Polar has just unveiled the Polar Grit X2, a rugged multisport GPS watch positioned as a more compact and affordable alternative to its flagship Grit X2 Pro. The Grit X2 officially launched on June 4, 2025 across Europe and other international markets – notably everywhere except the United States. While fitness enthusiasts in the U.K., EU, and many regions can buy the Grit X2 starting today, American customers have been left waiting. Polar has a U.S. release planned later in the year, but no firm date or price has been confirmed. The company hasn’t given an official reason for excluding the U.S. at launch, but many observers point to ongoing tariffs and trade-war tensions as the likely culprit.
Polar Grit X2 at a Glance: Compact Adventure Watch
The Polar Grit X2 is a premium outdoor sports watch designed for athletes and adventurers who found the Pro model too bulky or pricey. It packs essentially the same capabilities as the high-end Grit X2 Pro, but in a smaller form factor and at a significantly lower price point. Polar describes the Grit X2 as “a compact, robust outdoor watch crafted for big adventures and everyday performance,” equipped with advanced training tools, a sapphire glass AMOLED display, and precision navigation with full-color maps.
Key Features and Specs:
- Display & Build: 1.28-inch AMOLED touchscreen (416×416) with sapphire crystal. Stainless steel bezel. MIL-STD-810H certified. 62g weight.
- Sensors: Elixir™ biosensors: optical HR, ECG, SpO₂, skin temperature.
- GPS & Navigation: Dual-band GPS, offline full-color topo maps, 32GB storage, turn-by-turn routing, hill and elevation tools.
- Training & Software: Polar Flow OS, 130+ sport profiles, sleep/recovery tracking, running power, FitSpark™, Nightly Recharge™, FuelWise™, Training Load Pro™.
- Battery Life: Up to 90 hrs (GPS Eco), 30 hrs (high-precision GPS), 7 days smartwatch mode. User-replaceable battery option (~€40).
Overall, the Grit X2 delivers nearly identical functionality to the Grit X2 Pro, with minor trade-offs in screen size, materials, and battery capacity, but at a substantially lower price and smaller form factor.
Launch Details and Global Availability
Polar launched the Grit X2 on June 4, 2025, just in time for summer adventures. It retails for £399 / €479.90 (~$540 USD), undercutting both the Grit X2 Pro and rivals like Garmin’s Fenix 8 series. It is available in Night Black and Brown Copper, with swappable 22mm silicone straps. The launch includes most global markets except the United States, which is set to receive the device later in 2025.
U.S. Delay: Blame the Tariffs?
Though no formal reason was given, analysts suggest the delay stems from 2025's escalating U.S. trade tariffs—10% on Chinese goods and 20%+ on EU imports. For a company like Polar, which uses global supply chains, these duties could hike prices or erode margins. To avoid launching at an uncompetitive price or low profit, Polar may be holding out for a more favorable trade environment.
Reactions and Outlook
The launch has drawn praise internationally and frustration from U.S. fans. YouTube reviewers and forums have dubbed the release "weird" and “frustrating.” Still, many applaud the value: a smaller Grit X2 Pro alternative with premium features and long battery life. Polar may aim for a fall or holiday U.S. launch if conditions improve.
Conclusion
The Grit X2 hits a sweet spot: compact, rugged, feature-packed, and more affordable than most competitors. While Europe and other regions enjoy it now, the U.S. delay underscores how trade policy can directly affect tech launches. With any luck, American athletes won’t have to wait too long.