The price-performance package of the new Polar M400 (without HR) as a GPS sports computer is remarkable: a GPS clock, including Activity Tracker (corresponding to the Polar Loop) for already below 150 euros street price. The Bluetooth transmitter with H7 (color different belts) can be purchased separately at any time later separately.
Those looking for a runner or runners a quality clock to get started, find the Polar M400 a suitable model. This clock can be thus safely away when someone does not even really know what he needs to run and want to spend a fortune to get started. The wireless connection (Bluetooth via smartphone) is totally mixed to assess: Apple iPhone (from 4S) without any problems, Android disastrous (because in December 2014 is still not compatible with M400)!
Conclusion: The M400 is a good start for runners (inside) and cyclists who want a compact GPS-monitoring and recording their activities on the wrist. Ambitious amateur runners use a M400 which brings many functional properties of V800 inside when Zweituhr - eg if the master clock is sometimes just not charged sufficiently.
Exemplary and currently a unique feature is the computer connection of the Polar M400: a simple micro-USB cable is plugged into the waterproof USB port of the clock - no special charging clip (the like laid or traveling is not present) is more necessary. Also to load (usually no more than once a week required) extends the typical smartphone charger with micro USB plug.
Before buying you maybe should ever take a look at the websites of the Arctic Flow web service, since there the (running) activities are stored for retrieval and analysis later. Without account the flow-Web, the M400 can namely after initial power not take properly into operation at the factory is only the English-language menu structure on the clock and an update to the latest firmware for the M400 as with almost all newer running watches first necessity.
=== Polar M400 (without HR): the most important features ===
Positive:
+, In the clock built-in GPS functionality for displaying and recording of speeds and distances, or "Back-to-start" to transfer in the direction of the starting point
+ Elegant simple design in black or white, that looks good not only in training but also in leisure and office,
+ Very easy to read inverted display (white on black), read very well in the dark with backlight,
+ Satellite be found quickly (eg used the AssistNow satellite prediction technology to predict satellite positions after the first detection to three days, which is to enable a new satellite detection in about 10 seconds)
+ Built Activity Tracker (corresponding Polar Loop) around the clock (24/7), is characterized by means of 3D sensors active movements of the clock on the wrist on (also sleep quality) and calculates "steps"
+ Water-resistant to 30 m (despite special Micro-USB port!),
+ Weight: 56 grams,
+ Audible alarms,
+ Time display in different modes can be selected (also analog)
+ Diverse network connectivity: wired computers with Micro-USB charging cable (such as the smartphone!) And wirelessly with Bluetooth (via smartphone app)
+ The bracelet can always be replaced.
Mixed:
o a German-language manual is available as a PDF file (even before buying the clock), but is not supplied,
o Android users can synchronize the computer via USB charging cable; the Polar Flow app for Android (version 4.3 or later) is still not compatible with M400 (or V800) to Dec. 2014
o the Polar web service flow even after twelve months online in December 2014 is still officially "beta"
o the Aktivtitäts tracker used as a unit while "steps", but these are calculated steps, the clock is not a pedometer)
o no vibration alerts (such as V800), only audio signals (eg for 1-km-Laps or interval ends)
o Battery life in GPS mode with RF sensor "only" up to 8 hours ("slow" marathon runners should always go with a fully charged clock on the route).
Negatives:
- Firmware update only after establishment of a Polar-flow account possible (but no account does the use of the clock in any case only half as much sense)
- On the Polar web service flow is not indicated or stored in the diary entries of sports activities, with which Polar device that records were made (eg Polar M400, Apple App Polar Beat)
- A lack of rapid and variable programming of interval training without PC only on the clock is a weak point and the M400 (Polar: "You can split your training in phases and each set a different target duration and intensity for each stage (...). Remember to synchronize your training goals of the Arctic Flow Web service at the FlowSync software or the Flow app with your M400. If you do not syncing, they are only visible in your journal or in the Favorites list in the Arctic Flow Web. ").
=== === Test environment
We have the Arctic M400 since October 2014 immediately upon availability some weeks used (after completion of the marathon season 2014) parallel to the polar V800 and Garmin fenix 2 in training and in particular also compared the results of Garmin and Polar-run analyzes in coaching amateur athletes. A H7 RF transmitter and belt existed since previously used with Polar Beat App and V800. Longtime Running Watch experience was also given: since 2005, so more than a decade, has the runners over the years at national and international city runs and marathons different heart rate Runing (in addition to simple Polar models F4, F6, F11 standard training in competitions, the Polar S410, S625X, Polar RCX5 each with various foot running sensors) and GPS Running Watches (previously Garmin Forerunner 101, 205, 610, 220, 620, Fenix 2) used in combination.
= Wired Data Synchronization =
The Polar M400 transmits on the PC with any microUSB cable via Polar FlowSync software connected all their records (activities such as courses and fitness tests) to the protected user account of the internet portal Polar Flow web service. At the same software (firmware) updates are loaded for the clock from the network and update on the M400.
= Wireless synchronization with Bluetooth and Polar Flow app =
News for Arctic M400 (and the V800) and the Polar Loop Activity Tracker Polar has the smartphone app polar flow develops which works fine for months for Apple smartphones. After one-time coupling of the clock with the smartphone is later with active Bluetooth connection on your smartphone and invoked Polar Flow app to press only the BACK-pushers at the M400 long and it begins Bluetooth Synchronization (great feature!).
While Android users now see an Android app, but this in Dec. 2014 (despite months of announcement) but still not compatible only with Polar Loop M400 or V800. Runs the app is only relatively new mini smartphones with Android version 4.3 or higher, for example, no longer on the Samsung S3. The lack of Android support as long as the drathlosen Bluetooth Smart capabilities of the M400 is a big disappointment for Android users, given the dominant Android market share in the smartphone sector.
=== Km accuracy of GPS recording (compare M400 and V800) ===
The accuracy of the GPS-based distance measurement of the M400 is specified by Polar with plus / minus 2 percent (see. Manual), so possible 200 meters on a 10-km route. We have a few weeks, several test runs 10-16 km to part with three Runing arm simultaneously measured (M400, V800, Fenix 2) - has never been deviations which deviate more than 1 percent from the average of all three watches. The manufacturer's information is confirmed as the upper limit for all our runs outdoors (but may possibly differ in dense forest or urban area with high-rise buildings). This coincides with the usual experience that determines the running magazine Runner's World in issue 4/2014 on the same subject ("presumptuous claims", p.78): "different GPS watches show almost never at the same distance." Upper tester and editor Urs Weber is there further stated: "GPS watches of the latest generation (...) measure the actual length of the route much more accurate (plus / minus 200 meters with a ten-kilometer run course, as our experience value) than any runner they can assess ". So RW derives also from an empirical value of about plus / minus 2 percent.
At the suggestion of some readers we documented by way of example, the measured GPS distances from various training runs, the Fenix in the months of Nov. / December 2014 and Jan 2015, the Arctic M400, temporarily also the Polar V800 and the Garmin 2 (F2) were conducted , In all cases were the inaccuracies of the measured total distance is always well below the specified polar uncertainty of maximum 2 percent. The paths of fidelity GPS tracks that have been shown to Polar Flow, has always been very high - even in sharp turns and return on the same path runs along the Rhine. When changing locations (greater than 600 km) had determined their satellite position again and less than 1 minute, the M400. We see no significantly poorer GPS features of M400 as for example the V800, although the M400 actually getting Appraises the shortest of distances (coincidence?).
>> Training run standard route (Cologne Rhine)
* 12/2014: M400: 11.20 km, f2: 11.34 km; Difference: 70 m, variation around average: less than 1%.
* 12/2014: M400: 11.23 km, f2: 11.26 km; Difference: 15 m, variation around average: less than a quarter percent.
* 11/2014: M400: 11.19 km, f2 11.25 km, V800: 11.32 km; max. Difference: 130 m, max. Variation to mean: less than 1%.
>> Training run (parts Bonner Bridge Round)
* 11/2014: M400: 15,90 km, f2: 16.11 km, V800: 16.05 km; max. Difference: 210 m, max. Variation to mean: less than 1%.
>> Training run incl. Mountain (at 1000m altitude in the Swiss Jura high incl. 275 meters of altitude difference)
* 01/2015: M400: 10.10 km, f2: 10.18 km; Difference: 80 m, variation around average: less than 1%.
=== Return to the starting point ("back-to-Start") ===
The M400 has a great special feature that allows for occasional runners into unknown territory (eg in a (European) city, in America) "free" running experiences. If you went just wide (eg on a discovery tour in a strange city or along a river course) and not want to walk all the way back (or it is unlikely that you will find the exact way back), allowed the "back-to-start" feature a display of direction and distance in a straight line to the starting point of the run. Warning: this function should try before! It only works on the move - and as long as the battery lasts. To call (ie during running) must be in the Training view the Light button (top left) long be pressed to bring up the Quick menu. Under the menu item "location guide. Power." must be confirmed (during running in the background exercise recording) the selection with the start button, which is "switched position guiding arrow" with confirmed. The M400 then switches to view "back-to-Start". This is a bit complicated and not always easy to find during the race (times we succeeded, sometimes not).
Alternatively, "back-to-Start" are added to the M400 displays: to the Polar Flow web service under Sport profiles for the M400 at the field "Run", click "Edit" at the point "Device-related", "M400", "Training Views "the box under" Back to Start "provided with a hook (click). After that, the M400 synchronized iseren on PC. From now on the back-to-start-up screen can be displayed at any time during Druchblättern through the screens - this is helpful! (Garmin had this feature is in 2011 featured Garmin Forerunenr 610 - but saved in the result in 2013 at his watch couple FR220 / FR620). Glad Polar she maintains even when the small model M400.
=== Polar Fitness Test and Running Index ===
If the M400 with activated GPS recording and RF measurement (ie with the optional Bluetooth Smart sensor chest strap and H7) used when running, is the clock at the end of the sports activity a "Running Index" and an assessment of the barrel ("good", "very good", "excellent") to. In this data entry of the M400 without heart rate belt will be without first.
=== The write the other: pro-tests (for information) ===
* The Runner's World magazine, presents the Polar M400 as Product of the Month in their (German) Issue 1/2015 ago: "The clock that does it all." Chief tester Urs Weber holds this fixed "would be a little less better. (...) Especially for slender wrists. The display is easy to read, the clock sits on slender arm better than the V800. The battery pack (...) . keeps for about a week (...) Built-in GPS: The measurements were (...) extremely accurately and the GPS signal found most quickly ".
* On the large German Running Blog Achim-Achilles.de writes Frank Joung:. "Our rapid test has really convinced us - and surprised because for around 200 euros (with heart rate measurement) get a really good runner GPS clock with the most common functions and nice workout -Features. (...) Polar has here produced a winning combination of activity and sleep tracker, everyday and GPS clock. And the ideal place for a price at which you can not complain. Especially for beginners, but also ambitious runners suitable. "
* Thomas Rottenberg, running journalist and bloggers ("rotting runs") of the Austrian daily newspaper Der Standard describes the M400 as applicable "high end of the middle class".
(Note .: Amazon removes links, so only information about googling).
=== === A Final Word
Sounds, text, images - critically, independently, often "on the run" - our motto. Should these lines be useful in orientation and possible purchase decision, thank the reviewer for an appreciative clicking on "helpful". For additions, questions and comments is the comment channel available.
