What's wrong with the Polar CS600?

Ergoman

My wife has one (without the power module) and it's a very nice unit.

The Polar CS600 seems to touch all the bases: it's inexpensive at about $550 (with power) on eBay, it's easy to transfer from bike to bike and does not require a specific wheel, crankset or BB, it's wireless and the connection is reliable. The software is excellent as well.

Given all this, why isn't the Polar the most popular power meter? Are the power readings not accurate or consistent?

Can anyone who has used the Polar CS600 on the road give some feedback on how the power module performs? I'm not worried about power on an indoor trainer, and the memory size of the Polar is fine for me. I know the power paddle and battery case are cumbersome and touchy to set up, but I don't mind that if it works. How accurate and repeatable are the power readings on the road?

Thanks!

impakt

Honestly,

Nothing....

Thom_y

I wanted to buy one, but for my use the Polar didn't cut it ... despite the relatively cheaper price (still not cheap). I think they missed the boat on the second generation powermeter. Too bad, it still doesn't work reliably indoors on a trainer ... but many can live with that. As well, the memory issue was short sighted IMO. Great to get 1 s sampling, but 2.4 hours is not enough time for many of us. I haven't seen many formal reviews of the CS600, but the Australian mag called Ride did a comparison of all the powermeters out there. It sounds like the Polar consistently underestimated power compared to SRM or PT. (SOme have questioned how accurate their set up ... the set up as you point out is finicky and you need to accuartely measure chain weight and lenght to get reliable data)
Yet, as you point out, in the end it what really matters is how repeatable the data is. You don't necessarily need an exact number (Watts) for yourself, just a consistent one to judge your own progress. I gather there are issues with data drops from some of the early adopters. The review on pezcyclingnews.com is worth reading, although on the first go they did not compare to any of the more gold standard meters (e.g. SRM or PT) ... apparently another review will be coming. Unfortunately, to get more memory or more accuracy will cost you a lot more money on ebay.

Ergoman

Does anyone who has a CS600 have a comment on the accuracy and consistency of the power information?

Tom Anhalt

I don't have a CS600, but since it appears that the power measuring ability of the power unit is virtually unchanged from the previous incarnation (which I do own) then I'd have to say that the accuracy and consistency of the power information (on a properly setup system, on the road) is every bit as good as my Power Tap. I have over 1 month of "head to head" data I took earlier in the year that backs me up.

The REAL problem with the CS600 power unit is that it was developed and is marketed by a company that considers themselves first and foremost a "heart rate monitor company" and NOT a "sports performance monitoring company"...but that's just my take on it

jmocallaghan

I've been running at CS600 now since I believe late April and have enjoyed it. The accuracy, after you weigh the chain is just as good as a power tap easily and it does not have all the interference issues you get on a lot of the wireless products out there (i.e. power tap sl, etc). It has been a wonderful device to have racing here in NC where the terrain changes and you're smart to run different wheels. While the 2:25 hr recording time for 1sec recording is a bit of a bummer, how many people really need to run 1sec recording for that long. most crits where you're hopping and popping are really less then 90 minutes. and if you're collecting 1 sec data on a road race well cool but not really necessary.

Mine has been very durable. The new wiring to the chain sensor on the pully is great and durable. So durable I have considered tossing one on my cross bike. The down side is the displays really. You've got to learn the system (but you always have to learn new hardware right?) and the issue is the current software interface does not allow you to easily program the ability to see your current miles. The zones on the computer head still address HR and not watts much to my dismay but other then that, I think it's a great unit that gives you many more options then a power tap and who wants to limit their options right? Plus, it's not as expensive as the power tap.

-Joe

jeff262

I have been using it since mid April. This is the first power meter I have owned. I went for the Polar primarily becuase I am also a regular runner and use the Polar products for that. I also average over 10k feet a week of climbing and appreciate how the Polar helps me see the impact of the climb and altitude on the workout. I download it into Pro Trainer along with my running data to get an overall view and then transfer the cycling hrm files into WKO+ to dig deeper.

I can't comment on the accuracy other that to say based on my readings and the knowledge of where I am at vs. other riders I train with I think it is very accurate. It is absolutely repeatable.

As far as the 1s vs 5s recording issue I have not had a problem. Most of the rides that I really want to get accurate data from are under 2 hours so the 1sec rate is fine. I also do regular rides around 5 hours or so, but those are mostly efforts that I am not interested in absolute 1 second readings on. One issue I think that is overlooked in the debate is that it is VERY easy to change the recording rate before starting the ride. If you want to switch between 1 or 5 it takes only a few seconds.

One last note. The comments on this thread were VERY helpful in setting the system up.

JustCurious

I too have had good results with the Polar (older version, not the new CS600).

I do notice some apparent inaccuracies in 53 X 11 or 12 (trend high) and the readings with the 39 ring seem to trend a bit lower overall than similar efforts in the 53 ring, but overall looking at ride averages I don't see any huge discrepancies when compared to the same rides with my SRM Pro. I have not run them side by side though.

If you can get a decent deal on a Polar, I'd say it's definitely worth the cost.