Polar launches new Grit X Pro and Vantage V2 sport watches

Finnish brand Polar has today launched its new and updated Grit X Pro and Vantage V2 sport watches, which are designed to help people spend more time outdoors.

The team at Polar say they’re “on a mission to motivate people to be more adventurous”, and they hope to do that by providing the tools to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, especially outdoors.

“What we’ve found through our own data, is that people’s desire to learn about or discover new places and sporting experiences is in decline,” says Sander Werring, CEO of Polar Electro.

“Yet, what many don’t realise is that going on adventures and trying different sports can have significant health benefits. Those who explored new spaces alone recorded better sleep and a slightly lower heart rate compared to those who stick to familiar routes.”

Having read that, it’ll be no surprise to you that navigation is at the heart of both the Polar Grit X Pro and the Vantage V2. But there’s plenty more going on under the bonnet too.

Polar Grit X Pro

The Grit X Pro builds on the existing Grit X platform (read our review of the Grit X here) and, according to Polar, has military-grade durability, an ultra-long batter life and extensive training, recovery, sleep and navigation features.

The brand says the watch has been designed for heavy duty use, with a scratch-resistant Sapphire glass lens, water-resistance up to 100m and a temperature range of between minus 20°C and 50°C.

Battery life is said to be up to 40 hours of training time with full GPS and HR tracking in operation, or 100 hours of battery life if using power saving settings. According to Polar, if the device is in watch mode with 24/7 tracking, it can last up to seven days.

As we mentioned, navigation is a big part of these new launches, and the Grit X Pro features new route and elevation profiles, turn-by-turn guidance via Komoot and a Track Back feature that’ll direct you back to your start point (much like what is available on watches such as the Garmin Fenix range).

You’ll also be able to use the watch to access data such as altitude, exact location, sunrise/sunset times and a compass thanks to the always-on outdoor dashboards.

While the marketing appears to be directed at the adventure market, the Grit X Pro looks as though it’ll have some really valuable features for triathletes, which we’re intrigued to find out more about. These include:

• Fuel and energy insights: A feature that allows you to track your energy usage and get ‘smart fuel reminders’ during extra-long sessions.
• Training load pro and recovery pro: Insight to help you recover after hard sessions. Polar says the watch will automatically calculate cardio and muscle loads.
• Running power: The device is also said to use the built-in GPS and barometer to measure power values during running sessions.
• Performance tests: Polar says a range of performance tests will also be available on the Grit X Pro, including running, cycling, leg recovery and orthostatic tests to check body conditions, calculate performance and track progress.

As most watches on the market do, the Grit X Pro also comes with a whole host of smartwatch features, which include weather reports, push notifications and music controls.

It’ll be available in three colours (Nordic Copper, Black DLC and Arctic Gold) and will set you back £439.

A Grit X Pro Titan version of the watch is also available, which uses aerospace titanium and is said to be tougher, heavier duty use. The case is said to be 12% lighter than the one used on the standard Grit X Pro, while the Titan also comes packaged with two wristbands (a waterproof FKM band and a perforated leather band). This version costs £519.

Polar Vantage V2 SHIFT

In addition to the Grit X Pro, Polar is also updating the Vantage V2 with the new SHIFT model. The running and multisport-focussed watch is available in black or silver and will be updated to carry the same functionality that’s on offer from the Grit X Pro. That includes the navigation and performance features we mentioned above.

Available for £449, it comes packaged up with both a perforated leather wristband and a more active-focused FKM wristband, which are said to be easily interchangeable thanks to the quick-release bars.

Interestingly, if you already own a Vantage V2 (read our review of the Vantage V2 here), you can purchase a bundle to upgrade your watch to the SHIFT edition and all the added functionality that comes with it. Costing £43.40, the bundle includes the SHIFT edition adapters and a choice of any 22mm Polar wristband.