Polar HRM Power Sensor?

Peter in Norway has a Polar S725X heart rate monitor and is thinking of getting a Polar power sensor to go along with it. His question is “is it worth it?” We take a look at power sensors and consider is the Polar is worth it?

Question:
Hi, first of all, thank you all for a great site! I love reading your articles, and I have learned a lot since I first signed up to the mail subscription. I have read a few of your test/reviews on the Polar heart rate monitor, and I have an s725x myself. I am thinking about buying the Polar power sensor kit, but I am unsure whether it is really any good? It is a lot cheaper than other solutions, but is it any accurate? Is it worth the money?

Hi Peter.

Thanks for reading Bike Cycling Reviews, it’s nice to hear when readers find us helpful and enjoyable.

My question to you is; can you buy the Power Sensor for the Polar S725X? I’ve been trying to find one, but Polar don’t list it. I remember the kit; it used to run on the chain to measure the power. A bit like the Calorie counter, it is only a guess as to how much you use depending on the information you have given to the watch unit. The other problem with power meters and sensors are that they don’t know which direction the wind is blowing, as you know its much harder riding into the wind than have the wind behind you! Polar still sell the S725X, but if they have stopped the Power Sensor there must be a reason! If you have found one is it old stock? If so then you want it at a very good price.

So I guess I’m saying that it probably not worth spending the money. Power meters are the best way to measure your out-put and see if you are improving your fitness. The problem is that the power meter knows many things, like speed and the hills etc. the meter can’t know all the conditions, its not like riding on a test bike under laboratory conditions.

After looking at many power meters I would go for the Power Tap hub system with a Garmin HRM/GPS system or the SRM set up, both are very accurate and give you more information than will probably need. Save your money Peter, and go for one of those.