Polar OH1 Plus Review: Now with ANT+, Bluetooth and more!

DC Rainmaker

20 Mar 201913:44

Summary

TLDRIn this video, the Polar H1 Plus is reviewed, highlighting its new ANT+ capability and how it improves heart rate monitoring for swimmers. The review compares the Polar H1 Plus with the older H1, emphasizing identical internal components, seamless syncing with both Polar Flow and Polar Beat apps, and the ease of use. It also explores the addition of swimming clips for goggles, improved heart rate accuracy, and its ability to sync across multiple devices via Bluetooth and ANT+. The video concludes with thoughts on future updates for Polar's Vantage series and possible ANT+ support.

Takeaways

😀 The Polar H1 Plus is a new wearable heart rate sensor designed for a variety of activities, including swimming.
😀 The Polar H1 and H1 Plus share identical internals, with the key difference being the addition of ANT+ on the H1 Plus.
😀 The H1 Plus includes swimming clips that attach to goggles, offering an ideal position for optical heart rate measurement during swimming.
😀 The device features a simple setup with a heart rate sensor, armband strap, charging cradle, and swim clips.
😀 Polar H1 Plus can sync with two apps: Polar Beat (for recording workouts) and Polar Flow (for synchronization and training logs).
😀 The sensor broadcasts heart rate data via both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart, allowing connection with a variety of devices including Garmin and others.
😀 The device can store workout data and sync it later, which is particularly useful when swimming where signals cannot pass through water.
😀 The Polar H1 Plus syncs quickly and seamlessly with devices, providing a smooth user experience.
😀 The H1 Plus can be used in a variety of contexts, such as cycling or running, and can be paired with multiple devices at once via ANT+ and Bluetooth.
😀 Polar is exploring the possibility of adding ANT+ support for their Vantage series watches, with no confirmed timeline but positive indications of a future firmware update.

Q & A

What is the key difference between the Polar H1 and the Polar H1 Plus?
-The key difference is that the Polar H1 Plus supports ANT+ technology, which allows it to sync with a wider range of devices, including Garmin and other ANT+ compatible sensors. The H1 model does not have ANT+ support.
What is included in the Polar H1 Plus box?
-The Polar H1 Plus box includes an armband, an optical heart rate sensor, a charging dock, and two swim clips designed to attach the sensor to swimming goggles.
How does the Polar H1 Plus sensor work for swimmers?
-For swimmers, the Polar H1 Plus sensor attaches to the goggles using the provided swim clips. This placement minimizes motion artifacts caused by the water hitting the sensor, ensuring more accurate heart rate readings during swimming.
Can the Polar H1 Plus sync with multiple devices simultaneously?
-Yes, the Polar H1 Plus can sync with multiple devices using ANT+ for unlimited connections. It also supports Bluetooth Smart, but only one Bluetooth connection can be active at a time.
What apps can be used with the Polar H1 Plus?
-The Polar H1 Plus can sync with two apps: Polar Flow for tracking and syncing training logs, and Polar Beat for recording workouts in real-time.
How does the Polar H1 Plus compare to the Rhythm 24 in terms of syncing and ease of use?
-The Polar H1 Plus is praised for its simplicity and efficiency in syncing, especially with Polar Flow. It automatically synchronizes after a workout without the need for manual intervention, unlike the Rhythm 24, which can be clumsy and requires manual syncing.
What are some user complaints about the Polar H1 Plus?
-Some users have complained that the sensor can easily flip over when worn, especially with wetsuits or thick clothing. Additionally, the process of starting the recording (double-tapping the button) can be cumbersome in certain situations.
How does the Polar H1 Plus handle data storage?
-The Polar H1 Plus can store workout data on the sensor itself when it's not connected to a device. After the session, the data syncs with the Polar app once the sensor is powered on again.
What types of heart rate monitoring does the Polar H1 Plus support?
-The Polar H1 Plus supports optical heart rate monitoring, which uses light sensors to detect blood flow and calculate heart rate. It also supports ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart signals for broadcasting heart rate data to compatible devices.
What potential update could enhance the Polar H1 Plus in the future?
-Polar is considering adding ANT+ support for additional sensors like cadence sensors, cycling power meters, and foot pods. They have confirmed that the device is capable of this update, but no timeline has been given.