Polar Unveils the Polar V800, "Chosen by Champions" as the Smartest and Most Advanced Multisport Training Computer

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar, the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technologies, today unveiled the Polar V800, the smartest and most advanced training computer designed for many different sports and athletic endeavors. The Polar V800 features integrated GPS and 24/7 activity tracking with customizable multisport profiles. 

Debuting at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the Polar V800 provides smart and accurate monitoring of training sessions, as well as all daily activities.  This allows it to automatically adjust recovery status to give an accurate assessment of rest needed between workout sessions.  The Polar V800 also provides customizable profiles for multiple sports and seamlessly changes between sports – recording full performance, including transition times.

"Whether running, cycling, swimming, skiing or any other sport, the Polar V800 is the latest innovation in wearable technology that athletes have been waiting for," said Herb Baer, Polar USA president. "We are thrilled to release Polar's smartest and most advanced training computer ever.  During planning, training and recovering, the Polar V800 is the ideal tool to reach peak performance."

The Polar V800 offers a host of other unique features including heart rate while swimming and the most accurate altitude readings with a built-in barometric pressure sensor. Instant analysis and in-depth insights into all training and recovery are available via the free Polar Flow web service, which will have a major update when Polar V800 launches.  The Polar Flow mobile app connects the Polar V800, synching the data gathered instantly with the Polar Flow web service to provide a full picture of all the data you need to train properly. Polar Flow also connects users to a community of similarly minded athletes and friends through its social functionality. 

The Polar V800 is used by top athletes such as IRONMAN world champion, Frederik Van Lierde.  It is the tool "Chosen by Champions" that gives users access to more guidance and unique training features. 

"I train up to 35 hours a week and I need a smart training tool that gives me deep insight into my performance, whether I'm swimming, running or on a bike," said Van Lierde.  "The Polar V800 goes with me everywhere. And, because it also measures even my smallest activity, it helps me know how I'm benefitting from the rest I need to stay at the top of my game."

At the touch of a button, users can access four weeks of training history. The unit has a large, scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass lens with a high-contrast, black and white display that's optimized for low-light conditions. With a combination of strength, lightness, style and comfort, this wrist-based device features a stainless steel casing with an aluminum core and soft, breathable polyurethane straps. The Polar V800 offers up to 14 hours of training time, 50 hours in low power GPS mode, or 30 days in time mode with 24/7 activity monitoring.

Additionally, the Polar V800 features updatable software which allows users to add new features as they become available. This will include a power monitoring function for serious cyclists to be used in conjunction with new Bluetooth Smart power pedals, which will be available in mid-2014. The wireless connection to a smartphone creates the possibility for further features, such as SMS notification and music control, which will be added as updates later in 2014.

Key Polar V800 Features:

Monitor:

• Customizable multisport profiles which record full performance, including transition times
• Integrated GPS to track all workouts and daily activity for speed, distance and route  
• Heart rate underwater while swimming
• 24/7 activity tracking
• Built-in barometric pressure sensor to monitor altitude  

Analyze:

• Analysis and insights through web service and app Polar Flow
  • Users can share Polar Flow data with a coach
• Access to four weeks of training history at touch of a button 
• Daily, weekly and monthly views of total body load at different intensity levels (using heart rate)
• Understand aerobic fitness and running economy with Running Index data
• Insight into recovery status through Orthostatic Test to avoid over-training

Availability:

The Polar V800 ($449.95 or $499.95 with HR monitor) will be available in April in black, with a blue version expected during spring of 2014. An optional running stride sensor and speed, cadence and power cycling pedals are available separately. All accessories are Bluetooth^® Smart compatible and will be available from leading sports retailers, online and at www.polar.com. The Polar Flow app is available as a free download from Apple's App Store.

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit www.polar.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Kathleen Reynolds                                                               Maria Martinez            
CooperKatz for Polar USA                                                    CooperKatz for Polar USA
917-595-3031                                                                      917-595-3059
[email protected]                                                 [email protected]

SOURCE Polar