Over the past few weeks, we had the chance to test out the newly launched Polar Grit X2, and to be honest – it’s far more than just the latest model in Polar’s sports watch lineup. Here’s why this watch might be the standout option for triathletes in 2025.
Aesthetics: Style Meets Sport
Let’s get straight to it: the Polar Grit X2 (brown edition) is arguably the most attractive sports watch currently available. Sure, style is subjective, but when we unboxed the Grit X2, it was love at first sight. It strikes a near-perfect balance between sporty and elegant, rugged and refined, premium and luxurious. This is a watch you’ll want to wear every day – whether you’re training or racing, sitting in a meeting, or going out for dinner.
Compared to its predecessors, the Grit X2 feels like a significant step forward in design. It doesn’t just look better – it makes previous models feel a bit outdated.
Price Point: Positioned Just Right
Looking good is great, but performance and value matter more. So where does the Grit X2 land in terms of price?
At €479.90, it sits comfortably between Polar’s entry-level and flagship models. It’s slightly more expensive than the Vantage M3, but significantly cheaper than the Vantage V3 (€599.90) or the Grit X2 Pro (€749.90). This middle-ground pricing makes the Grit X2 an appealing option for athletes who want serious features without a premium price tag.
GPS Accuracy That Stands Out
While the Grit X2 is packed with features, the GPS accuracy is what impressed us the most. In theory, every sports watch in 2025 should offer solid GPS, but in reality, that’s not always the case – even with Polar devices.
The Grit X2, however, consistently locks on to satellites quickly, and performs extremely well – even in GPS-challenging environments like forests or dense urban areas. This level of accuracy is a major plus, and for triathletes who rely heavily on precision tracking, it could be a game-changer.
As expected, uploading custom routes is straightforward, with Strava and Komoot integration working flawlessly via the Polar Flow app.
Polar Flow App Still Needs Work
And that brings us to the only real downside: the Polar Flow app.
While it’s user-friendly and feature-rich, Polar still hasn’t fully solved the syncing issues between the app and the watch. Uploading workouts to third-party platforms sometimes fails on the first attempt, often requiring a second sync. There are workarounds (like toggling airplane mode), but it’s a hassle – and frankly, unacceptable in 2025 for a brand of this caliber.
This is a longstanding issue and it’s time Polar prioritizes a solution.
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Feature-Rich and Versatile
Outside of the app hiccup, there’s not much to criticize. The Grit X2 is incredibly well-equipped, with sensors for heart rate, ECG, skin temperature, barometer, compass, and more – all of which work reliably.
You’ll also find Polar’s smart coaching tools like FitSpark, Recovery Pro, FuelWise, and Nightly Recharge – useful additions for those who want structured training advice. For experienced triathletes, some of these features may feel like overkill, but they’re still great to have.
Battery Life: Long and Fast-Charging
Battery life is another strong point. With daily training sessions and regular use (watch worn 8–10 hours/day), we easily got five days on a single charge. Even better: it fully recharges in just over an hour. That’s top-tier performance.
Final Verdict: Why Look Elsewhere?
All in all, we’re seriously impressed with the Polar Grit X2. Yes, Polar needs to fix the Flow app syncing issues – but assuming that happens, there’s little reason to overlook this watch.
With a gorgeous design, strong performance, accurate GPS, and a reasonable price, the Polar Grit X2 might just be the best all-around option for triathletes who want a high-end experience without breaking the bank.
Pros
✔ Stunning design
✔ Excellent GPS accuracy
✔ Strong battery life
✔ Packed with features
✔ Reasonable price point
Cons
✖ Polar Flow app sync issues
Bottom Line: If Polar sorts out its app, the Grit X2 becomes an easy recommendation – even over more expensive models in the lineup.