Polar Vantage V3 – important new map firmware

Polar Vantage V3 owners will now have the option of a significant map upgrade. The new upgrade wipes existing maps from the Vantage V3 and then installs a new, techy file system. This new file system significantly improves the performance of maps when shown on the watch. In my testing of Grit X2 Pro (which already has this feature), it was noticeably superior to Vantage V3 under the old regime when panning/zooming.

In a nutshell: upgrade now!

At the same time, you can also download detailed TOPO (contour line) regional maps via https://flow.polar.com/maps

don’t forget you also get all the new software features going to Grit X2 Pro (shipping today). This includes the VAM metrics to show the vertical climbing rate and the new 3D speed seems to be similar to Garmin’s 3D Pace. 11 new metrics are included to support this feature – VAM (30-sec avg, lap, auto lap, hill, max hill) and Vertical speed (Vertical speed 30-sec avg, avg lap, max lap, avg hill, max hill). Also added is the Planned Route & a Breadcrumb Trail together clearly indicate the route you are following and the path you have taken. Handy for retracing your steps.

What you need to do

1. Upgrade to the latest firmware 2.0.19. I did this with FLOWSYNC but the smartphone app should work.
2. You should then get a red dot at the bottom of the main watchface. swipe that up to get the instructions I show above. And off you go.

enjoy!

Last Updated on 28 January 2026 by the5krunner

the5krunner

tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.