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Polar RC3 Bests Polar RCX3

Polar RC3 Bests Polar RCX3 in GPS Tests at HRWC

The Polar RC3 is Polar's first-ever integrated GPS and the Heart Rate Watch Company staff wanted to test it against the Polar RCX3. While the RC3 was the overall favorite, the RCX3 was preferred by women testers.

Many women just can't tolerate the bulk and weight, especially when it is on the end of one of their limbs, so while we often recommend integrated solutions for men, we seldom do for women.

The new Polar RC3 GPS is integrated and the Polar RCX3 is not requiring an external G5 GPS sensor and clip according to the Heart Rate Watch Company. "We get questions about this all the time and the answer as to which is better totally depends upon gender, size and perceptions", says Rusty Squire, President of the Heart Rate Watch Company.

SIZE MATTERS

"Integrated GPS watches have always been very problematic for women because of both size and weight", says Rusty Squire, President of the Heart Rate Watch Company. He adds, "Many women just can't tolerate the bulk and weight, especially when it is on the end of one of their limbs, so while we often recommend integrated solutions for men, we seldom do for women".

The Polar RC3 is a bit different according to Squire in that it is the lightest fully integrated GPS watch on the market that does heart rate. "The Polar RC3 weighs 2 ounces even compared to 2.50 to 2.75 ounces for most Garmin GPS watches", says Squire. He adds, "I know these weight differentials sound infinitesimal and they would be if the weight was on your waist, but on the end of your arm it is different".

DIFFERENCES

The Polar RC3 is only IPX7 water resistant which means up to 3 feet of after for 30 minutes, whereas with the Polar RCX3 you can swim all you want. Neither of these two Polar watches get heart rate in the water however. "Both units will record speed and distance data for running, cycling or any other outdoor sport, plus they both create maps for transfer to mapping programs", says Squire.

"One of the cool things about the Polar RC3 is that it is the lightest fully integrated GPS with a battery life of over 8 hours weighing in at a mere 2 ounces", says Squire. He adds, "For this reason it is one of the few fully integrated GPS watches that we will actually recommend to women because our women testers have schooled us on this issue".

The [ http://www.heartratewatchcompany.com/Polar-RCX3-GPS-p/rcx3-gps.htm Polar RCX3] at only 1.25 ounces is very light, has a thin band and is well liked by many women according to Squire. "It is still a good 40% lighter than the Polar RC3 integrated GPS so if you like light and small on the wrist its the way to go", says Squire. He adds, "The G5 sensor in a clip on a waist band or in a bike jersey pocket is virtually unnoticeable and offers plenty accurate distances and maps."

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