Polar releases Pacer running watches with built-in training plans

Polar has released two new smartwatches for runners. The Polar Pacer and the Pacer Pro are aimed at both novice and experienced runners. The watches have built-in navigation, a battery life of 35 hours and different training schedules.

The Polar Pacer is a watch for starting runners, the Pacer Pro is intended for more serious athletes. The difference between the devices is mainly in the software that is on the watches. The Pro model has route guidance and an altimeter that can measure hills. That model can also measure the running power on the watch itself. Both watches also have a built-in training schedule, a heart rate monitor and a ‘walking test’, where users can set a base value by taking a walk before a run. The watches support running profiles and offer different training schedules. Also, both watches can measure a user’s sleep cycle.

Both devices have a new antenna design, according to Polar, which makes the navigation function better. According to the company, the screen is also easier to read because it does not use an OLED, but a memory-in-pixel color display.

The watches have a battery that, according to Polar, lasts 35 hours if the watch is fully used with heart rate measurements and navigation. In power mode, the watch lasts 100 hours. The watches are for sale from Wednesday and cost 199 and 299 euros.