Polar Ignite 3 – how does the new sports watch differ from the previous version?  

Choosing a good running watch is extremely important, as it must meet your requirements. Moreover, it is a very useful accessory for athletes. If you want features that will really help you maintain an active lifestyle, then you need to choose professional equipment. 

Such equipment is the Polar Ignite 3, which not long ago came out on the market and is quite popular among runners. Perhaps it’s because it’s cheaper than a giant like Garmin, or maybe it’s because it has good features and does the job? It depends on the user. However, in this article I will focus on showing you what has been added to the Polar Ignite 3 and how it differs from the previous version (Polar Ignite 3 vs Polar ignite 2.)

What has NOT changed? 

There won’t be many things to list here, because in many technical respects the Polar Ignite 3 is different from the 2. However, first the similarities. The weight of both watches is the same: 35 g. The screen is still the touchscreen, and their internal memory is 32 MB. 

Moreover, they have the same operating temperatures and water resistance – up to 30 meters.

What has changed: Polar Ignite 3 vs Polar Ignite 2

Polar Ignite 3 – design 

Let’s get straight into it. At the very beginning we must pay attention to the design of the new running watch from Polar. At first glance, you can see that it is slightly larger than its predecessor, as the display size is 1.28 inches (Polar Ignite 2 – 1.2 inches). This makes it even more convenient and comfortable for you to use the many functions that the sports watch offers. 

What’s more, the display is made of a better quality material. The AMOLED display is brighter, clearer and more colorful. Even when going outdoors, you will be able to see everything on the display without much trouble. 

To make the Polar Ignite 3 watch look more dynamic and sporty, the manufacturers opted for a more rounded lens that covers the display. Made of Gorilla Glass 3.0, it provides greater durability and safety of use.

I should also add that you will find 4 different colors of smartwatches to choose from – that’s one more than before. What’s more, you can buy original bands, in a variety of colors or even personalize them!

Polar Ignite – design. Source: Official producent page Polar.com.

Screen personalization

Want to know the information most important to you as soon as you turn on the watch with a twist of the wrist? With the Polar Ignite 3 this is possible. The manufacturers wanted everyone to be able to personalize their equipment. That’s why you can choose the functions you want displayed on the home screen, e.g. weather, calories burned, heart rate. Choose what interests you most.

Longer battery life – enjoy longer use without charging 

The Polar Ignite 3 has a larger battery capacity – 215 mAh. Thanks to this, the sports watch extends its operation without charging up to 30h. This is 10h more than the previous version.

SleepWise – give your life the right rhythm 

This feature doesn’t just monitor the quantity and quality of your sleep. It’s more than that. When analyzing the data, the function takes into account your diurnal rhythm, the quality and quantity of your sleep to determine when your body is at its best to start workout, work or nap. 

This will help you concentrate better and be ready for the challenges that await you during the day. When you wake up, you can look at the data the watch has collected during your sleep and see if changing your daily rhythm to the one suggested by the Polar Ignite 3 is right for you. 

SleepWise will also help you carve out regular times to go to bed and get up. The function will show the effects on your body when you are sleep deprived. Set an ideal schedule so you always feel a huge amount of energy.

FuelWise – replenished energy during long and grueling workouts

Are you training for a half marathon or marathon? Or maybe you want to face the popular IronMan run? If so, you definitely need to train hard and long. During such workouts you need to maintain proper energy and hydration levels. Extreme exhaustion during a workout can cause worse time, distance and slower down post-exercise recovery. 

That’s why the Polar Ignite 3 is equipped with the FuelWise feature. With this, during a long and exhausting run, the intelligent assistant will help you replenish your energy. 

FuelWise will help you perform better and reach the finish line without exhausting your body.

What’s more, before the start, the function will help you calculate how many calories you’ll burn during the run and show you how many and what you should take with you to boost your energy during the run.

Test your body with the Polar Ignite 3

At the very beginning of your running adventure, it is a good idea to perform some tests to determine important parameters. However, these tests will also be useful later on. This will allow you to monitor and check your progress. Polar Ignite 3 offer: 

• Fitness test – find out your VO2max
• March test – go for a short walk and after just 15 minutes you will find out how your fitness presents itself. 
• Running performance test – get the most out of your workouts and know your running fitness. Learn your MAS, MAP and VO2max. Match your workouts to your fitness.

Information while running straight to your ear – Voice Guidance 

Focus on your training, your pace and the road ahead. With the Polar Ignite 3 and voice guidance, you won’t have to constantly look at your watch to monitor your pace, zones and laps. The voice guidance will be directed to your phone or headphones. You’ll also receive guidance during various training phases.

Start where you started – return to starting point 

Here I don’t need to explain much. By enabling this feature, the watch will guide you back to the place where you started your training session.

Polar Ignite vs Polar Ignite 2 vs Polar Ignite 3 – which one to choose?

Starting with design, size and capacity, the Polar Ignite and 2 are not very different. What’s more, the second version of the Ignite watch is not that different from the first. 

Polar Ignite does not have: 

• automatic music control, 
• no tests that check endurance or fitness. 

If you need a basic running watch, without any major revelations, then the Polar Ignite will certainly appeal to you. However, if you need a little more functionality and want to check the progress you are making then the Polar Ignite 2 should be on your wrist. 

The Polar Ignite 3 is already a more professional piece of equipment that will allow you to get a really good workout, but that’s not all. It will also allow you to change your routine. 

As for prices:

• Polar Ignite – around $160
• Polar Ignite 2 – around $240
• Polar Ignite 3 – around $350

Do you want to purchase an older Ignite model? Hurry, because the manufacturer is withdrawing old models from the market. If you don’t do it soon, you will have to buy back older models from other runners.

As you can see, Polar Ignite 3 has more useful and interesting features than the previous version. Is it worth investing in it? I, unfortunately, will not answer this question for you. You’ll have to decide that for yourself. Look carefully at all the features, performance and price. Compare with other smartwatches and choose the one that suits you best. It’s worth thinking everything through before buying, because these types of sports watches are not cheap.