Polar Vantage V2 Accuracy When Polar initially released the Vantage V1, they were keen to stress a differentiator for them in the market was accuracy. Specifically included in that was the original Precision Prime oHR Sensor (we are now on V2) and performance of GNSS/GPS. Polar would also say that they have superior, market-leading algorithms for training load and recovery that add considerable value to their sensor data. I would probably agree with that. However, Polar’s Vantage V1 was not super accurate (nor are like-for-like Garmin or Suunto products), so many vendors’ physiology-based recommendations are built upon shaky foundations unless…
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Summary
My Polar Vantage V2 Review unit performed fairly well in accuracy tests across the triathlon sports and accuracy is improved over the first generation Vantage. Its main weakness was shown in the last few open water swims I managed this year where both HR and GPS were lacking compared to Garmin who also seem to have stepped up a notch in OWS over the last year or so. Most GPS devices tend to do well at cycling and the Vantage V2 is no different. However, the hardest tests for accuracy are when running. The Polar Vantage V2 matched what typical Garmins deliver with running and, other than an occasional wobbly with oHR, there was little to separate a normal Garmin oHR/GLONASS performance to a normal V2 oHR/GLONASS performance. I repeat a GNSS test for every running-capable watch and the V2's best score was an acceptable 75%.
