Polar Vantage V3 vs M2 vs Pacer Pro: which watch should you go for?

The Polar Vantage V3 has just hit the market, succeeding its predecessor, the V2, and introducing fresh capabilities to Polar’s already robust sports watch lineup. This range, which also features the Pacer, Pacer Pro, and Vantage M2, now gains added complexity and versatility with the V3’s arrival.

Engineered to seamlessly combine aesthetic appeal with performance-driven features, the Vantage V3 outpaces its forerunners by introducing a range of new functionalities and enhancements. The focus of this article is to delve into these intricate details, across multiple aspects such as design, technical specs, and unique features.

View the range on polar.com.

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Hardware
Technical specs
Features
The bottom line

Polar Vantage V3 vs M2 vs Pacer Pro: Hardware

Look and feel

The Pacer and Vantage series, including the new V3, maintain a sporty, circular aesthetic, each featuring two physical buttons on the left and three on the right. While they share a similar look, subtle design elements distinguish them from one another.

In terms of size, the Pacer models are more unisex-friendly, each measuring 45 x 45 x 11.5 mm. The Vantage M2 is slightly larger at 46 x 46 x 12.5 mm. The Vantage V3, however, takes the crown as the most sizable, with dimensions of 47 x 50.8 x 14.5 mm, making it the most robust watch in this lineup. It is also the most masculine-looking.

As for the display, once again the Vantage V3 breaks away from the pack with its 1.39-inch AMOLED screen. This conjures up a higher resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. The others only offer 1.2-inch, 240 x 240-pixel MIP displays.

Moreover, the V3 is the only model with a touch-enabled screen, providing an added layer of convenience for navigating through menus and settings. Not too much of a problem – those who run or cycle often actually prefer physical buttons. Try navigating a touch display with sweaty fingers – its not easy!

The materials used in the construction of these watches also vary. The Pacer models feature a plastic case, with the Pacer Pro adding an aerospace aluminum bezel for a touch of elegance. The Vantage M2 opts for a robust stainless steel case and a glass fiber reinforced polymer back cover. In contrast, the Vantage V3 boasts an aerospace aluminum alloy case with a glass fiber reinforced polymer, elevating its premium feel.

Water resistance is consistent across the Pacer and Vantage V3 models, each rated at WR50, allowing for swimming and other water activities. The Vantage M2 lags slightly behind with a WR30 rating.

Finally, all of these watches offer a choice of colour options. They also have a strap with a quick release mechanism so you can swap the bands around for other options.

Under the hood

The Vantage V3 is the latest addition to Polar’s high-end watch lineup, and it’s positioned as a more advanced alternative to the Vantage M2. Given the close specifications between the Pacer and Pacer Pro models and the M2, one might speculate whether the M2’s days are numbered, especially as the V3 offers a more compelling feature set.

As far as sensors, each model features an accelerometer and a heart rate sensor. Unsurprisingly, the V3’s sensor suite is the most advanced, incorporating additional capabilities like Elixir biosensing, GEN 1 ECG, SpO2 and skin temperature tracking. The barometric sensor is a notable addition, aligning the V3 with the Pacer Pro, which also includes this in its sensor array.

When it comes to GPS capabilities, all four watches offer built-in satellite connectivity, supporting various systems like GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and QZSS. However, the Vantage V3 takes it a step further by offering dual-frequency GPS. This advanced feature enhances the accuracy and reliability of location tracking, particularly in challenging environments where signal interference is common. While the other models provide solid GPS performance, the V3’s dual-frequency capability sets a new standard in location tracking among Polar watches.

Polar has equipped both the Pacer and Pacer Pro with enhanced high-speed processors, making them operate more efficiently than their predecessors. Once again, the V3 elevates this with its more capable CPU speed of 275 MHz and substantial 32GB of internal storage, far exceeding the storage capacities of the other models.

Battery life

In the realm of battery life, the Vantage V3 leads the pack with its 488 mAh battery, capable of delivering up to 61 hours in training mode and an excellent 288 hours in watch mode with heart rate monitoring.

In comparison, the Vantage M2 offers up to 30 hours in training mode and 168 hours in watch mode, while both the Pacer and Pacer Pro provide up to 35 hours in training mode and 144 hours in watch mode. The V3’s superior battery life makes it a standout choice for those who require extended periods of tracking without frequent recharging.

Polar Vantage V3 vs M2 vs Pacer Pro: Technical specs

The table below should give you a comprehensive view of how the Vantage V3 compares with the Vantage M2, Pacer, and Pacer Pro across various technical aspects.

Polar Vantage V3 vs M2 vs Pacer Pro: features

Owners of Polar sport watches are well aware of the brand’s capabilities in delivering top-notch fitness tracking. Polar, along with a few other key players such as Garmin and Suunto, specializes in this domain, particularly excelling in providing detailed recovery statistics. These stats offer valuable insights into your readiness for the next training session.

The Vantage V3 sets itself apart with a comprehensive set of advanced features. It’s the only model in the lineup to offer offline maps, thanks to its substantial 32GB storage. This feature is invaluable for those who require reliable navigation in areas with poor or no network coverage. The V3 also introduces a virtual flashlight and advanced health metrics, including an ECG-capable sensor, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. It’s quite a sizeable upgrade.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Pacer and Pacer Pro offer a more budget-friendly but still robust set of features. While they don’t offer the advanced health metrics or offline maps found in the V3, they provide solid activity tracking capabilities. The Pacer Pro adds a barometer and compass, making it a good fit for outdoor activities.

The Vantage M2, while a capable device, is less feature-rich than the others. It serves as a basic but reliable option for essential tracking needs.

While none of the watches in this lineup offer built-in storage for music, they do provide standard music controls, allowing users to manage their playlists during workouts. This is a nod to the many athletes who prefer a musical backdrop to their exercise routines. Additionally, all models come equipped with the ability to display weather forecasts and smartphone notifications.

Polar Vantage V3 vs M2 vs Pacer Pro: which should you choose?

Polar is offering lots of nice options now if you are after a runners or triathlon watch. The Vantage M2 and Pacer Pro come in at an identical price-point (check current price on Amazon: Pacer Pro, Vantage M2). But you do get more for your money by going for the Pacer Pro option. So much so that it wouldn’t really surprise us if we don’t see a Vantage M3. Polar might be killing off that watch.

Pacer Pro and even Pacer, which retails for $100 less, offer pretty much everything that you can get on the M2. If you don’t mind the less premium build and slightly smaller diameter of the watches, that is. The extras come in the form of additional performance tests, Strava Live Segments, faster watches, clearer display and better battery life. On Pacer Pro you also get a barometer, compass, running power from the wrist and a few other bits and pieces.

If you are in the market for a new watch and are in two minds between the two – its a no brainer. Go for Pacer Pro. There’s no point in purchasing the M2. Or save a few bucks and opt for Pacer’s little brother.

The Polar Vantage V3 is a significant upgrade in Polar’s sports watch lineup, offering a slew of advanced features that set it apart from its predecessors and counterparts. With its larger AMOLED display, touch-screen capabilities, and a robust set of sensors including ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature, it’s a comprehensive tool for athletes and health-conscious individuals. Its offline maps feature will be important for those who venture into areas with poor network coverage, coupled with the dual-frequency GPS. V3 is for those that want every feature Polar has on offer and don’t mind the $600 price-tag (check price on Polar.com).

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