I have wanted one of these for some time, but couldn't justify the cost, but having an amazon gift cert. for Christmas helped me afford one :) I was wary of only one button, but it is very simple to use and is adequate enough to use all its funtions easliy. The watch is also not as large as I had expected (a good thing, since i have small wrists) and is actually somewhat attractive looking.
br /
br /This watch does exactly what is says and does so very acurately. It really helps you focus more on working out since it continuously monitors your heart rate and allows you to keep in your target range. I had previously always had to count beats in my head or rely on inaccurate exercise equipment readouts. The chest strap is not that much of a deal. The benifits certainly outweigh any discomfort for me.
br /
br /My only thing i wish this was able to do is to give a total workout time in my target range as well as total workout time, but i guess thats reserved for the more expensive versions. Dont expect alot of fancy features on this, but it will do what its supposed to do very well!

"Heart Link" is a feature in the FS3 that allows for buttonless operation of backlight and display-change by momentarily holding watch unit near chest strap. As I run mostly at night, I'm glad I spent the extra $20 over the Polar FS1 to get this feature.
br /
br /The watch unit is stylish enough to wear every day. My 52 year old eyes love the LARGE digits. Display is not at all cheesy, and looks a bit euro in motif.
br /
br /Note that I have rather large wrists. The watch strap just barely fit me using the last notch!
br /
br /Monitor works like a charm. Accurate and easy-to-use. Try buying at "How to be Fit-dot-com" I received the monitor, shipped free from NM to NY in 1 day. Excellent service with highly recommended product.

This model doesn't have a lot of features but if you need a simple but reliable HRM this one does the job. It does have a few features, more than the FS-1 which is why I bought it. The more expensive units are bulky looking. This one you could actually wear as a casual watch if you wanted. I've never had a problem with mine and am glad I have it. I bought it to lose weight by exercsing at the right intensity and it is great for that.

A good one to start with if you've never used one before.
br /Easy to use and easy to read -- even while you're exercising.
br /Features: watch w/time and day, exercise duration, heart rate (average and max), sets min/max heart rate targets based on your age.
br /Doesn't count calories or retains your exercise history -- but I didn't need this info.

Good multi-function heart rate monitor. Cannot say that the watch is the most accurate but it is okay if you don't mind adjusting every couple of weeks. My biggest problem is the watch band. My previous version of a like monitor (same company) had a longer band. This one is about 3/16" shorter. If you have big wrists, this could be a problem.

I've been very satisfied with this watch for the last 4 years as I use it to monitor my HR while working out on the bike both indoor and outdoor. Keeps me from slacking off on my effort. After loseing my watch I ordered another one recently. A very good investment.

Very good product. I use it for fitness purposes, specifically aerobic and anaerobic training, and for weight control.

Well, it does the job, mostly. It's biggest flaw seems to be an occasional anomalous maximum reading for the workout--224 was one example--I'm 59 years old--I'd be dead if it were correct. And I presume this also messes up the average. This seems to be the only way in which the monitor has not performed as it was designed to do.
br /
br /I find it frustrating, though, that I can't see both the stop watch and the heart rate simultaneously. I would also like to be able to record lap readings as I hop from bike to treadmill to elliptical trainer at the Y. But I suppose I should have bought a fancier model if that's what I required. This is really only a "starter" model.
br /
br /I still like the design, and I wear the wristband as a watch most days.

My father loved this gift for his daily workouts (running, biking, swimming and tennis). Seemed a bit cheaply made/construction.

I'm training for Kilimanjaro, and needed to train a little harder than in the past (to put it mildly). This works pretty well, although I find the watch a bit maddening at times. My experience is that if you go over whatever they say the "target" is you begin to get some pretty funny readings. But the chest monitor itself works fine, and the machines at my gym pick up the radio signal and display it. I recommend something like this if you need to get serious--no slacking off with these numbers staring you in the face!

I used to own a Polar heart rate monitor about 13 yrs ago and it aided with my training in that it helps with controlling intensity. By controlling and monitoring the intensity, one can prevent overtraining and injuries. Overtraining is probably the most pervasive and least noticed reason for an exercise regimen to go sideways. The FS3 I bought last week (for $60.00) kept me from going overboard in my effort. It connected (via wireless link) to all the cardio machines I exercised on. Actually, I didn't even need the FS3 watch because all the cardio machines (Stairmaster, treadmill, and stationary bike) were able to receive the transmitted data from the chest strap (it picks up the heart beat electrical pulses and transmits that as a beats-per-minute reading to the watch). Setting up the watch (enter your age for auto calculation or manually enter data for heart rate limits) was very easy; only one button to push and the watch handles the rest. Great buy!

I purchased the Polar FS3 heart rate monitor because of the reputation of the brand Polar. The transaction was smooth and arrived in the amount of time promised. I have used the Polar monitor during each spin class and have found it to be excellent. It will record one workout but if you want it for the heart monitor, this is the one for a reasonable price. A++

I wanted a simple monitor that was really accurate. The FS3 is a really good one. My favorite features are the large display and the "buttonless" function (holding the watch close to your chest rotates the mode of the display from heart rate to chrono to time of day).
br /
br /Two things I would change... I would show both the chrono and the heart rate at the same time (addressed somewhat by my "likes"), and I would use a lighter grade plastic for the watch/wrist material. The plastic wrist band is SO thick, it's difficult to thread in/out of the buckle.

This gives an accurate reading and the backlight is adequate. It is a little low on frills but I do not need it to do much more.

This heart rate monitor comes with a 30+ page instruction book! I read it and set it up two months ago and used it for a week while walking on a treadmill. It provides much better readings than my monitor on the treadmill. I then set it aside while on a trip and came back to it a few weeks later. I inadvertently hit the wrong button (only one button) and got into different menus and submenus and got lost. I have not gotten the book out to reset it all. I would like a product that I do not have to read and reread so much. Can you put a nice flow chart of steps for stepup or a organization chart with submenus and subsubmenus so that one doesn't have to read and reread the instruction book to use it.

Love it!! Too bad that black was the only color. I've seen these watches in Yellow, and they are so unique. I've been wearing this watch everywhere (not only during exercise days). Recommend it highly.

Strap is really small and barely fits me when buckled in last hole. Strap can not be changed to a longer one. Perfect size for women and children though. Strap can be adjusted to fit almost snugly around my thumb (minor exaggeration). Makes no sense.
br /
br /Initially setting the device up is nerve racking because you have to press the button an awful lot to get the correct settings and it's easy to screw it up. Several buttons would have made it easier and quicker to set.
br /
br /I'm returning this product.

A local store had these on sale. I spent about 15 minutes trying to set it as I would use it, including going over the manual. I have a Polar Pacer that is now giving up the ghost. But the FS1 and FS3 will not be the one I buy. It probably does an ok job, but I did not like the interface, thus not a rank of 1.