Polar Grit X Pro Review: The Ultimate Outdoor & Swimming Smartwatch
- Lee Stapleton
- Mar 12
- 3 min read
Introduction
For outdoor adventurers and endurance athletes, the Polar Grit X Pro is a rugged smartwatch designed to handle extreme conditions while delivering detailed fitness tracking. But how well does it cater to swimmers? With 5ATM water resistance, swim metrics, and heart rate tracking in water, it aims to be an all-in-one sports watch. Let’s dive in! 🏊♂️
Design: Built Tough for Any Environment
The Polar Grit X Pro boasts a military-grade stainless steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire glass, and 100m water resistance, making it one of the toughest sports watches on the market. The always-on color touchscreen display ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, including underwater.
Key Features
100m water resistance (10ATM) 🌊
Swimming metrics: stroke type, distance, pace, SWOLF score 🏊♂️
Optical heart rate tracking in water ❤️
Built-in GPS & altimeter for outdoor adventures 🧭
Turn-by-turn navigation & route guidance 📍
Nightly Recharge & Sleep Tracking 😴
Up to 40-hour battery life in GPS mode 🔋
Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810G certified) 🏔️
Works with Polar Flow for in-depth performance analysis 📊
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
Exceptional build quality for extreme conditions ✅
Accurate swim tracking with detailed analytics ✅
Long battery life for endurance athletes ✅
Great for multisport training beyond swimming ✅
Works with third-party apps like Strava & Komoot ✅
❌ Cons:
Limited smartwatch features (no app store, music storage) ⚠️
Heart rate tracking in water can be inconsistent ❤️🔥
Expensive compared to some competitors 💰
Should You Buy It?
✅ Buy it if:
You need a durable outdoor watch with advanced swim tracking.
You’re a triathlete, swimmer, or endurance athlete looking for detailed metrics.
You prefer a watch with long battery life and rugged durability.
❌ Skip it if:
You want a smartwatch with extensive third-party apps & music support.
You only swim and don’t need outdoor training features.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is the Polar Grit X Pro good for swimming?
Yes! It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters and tracks stroke type, distance, pace, and SWOLF score.
Does the heart rate monitor work while swimming?
Yes, but optical HR sensors can be less accurate in water. For better results, use a Polar H10 chest strap.
Can the Polar Grit X Pro track open-water swims?
Yes, it has GPS tracking for open-water swimming.
How long does the battery last?
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days
GPS Mode: Up to 40 hours
Does it have music storage?
No, it lacks built-in music storage.
User Reviews: What Are Swimmers Saying?
⭐ 4.7/5 – Amazon Review: “This watch is amazing for open-water swimming. The GPS is accurate, and the data is detailed.”
⭐ 4.6/5 – Reddit Review: “The swim tracking is solid, but I wish the heart rate monitoring in water was more reliable.”
⭐ 4.8/5 – Tech Forum Review: “Best rugged sports watch for triathletes. Works great for swimming, cycling, and running.”
⭐ 4.7/5 – Polar Community Review: “If you need a durable sports watch that handles swimming, this is it.”
Full Specs
Feature | Details |
Display | 1.2” Always-On Color Touchscreen |
Battery Life | 7 Days (Standard), 40 Hours (GPS) |
Water Resistance | 100m Waterproof (10ATM) |
Weight | 79g |
Swim Tracking | Stroke Type, Distance, Pace, SWOLF |
Heart Rate Tracking | Optical Sensor (Works in Water) |
GPS | Yes |
Smart Notifications | Yes |
Similar Products: Alternatives to Consider
Smartwatch | Key Features | Price Range |
Garmin Swim 2 | Dedicated Swim Tracking, Open-Water GPS | 💸💸 |
Garmin Fenix 7 | Premium Build, Advanced Swim Metrics, GPS | 💸💸💸 |
Coros Vertix 2 | Rugged Build, Multisport GPS, Long Battery | 💸💸💸 |
Suunto 9 Peak Pro | Triathlon-Friendly, Open-Water Tracking | 💸💸💸 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Smart Features, Swim Metrics, Apple Fitness+ | 💸💸💸💸 |
Verdict: A Rugged Adventure Watch with Swim-Ready Features
The Polar Grit X Pro is a premium sports watch built for endurance athletes, outdoor adventurers, and swimmers who need a rugged, long-lasting device. While it lacks some smartwatch conveniences, its detailed swim tracking, heart rate monitoring, and GPS accuracy make it a fantastic choice for swimmers. If you’re looking for a durable, adventure-ready multisport watch with great swimming capabilities, this is one of the best on the market. 🏆
👉 Final Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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