Frontier X2: One Minute Review
While the Polar H10 chest strap is widely recognized for its accuracy, it often presents connectivity issues, making it difficult to ascertain its functionality before a workout. The Polar H10 also lacks an on-device interface, and its accompanying application is described as cluttered and outdated. This can lead to frustrating experiences, especially when data is lost due to connection problems or strap malfunctions.
The Frontier X2 from Fourth Frontier offers a refined chest strap experience, featuring a more modern app and a USB-chargeable device. It includes a screen and a button for manually initiating workouts and provides haptic feedback, which also triggers upon crossing heart rate zone thresholds. Although the screen is not visible during wear, it significantly simplifies workout preparation and phone connectivity compared to some alternatives, mitigating the frustration of dropped connections.
The Frontier X2 utilizes heart rate data to generate various metrics, including Strain score, Stress score, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Breathing Rate, and estimated calories burned. However, the source review notes that calorie estimates based on heart rate are considered less reliable, as research indicates they measure effort rather than actual energy expended. A premium subscription, priced at an additional $119.99 / £109.99 per year, unlocks further features such as a Readiness score, VO2 Max, and sleep stage analysis. Given the device's already high cost, this subscription is recommended primarily for users who intend for the Frontier X2 to be their primary fitness tracker and for whom hyper-accuracy is paramount.
A key feature is the continuous electrocardiogram (ECG), which can livestream a scan to the Frontier app for personal review or medical consultation. This is valuable for detecting irregular heart rhythms over time. The source reviewer frequently used this function to verify the heart rate monitor's data streaming before commencing workouts, as the app provides alerts for insufficient data due to poor connection.
Accuracy and Performance
The source review reported no complaints regarding the Frontier X2's accuracy. During a test run, it was compared against the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which boasts a highly accurate Health Sensing System, and the Garmin Fenix 9 Pro, equipped with Garmin’s Elevate V5 sensor, previously noted for its precision.
The test results for the Frontier X2 were excellent, showing only a 2 bpm difference in average heart rate readings compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Garmin Fenix 9 Pro. This close alignment suggests that all three devices provide consistent and accurate data. Following additional runs and workouts, the source reviewer confidently recommended the Frontier X2, provided the premium price is not a deterrent.
Frontier X2: Price and Availability
The Frontier X2 is available on various online storefronts, priced at $599 in the US and £449 in the UK. Australian consumers may find it listed for AU$775. The optional annual subscription for premium features adds to the already substantial cost, which the source review found challenging to justify.
This pricing is considered high for a device primarily focused on heart rate measurement. While the Frontier X app offers interpretations of strain, readiness, training load, and specific workout profiles, the cost remains significantly higher than alternatives like the Polar H10, which is priced around $89.95 / £79.50 / AU$139.
Despite the high price, the Frontier X2 addresses several drawbacks of other chest straps, notably by incorporating a micro-USB charger instead of requiring replaceable coin batteries, and including a screen for clearer connection status. The continuous ECG feature is also highlighted as a valuable addition, offering both connection verification and reliable medical data. Overall, the device is presented as an excellent package, though its value proposition is considered less compelling.
Score breakdown
Scored out of 10Price & Release Date
Fourth Frontier Frontier X2
