Polar Vantage V2
Buy Polar Vantage V2 at today's best price
6 minute read
Overview
The Polar Vantage V2 is a multisport watch designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. This watch is part of the Polar Vantage family, known for its advanced technology and premium materials.
Key Features:
- Running Performance Test: Determines VO2Max (a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise) using a RAMP-test variant for running.
- Leg Recovery Test: Assesses leg recovery status to optimize training.
- Music Controls: Allows control of music on a paired phone.
The Polar Vantage V2 is an ideal choice for athletes who prioritize performance testing and recovery in their training. Its lightweight design and advanced features offer precise metrics, making it suitable for those seeking to improve their fitness and recovery balance.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 40% of running watches today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 is a solid choice for athletes looking for a multisport watch with a focus on performance testing and recovery. It incorporates features from the Polar Grit X, such as Hill Splitter and FuelWise, while adding new tests like the Running Performance Test and Leg Recovery Test. The watch's lightweight design and premium materials make it comfortable for long-term wear. However, the proprietary strap design may limit customization options. The optical heart rate sensor, while advanced, has shown some inconsistencies in accuracy compared to previous models. GPS accuracy is generally reliable, though there are occasional discrepancies. The lack of music storage and NFC payments might be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Vantage V2 offers a comprehensive set of features for serious athletes, but it faces stiff competition from other brands offering similar capabilities at different price points. For those focused on training and recovery, the Polar Vantage V2 is a valuable tool, but potential buyers should consider their specific needs and compare with other options.
Comparable Watches
The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a strong competitor to the Polar Vantage V2, offering similar features at the same price point. It includes music storage and NFC payments, which the Vantage V2 lacks. The Forerunner 745 also provides advanced training metrics and recovery insights, making it a compelling choice for athletes who value these features.
The COROS Pace 2 is a budget-friendly alternative to the Polar Vantage V2, offering a lightweight design and essential training features. While it may not have the same level of advanced performance testing as the Vantage V2, it provides excellent value for money, especially for beginners or those on a budget.
The Suunto 9 is another multisport watch that competes with the Polar Vantage V2. It offers impressive battery life and robust build quality, making it suitable for long-distance and outdoor activities. However, the Suunto 9 may not have the same level of detailed performance metrics as the Vantage V2, which could be a deciding factor for some athletes.
6 Polar Vantage V2 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Battery life
The Polar Vantage V2 boasts a battery life of up to 40 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for long-distance events and extended training sessions. This is complemented by a 100-hour GPS tracking mode, which conserves power by reducing track points. The watch features a rechargeable battery, ensuring convenience for regular use. With a battery level indicator, users can easily monitor remaining power, reducing the risk of unexpected shutdowns during activities.
Screen quality and brightness
The Vantage V2 features a 30 mm screen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels and a pixel density of 283 ppi, providing clear and sharp visuals. The display is designed to be readable in various lighting conditions, although it may not be the brightest on the market. The touch screen functionality allows for intuitive navigation, though some users have noted occasional responsiveness issues.
Strap comfort
The Polar Vantage V2 uses a proprietary strap design, which may limit customization options compared to watches with standard strap sizes. Despite this, the strap is designed for comfort during prolonged use, making it suitable for athletes who wear the watch throughout the day. The lightweight design of the watch, at 52 g, contributes to its overall comfort.
Heart-rate monitor accuracy
The Vantage V2 features an advanced optical heart rate sensor with 10 LEDs of varying colors to improve accuracy across different skin tones. However, some users have reported inconsistencies in heart rate readings, particularly during high-intensity activities. This may affect the reliability of heart rate-based metrics, such as VO2Max and recovery assessments.
GPS accuracy
The GPS accuracy of the Polar Vantage V2 is generally reliable, providing accurate tracking for most outdoor activities. However, there have been occasional discrepancies, particularly in challenging environments with dense tree cover or tall buildings. The watch supports multiple satellite systems, including Galileo, to enhance positioning accuracy.
Sleep tracking
The Vantage V2 offers comprehensive sleep tracking features, including Sleep Plus Stages, which records sleep quality and quantity. The Nightly Recharge feature combines sleep data with activity data to provide insights into recovery processes. While the sleep tracking is generally consistent, it does not support nap tracking, which may be a limitation for some users.
Virtual coach and recovery
The Polar Vantage V2 includes FitSpark, a virtual coach that offers daily workout suggestions based on the user's fitness level and recovery status. The Leg Recovery Test helps determine if the user's legs are ready for intense training, while the Nightly Recharge feature provides insights into overall recovery. These features make the watch a valuable tool for athletes focused on optimizing their training and recovery balance.
Who should buy the Polar Vantage V2?
The Polar Vantage V2 is well-suited for dedicated athletes who are serious about optimizing their training and recovery. Those who value detailed performance metrics, such as VO2Max and leg recovery status, will find this watch beneficial. Its lightweight design and advanced features make it ideal for multisport enthusiasts who engage in activities like running, cycling, and swimming. The watch's ability to provide insights into training load and recovery processes is particularly useful for athletes aiming to balance fitness and recovery effectively.
Who should not buy the Polar Vantage V2?
Casual users or those seeking a watch with extensive smartwatch features may find the Polar Vantage V2 lacking. The absence of music storage and NFC payments could be a drawback for those who prioritize these functionalities. Additionally, individuals who prefer customizable straps might be disappointed by the proprietary design of the Vantage V2. For those who require highly accurate heart rate monitoring during high-intensity workouts, the reported inconsistencies in the Vantage V2's sensor may be a concern. Alternatives like the Garmin FR745 or COROS Pace 2 might be more suitable for users seeking different feature sets or price points.
Polar Vantage V2: What's it good for?
The Polar Vantage V2 is excellent for multisport athletes who engage in activities like running, cycling, and swimming. Its multi-sport mode allows for seamless transitions between different sports. The watch is ideal for endurance training due to its long battery life and advanced performance metrics. With features like VO2Max measurement and sleep tracking, it supports athletes in optimizing their training and recovery. The Vantage V2 is also suitable for outdoor adventures, thanks to its reliable GPS accuracy and sweat resistance.
5 Polar Vantage V2 FAQs
What is the battery life of the Polar Vantage V2?
The Polar Vantage V2 offers a battery life of up to 40 hours in GPS mode and 168 hours in regular mode, making it suitable for long training sessions and events.
Does the Polar Vantage V2 have music storage?
No, the Polar Vantage V2 does not have music storage. It can control music on a paired phone but does not store music directly on the device.
How accurate is the heart rate monitor on the Polar Vantage V2?
The heart rate monitor on the Polar Vantage V2 uses advanced optical sensors, but some users have reported inconsistencies in accuracy, especially during high-intensity activities.
Is the Polar Vantage V2 suitable for swimming?
Yes, the Polar Vantage V2 is suitable for swimming, with a waterproof depth of up to 100 meters, making it ideal for pool and open water swimming.
Can the Polar Vantage V2 track sleep?
Yes, the Polar Vantage V2 offers comprehensive sleep tracking features, including Sleep Plus Stages and Nightly Recharge, to provide insights into sleep quality and recovery.
- Oct 2023
Latest model
- Sep 2020
Vantage V2Viewing
