ownindex vs Vo2 max

[phildorman]

How inaccurate is Polars "Ownindex" compared to Vo2 max?

[kuan]

Not accurate at all. My ownindex tells me I'm a world class athlete.

[rodrigaj]

I quit using my polar 720i, but as I recall "ownindex" should be used to gauge your overall fitness level against a normative table that is included with the owners manual. The whole thing is pretty gimicky, given that all it does is monitor your resting heart rate for about 5 minutes and then gives you a number.

If you want to know VO2 max, it's best to have it tested properly. This explains the procedure:
http://www.vo2test.com/VO2.htm

[NomadVW]

As a trend value, the Ownindex has proven useful for me. As an absolute value, it's pipe dream :)

It doesn't measure just your resting heart rate. It measures the regularity of your heart rate @ rest - which according to a couple studies they cite has been proven to be an indicator of VO2max.