Polar has established itself as a leader in health and fitness wearables, especially with its Polar Flow software. This ecosystem, available both online and through smartphone apps, offers powerful training tools to track performance and monitor trends to help users achieve their fitness goals. The latest addition to Polar’s lineup, the Polar Grit X2, is a rugged GPS sports watch that integrates seamlessly with the Polar Flow system, providing users with key health and fitness data.
Unlike Garmin, which has branched out into the smartwatch space with features like speakers, microphones, payment systems, subscription music, and satellite services, Polar (along with brands like Coros and Suunto) continues to prioritize health and wellness features. Polar’s watches are designed for active lifestyles and are built to withstand tough conditions, with basic smartwatch features like app notifications. This focus on durability and fitness makes Polar a standout in the fitness tech world.
In my 2024 review, I tested the Polar Grit X2 Pro, which is similar to the Grit X2 but offers a sleeker design and a smaller size at a $200 lower price point. However, the Grit X2 remains quite pricey at $800 for a GPS sports watch with limited smartwatch features. In comparison, Garmin’s Venu X1 and Forerunner 970, priced similarly, offer much more functionality. Suunto’s new models, the Vertical 2 and Race 2, are also closer to the Grit X2 in features, but come in at more affordable prices of $600 and $500, respectively.
The Grit X2 impresses with its brilliant 1.28-inch AMOLED display, protected by sapphire crystal glass. Weighing just 2.2 ounces, it is both lightweight and durable. The smaller size and lightweight design do result in a smaller battery, providing up to 30 hours of GPS tracking and around seven days in smartwatch mode. For those who are accustomed to charging their sports watches weekly, this will not be a problem, especially with the vibrant AMOLED display offering clear, vivid colors against a deep black background.
During my testing, I found the GPS tracking to be accurate, and the heart rate measurements closely matched other watches I tested. The watch’s mapping and routing functions also performed well. For those seeking a rugged watch for hiking or trail running, the Grit X2 is a strong contender, particularly if you can find it at a discounted price.
The Grit X2 is powered by Polar OS 4.0, which brings several updates, including features like Find My Phone, PIN code security, updated workout summaries, and points of interest on maps. The Polar Flow app, which syncs with the watch, provides access to all the data collected. However, the app is starting to feel a bit outdated and could use a user experience overhaul. One thing I didn’t like was the need to press and hold a button to sync the watch with the app. Automatic syncing would be a welcome addition, especially when comparing the experience to more intuitive apps like Fitbit Premium on the Pixel Watch 4, which offer AI-based coaching and guidance.
