Suunto Advisor vs. Polar AXN 500

[paborden]

OK, so I'm looking for a HRM/altimiter combo for training. Other than those two features, the only others that are of worth to me are countdown and interval timers. So far, it looks like I've got it narrowed down to the Suunto Advisor or Polar AXN 500.

 

I'm shying away from the Suunto at this point because I've heard of tons of problems with Suunto products and, plus, every suunto I've ever seen that has been on anyone's wrist for any time has been completely destroyed, what with the plastic face and case, etc.

 

Problems with the polar, though, are that its heavier (3.5 ounces I think) and the band's not easily removable. But the face is crystal and the case metal, which should take care of the durability issues.

 

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

(edited to actually make sense...boy was I spacing out)

Edited February 25, 2006 by paborden

[hendorama]

Re-read your post, it doesn't make sense in some spots.

 

I've had the Advisor for a year now, and love it. And the band isn't that hard to remove in my opinion. I've never used a Polar, so I can't comment on those.