Wearing your Heart on your Sleeve

The Polar FS1 Heart-Rate Monitor consists of a wrist-watch type receiver, and a pulse-sensing transmitter that is worn around the chest. The transmitter sends a weak radio signal to the receiver, so no wires are needed to connect the two pieces.


The transmitter is contained in a 12 inch (31 cm.) plastic strap that is about 1.3 inches (3 cm.) at its widest. An adjustable elastic band attaches to each end of the transmitter, holding it in place across the lower sternum area when tightened. On the back of the plastic strap are located two, flexible electrodes that send a signal to the transmitter, which is locate in the center area of the strap.

It is important for the transmitter to be worn fairly tightly in order to get an accurate signal. It is also recommended that the electrodes be moistened before use.


The receiver is contained in a somewhat bulky, wrist-watch type case. A computer in the receiver calculates heart-rate, and displays a number in “beats-per-minute.” The receiver also functions as a time-of-day watch, and a stopwatch. It also has a memory which will keep an average heart-rate for the most recent exercise session, and a total exercise time.

The “watch” can also be programmed to display whether or not a heart-rate is within a “zone.” A high and low limit can be set before an exercise session, and an audible or flashing warning will be shown when a heart-rate is outside those limits.

Functions and programming are all accomplished through a single button. Surprisingly, it is quite straightforward to use. Each push of the button moves to the next function in a sequence. Waiting approximately two seconds automatically moves into a more specific function for programming or information display. Display functions can also be changed while exercising by bringing the “watch” close to the chest transmitter.

The Display is a .75 inch wide by .5 inch high (19mm x 13 mm) LCD. In daylight or indoors, it is fairly easy to read. However, there is no back light for night use.


Using the FS1, it quickly becomes apparent that it is a “basic” model. It displays a current heart-rate, and keeps a record only of an average heart-rate for a session, and the exercise time. If you want to know minimum and maximum heart-rates, or if you are looking for something with a computer interface for graphing performance, you will need to find something considerably more pricey.

This is my second Polar heart rate monitor; however, it is the first one that I have not returned. I purchased a much more expensive model about twelve years ago, but it would indicate that my heart had stopped whenever I took a very deep breath of air! Swapping transmitters didn't help, and ultimately it was returned. Since then, I had just assumed that Polar's transmitters had a problem with my physiology.

Happily, however, the FS1 operates perfectly. Whether it is the increase in body fat accumulated over the last twelve years, diminished lung-capacity, or a better operating transmitter, I cannot say. Regardless, readouts seem accurate whether bouncing down a trail, or gasping for air.

My only “complaint” might be that the transmitter can be a little uncomfortable. It needs to be worn rather tightly in order to stay properly located and to send a consistent signal. Especially for women, this might be a concern. Aside from that, the watch/receiver strikes me as a bit bulky.


Summarizing, the Polar FS1 is a basic, but well-functioning heart-rate monitor. It appears accurate, and can be used to keep within a range of heart-rates during exercise. However, the watch/receiver may be a bit bulky on smaller wrists, and some may find the chest transmitter rather uncomfortable.