What is it with Polar and their displays? I switch between my Garmin and my Polar Vantage M2 which I absolutely love, I much prefer the features on Polar but the bezels are terrible! I wish they could make a watch with a really great display, they'd appeal to so many more people and would be a much better competitor. Great video!
It seems they're still on the older generation displays maybe due to what they have in stock or cost reasons? I agree, it would be cool to see a big leap in Polars lineup!
Great review. What I really would like to see now is an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and how it compares to Garmin products in terms of fitness features. I think they have something there that Garmin will need to compete with.
@@ChaseTheSummit the heart rate sensor wasn't good on previous samsung watches but early reports say its much better. I don't know if its apple series 6 good but sounds like its at least close which for non competitive runners should be good enough. Looking forward to the review!
What the Ignite series was the first to do and remains exclusive to Polar AFAIK is the "ANS recharge" feature that uses HRV recorded over a 4 hour period when you sleep to analyze the state of your nervous system. I find this to be quite actionable, certainly more so that sleep that is what it is really.
Indeed. I bought a vantage V2 for that reason (coming from a 645 Garmin). It's been ok, but there are lots of bad things: touch screen fails, and watch restarts... If any other company does that I'll move straight forward
Wanted to say I am a total Hat Snob and just received your hat, and I love it. Great quality! Thanks for bringing it back and thanks for all the gear reviews. Look forward to your next video.
Very good comparison. I think that for amateur sports the Polar Ignite 2 wins because it has Training Load PRO that helps you a lot to see how you progress and in turn fitspark for a recommendation. But on the contrary, I would say that it is Polar, this brand does not give me much confidence because its products feel very abandoned because they are so few and do not sell as much worldwide as Garmin. I read a lot of people who go to Garmin from Polar for complaints about not having music, bad connection, not having ANT +, etc. The Venu 2 seems like a watch for those who do sports casually, if it had the functions of the Forerunner / Fenix such as Training Load, Training Effect, Rerocvery, Performance, etc. It would be a recommended watch.
Training load pro is really handy and it's good to see at this price point. Yes, I feel the same way about Polar. I wish they would update older products rather than release new ones.
Garmin has an insane amount of product segmentation, though. The Venu is missing recovery features, the instinct doesn't show vo2max. The ignite 2, on the other hand, is a very well rounded package for almost any kind of sports
Good video. Overall Garmin is better IMO. The richness of the Connect app cannot be overlooked. I have the Venu 2. Polar has a couple of nice features missing on the Garmin but they don't come close to making it the better product. Despite what I had read, the AMOLED is not particularly hard to read in direct sun. Not as good as some displays but perfectly fine- and I only use it in direct sun, maybe 25% of the time...so 75% of the time, it is far nice to look at. I do wish the raise to wake feature was a bit faster- maybe an update?
Thanks for sharing! I've actually found the raise to wake gesture to work pretty quickly on my Venu 2. It's much faster than a lot of the competition but I suppose it could always be better!
Can you please compare between the Polar Vantage 2 and Garmin Venue 2 Plus? It seems like they similar and in the same class rather than the ones you compared in this video.
The Vantage V2 and Venu 2 are completely different devices. The Vantage V2 is a sportswatch while the Venu 2 Plus is more of a smartwatch with some sports watch features. Which features are important to you?
Thank you for this informative video. For a few weeks now I am in doubt which watch te choose from. I don't need a smart watch function as I do not want constant buzzing from people texting me, but at the same time it seems like Venu 2S wins on every level. I am looking for a watch that can track my crossfit, powerlifting and occasional runs/bike rides. And of course the daily activity. One of the things I really want to know is what effect a workout (and sleep) had on my body so I know what to do the next day. It seems that Ignite 2 wins it in that department from the Venu 2s as Polar shows the strain information. Although it seems to me it seems comparable with the body battery function of Garmin Venu 2 if I understand it correctly. Or did I misunderstand? It's too bad that Garmin only make that information about strain accessible in the Fenix range but those watches are too bulky for my super small wrists (125mm). So overall after watching your video and other videos I would say Ignite 2 would be better for my goals, but Venu 2s seems a better watch! What do you think? But oh well, I come from a broken Fitbit Charge 2 so either way I will win with one of these watches.
I think you’d be surprised by how useful Body Battery is. It’s a pretty awesome tool to judge recovery cycles. If you were interested in a Fenix the 6s isn’t big at all. Or you could get something like the Forerunner 745 which displays training load and also has body battery. Hope that helps!
First! Enjoyed the video. I agree, this Garmin is pricey. I would think you can get a similar Garmin device for less money. But that Venu is slick looking.
For sure, you're really paying up for the nice display, faster processor, and design. Something like the Forerunner 245 has more features for less money but isn't quite as slick!
Nope. It does have a very basic navigation feature that basically puts a big arrow on the screen and aims it towards a "saved location" but there's no back to start or course navigation with breadcrumb mapping.
@@ChaseTheSummit Not sure if you know the answer to this but if I go with the Ignite 2, can I take advantage of the Training load feature during a workout where I am not wearing the watch but rather wearing a Polar OH1+ that is connected to the Ignite 2?
Garmin needs to sort out its bugs. Venu 2 keeps crashing. Blank screens. The majority of the standard 18mm quick release watch straps do not fit Garmin watches so Garmin is really the only option. More colours and designs from Garmin would be nice.
@@ChaseTheSummit The v4.67 update. Garmin forum are full of Venu 2/2s watches going blank. Supposedly there should be a bug fix but we don't know when. Rolling back the update fixes the issue.
Bro, I'm a full time long distance runner. I'm going to use a gps watch only for track run and long run. So, I'm little bit confused to choose forerunner 55 or coros pace 2? Can you suggest me ?? Note: I'm an athlete. I'm going to use only for running 🙏🙏 please suggest me bro .. very confused 😕😕
@@ChaseTheSummit Yeah it means that you realistically can't use it for any kind of serious training where you lap to start a 1km interval for instance.
I don't think so but you could use the "other" app to track GPS + heart rate. You could also download a third party Connect IQ app like this apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/6aa4f2e0-1892-47a6-9078-40e23ccaf56f
I think I actually want to get the ignite 2. Probably going to integrate better than my Huawei gt2e with the 3rd party apps I like. Plus it’s like half the price of the venu. Thanks for the vids man! They are really great!
Most Garmin watches under $ 500 do not have open water swimming mode. And this is the main problem for me. If you like to swim in a lake or river, pay $ 500 or more. Very greedy company.
Polar has a pretty nice ecosystem and the watches are quite simple and easy to use. I see a lot of reasons to buy a Polar if you're looking for a sports watch! If you're looking for an all around "smartwatch" there may be better options.
Polar is waaaaay more fitness focused in general... If you want smart watch features, a Polar is not for you... Polar is more focused on the training aspects...
I know that Polar are focused, but even at the focus they just lack of functionality. Even if you look at the step counting per day, in some scenarios you'll even get 15-20 thousands of steps you didn't do etc. Their Sync realization is aweful as well. Polar just stuck in 1990, thats how they can be described. And yeah, i understand that most of the youtube videos are sponsored, so i don't expect to agree
@@ChaseTheSummit polar has a lot better wrisr hr accuracy over garmin. I do not understand garmin. The more sensor the better. But they cobstantly put only 2.
If garmin would make a horse riding option - maybe. For now polar is the best there, especially seeing as there is an extra option to see the HR of the horse with a second HR monitor
Just the polar screen with the bottom chunk missing is enough to drive me crazy 😂
Haha yeah, it's a LITTLE annoying!
What is it with Polar and their displays? I switch between my Garmin and my Polar Vantage M2 which I absolutely love, I much prefer the features on Polar but the bezels are terrible! I wish they could make a watch with a really great display, they'd appeal to so many more people and would be a much better competitor. Great video!
It seems they're still on the older generation displays maybe due to what they have in stock or cost reasons? I agree, it would be cool to see a big leap in Polars lineup!
Great review. What I really would like to see now is an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and how it compares to Garmin products in terms of fitness features. I think they have something there that Garmin will need to compete with.
Coming soon!
@@ChaseTheSummit looking forward to it ..
@@ChaseTheSummit the heart rate sensor wasn't good on previous samsung watches but early reports say its much better. I don't know if its apple series 6 good but sounds like its at least close which for non competitive runners should be good enough. Looking forward to the review!
Galaxy watch 4 classic vs garmin venu 2 :)
@@pasttech8628 trying to get my hands on one!
What the Ignite series was the first to do and remains exclusive to Polar AFAIK is the "ANS recharge" feature that uses HRV recorded over a 4 hour period when you sleep to analyze the state of your nervous system. I find this to be quite actionable, certainly more so that sleep that is what it is really.
Good point!
Indeed. I bought a vantage V2 for that reason (coming from a 645 Garmin). It's been ok, but there are lots of bad things: touch screen fails, and watch restarts... If any other company does that I'll move straight forward
Wanted to say I am a total Hat Snob and just received your hat, and I love it. Great quality! Thanks for bringing it back and thanks for all the gear reviews. Look forward to your next video.
So glad you like it Chris! Thanks! 🙏
Very good comparison. I think that for amateur sports the Polar Ignite 2 wins because it has Training Load PRO that helps you a lot to see how you progress and in turn fitspark for a recommendation.
But on the contrary, I would say that it is Polar, this brand does not give me much confidence because its products feel very abandoned because they are so few and do not sell as much worldwide as Garmin.
I read a lot of people who go to Garmin from Polar for complaints about not having music, bad connection, not having ANT +, etc.
The Venu 2 seems like a watch for those who do sports casually, if it had the functions of the Forerunner / Fenix such as Training Load, Training Effect, Rerocvery, Performance, etc. It would be a recommended watch.
Training load pro is really handy and it's good to see at this price point. Yes, I feel the same way about Polar. I wish they would update older products rather than release new ones.
Garmin has an insane amount of product segmentation, though. The Venu is missing recovery features, the instinct doesn't show vo2max. The ignite 2, on the other hand, is a very well rounded package for almost any kind of sports
What about ignite 3 and venu 2 plus . Which one you recommend.
Double check, you should be able to turn on the always on display during activities on the Polar Ignite 2. I'm not a fan of the raise to wake.
I recall there being an AOD option on the original Polar Ignite in the pull down from top quick menu. I don't have that option on my Ignite 2. 🤷♂️
@@ChaseTheSummit - that’s where I remember it also. Why Polar Why? 😭
Good video. Overall Garmin is better IMO. The richness of the Connect app cannot be overlooked. I have the Venu 2. Polar has a couple of nice features missing on the Garmin but they don't come close to making it the better product. Despite what I had read, the AMOLED is not particularly hard to read in direct sun. Not as good as some displays but perfectly fine- and I only use it in direct sun, maybe 25% of the time...so 75% of the time, it is far nice to look at. I do wish the raise to wake feature was a bit faster- maybe an update?
Thanks for sharing! I've actually found the raise to wake gesture to work pretty quickly on my Venu 2. It's much faster than a lot of the competition but I suppose it could always be better!
@@ChaseTheSummit I was going to post about it in the forum but m a n y other people already posted the same concern. I can live with it.
Great video man!!
Do you plan on reviewing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4? Looking forward to that video!
Yep, I'll be getting one ASAP!
great attention to detail. Loved it.
Thanks!
Old video now and the answer might be below? Please can I ask which iconnect app you used for turning on and off studio lights etc. Thanks
HI! How would the first venu compare to the ignite 2? They are about the same price rn in my region (~150 euros)
cheers!
I use a garmin Fenix 6 plus I might buy the venu 2 for something different just wish it was 47 instead of 45
The difference between 47 and 45 is really hard to notice on your wrist. It is quite a bit lighter though.
As always very helpful but you can have the polar on AOD in excersise mode
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for all of your videos and work for that! You made me stand something like that in a German-speaking area as well :)
Can you please compare between the Polar Vantage 2 and Garmin Venue 2 Plus? It seems like they similar and in the same class rather than the ones you compared in this video.
The Vantage V2 and Venu 2 are completely different devices. The Vantage V2 is a sportswatch while the Venu 2 Plus is more of a smartwatch with some sports watch features. Which features are important to you?
Thank you for this informative video. For a few weeks now I am in doubt which watch te choose from. I don't need a smart watch function as I do not want constant buzzing from people texting me, but at the same time it seems like Venu 2S wins on every level. I am looking for a watch that can track my crossfit, powerlifting and occasional runs/bike rides. And of course the daily activity. One of the things I really want to know is what effect a workout (and sleep) had on my body so I know what to do the next day. It seems that Ignite 2 wins it in that department from the Venu 2s as Polar shows the strain information. Although it seems to me it seems comparable with the body battery function of Garmin Venu 2 if I understand it correctly. Or did I misunderstand? It's too bad that Garmin only make that information about strain accessible in the Fenix range but those watches are too bulky for my super small wrists (125mm). So overall after watching your video and other videos I would say Ignite 2 would be better for my goals, but Venu 2s seems a better watch! What do you think? But oh well, I come from a broken Fitbit Charge 2 so either way I will win with one of these watches.
I think you’d be surprised by how useful Body Battery is. It’s a pretty awesome tool to judge recovery cycles. If you were interested in a Fenix the 6s isn’t big at all. Or you could get something like the Forerunner 745 which displays training load and also has body battery. Hope that helps!
i think polar ignite 2 vs vivoactive 4 is correct comparansion
They're pretty similar. I guess I went Venu 2 because I saw so many comments asking for the comparison and because they both feature vibrant displays.
First! Enjoyed the video. I agree, this Garmin is pricey. I would think you can get a similar Garmin device for less money. But that Venu is slick looking.
For sure, you're really paying up for the nice display, faster processor, and design. Something like the Forerunner 245 has more features for less money but isn't quite as slick!
Great video !!
Is the venu2 able to follow a track? (I know it has no map)
Nope. It does have a very basic navigation feature that basically puts a big arrow on the screen and aims it towards a "saved location" but there's no back to start or course navigation with breadcrumb mapping.
I'm really struggling to choose between these two
It's tough!
@@ChaseTheSummit Not sure if you know the answer to this but if I go with the Ignite 2, can I take advantage of the Training load feature during a workout where I am not wearing the watch but rather wearing a Polar OH1+ that is connected to the Ignite 2?
Garmin needs to sort out its bugs. Venu 2 keeps crashing. Blank screens.
The majority of the standard 18mm quick release watch straps do not fit Garmin watches so Garmin is really the only option. More colours and designs from Garmin would be nice.
That's interesting I haven't had any crashes/blank screens on my Venu 2. In which case does this happen? Can you reproduce it?
@@ChaseTheSummit The v4.67 update.
Garmin forum are full of Venu 2/2s watches going blank. Supposedly there should be a bug fix but we don't know when. Rolling back the update fixes the issue.
Garmin customer service is miles better than Polar. I have both brand watches. The
Polar is more confortable to wear all day .
Bro, I'm a full time long distance runner. I'm going to use a gps watch only for track run and long run. So, I'm little bit confused to choose forerunner 55 or coros pace 2? Can you suggest me ?? Note: I'm an athlete. I'm going to use only for running 🙏🙏 please suggest me bro .. very confused 😕😕
They'll both do the job. Pick which one you like the look of more.
Biggest FAIL on the Ignite is the lack of the most basic of features, i.e. a LAP button or option.
I never realized that. But, I don't often use the lap button. Thanks for sharing.
@@ChaseTheSummit Yeah it means that you realistically can't use it for any kind of serious training where you lap to start a 1km interval for instance.
Does the garmin have tennis as a sports option?
I don't think so but you could use the "other" app to track GPS + heart rate. You could also download a third party Connect IQ app like this apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/6aa4f2e0-1892-47a6-9078-40e23ccaf56f
I think I actually want to get the ignite 2. Probably going to integrate better than my Huawei gt2e with the 3rd party apps I like. Plus it’s like half the price of the venu. Thanks for the vids man! They are really great!
It's a good one. Hope you like it!
Most Garmin watches under $ 500 do not have open water swimming mode. And this is the main problem for me. If you like to swim in a lake or river, pay $ 500 or more. Very greedy company.
Good point! I think that's probably due to the lower water resistance (30M instead of 100M) but its' certainly nice to have!
Great video, however I think that Ignite 2 should rather be compared with Venu Sq
Sure, that might make more sense. In this case I just wanted to analyze HOW MUCH more you get for nearly double the price. Thanks for watching!
Venu 2 is double the price of Ignite 2, so quite unfear comparision
Certainly not fair, but they've got a lot in common and people asked for this comparison so I figured I'd do it anyways. Thanks for watching.
iphone gps is so poor?
It really depends on where the phone is. I typically have mine in the back of my shorts which may not be the best location? 🤷♂️
Hi
What’s up
👋
Why there are still people in this world that choose Polar. Once you go black - you never go back
Polar has a pretty nice ecosystem and the watches are quite simple and easy to use. I see a lot of reasons to buy a Polar if you're looking for a sports watch! If you're looking for an all around "smartwatch" there may be better options.
Polar is waaaaay more fitness focused in general... If you want smart watch features, a Polar is not for you... Polar is more focused on the training aspects...
I know that Polar are focused, but even at the focus they just lack of functionality. Even if you look at the step counting per day, in some scenarios you'll even get 15-20 thousands of steps you didn't do etc.
Their Sync realization is aweful as well. Polar just stuck in 1990, thats how they can be described.
And yeah, i understand that most of the youtube videos are sponsored, so i don't expect to agree
@@ChaseTheSummit polar has a lot better wrisr hr accuracy over garmin.
I do not understand garmin. The more sensor the better. But they cobstantly put only 2.
If garmin would make a horse riding option - maybe. For now polar is the best there, especially seeing as there is an extra option to see the HR of the horse with a second HR monitor