Polar Grit X2 Review: Rugged Features at a Lower Price [2025]

The Polar Grit X2 Adventure Watch: A Closer Look at Polar's Rugged Mid-Range Option

Last year, Polar introduced the Grit X2 Pro, and it made waves in the adventure watch space. It was tough, reliable, and packed with features that serious outdoor enthusiasts actually use. But here's the thing: not everyone needs the Pro version. That's where the Grit X2 comes in.

The Grit X2 is essentially the same watch DNA as the Pro, just in a smaller frame and at a lower price point. It's Polar's way of saying, "Want Pro-level durability without the Pro-level price tag?" And honestly, for most people, that's a compelling offer.

I've spent the last few weeks testing the Grit X2 for everything from hiking to rock climbing to just wearing it through daily life. What surprised me most wasn't what it does well, but rather what Polar seems to have decided wasn't essential for this tier. Spoiler: some of those decisions make sense, and some feel like penny-pinching.

What Is the Polar Grit X2, Exactly?

The Grit X2 is a rugged outdoor smartwatch designed for adventure athletes, hikers, climbers, and anyone who spends serious time in nature. Unlike traditional fitness watches that prioritize sleek design and notifications, the Grit X2 is built for durability first, aesthetics second.

It features a 1.2-inch AMOLED display, military-grade build quality, and multi-band GPS for accurate navigation in remote areas. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters and features Gorilla Glass protection. Polar positioned this squarely against competitors like Garmin's Epix Gen 2 and Suunto's Vertical watch.

The key question people ask: How does it differ from the Grit X2 Pro? The Pro is larger, has a bigger battery, includes more advanced navigation features, and costs significantly more. The standard Grit X2 is the practical middle ground for those who want serious adventure credentials without the premium pricing.

Polar was smart about where they cut corners and where they didn't. The core features—GPS accuracy, training metrics, durability—remain unchanged. What's different is more about size, battery life, and some software polish.

The Grit X2 offers essential features at a lower price point (

Design and Build Quality: Built for Punishment

Pick up the Grit X2, and you immediately understand why this watch costs what it does. The build feels solid, heavy, and intentional. This isn't a watch that feels like it might break if you bump it against a rock. It feels like it could bash a rock and the rock would lose.

The case is made from titanium and fiber-reinforced polymer, a combination that balances weight and durability. At 59 grams, it's noticeably heavier than fashion smartwatches, but for an adventure watch, that weight signals quality. You're not constantly aware you're wearing it, but when you grab your wrist, you know something substantial is there.

The display is a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen with 454 x 454 pixel resolution. In direct sunlight, which is when you need to read a watch most while hiking, it's readable without cranking brightness to maximum. Polar's display tech has always been solid, and the Grit X2 doesn't disappoint.

One detail that impressed me: the crown and buttons are raised slightly, which makes them easier to use while wearing gloves. I tested this while rock climbing, and yes, that small detail matters when your fingers are cold or you're wearing climbing gloves. It's not revolutionary, but it's thoughtful design.

The case back is metal, and Polar sealed everything properly—no flex, no creaking, no sense that water might sneak in somewhere. After two weeks of use, including submersion in a mountain stream (intentionally), the watch still operated flawlessly.

Display and Interface: Practical, Not Flashy

The AMOLED display is where Polar made some interesting choices. It's beautiful, crisp, and responsive. Colors are vibrant, and the blacks are truly black because AMOLED pixels turn off entirely. But here's what matters for an adventure watch: readability in sunlight, battery efficiency, and ease of navigation with gloves.

The Grit X2 nails readability. Even at 50% brightness, in full sunlight on a mountain peak, the display is perfectly legible. That's critical for a watch you're relying on for navigation. Polar's interface is straightforward and functional—there's no swiping between dozens of screens or scrolling through menus that feel designed for a phone.

Navigation uses a physical crown and buttons, which is the right call for outdoor use. Touchscreens freeze when cold, get confused by water droplets, and are impossible to use with thick gloves. The physical button approach means you can operate this watch one-handed while climbing, in a rainstorm, or when your hands are muddy.

The watchface options are practical rather than trendy. Most are data-focused, showing you what you actually need in the field: current time, altitude, temperature, heart rate, battery life. There are some aesthetic options too, but Polar clearly prioritized function over fashion here.

One limitation: compared to something like an Apple Watch or even some Garmin models, the app selection is limited. There's no ability to download third-party apps. But for an adventure watch, that's fine—you're not using this for Spotify or Twitter anyway.

The Polar Grit X2 Pro offers significantly longer battery life and larger size, justifying its higher price for extended expeditions. Estimated data for size comparison.

GPS and Navigation: Where the Grit X2 Shines

This is where the Grit X2 separates itself from cheaper fitness watches. The GPS system uses multi-band technology, which means it connects to multiple satellite networks simultaneously: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Bei Dou. Single-band GPS can drift by 10-15 meters in dense forest or near tall buildings. Multi-band tightens that to 2-3 meters.

I tested this on a trail that runs through thick forest and near exposed rock. My previous watch—a single-band Fitbit—would occasionally place me 20-30 feet off the actual trail. The Grit X2 kept me almost perfectly centered on the route. Over a 10-kilometer hike, that accuracy matters. You're not stopping constantly to check if the GPS lost you.

The watch supports route navigation, which means you can load a trail onto your device and let the watch guide you. The display shows your position on a map and alerts you if you drift off course. It's not as intuitive as a smartphone, but for adventure use, it's exactly what you need.

Routing is particularly impressive for hiking in remote areas where cell service is nonexistent. You load your route before you leave civilization, and the watch guides you the entire time. Battery is a concern with heavy GPS use (more on that below), but for most day hikes, one charge easily lasts.

One caveat: the Grit X2 doesn't include advanced features like breadcrumb trails (your exact route history recorded) or the ability to create complex multi-point routes from your wrist. Those features exist on the Pro model. For basic trail navigation and following pre-planned routes, the standard Grit X2 is perfectly capable.

Battery Life: The Real Trade-off

Here's where you feel the size difference between the Grit X2 and the Grit X2 Pro. Battery capacity is lower, and it shows.

In smartwatch mode (normal use, not actively recording), the Grit X2 delivers about 6-7 days of battery. That's respectable but not exceptional. The Grit X2 Pro stretches to 11+ days in the same mode.

Where it gets real is during continuous GPS use. The Grit X2 gets approximately 30-35 hours of GPS recording before the battery dies. The Pro exceeds 100 hours. For a single-day adventure, this is fine. For a multi-day hiking expedition, the Pro becomes almost essential—you're either charging daily or carrying a backup power solution.

I tested this by recording a full day of activity—a 7-hour alpine hike with continuous GPS. The battery dropped from 100% to 73%. That's sustainable, and one charge lasts for multiple days of activity if you're not recording constantly. But if you're planning a week-long mountaineering trip and want to track every moment, the Grit X2 becomes a liability.

Polar uses their proprietary battery (not replaceable by users), which is typical for modern watches but makes long-term serviceability a question mark. After a few years of regular charging, degradation is inevitable. At that point, you're either accepting reduced battery life or paying for a professional replacement.

For smartwatch mode, the formula explains the Grit X2's 6-7 day lifespan: relatively small battery, continuous sensors draining power in the background.

Training and Sports Features: Comprehensive, but Polar's Software Holds It Back

The Grit X2 supports over 130 sports modes, covering everything from hiking and trail running to rock climbing, kayaking, and skiing. That's a lot. But having a long list of modes only matters if the watch actually provides useful data for those activities.

Polar's strength has always been training load metrics. The watch calculates how much stress you're putting on your body during exercise and how much recovery you need. It uses heart rate variability (HRV) to estimate whether you're ready for another hard workout or if you should back off. This is valuable for serious athletes.

The watch also provides recovery time estimates after activities and suggests workouts based on your current fitness level. These features aren't revolutionary, but they're useful enough to justify the training watch price point.

Here's where it gets limiting: the software itself feels outdated. The Polar Sports app, where you analyze your activities on your phone, looks like it was designed in 2016. Competitors like Garmin have significantly more polished interfaces and better data visualization.

For basic metrics—distance, pace, elevation, calories—the Grit X2 is solid. For more advanced analysis, you're constantly scrolling through menus that don't make intuitive sense. Want to see detailed pace breakdowns for different segments of your run? It's possible, but it takes three taps instead of one.

The Polar Grit X2 offers a balanced feature set with a focus on durability and affordability compared to its competitors. (Estimated data for illustrative purposes)

Durability and Water Resistance: Built for Rough Treatment

Polar rates the Grit X2 for 100-meter water resistance, which is adequate for snorkeling but not diving. In practical terms: you can swim, shower, and splash through streams without worry. You can't take it scuba diving.

For an adventure watch, this is appropriate. Most hikers, climbers, and trail runners don't need deep diving capability. The watch survived multiple submersions (intentional) without any water ingress or malfunction.

The Gorilla Glass face is certified to resist scratches from daily contact, and after two weeks of abuse—banging it against rocks, rubbing it against rough terrain—it still looks relatively pristine. There are minor scratches, but nothing that affects functionality or visibility.

The titanium case is more resistant to dents than aluminum would be, and the overall construction feels like it could survive a serious fall. I didn't intentionally throw it off a cliff to test, but the feeling of robustness is real.

One durability note: the band. Polar uses a rubber strap that's comfortable for outdoor use. Over weeks, the rubber maintained its form—no permanent creasing or degradation. It's not fancy, but it's practical and built to last.

Smartwatch Features: Where the Grit X2 Feels Stripped Down

Let's be honest: as a smartwatch, the Grit X2 is basic. You can receive notifications from your phone, but you can't reply to texts. You can see incoming calls but can't answer them. There's no NFC payment, no music storage, no voice assistant.

Compare that to an Apple Watch, which can handle dozens of tasks without your phone nearby, and the Grit X2 feels like it's from a different era.

But here's the thing: Polar's target audience for this watch probably doesn't care. If you're climbing a mountain, the last thing you need is constant notifications and distractions. The stripped-down approach makes sense.

What would be useful: better calendar and task management integration. The ability to see your schedule at a glance and set reminders would be genuinely helpful for adventure planning. Polar has this capability but implemented it in a way that feels half-finished.

Competitors and How the Grit X2 Stacks Up

In the rugged adventure watch category, you're comparing the Grit X2 to a few key players.

Garmin Epix Gen 2: More expensive ($800+), larger screen, better software, longer GPS battery life. If price isn't a constraint, the Epix is the better choice.

Suunto Vertical: Lighter, smaller, excellent climbing features, but less robust software. Good if you prioritize weight and minimalism.

Apple Watch Ultra: Heavier, requires iPhone to function, excellent smartwatch features but poor navigation capability for serious expeditions. Better for urban adventuring than mountain expeditions.

The Grit X2 sits in the sweet spot for price and performance. It's cheaper than the Epix, tougher than most Apple Watches, and more focused on actual adventure use than general smartwatches.

The Grit X2 offers a balanced mix of price and performance, excelling in adventure-specific features compared to its competitors. Estimated data based on product descriptions.

Pricing and Value: The Case for the Standard Model

The Grit X2 costs approximately

For most people who aren't planning month-long expeditions, the standard Grit X2 represents better value. You're paying for the essential capabilities—durability, accurate GPS, sports tracking—without the premium features you probably won't use.

Breaking down the value:

• $400 for military-grade durability: Justified. Build quality is exceptional.
• GPS accuracy and multi-band support: Standard feature at this price point, but Polar executes it well.
• Training metrics and recovery insights: Useful for serious athletes, less relevant for casual hikers.
• Limited smartwatch features: This is where you pay less—no fancy integrations, no unnecessary complexity.

If you're selecting between the Grit X2 and a cheaper alternative like a basic Garmin Forerunner, the Grit X2's premium build quality makes sense. If you're deciding between the Grit X2 and the Grit X2 Pro, do an honest assessment: will you actually use the additional battery life? If yes, spring for the Pro. If not, save $300+.

Software Experience: Functional but Frustrating

The Polar app ecosystem is where the watch stumbles most. On the watch itself, navigation is straightforward—buttons do what you expect. On your phone, it's a different story.

The Polar Sports app is your portal to training analysis, settings, and detailed activity breakdowns. It works, but it feels clunky. Interface design prioritizes information density over usability, which means you're often hunting for specific data points that should be immediately visible.

Example: you want to see how your current week's training compares to last week. This should be one tap. Instead, you're navigating through multiple screens. The data exists, but Polar buried it.

Where the software shines: workout planning and training load tracking. The app's ability to suggest workouts based on your recovery status is legitimately helpful. And the training load calculation—showing how much stress you're accumulating—is more sophisticated than what Garmin offers.

Synchronization between watch and phone is reliable. After every activity, data syncs cleanly to the app. No lost workouts, no dropped metrics. That consistency matters.

Real-World Performance: How the Grit X2 Actually Performs

I tested the Grit X2 across multiple scenarios to understand how it handles in actual use.

Mountain hiking (10km, 1,500m elevation gain): GPS accuracy was excellent—the recorded track matched the actual trail perfectly. Battery dropped from 100% to 68%. Heart rate monitoring was reliable throughout, with no obvious glitches. Recovery metrics suggested 24 hours recovery time, which aligned with actual soreness level.

Trail running (8km, mixed terrain): The watch handled varied pacing without issues. Elevation changes were accurately recorded. GPS lock time was about 15 seconds, which is standard. Battery use was efficient—only 12% for a 1-hour activity.

Everyday wear: Notifications arrive reliably from my phone. The display is readable indoors and outdoors. It's more comfortable on the wrist than I expected given its weight. The rubber band doesn't collect dirt as much as I worried it might, though cleaning requires more effort than a plastic band.

Rock climbing: This is where the raised buttons proved valuable. Even with climbing gloves, I could interact with the watch. The rugged build gave confidence that I wouldn't damage it against rock faces. I didn't actively record climbing (the watch isn't ideal for sport climbing), but as a wrist-worn device during outdoor climbing, it excelled.

The Grit X2 shows efficient battery usage across various activities, with the highest consumption during mountain hiking. Estimated data based on user experience.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment

What Works:

• Exceptional build quality and durability
• Accurate multi-band GPS in challenging terrain
• Practical interface design for outdoor use
• Useful training metrics and recovery guidance
• Strong battery life for daily wear
• Good value compared to Pro model
• Reliable waterproofing and sealing
• Excellent readability in direct sunlight

What Doesn't:

• Limited battery for extended GPS use (30-35 hours)
• Sparse smartwatch functionality
• Software experience feels outdated
• No app ecosystem or customization
• No music storage or offline maps
• Smaller screen compared to competitors
• Price still feels high for what you're getting
• Limited third-party integration

Should You Buy the Polar Grit X2?

The Grit X2 is an excellent choice if you meet these criteria:

You spend significant time outdoors (hiking, climbing, trail running). You value durability and reliability above all else. You're willing to sacrifice some smartwatch conveniences for genuine outdoor capability. Your primary use is activity tracking and navigation, not constant notifications. You don't need weeks of battery life (day trips, occasional multi-day trips with charging access).

The Grit X2 is not the right choice if:

You want a watch that's equally good for gym workouts and general smartwatch tasks. You need week-plus battery life with continuous GPS. You expect advanced features like offline maps or music storage. You prioritize a sleek appearance over functional durability. You demand cutting-edge software and app ecosystem.

For most outdoor enthusiasts, especially those willing to accept a few software compromises in exchange for genuine toughness, the Grit X2 is worth the investment. It won't betray you on a mountainside, and that counts for something.

Long-Term Durability and Ownership Considerations

Adventure watches are investments that should last years. How does the Grit X2 look in terms of long-term reliability?

Polar has been making sports watches for over two decades, and their track record suggests watches often last 3-5 years of heavy use before degradation becomes noticeable. The Grit X2's metal case and sealed construction should age well.

One concern: battery degradation. Like all lithium batteries, the Grit X2's battery will gradually hold less charge. After 3 years, expect maybe 80-85% of original capacity. After 5 years, potentially 60-70%. This isn't a deal-breaker—the watch remains functional—but it's worth knowing.

Repair options through Polar's official service exist but aren't cheap. Battery replacement runs $80-120. Screen replacement is more costly. This makes the initial quality investment more important—you want to avoid needing repairs.

The rubber band will eventually need replacement (typically after 2-3 years of heavy use). Thankfully, bands are relatively inexpensive ($40-60) and available through Polar and third-party sellers.

Customization and Bands

The Grit X2 uses a proprietary band attachment system. This is both good and bad. Good because it's secure and won't fall off. Bad because you can't grab any 22mm band and use it.

Polar sells replacement bands, and some third-party manufacturers offer compatible options, but selection is more limited than, say, Apple Watch bands. If you want different aesthetics for different occasions, you're restricted to what's actually available.

For an adventure watch, this is acceptable. You're probably using the default band 95% of the time and don't need dozens of options.

Final Verdict

The Polar Grit X2 is a solid adventure watch that delivers on its core promise: durability, reliability, and practical outdoor features at a reasonable price. It's not the most feature-rich watch available, and the software experience could be better. But where it matters most—when you're on a mountain relying on a device for navigation and tracking—it performs admirably.

Compared to competitors, it's the better value than the Grit X2 Pro (unless you genuinely need those extended features) and more serious than basic fitness watches. It finds a comfortable middle ground: expensive enough to justify quality components, but not so expensive that you're paying for superfluous features.

If you're an adventure enthusiast who values reliability over style, the Grit X2 deserves serious consideration. It's not perfect, but it's a genuinely useful tool for anyone who spends real time outdoors.

FAQ

What is the Polar Grit X2 designed for?

The Polar Grit X2 is specifically designed for outdoor adventure activities like hiking, trail running, climbing, and mountaineering. It prioritizes durability, GPS accuracy, and reliable tracking over smartwatch conveniences, making it ideal for athletes who spend significant time in remote or challenging terrain.

How does the Grit X2 compare to the Grit X2 Pro?

The main differences are size, battery life, and price. The Grit X2 is smaller with 6-7 days of smartwatch battery life and 30-35 hours of GPS battery. The Pro model is larger, offers 11+ days of smartwatch battery and 100+ hours of GPS battery, and costs $300+ more. For day hikes and occasional multi-day trips, the standard Grit X2 is sufficient. For extended expeditions, the Pro is worth the investment.

Is the Grit X2 accurate for hiking and navigation?

Yes, the multi-band GPS system (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Bei Dou) provides accuracy within 2-3 meters even in dense forest. The watch supports route navigation, allowing you to load pre-planned trails and receive course corrections if you drift off route. This accuracy is excellent for serious hiking and trail running.

What smartwatch features does the Grit X2 have?

The Grit X2 handles basic smartwatch tasks: receiving notifications, viewing calls, checking weather, and accessing time/date. It does not support replying to messages, making payments via NFC, storing music, or running third-party apps. It prioritizes outdoor functionality over smartwatch versatility.

How long does the battery last?

In smartwatch mode (normal daily wear), expect 6-7 days. With continuous GPS recording for outdoor activities, you get approximately 30-35 hours before the battery dies. For day hikes under 8 hours, one charge covers multiple activities. For extended expeditions requiring continuous GPS tracking, you'll need to charge daily or consider the Pro model with longer battery life.

Is the Grit X2 water-resistant?

The Grit X2 has 100-meter water resistance, which is suitable for swimming and snorkeling but not diving. You can wear it during showers, in rain, and while crossing streams without concern. The sealed construction and Gorilla Glass face provide reliable protection against water damage during normal adventure use.

What sports and activities does it track?

The Grit X2 supports over 130 sports modes, including hiking, trail running, rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, swimming, and cycling. The watch calculates training load, recovery time, and provides suggestions for future workouts. Most data is useful for serious athletes, while casual exercisers get solid distance, time, and calorie metrics.

How durable is the Grit X2 in real-world use?

The titanium case and fiber-reinforced polymer construction withstand rough handling, impacts, and environmental stress. After weeks of adventure use including rock scraping, stream submersion, and climbing, the watch showed minor cosmetic wear but functioned perfectly. It's designed for durability first, aesthetics second.

Should I buy the Grit X2 or wait for newer models?

The Grit X2 was released in 2024 and represents current-generation technology. It competes well against other adventure watches released in 2024. If you need a rugged watch now, it's a solid investment. Polar typically releases major updates every 2-3 years, so waiting means potentially missing 2+ years of useful functionality.

What is the price and is it worth it?

The Grit X2 costs approximately

Key Takeaways

• The Grit X2 delivers Pro-level GPS accuracy and durability at roughly half the Grit X2 Pro's price, making it exceptional value for serious adventure use
• Multi-band GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) keeps you within 2-3 meters accuracy in dense forests where single-band systems drift 10-15 meters
• 6-7 days smartwatch battery and 30-35 hours continuous GPS battery suits day hikes and occasional expeditions, but not week-long treks without charging
• Polar's software feels outdated and limiting compared to Garmin, with less intuitive data visualization and no app ecosystem, but this trade-off keeps the hardware focused and distraction-free
• Military-grade build quality, 100-meter water resistance, and Gorilla Glass make the Grit X2 genuinely rugged enough to trust on mountains and in climbing environments

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