Polar S725 Altitude Problems

Just an update, the altimeter does not work now, and I realize what was wrong with it was the vacuum chamber that was disintegrated and the vacuum thus non existing. So, problem diagnosed and I guess three years is what one can expect out of it for intense mt biking!

My S725 is four years old and the altimeter works, but it no longer functions as an HRM, nor does the date display when in watch mode (it just says POLAR across the top of the face now). To be honest, when I bought it, I liked the idea of a bike computer that I could wear as a watch, but really it makes for a very clunky watch. Plus it's expensive for non-GPS and even more so when you have to buy extra speed and cadence sensors.

When it finally dies, I'm going back to a trusty (and cheap) Sigma Sports model.

The batteries in 725s last roughly 3 years, and, as far as I remember from the last time mine went flat, erroneous readings can occur when the battery starts to die.

usdansker said:

Just an update, the altimeter does not work now, and I realize what was wrong with it was the vacuum chamber that was disintegrated and the vacuum thus non existing. So, problem diagnosed and I guess three years is what one can expect out of it for intense mt biking!

try calling the Polar Service service. 🙂 They may tell you that your unit is either toast; repairable, but expensive to do so; and/or they don't wanna know about it coz you worked on it youself. 😄 Polar USA

PeterF said:

My S725 is four years old and the altimeter works, but it no longer functions as an HRM, nor does the date display when in watch mode (it just says POLAR across the top of the face now). To be honest, when I bought it, I liked the idea of a bike computer that I could wear as a watch, but really it makes for a very clunky watch. Plus it's expensive for non-GPS and even more so when you have to buy extra speed and cadence sensors.

When it finally dies, I'm going back to a trusty (and cheap) Sigma Sports model.

Thanks for your reply, I finally had it this weekend and went out to buy a Garmin 500, which was rather affordable vs the Polar. It has all the functions of the Polar and much more, so we will see how that works out. The Polar gave me too much headaches. If we could transfer your altimeter chamber to mine, at least one would work fully?

531Aussie said:

try calling the Polar Service service. 🙂 They may tell you that your unit is either toast; repairable, but expensive to do so; and/or they don't wanna know about it coz you worked on it youself. 😄 Polar USA

Hehe that is like winning the lottery, I called and they said, sorry your warranty is up, send it in and pay for the diagnosis and repair, or probably cheaper, go buy a new one, so I did, but this time I am trying a Garmin! I feel bad as I had several of my buddies buy the S725 since I raved about it, they have not had so many problems as I, but they replace the batteries every year.

usdansker said:

Thanks for your reply, I finally had it this weekend and went out to buy a Garmin 500, which was rather affordable vs the Polar. It has all the functions of the Polar and much more, so we will see how that works out. The Polar gave me too much headaches. If we could transfer your altimeter chamber to mine, at least one would work fully?

Ha ha. yeah, I'd trade the altimeter for coded belt that actually works. Although I like the altimeter for hiking and skiing. I live near the coast and am rarely riding above 200ft above see level, although I like to try and see what my feet ascended are. Of course it doesn't measure gradient, so from a cycling standpoint, it's fairly limited.