I got the Polar FT7 in January 2013 and it worked fine till about August/September. At that point in time the sensor starting messing up and giving erratic heart rate measurements. Also, there was an occasional message about checking heart rate transmitter. I’ve changed the battery in the sensor and it worked fine again for about a couple weeks then again erratic readings. According to their website, “If you get ‘Check heart rate transmitter!’ message when starting the exercise, or your training computer cannot find your heart rate signal, check that:

the heart rate sensor strap is tight enough.
the electrodes of the heart rate sensor are well moistened.
the heart rate sensor is clean and undamaged.

You can also try if it would help to remove the heart rate sensor off your chest, detach the connector from the strap, wait for 30 seconds, replace the connector, put the heart rate sensor back onto your chest, and check if then your heart rate is found.”

None of the solutions worked. I tried calling customer service, they claim after six months you have to pay for repairs (they have a 2 year “limited” warranty). All in all, it’s a great product, love all the features, strap is pretty easy to wear but if the heart rate sensor/info isn’t working, not worth the money.

Doesn’t feel like they stand behind their product or they would replace the sensor at no cost. Will have to find a better competing product. Disappointed.

UPDATE 10/18/2013

I have chatted with Polar support and they have agreed to send me a new H1 transmitter. I will post again once I receive it – hopefully that will fix the issues. I’ve asked them about the strap, they claim it should be fine, it’s the transmitter that has issues after battery replacement. I’ve checked the Amazon reviews on the H1 WearLink transmitter and there are similar reports.

UPDATE 10/22/2013

I have received the transmitter from Polar and I’m back in business. The heart rate monitor function works great again. Happy camper!!!
*** I have upgraded my rating to a 4 star due to the fact that (1) The defect is with the transmitter not the watch and (2) Polar sent the replacement free of charge. ***

I’ve owend Polar’s in the past and I found this one to be the worst one ever. The readings are too dark and the watch is too stiff.

I use this heart rate monitor almost everyday and it is awesome! I love that it will keep track of all of my workouts and my total calories burned, hours worked out and anything else I want to know! It gives me a breakdown of all my stats after my workout and it helps to see the progress and where you are with your workout. I would recommend this to anyone!