Choosing the right cycling computer can significantly enhance your riding experience. This review compares two popular contenders: the Garmin Edge 520 Plus and the Polar V650. Both devices offer a comprehensive set of features for tracking performance metrics, creating routes, and integrating with various sensors. However, subtle yet significant differences in interface, navigation, sensor compatibility, and software integration ultimately determine which device reigns supreme. This detailed comparison explores these key aspects to help cyclists make an informed decision based on their individual needs and preferences.We'll delve into the specifics of each device, examining their strengths and weaknesses. From the intuitive touchscreen of the Garmin Edge 520 Plus to the button-operated interface of the Polar V650, we'll analyze their usability, mapping capabilities, sensor compatibility, and software integration. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a clear understanding of which cycling computer offers the superior overall experience, considering factors like reliability, user-friendliness, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Pros And Cons
- Offers average, low, and maximum speed, heart rate, cadence, and power.
- Includes altimetry, ramp incline, maps, and route analysis.
- Features screen lighting and multiple data buttons on the screen.
- Allows for configuration of different screens according to user needs.
- Offers profiles (road, mountain, indoor) to save different screen setups.
- Includes a heart rate sensor with a rechargeable battery and wrist mount.
- Stopped working with Apple operating system (Mac and iPhone) preventing data transfer to the app.
- Sensors require magnets and are prone to losing contact with movement.
- Limited compatibility with other sensors; very restricted.
- Polar sensors are hermetically sealed, requiring replacement after battery life (approx. 3 years) instead of battery replacement.
- Offers average, low, and maximum speed, heart rate, cadence, and power.
- Includes altimetry, ramp incline, maps, and route analysis.
- Features screen lighting and a touchscreen (though rain can cause issues).
- Better map functionality compared to Polar.
- Sensors are easily replaceable, including the battery.
- High compatibility with various sensors and computer/phone systems.
- Automatic data transfer to the application.
- Screen lock to prevent accidental activation from rain.
- Buttons instead of a touchscreen interface (though the speaker prefers the touchscreen).
- Rain can still activate the touchscreen despite the screen lock feature.
Read more: Garmin Edge 530 Review: Best Value GPS Bike Computer?
Feature Comparison: Garmin vs. Polar
Both the Garmin Edge 520 Plus and Polar V650 offer a comprehensive suite of features for cyclists. Key metrics such as average, minimum, and maximum speed; heart rate; altitude; incline; and distance are standard on both devices. Both also include mapping capabilities, cadence tracking, and power meter integration.
Beyond the basics, both devices provide advanced features like route analysis, allowing you to track performance trends over time. They offer customizable data screens, allowing you to prioritize the metrics most relevant to your training. Screen lighting and touch screen functionality (on the Garmin) are additional conveniences.
Interface and Navigation: Buttons vs. Touchscreen
A major differentiator is the interface. The Garmin Edge 520 Plus boasts a touchscreen for intuitive navigation and data selection. The Polar V650, on the other hand, relies on physical buttons. While buttons offer reliability in wet conditions, the touchscreen provides a more modern and streamlined user experience.
Both devices allow for customization of data screens, but the touchscreen of the Garmin allows for much more intuitive customization. The ability to quickly switch between pre-set profiles further enhances the user-friendliness of the Garmin.
Mapping and Route Features
Navigation features vary significantly. The Garmin Edge 520 Plus utilizes full-fledged maps comparable to smartphone navigation apps, offering detailed route guidance. The Polar V650 provides a simpler map display, highlighting the route and indicating direction, but lacking the detail of Garmin's offering.
While both devices allow route creation and import, Garmin's more advanced mapping capabilities provide a more superior navigation experience, especially for unfamiliar territories.
Sensor Compatibility and Integration
Sensor compatibility is another key area of difference. The Garmin Edge 520 Plus boasts broader compatibility with various third-party sensors, offering greater flexibility in data acquisition. The Polar V650 has more limited compatibility, potentially restricting choices in sensor brands.
The Garmin's straightforward sensor mounting system is also advantageous, minimizing potential issues and improving reliability.
Software and Compatibility: A Major Issue for Polar
The reviewer highlights a significant issue with Polar's software and compatibility with Apple devices. This incompatibility hindered data transfer and synchronization, a major drawback for users relying on Apple ecosystems.
Garmin's seamless compatibility across various platforms and operating systems is a considerable advantage, ensuring consistent data synchronization and application access.
Sensor Battery Life and Replaceability
Garmin sensors provide the convenience of replaceable batteries, extending their lifespan. Polar sensors, particularly the heart rate sensor, are often sealed, requiring full sensor replacement when the battery expires, making them more costly in the long run.
The reviewer recommends a specific Polar heart rate sensor with a rechargeable battery as a more cost-effective alternative to disposable ones.
Touchscreen Issues in Wet Conditions
The Garmin's touchscreen, while generally beneficial, presents challenges in rain or wet conditions. Accidental activations can occur despite the screen lock feature.
This is a consideration to keep in mind for riders who frequently cycle in inclement weather.
Conclusion: Garmin Takes the Lead
Overall, the Garmin Edge 520 Plus emerges as the preferred option based on the reviewer's experience. While the Polar V650 offers comparable features, the software compatibility issues, limited sensor options, and non-replaceable sensors outweigh its advantages.
The Garmin's superior mapping, versatile sensor compatibility, and robust software integration make it a more reliable and user-friendly option for most cyclists. The touchscreen, despite its rain-related quirks, offers a more intuitive interface than the Polar's button-based system.