Are you a fitness fanatic on the hunt for a new sports watch? The market is flooded with options, but two heavyweights stand out among the rest: the Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT. These sleek and advanced watches have been making waves in the fitness world, leaving many wondering which one reigns supreme. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a closer look at these two powerhouses and see how they stack up against each other.
First off, both watches offer multisport tracking capabilities, perfect for those who love to mix up their workouts. But when it comes to battery life, the Polar Vantage M takes the lead with an impressive 30 hours compared to the Garmin’s 14 hours. However, the Garmin 735XT has a built-in heart rate monitor, providing real-time data on your intensity levels during workouts.
But that’s not all – the Polar Vantage M also boasts a unique sleep tracking feature that monitors your sleep patterns and offers personalized advice for better rest. On the other hand, the Garmin 735XT shines in its smartwatch features such as notifications and music control.
So which one will come out on top? Keep reading as we delve deeper into the comparison of these two top-of-the-line sports watches. Get ready to make an informed decision and elevate your fitness game with either of these exceptional options.
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Polar Vantage M vs Garmin 735XT
When it comes to triathlon training, choosing the right watch can make all the difference. In this comparison between the Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT, we’ll explore some key differences that will help you make an informed decision.
Design-wise, both watches have their own unique styles. The Polar Vantage M boasts a sleek design with a clear watch face and durable wristband, while the Garmin 735XT has a more modern look, although some users may need some time to get used to its interface.
Battery life is always an important factor when it comes to fitness watches. The Polar Vantage M has a longer battery life of up to 30 hours in training mode and 7+ days in daily use, making it a great choice for those who train for extended periods. On the other hand, the Garmin 735XT has a shorter battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 14 hours in GPS mode.
When it comes to price, the Polar Vantage M is approximately $50-$70 cheaper than the Garmin 735XT. However, the latter offers more advanced features that may justify its higher price tag.
One area where the Polar Vantage M stands out is in its sports modes. With access to over 130 sports modes, it caters to a wider range of activities compared to the Garmin 735XT, which is limited to only 29 sports modes.
Heart rate monitoring is another important feature for athletes, and both watches have different methods of tracking. The Polar Vantage M uses bio-impedance electrodes for more accurate readings and even allows for underwater heart rate tracking. Meanwhile, the Garmin 735XT utilizes wrist-based monitoring which estimates heart rate at the wrist.
The watches also differ in their sleep tracking capabilities. The Polar Vantage M uses advanced technology for sleep tracking and even provides personalized training recommendations through its FitSpark feature. On the other hand, the Garmin 735XT tracks total sleep time and periods of movement and restful sleep.
For golf enthusiasts, the watches offer different features. The Polar Vantage M has basic tracking for golfing activities, while the Garmin 735XT offers more comprehensive options.
Cycling compatibility is another area where the two watches differ. The Polar Vantage M has limited ANT+ connectivity for real-time data from cycling accessories, while the Garmin 735XT offers more advanced ANT+ connectivity options for cycling activities.
In terms of smartwatch features, the watches cater to different needs. The Polar Vantage M has limited app options and basic smartwatch features, while the Garmin 735XT offers more advanced features and customization options through apps.
Lastly, some additional features to note include a serene breathing guide and daily training recommendations for the Polar Vantage M, while the Garmin 735XT comes with a built-in accelerometer and is compatible with footpods for ultra-running activities.
Reset Options
When it comes to resetting your watch, both the Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT offer options that allow you to restart without losing any personal data. This is a useful feature to have in case you encounter any technical issues or simply want to refresh your watch.
However, there are some differences between the two watches when it comes to resetting settings or performing a factory reset. The Polar Vantage M allows you to reset settings without losing any personal data, making it easier to customize your watch without worrying about losing your progress or workout history.
On the other hand, the Garmin 735XT does not have the option to reset settings. Instead, resetting the watch will result in a factory reset, erasing all personal data and settings. This can be inconvenient if you only wanted to change a few settings and not lose all your data.
To provide a clearer understanding, here is a table comparing the reset options for both watches:
| Reset Options | Polar Vantage M | Garmin 735XT |
| Restart | Yes (no personal data loss) | Yes (no personal data loss) |
| Reset settings | Yes (no personal data loss) | No (factory reset with data loss) |
| Factory reset | No (personal data remains) | Yes (all data erased) |
As shown in the table, while both watches offer the option to restart without losing personal data, only the Polar Vantage M allows for resetting settings without any data loss. This feature provides more customization and control over your watch’s settings and data.
In contrast, performing a reset on the Garmin 735XT will result in a factory reset, erasing all personal data and settings. This can be a hassle if you only wanted to change a few settings and not lose all your data.
Polar Flow
When it comes to tracking and analyzing data for triathletes using the Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT, both the Polar Flow app and Garmin Connect app offer comprehensive features.
However, there are some key differences that may make one app more suitable for certain individuals over the other.
| Features | Polar Flow | Garmin Connect |
| Heart Rate Tracking | Polar Flow provides accurate and detailed insights. | Garmin Connect offers accurate but less detailed data compared to Polar Flow. |
| Sleep Tracking | Polar Flow provides accurate and detailed insights. | Garmin Connect offers accurate but less detailed data compared to Polar Flow. |
| Social Aspects | The Polar Flow app has limited social features. | On the other hand, Garmin Connect is community-oriented and offers challenges and connections with friends. |
| Third-Party Integrations | The Polar Flow app has limited integrations with other fitness apps. | In contrast, Garmin Connect offers a wide range of integrations. |
| Compatibility with Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT | The Polar Flow app is fully integrated with the Polar Vantage M, allowing for seamless data transfer from watch to app. | On the other hand, Garmin Connect is compatible with a variety of Garmin devices, including the 735XT. |
From this comparison, it is evident that both apps offer similar features but have distinct differences in accuracy, social aspects, and third-party integrations. The Polar Flow app may be a better choice for individuals who prioritize accurate data tracking and analysis, while Garmin Connect may be a better fit for those who value social aspects and community engagement.
Garmin Connect
| Notable Features: | ||
| Versatile Tracking: | Triathletes can monitor multiple sports in one central location, making it easier to evaluate their overall performance and progress. | |
| Data Analysis: | Provides a comprehensive breakdown of training data, offering valuable insights into an athlete’s performance and areas for improvement. | |
| Social Engagement: | Connects athletes with a community of like-minded individuals, allowing them to share training data, participate in challenges, and engage in friendly competition. | |
| Advantages: | ||
| Personalized Workout Plans: | Offers tailored training plans based on an athlete’s fitness level and objectives, eliminating the need for hiring a coach or creating a plan from scratch. | |
| Goal Tracking: | Allows triathletes to set and monitor achievable goals, providing motivation and focus for their training. | |
| Performance Comparisons: | Enables athletes to compare their progress with others in their age group or category, giving them a sense of growth and healthy competition. |
When it comes to aiding triathletes, Garmin Connect has a diverse range of features and benefits. These encompass versatile tracking, in-depth data analysis, social engagement, personalized workout plans, goal tracking, and performance comparisons.
By utilizing all these elements, Garmin Connect serves as an all-in-one solution for triathletes to track, analyze, and enhance their training and performance.
Furthermore, being part of a supportive community and engaging in friendly competition can serve as a great source of motivation for athletes.
Polar Vantage MReview
The Polar Vantage MReview is a fantastic option for triathletes, especially when compared to the Garmin 735xt. With its unique features and benefits, this GPS watch is designed to enhance triathlon performance. Some of the key features and benefits of the Polar Vantage M include:
- Triathlon-specific features: Specifically designed for triathletes, the Polar Vantage M offers a range of features such as multi-sport mode, transition times, and interval training. These features help track and improve performance in all three disciplines.
- Sleek design: The Polar Vantage M boasts a sleek and lightweight design that provides comfort during workouts and everyday activities. It also comes in a variety of color options to suit personal style.
- Long battery life: With an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours with GPS tracking, the Polar Vantage M is perfect for longer races and training sessions without frequent charging.
- Advanced heart rate monitoring: The Polar Vantage M has three key improvements in its optical heart rate monitor compared to the Garmin 735xt: skin contact points, more measurement points, and underwater heart rate readings. This allows for more accurate and reliable heart rate data during workouts.
- Wide range of sports modes: Boasting over 130 sports modes, including swimming, cycling, running, and more, the Polar Vantage M allows triathletes to accurately track their performance in all types of activities.
- Affordable price: Compared to other triathlon watches on the market, the Polar Vantage M offers great value for money, making it a more budget-friendly option for athletes.
In comparison, while the Garmin 735xt does offer some similar features such as multi-sport mode and advanced heart rate monitoring, there are a few key differences that may make the Polar Vantage M a better choice for triathletes.
- More sports modes: The Polar Vantage M offers over 100 more sports modes than the Garmin 735xt, providing a wider range of tracking options for athletes.
- Lower price point: With a price tag that is $50-$70 cheaper than the Garmin 735xt, the Polar Vantage M is a more affordable option for those on a budget.
- Guided workouts and advanced sleep tracking: While the Garmin 735xt offers advanced sleep tracking and guided workout recommendations through its Connect IQ app, the Polar Vantage M does not have these features. However, it does offer other training features such as interval training and recovery tracking.
Garmin 735XTReview
Triathlon athletes looking for a high-performance GPS watch often turn to either the Polar Vantage M or the Garmin 735XT. These two watches have been popular choices among endurance sports enthusiasts, but they do have some key differences that set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at the main features and variations between these two watches.
- Design: Both watches have a sporty design that is lightweight, making them comfortable for long workouts. However, the Garmin 735XT has a more traditional square face, while the Polar Vantage M boasts a round face.
- Heart rate monitoring: When it comes to heart rate monitoring, the Polar Vantage M utilizes optical technology with skin contact points and a greater number of measurement points compared to the Garmin 735XT’s three. This allows for more accurate heart rate data, especially during intense workouts.
- Sports modes: The Vantage M offers over 100 sports modes, while the Garmin 735XT can track up to 20 activities. This makes the Vantage M a better option for athletes who participate in a variety of sports.
- Smartwatch features: The Garmin 735XT offers smartwatch features such as notifications, music playback, and customizable watch faces. On the other hand, the Vantage M does not have these capabilities and instead focuses solely on sports and fitness functions.
- Running dynamics: For runners looking to track their performance in depth, the Garmin 735XT is equipped with advanced running dynamics such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and more. This gives it an edge over the Vantage M in terms of running-specific features.
- ANT+ connectivity: Only the Garmin 735XT has ANT+ connectivity, allowing it to pair with various sensors and accessories like heart rate monitors and power meters. This gives it an advantage for cyclists who want to track their performance metrics.
- Maps and navigation: While the Polar Vantage M offers basic navigation capabilities, the Garmin 735XT does not have built-in maps or navigation features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT are two top contenders in the world of sports watches, catering to the needs of fitness enthusiasts with their advanced features. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that each watch has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
The Polar Vantage M boasts an impressive battery life, cutting-edge sleep tracking feature, and a diverse range of sports modes. Meanwhile, the Garmin 735XT shines in its smartwatch capabilities and social engagement through the Garmin Connect app.
Ultimately, choosing between these two exceptional watches will depend on your individual preferences and goals. Whether you value precise data tracking, community interaction, or personalized training plans, both watches offer valuable features for athletes.
So if you’re a fitness fanatic looking for a new sports watch to elevate your game, consider these heavyweights – the Polar Vantage M and Garmin 735XT – and make an informed decision. With either of these sleek and advanced watches by your side, you’ll be sure to conquer your triathlon training like a true champion.
