Polar has overhauled their top Vantage V2 multi-sport GPS smartwatch to be 20% lighter and run longer, while expanding on its cycling & running-specific performance testing and activity tracking capabilities… at the same price as the original. Building on much of the training tech that was already in the first Vantage, the new V2 even pulls in some added smart features & customization from the outdoor sport Grit X family for better everyday usability.
Polar Vantage V2 multi-sport GPS tracking & training smartwatch
First debuted two years ago, the Vantage is the top of Polar’s wrist-based heart rate tracking GPS smartwatches for athletes training across multiple sport disciplines. Now the new Polar Vantage V2 essentially keeps everything from that original including the same form factor, adding a lot more smart tech into a new aluminum casing that is 21% lighter than before.
Tech Details
Weight is definitely a big concern for athletes who will wear this across all types of high impact sports and even all night to track their recovery, so knocking a fifth of the weight off is pretty big deal. Now down to 52g (the original Vantage V1 was 68g, and the less powerful Vantage M is 40g), the V2 still features the same long 40hr battery life for full power tracking. But it also gets a new ultra long-life powersave tracking mode (similar to what we saw with recent Garmin watches) to log up to 100hr of training time for longer adventures.
Tech-wise the Polar Vantage V2 carries over the same full color 1.2″ always-on touchscreen with 240×240 pixel resolution of the V1 (which will essentially be phased out as it sells out), with a new light sensor for improved visibility & more efficient power consumption. Always-on heart rate monitor uses the same Polar Precision Prime 9 10-LED optical sensor tech from the Grit (5 red, 4 yellow, 1 green; plus new Heart Rate Variability export), in addition to carry-over GPS/Glonass/Galileo/QZSS/BeiDu location tracking, and BLE connectivity for power meter or external heartrate strap data & smartphone syncing.
New Testing & Training Features
The biggest new training features are built-in Cycling Performance FTP tests (when paired to a power meter) and new Running Performance tests, which enable you to more quickly and easily determine heart rate, speed & power zones within submaximal & maximal test options. Then with improved accuracy & up-to-date zones, you can get more out of your regular training activities. A new Polar Flow online Test Hub also simplifies the process of comparing your results over time.
Also a simple new Leg Recovery test that takes just a couple steps jumping without any extra sensors, combines with existing Training Load Pro & Recovery Pro software tools to get a better sense of when you are ready to push your training regimen harder.
The V2 also brings the Grit’s new FuelWise assistant to help you prevent bonking & keep on track for calorie intake while exercising. FuelWise can work either automatically based on your level of exertion, or you can program manual reminders so you remember to stay fueled & hydrated during long endurance activities.
Plus, take advantage of the Grit’s new Hill Splitter screen to better gauge how fast you are up and down climbs, breaking down ascent & descent rates from your route whether biking or running to track your improvement and better plan future efforts.
New Smartphone Features
Just improving everyday usability, V2 also adds more customizable watch faces, as well as adding customizable/selectable dashboard screens so you see the features that you want more quickly. The Polar Vantage V2 also now adds music controls that work with any media app on connected iOS & Android devices, so you can keep yourself motivated to push harder.
Also brought over from the Grit X, the new V2 now adds routing capabilities. It even now can display weather forecasts to help be prepared for your ride or run. The Vantage V2 shows current weather conditions, as well as a reliable short-term 2-day weather forecast on your wrist. The smartwatch also syncs with mobile push notifications, and still specifically mutes notifications while recording an activity to keep your workouts interruption-free.
While many of the new features do seem to be software/firmware based, Polar says it will not be possible to add these new capabilities to existing Vantage V1 or Vantage M devices.
Carry-over Vantage capabilities
Just like the previous generation, the new Polar Vantage V2 retains the same smart Sleep Plus quality & quantity analysis, Nightly Recharge recovery tracking, and Serene breathing exercises that debuted last autumn.
Debuted last winter, the new V2 also gets the FitSpark customized daily training guide, real-time Race Pace cross-training goal tool, and built-in Strava Live Segments for both cycling & running.
Plus, of course all of your collected activity data gets uploaded to Polar Flow (and can be auto-synced to Strava or TrainingPeaks) where you can analyze and plan for upcoming race goals, or share access with a training coach.
Polar Vantage V2 – Pricing, options & availability
The newly updated Polar Vantage V2 smartwatch sells for the same $500 / 500€ as the original, with a $550 / 550€ bundle that adds in a H10 heart rate strap. The V2 comes in three colors: olive green or black with a black anodized case, or grey/lime with a silver case (all standard M/L bands). Separate watch bands are also available for $35€ in a few additional colors, in both small S or large M/L sizes.
The Polar Vantage V2 is available for pre-order now, direct from Polar or via regular retail channels. Pre-orders direct from polar.com will start shipping from Oct 14, and retailers will start receiving the new smartwatch from Oct 21.
