The latest addition to the Polar family is the Vantage V2, launched into the South African market in November. This ultra-light, waterproof wrist unit comes packed with Polar’s usual array of features that will appeal to cyclists, runners and multi-discipline athletes alike – including wrist-based heart rate (you can link it to a chest belt for optimal accuracy), performance testing and recovery tracking. The new-generation optical sensors on the back of the Vantage V2 offer the most reliable wrist-based heart-rate monitoring to date, and will suit all but the most number-obsessed athletes; the convenience of not having to find (and fit) a chest strap that’s still slightly soggy from your last ride is wonderful.

The Vantage V2 doesn’t look out of place as a normal watch, yet is feature-packed, for multiple disciplines.

The power of the Vantage V2 comes from its insides. The wrist sensor allows it to monitor you throughout the day, not just while you’re exercising, so tracking fitness and recovery can be done with accuracy. Linked up to Polar’s Flow digital platform, tracking your progress (or lack of it) is simple, and planning improvements equally so. The Vantage V2 syncs with Strava and Training Peaks, too, for users of those services.

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Battery life is always a challenge with lightweight units, but Polar has this waxed, with up to 40 hours on the go and 100 on standby. Glonass, GPS, Galileo and QZSS tracking mean fast fix times and accurate routing, and the integrated compass and barometer complete a data-capturer’s dream. You can plan and follow routes through Komoot, control your music, get local weather forecasts, and even run a Leg Recovery Test, to see how the pins are doing compared to the ticker. More features, more accuracy, quintessential Polar. 

R9 999; R10 999 with HR10 strap

www.polar.com

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