It’s been a couple of years since Polar launched their original Grit X sports watch. This time, they’re back with the Grit X Pro, a feature-packed timepiece designed for outdoor adventurers. Let’s dive into the review and explore the new hardware, software features, navigation options, and more in this Polar Grit X Pro Review.
Hardware Upgrades:
The Polar Grit X Pro boasts several improvements over its predecessor, starting with its updated design. The addition of new accents around the stainless steel bezel enhances its aesthetic appeal, differentiating it from the original model.
One significant upgrade is the inclusion of a sapphire glass lens, providing much-needed protection for rugged outdoor activities. The sapphire glass ensures that the watch’s display remains scratch-free, even in the harshest conditions.
Furthermore, the Grit X Pro has undergone military-grade durability testing, making it resistant to shocks, drops, and extreme temperatures. This rugged build is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts who need a watch capable of withstanding demanding terrains.
The Grit X Pro comes in three color options, with the black DLC version being particularly impressive. The DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating adds an extra layer of toughness to the watch’s exterior, ensuring it stands up to the toughest adventures.
Software Features:
Polar has introduced two new watch face dashboards, which can be thought of as interactive widgets accessible directly from the watch face. The first dashboard displays sunrise, sunset, and twilight times with a colored ring around the watch face, providing valuable information for outdoor activities that rely on daylight conditions.
The second dashboard offers location-based data, including altitude, compass, and orientation. This data is especially handy for hikers, climbers, and trail runners who need real-time information about their surroundings.
Navigation and Routing:
One of the standout features of the Grit X Pro is its enhanced routing and navigation capabilities. Users can select preloaded routes from the activity settings, view the route’s distance, a map of the route, and an elevation graph before starting their adventure. This feature is particularly useful for users who frequently engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, and biking, as it allows them to plan their routes more effectively.
During an activity, the Grit X Pro offers the ability to zoom in and out of the route and end it if needed. It even includes a “B-Line” option, which provides a straight-line return to the starting point.
However, it’s worth noting that the Grit X Pro does not have full-blown mapping, so users must still rely on their sense of direction or combine the B-Line option with their knowledge of the terrain to navigate back to the starting point.
Additional Feature Updates:
Polar has equipped the Grit X Pro with several features found in their Vantage V2 and Vantage M2 watches. These include heart rate broadcasting, allowing users to transmit their heart rate data to other devices or apps, such as Zwift. The music controls enable users to manage the music playback on their phone, although the watch itself doesn’t have on-board music storage or playback.
The Grit X Pro also includes the Recovery Pro feature, which assesses users’ recovery status and provides personalized guidance for optimal training. Additionally, it comes with the full suite of fitness tests, including running, cycling, leg recovery, and orthostatic tests. These tests offer valuable insights into users’ performance and fitness levels.
Polar’s sleep tracking feature, included in the Grit X Pro, provides accurate data on sleep quality, allowing users to optimize their rest and recovery. Fit Spark training guidance suggests personalized workouts based on users’ training history, making it easier to achieve fitness goals.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a crucial factor for outdoor adventurers who may spend extended periods away from power sources. The Grit X Pro excels in this department, offering up to 40 hours of standard GPS battery life with heart rate recording. In regular watch mode, it can last for approximately seven days, providing excellent daily use.
For extended outdoor activities, users can enable battery-saving settings, which allow the Grit X Pro to last up to approximately 100 hours of GPS recording time. This battery endurance makes it a reliable companion for multi-day expeditions and endurance events.
What’s Missing?
While the Grit X Pro comes packed with impressive features, it does have a few limitations. Notably, it lacks full-blown maps, which could be a drawback for users seeking comprehensive mapping capabilities during their adventures. Additionally, the absence of on-board music storage and playback might be disappointing for those who prefer to listen to music without carrying a separate device.
One notable limitation is the Grit X Pro’s inability to pair with ANT+ sensors. While it can connect to Bluetooth external sensors, the lack of ANT+ compatibility could be an issue for cyclists who rely on indoor bike trainers with only one Bluetooth connection. This limitation prevents users from pairing the Grit X Pro with ANT+ sensors simultaneously while using Bluetooth for other devices or apps.
Price and Verdict:
The Polar Grit X Pro comes with a price tag of $500, while the Grit X Pro Titan, featuring titanium construction and a leather wristband, is priced at $600. The $70 increase for the Pro Titan version is justified by the added durability and premium materials.
However, some users may find the $500 price point for the standard version a bit steep, considering the absence of full-blown maps and on-board music storage/playback.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Polar Grit X Pro is an exceptional update to its predecessor, catering to the needs of outdoor adventurers and fitness enthusiasts alike. Its rugged design, enhanced navigation features, and comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities make it a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed adventure watch.
For outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability and require advanced routing and navigation options, the Grit X Pro is a standout choice. While the price may be a consideration for some, the investment in this premium timepiece is likely to pay off during countless adventures and training sessions. If you’re an avid adventurer looking for a top-of-the-line outdoor watch, the Polar Grit X Pro is well worth considering.
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