INNOVATIONS

30 years of creating the most innovative heart rate monitors in the world. 30 years of incredible world firsts. Just take a look at the advancements Polar has been making in its field.

1977First patentPolar files its first patent for fingertip heart rate monitoring

1977Fingertip heart rate monitor, Micro Heart PulserBattery operated fingertip heart rate monitor developed in University of Oulu Electronics Laboratory.

1978Tunturi PulserCompany’s first retail product, the Tunturi Pulser, is launched.

1982Sport Tester PE2000The world's first wireless wearable heart rate monitor, the Polar Sport Tester PE2000 is launched.

1984Sport Tester PE3000Featuring an integrated computer interface, the Polar Sport Tester PE3000 is introduced, giving users the ability to view and analyze their training data on a computer for the first time. This is also the first time when heart rate monitoring is introduced as an objective tool to monitor health benefits in physical education.

1985First patent for wireless heart rate measurementPolar files its first patent for wireless heart rate measurement in 1983. Patent is granted two years later.

1986Analysis softwareHeart rate analysis software for IBM PCs is released.

1987Sport Tester PE300The first product for keen amateur athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the Sport Tester PE300 introduces the Target Zone feature, simplifying effective heart rate based training.

1990CyclovantageSpeed and distance measurements are combined with heart rate in the Polar Cyclovantage cycling computer, providing cyclists with the most complete overview of their performance yet.

1991Training analysis softwareWindows-based training analysis software, Polar HR Analysis 4.0, is released.

1992T40The T40 integrated one-piece transmitter is introduced. The transmitter is sealed, making it water resistant and therefore usable in any condition.

1995OwnCode®Polar OwnCode® coded transmission is introduced to heart rate transmitters, eliminating interference from other training computers in close proximity.

1995Vantage NVThe first wrist-based, wireless heart rate monitor to feature R-R recording with relaxation display is launched, giving athletes a much deeper insight in to their current physical condition and allowing them to measure the effect of their training load

1997OwnZone®Polar OwnZone® is introduced. A unique feature that automatically determines the ideal heart rate zone for each workout, providing easy guidance for safe and effective training.

1998Overtraining testAn overtraining test is introduced into the Polar Precision Performance 2.0 analysis software, enabling athletes to effectively monitor their training recovery cycle for the first time.

1999OwnIndex®Polar OwnIndex®, a result of a unique rest-based test that measures changes of the time in between heart beats. Now an accurate and simple way to measure cardiovascular fitness and track progress is available for anyone.

2000TriFIT® and BodyAge® systemsThe Polar TriFIT® and BodyAge® systems are launched, providing accurate assessments of overall health and fitness levels by measuring biological age versus chronological age.

2001Heart rate monitor for team sportsPolar Team System is introduced as the first heart rate monitor based training system for team sports, giving coaches the ability to assess, test, and track performance data from players.

2001Polar Personal TrainerPolar Personal Trainer, first published in 1999, is relaunched with the possibility to upload personal training data online. This is the first significant training analysis service available online completely free of charge.

2002WearLink® transmitterThe first soft textile chest strap transmitter is introduced.

2003S1 foot podWireless connection with a foot pod brings real-time running speed and distance measurement to a Polar training computer.

2003OwnOptimizer®Polar OwnOptimizer® is introduced to give users an immediate and easy-to-understand measurement of the effects of their training.

2004Polar Keeps U FitPolar Keeps U Fit is introduced, offering customizable workout programs based on the user's personal fitness data and telling how hard and how long one needs to exercise to reach one's personal goals.

2004AXN-seriesThe Polar AXN-series of outdoor computers is launched, uniquely combining compass, altitude, heart rate and energy expenditure measurements.

2005World’s first integrated training systemThe world's first integrated training system is launched. A combination of Polar technology with sports apparel.

2006Polar ProTrainer 5ProTrainer 5 software is released, giving athletes detailed feedback and analysis as well as the ability to create and upload training plans to their Polar training computers.

2006Polar RS800Running cadence, stride length, and Running Index measurements are introduced.

2007Polar AW200 activity watchNew activity technology is introduced to measure activity through body movement.

2008Polar STAR Training ProgramPolar FT60 and FT80 feature the Polar STAR Training Program that tailors an aerobic training program with weekly targets based on the user’s personal settings and goals.

2008Polar EnergyPointerEnergyPointer calculation incorporated into the Polar FT40 shows if the main effect of training is fitness improvement or fat burning.

2008Polar Team² ProThe next-generation group heart rate monitoring system for coaches is launched introducing real-time measurement of training load.

2009Polar Cardio GX systemNew group exercise solution is introduced for fitness and health clubs. Club members finally get a chance to receive individual instruction based on heart rate to maximize class benefit, while instructors get real time feedback on members’ training intensity when it matters.

2010Training loadAlready familiar in team sports, the Training load feature becomes available in the online training diary at polarpersonaltrainer.com. This easy view tells at a glance how hard the training session was and how much time is needed for a complete recovery.

2010Polar CS500Polar CS500 introduces the two-way rocker switch for easier navigation and effortless control even at high speeds. The rider can quickly and safely operate their cycling computer by gently touching the left or right side of the handlebar unit.

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