The Verdict
Premium multisport watch with serious HRV capabilities. The combination of optical and ECG sensors provides flexibility in how you measure. Best for serious athletes who want Polar's training science.
Pros
- Dual PPG + ECG sensors
- Excellent training features
- Long battery life
- Polar's proven accuracy
Cons
- Premium price point
- Bulky design
- Polar Flow app could be better
- Overkill for casual users
Dual Sensor Approach
The Vantage V3 includes both PPG sensors and an ECG sensor. You can do quick spot-checks with ECG for clinical-grade accuracy, while continuous tracking uses the optical sensors. Best of both worlds.
Nightly Recharge
Polar's Nightly Recharge feature measures your ANS (autonomic nervous system) recovery during sleep using HRV. It provides actionable feedback on whether your body has recovered from training stress.
Training Load Pro
Beyond HRV, the Vantage V3 tracks cardio load, muscle load, and perceived exertion to give you a complete picture of training stress. HRV feeds into recovery recommendations.