polar’s concept of tracking your daily ‘load’ rather than your activity and number of steps is ‘correct’ and useful for anyone who does the occasional sporty thing…or indeed LOTS of sporty things. Comfy, accurate enough and keenly priced.

Alternatives: This link covers some alternatives.

Detailed Review: This link covers my detailed review of the Polar M400.

More: Winner of Jan 2016 Issue of 220 Triathlon RUNNING WATCH. 2nd was the optical Epson SF-810B