Polar A370

The update was coming, and it era expected, but it is also true that the previous model of the Polar A360 has left the bar very high in this type of multisport devices. And it is that the Polar A360 has been one of the best-selling gadgets during 2016. Now, the Finnish firm has bet that the new Polar A370 will pick up the successful witness of its predecessor. So, the question remains in the air: Will the Polar A370 be able to surpass the Polar A360?

The line of the Polar A370 remains the same, being a hybrid device between heart rate monitor, wristband and activity monitor. Its raison d'être is that the Nordic manufacturer has done its best to improve it, incorporating new functions, and thus broaden the spectrum of its target audience. Design, aesthetics, functionality and performance go hand in hand to achieve the goal of being another best-selling model.

With a clear multisport vocation, the Polar A370 maintains the characteristic strengths of this saga:

• Heart rate control from the wrist with the 24/7 formula (24 hours during the 7 days of the week).

• Activity monitor, computing variables such as distance, steps and calories burned. Including inactivity alerts.

• Easy and intuitive operation, thanks to its color touch screen and high resolution.

• Advanced training featuresPolar Flow).

• Advanced sleep and rest trackingPolar Sleep Plus).

• Waterproof up to 30 meters, which makes it a gadget suitable for swimming.

GPS connected" function with the Smartphone.

One of the "buts" to mention of the new Polar A370 is that it does not include GPS. A significant fact that can subtract many points in functionality. However, the Finnish brand solves this lack with the "GPS connected" mode, which requires the use of the Smartphone, and, once the device is synchronized, it takes advantage of the cell phone's own navigation system. Compatible with Android 4.3 or higher operating system terminals ; and with IPhone iOS7.

Yes it is true that this Polar A370 includes the pedometer function, but the accuracy will be higher with the GPS of the Smartphone, offering the possibility of using the gadget also for cycling routes.

Of course, as we have already mentioned, one of the strengths of the Polar A370 lies in the heart rate control by optical heart rate monitor from the wrist with Polar 's exclusive 2 LED technology to measure variables such as distance and speed, and even plan the outdoor route. Something that adds great comfort to the athlete who does not wear the famous chest strap. Although this is a complement that should not be discarded to obtain a greater precession in the metrics of training. Therefore, this device iscompatible with the Polar H10 chest strap, and allows you to compute a number of advanced training functions, synchronizing training goals through Polar Flow. And is that the latest of the latest in sports wearables of the Finnish house has more than 100 sports profiles in order that the athlete is the real protagonist of each training session, and monitoring their own progress.

With all this, at full performance and as the Nordic manufacturer itself indicates, the Polar A370 batterylasts approximately 4 days in activity monitor mode for 24 hours 7 days a week. As well as 1 hour daily training session to record heart rate permanently.

It is also interesting to emphasize that it incorporates the "Smart notifications" function, the so-called smart notifications, which can be managed from the wrist, receiving notifications from WhatsApp, calls, messages, etc. And of course, the vibrating alerts of inactivity, which motivate you to stay active and combat something as harmful as sedentary lifestyle.

Polar A360 vs Polar A370

Comparisons are odious, but with the new release of the Polar A370 it is inevitable to put on the table the differences, both for and against, with respect to the best-selling activity bracelet Polar A360. Here are the improvements, but also the points that the Finnish brand should look at in future updates of this functional saga of sports wearables.

Pros of the Polar A370

The step forward of the Polar A370 is the continuous heart rate monitoring from the wrist. An aspect that in the previous version required having the training function active for permanent HR monitoring.

We have already pointed out that the lack of integrated GPS is a deficit, although it is also true that by including GPS connected to the smartphone, this function increases the performance of the Polar A370.

In the sleep analysis section, the Polar A370 has the great point in favor of the inclusion of the Polar Sleep Plus function to evaluate in detail the time of rest (quality and quantity of sleep, as well as total time).

One aspect that has also improved in the Polar A370 is its fit to the wrist, as it brings with it an easier and more practical buckle closure when it comes to putting on and taking off the device.

Cons of the Polar A370

Although logic dictates that a new product always has to have a higher price than its version, the Polar A360 quite cheaper than the Polar A370. Perhaps the latter could present a more contained selling price according to value for money.

Apart from the open debate about the investment involved in the Polar A370, what is striking is that this device has a shorter battery life (4 hours of autonomy) compared to the Polar A360 (6 hours).

Smart Coaching functions active in the Polar A370

Activity Guide

This is an activity guide through which you can view the physical activity you have done throughout the day. But also what you have left to cover all the exercise recommendations, which will help you achieve, more quickly, your goals to improve your fitness.

Activity Benefit

It is another function that also helps you to control the daily, weekly and even monthly physical activity, in order to achieve a better well-being, at the same time that allows you to take care of your health. The more you move, the more you will notice the benefits of exercise in your body. The most significant thing about this Activity Benefit is that it establishes a series of rewards for the activity goal achieved, or it will motivate you to do so if you are close to reaching it.

Smart Calories

Through the OwnCal system you will compute the number of calories burned in each training session with the highest accuracy that this type of gadget can offer on the market. Variables such as your weight, age, maximum heart rate, height, and even the intensity of the workout itself will come into play.

Fitness Test

The Fitness Test function is your great ally if you are one of those athletes who like to compute, measure and evaluate every progress in your fitness. This function allows you to compare the specific statistics of each of your workouts, and thus have all the detailed information of your improvement and performance.

Training Benefit

Through this function you will have a quick summary of each workout, which can be further detailed through the Polar Flow platform. A detail that will serve as a significant feedback to motivate you to reach your goals.

Running programs

Associated with Polar Flow you will have the option to prepare yourself thoroughly for a popular race, regardless of the distance, because you can set up a training plan a la carte to run with four different goals: 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon. This way you can train with a plan tailored to your needs and characteristics, but also to your own personal challenges.

Polar A370 technical specifications

Dimensions

• Weight: 31.7g (S), 37.3g (M/L).
• Strap thickness: 135 mm.
• Band width: 235 mm.
• Strap material: Silicone.
• Strap sizes: S, M/L.

Technology

• Full color TFT touch screen.
• Display resolution: 80 ? 160 pixels in RGB image mode.
• Display size: 13 mm ? 27 mm.
• Polar proprietary optical heart rate module2 green LEDs, 1 photodiode, analog front-end).
• 110 mAh rechargeable battery.
• Water resistant (up to 30 meters depth).

Photos: Polar (Official website) | Polar Spain (Facebook)