Hands-on: Polar M600 Sports Watch Review

I like to think I live a pretty active lifestyle. I cycle almost everywhere during the warmer months here in Montreal, Canada, and as long as there isn’t a snow storm, I cycle during the winter too. Believe me, it’s not as crazy as it sounds!

So here’s the thing: I love data, especially when it pertains to my health. I love to learn about myself, and I’m always looking for ways to optimize my health and performance. I’ve done the genetic tests, I’ve tuned my diet, and I’ve worked with fantastic climbing instructors to hone my rock climbing skills, a hobby which I spend a great deal of time enjoying each week.

I need more data!

What I’ve realized, though, is that the human body is still in many ways a black box; it’s difficult for the average person to really see what’s going on. Unless, of course, we had access to say… a Polar M600 Sports Watch that gives us more data than one would expect from such a small gadget.

Tracking heart rate and calories burned in real time can be extremely useful. I made discoveries about my breathing patterns, and also realized that rock climbing really doesn't burn a lot of calories.
Tracking heart rate and calories burned in real time can be extremely useful. I made discoveries about my breathing patterns, and also realized that rock climbing really doesn’t burn a lot of calories. Good to know!

Whether you’re a cyclist, a swimmer, or a rock climber, you can always use more data to optimize and hone your athletic performance.

I was lucky enough to get an early look at the Polar M600 Sports Watch and really put it through its paces over the course of a few weeks. As someone that had never owned a “smart watch” before, I quickly realized that I would never be able to go without one again. The extremely accurate 6-LED optical heart rate sensor alone has been invaluable to my climbing performance.

Here you can see the heart rate sensor working its magic.
Here you can see the heart rate sensor working its magic.

After working on just a few climbing problems, I made a huge discovery: I was holding my breath the entire time I was climbing. My heart rate would stay largely the same throughout the climb, and then suddenly spike through the roof after I had completed the climb and sat down for a few minutes. Not good!

Having a clean summary of training performance is especially valuable, and can be tracked over time using Android Wear integration to the Polar fitness app.
Having a clean summary of training performance is especially valuable, and can be tracked over time using Android Wear integration to the Polar fitness app.

But what’s the use of great data if it’s uncomfortable to acquire it? Thankfully that’s not the case, with the Polar M600 Sports Watch being extremely comfortable and durable. I was a little worried that it wouldn’t stand up to my rigorous climbing routines, but it held up like a champ. It’s comfortable, the construction is solid, and it’s even waterproof, which is great because I sweat buckets. If you love swimming or other water activities, you’ll find this especially important. Maybe I need to try some climbing over bodies of water…

Who should buy the Polar M600 Sports Watch?

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out on your fitness journey, you’ll find that the M600 is an invaluable tool. The applications are endless, and the data is always presented in a clean, concise, and actionable manner, on both iOS and Android platforms.

Did I mention it can tell time?
Did I mention it can tell time?

If I haven’t convinced you, check out the Polar website to learn more. I’ve focused on the fitness aspect, but the M600 does a whole lot more, with tons of other useful features such as sleep tracking. Wondering whether you’re actually getting a good night’s sleep? Yep, it does that!

For $399, you really can’t go wrong.

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Chad

Chad is the co-founder of Unfinished Man, a leading men's lifestyle site. He provides straightforward advice on fashion, tech, and relationships based on his own experiences and product tests. Chad's relaxed flair makes him the site's accessible expert for savvy young professionals seeking trustworthy recommendations on living well.

1 thought on “Hands-on: Polar M600 Sports Watch Review”

  1. Here’s hoping it’s more durable than the Polar V800… mine has required three warranty returns in just 17 months. I otherwise love it — the data is unmatched and helps anyone, never mind a serious athlete.

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