Polar A3 Heart Rate Monitor - The Verdict Is Out

When it comes to heart rate monitors for fitness and sports training, you will rarely find polarized opinions of the many models available from the Polar Electro Company.  Such a unanimous like for Polar products also applies to the Polar A3 heart rate monitor, which is billed as a step-up over the Polar F1. 

With each box of the A3 comes the heart rate monitor watch unit itself, an elastic strap for many types of mounts, a built-in lithium cell battery, and a wireless transmitter.  Of course, a printed set of instructions also with the unit since you may want to play around with the features.  As is the case with Polar products, the A3 has a 2-year limited warranty.

Of course, it is not the box that we fall in love with - it is the features that come with what's inside the box.  It is just unfortunate that the company has ceased production of the A3 a few years back but if you are still on the lookout for such an excellent product with great value for money, you can still purchase it from selected online sites and even fitness stores. 

Heart Rate Features

Anyways, the Polar A3 heart rate monitor offers many features that every fitness and sports enthusiast loves in his gadgets.  Let's start with the heart rate features, which are the center of all gadgets in this category. 

You have the benefit of choosing from the manual and automatic limit settings for real-time, limit and average heart rates as well as for your personal target heart rate zones, with an alarm function for under or overtraining.  These data can be viewed with the relatively large split-screen monitor while you are walking, skiing and swimming, which makes for great versatility of use.  The unit itself is worn like a wristwatch while the transmitter is comfortably strapped around your chest, thus, making for heart rate monitoring without disturbance to your activity rhythm. 

Additional Features

But of course, the Polar A3 heart rate monitor also boasts of other features to live up to its excellent reputation in the fitness community.  For one thing, the 24-hour clocks with indicators for the day and week as well as a stopwatch allows for double uses.  For another thing, the water-resistant feature of up to 100 feet makes for flexible applications in various sports. 

You will also love the post-exercise summary provided, which includes the average heart rate, duration of exercise and time in the target heart zone.  At the very least, you will know how you performed in objective measurements - truly, a valuable tool in formulating a personalized exercise program suited to your physical condition and fitness goals. 

One thing, however, about all Polar heart rate monitors.  Since these gadgets are precision instruments, you should not open the casing itself, not even to change the battery.  Otherwise, the accuracy of the Polar A3 heart rate monitor will be compromised, which makes it good for the trash heap.  Bring the unit to an authorized service center for repairs and battery changes. 

Other than this precaution, the A3 is truly one of the better Polar products.  You will love it, just like the rest of the fitness fanatics who have enjoyed its many benefits.