With the popularity explosion of the Fitbit fitness watches, fitness technology companies across the globe have seen increased sales as people search for competitors to the Fitbit. Polar’s A300 and FT7 watches are both notable competitors, and we think that the A300 has the edge here because of its function outside of workouts.
Both units function as excellent heart rate monitors, using the classic Polar chest straps (H1 for the A300, H7 for the FT7) instead of the wrist-based monitor that other models have been using. However, the A300 is better than the FT7 in normal, daily use thanks to its step counting and sleep tracking.
Heart Rate Tracking
The problem that some people have with these Polar watches is the chest-strap style heart rate sensor. Though encoded transmission prevents the cross-feedback problems of the past, the H1 and H7 stil receive some criticism for slightly bulky shape and the feeling of the strap on one’s chest.
Since they use a near-identical sensor, the watches don’t really differ here, but the A300’s advantage lies in its ability to function without the heart rate strap. As an exercise watch, the FT7 treats all increases in heart rate (surprise, stress) as exercise, which can distort your calorie total and other workout stats.
Software
The A300 includes compatibility with Polar’s FLOW app, while the FT7 syncs to polarpersonaltrainer.com. Both are suitable workout trackers, but the A300 once again trumps the FT7 for daily use: FLOW is excellent for tracking nearly all of your daily fitness, while it’s tough to use polarersonaltrainer.com for anything other than standard workouts.
Appearance
The A300 more closely resembles the current fitness tracker watches, as opposed to the traditional and somewhat cluttered face of the FT7. The A300 keeps most of its features on the screen with a few symbols on the side and a matte finish, compared to the shiny and hyper-sporty look of the FT7.
Still, both watches draw some criticism for the excessively sleek and casual look. While it’s less of a problem with the A300 thanks to changeable wristbands and a more minimalist design, the appearance is definitely more suited to the gym than the town—though works well with the right outfit.
Non-Workout Use
This is where the A300 really shines over the FT7, and where the FT7’s true weaknesses show. To be fair, the FT7 is advertised as a heart rate monitor rather than a fitness watch, but the differences between the two are still pronounced when looking at their close price point.
The A300 offers a number of features unavailable in the FT7: step counting that contributes to calorie count, sleep tracking (including a measurement of how restful it was), inactivity alerts and vibrations, and logging reminders. All of these make tracking your fitness throughout the day much more plausible than with the FT7, and also make the A300 a real competitor with the Fitbit series.
Conclusion
Overall, the A300 is Polar’s clear better watch over the FT7. Even though the A300 costs $149 to the FT7’s $69, the dollar-for-dollar value still leans to the A300 due the FT7’s major shortcomings as an all-around fitness tracker.
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