Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Leaky Polar Bottles

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Leaky Polar Bottles

Old 10-25-11, 12:46 PM
  #26  
Senior Member
 
MNBikeCommuter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 852

Bikes: Cannondale '92 T600 '95 H600 '01 RT1000

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 89 Post(s)
Liked 104 Times in 80 Posts
They seem to multiply like rabbits. I got one as a gift and now have six, and all leak. Three nozzles have broken off. Time to trap and kill that stray Polar that keeps coming around as I don't want any more...
MNBikeCommuter is offline  
Old 10-25-11, 04:59 PM
  #27  
Senior Member
 
duckracer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 100
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Both of mine also leaked untill I tightened the top really tight, now no leaks.
duckracer is offline  
Old 10-25-11, 05:19 PM
  #28  
CAADdict
 
2ndGen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BF Heaven
Posts: 6,756

Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-?

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by AllezDada
I've found that almost every Polar bottle I have leaks between the top and bottle itself - not a lot, but enough to be annoying because of getting Gatorade on my frame. I have frozen my bottles sometimes, and do wash them in the dishwasher - according to Polar it's supposed to be OK to do that. Has anyone else had this problem?
Solution:




2ndGen is offline  
Old 10-25-11, 05:47 PM
  #29  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SoCal T.O.
Posts: 2,172

Bikes: CAAD9-6, 13' Dawes Haymaker 1500

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 3 Posts
All of mine leaked like that. I threw them all away and bought Camelbak water bottles.
fishymamba is offline  
Old 10-25-11, 06:01 PM
  #30  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 162
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Ok, so Camelbak it is . . .
AllezDada is offline  
Old 10-25-11, 08:33 PM
  #31  
Senior Member
 
Silvercivic27's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,435

Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 191 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Both of mine leak in the same way mentioned.
Silvercivic27 is offline  
Old 10-25-11, 08:33 PM
  #32  
Senior Member
 
Franky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 64
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I've found that almost every Polar bottle I have leaks between the top and bottle itself - not a lot, but enough to be annoying because of getting Gatorade on my frame. I have frozen my bottles sometimes, and do wash them in the dishwasher - according to Polar it's supposed to be OK to do that. Has anyone else had this problem?
yep, they do, when I torque them real tight with a final hand twist, the leak stops.
Franky is offline  
Old 03-25-14, 10:23 AM
  #33  
Newbie
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
We can help!

Originally Posted by AllezDada
I've found that almost every Polar bottle I have leaks between the top and bottle itself - not a lot, but enough to be annoying because of getting Gatorade on my frame. I have frozen my bottles sometimes, and do wash them in the dishwasher - according to Polar it's supposed to be OK to do that. Has anyone else had this problem?
Thank you for addressing this issue here and for everyone who has added their feedback.

We are careful to check the quality of the bottles manufactured and shipped from our warehouse in Boulder, CO but we understand that bottles can get damaged.

That is why we offer a lifetime guarantee on ALL our products and would be happy to replace any of the bottles highlighted in this forum. We also offer free caps, no questions asked.

To request a replacement cap please check out our website here: Free Cap Replacement | PolarBottle.com

For more information on our warranty program: Our Guarantee | PolarBottle.com
Or, feel free to email our customer service associate Adnan (or Otto) directly: mehidic@polarbottle.com

From what we can tell, the leaks in the bottles are caused by small dents that can develop along the inside rim of the bottle. This can be caused from ice, so we advise people to take care when putting ice in their bottle. Again, however, we understand bottles can get damaged so please let us know if you need a replacement.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me directly at elisa@polarbottle.com.

Thanks again for taking the time to post. I hope we can resolve this for you.
Polar Bottle is offline  
Old 03-25-14, 10:27 AM
  #34  
Senior Member
 
awfulwaffle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Novi, MI
Posts: 539

Bikes: Franken-mountain bike, mid-90s Performance TR1000, 1990 Cannondale ST400

Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Yep.
awfulwaffle is offline  
Old 03-25-14, 10:32 AM
  #35  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,604

Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser

Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1063 Post(s)
Liked 771 Times in 499 Posts
No problems here but thank you.
OldTryGuy is offline  
Old 03-25-14, 10:46 AM
  #36  
djb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Montreal Canada
Posts: 13,192
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2732 Post(s)
Liked 955 Times in 785 Posts
Originally Posted by MDfive21
try tightening the bottle with the nipple open. it's tough to get them all the way tight due to the air pressure.

mine get tight before they're completely sealed, but once they're screwed on all the way, they don't leak
We have a winner here!!!
I figured out that with the 4or 5 we have, you just need to screw the lid down with the nipple open. Problem solved.

Used to confuse me before I did this why they would leak a bit after tightening, but open the nipple and it fixes the issue.

Polar fellow-- I really like your bottles, but I would mention this in your marketing, once you know this it takes care of any leaks.
I figured it out by feeling a slight resistance when tightening with nipple closed and realised there was some pressure build up, nipple closed the lid snugs down easier and properly.

For anyone with polars, don't throw them out, they work perfectly well if you pop the nipple when tightening top.

PS the plastic loops are very very handy. Just gotta put em in your holder so loop doesn't get in way when drinking, again not a problem once you use them for a few rides.

Good product all in all.
Cheers
djb is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 01:13 AM
  #37  
Senior Member
 
shyonelung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Healdsburg & Los Angeles, Ca.
Posts: 433

Bikes: 1998 Amp Research dual suspension mtn bike; 2012 Ridley Orion full Carbon (Ultegra)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Both my Polar bottles leak. I've never put ice in them. Just thought it was something I was doing. I have two that I use every day - when it's not in my bike bottle holder, it's on my desk at work. One of my caps is damaged so it's nice to know I can get it replaced. I was just thinking I would have to buy a couple of new bottles but now I'm going to put Polar's customer service to the test.
shyonelung is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 01:33 AM
  #38  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 151

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac / Santa Cruz Blur LTC

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Camelbak makes the best bottles. I can't imagine using anything else.
TheSame is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 06:43 AM
  #39  
Member
 
jdowdy411's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Alabama
Posts: 45

Bikes: 1993 Bianchi Nyala

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have three and they all do it. I usually just make the lids super tight in an attempt to minimize it.
jdowdy411 is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 07:05 AM
  #40  
Senior Member
 
Drakonchik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 740
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by GiantDefyGuy
Yeah. I love my camelback bottles. Camelback has mastered the bottle nipple.

I have never tried Polar because I don't have a good reason too. . . .
Actually the Camelbak lids are interchangeable onto Polar bottles and don't leak, at least not in the kitchen where I've tested.

Get the best of both worlds.
Drakonchik is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 07:13 AM
  #41  
Senior Member
 
DEW21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Motor City
Posts: 262

Bikes: 2012 Giant Escape, 199? Specialized HardRock

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 40 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Polar Bottle
Thank you for addressing this issue here and for everyone who has added their feedback.

We are careful to check the quality of the bottles manufactured and shipped from our warehouse in Boulder, CO but we understand that bottles can get damaged.

That is why we offer a lifetime guarantee on ALL our products and would be happy to replace any of the bottles highlighted in this forum. We also offer free caps, no questions asked.

To request a replacement cap please check out our website here: Free Cap Replacement | PolarBottle.com

For more information on our warranty program: Our Guarantee | PolarBottle.com
Or, feel free to email our customer service associate Adnan (or Otto) directly: mehidic@polarbottle.com

From what we can tell, the leaks in the bottles are caused by small dents that can develop along the inside rim of the bottle. This can be caused from ice, so we advise people to take care when putting ice in their bottle. Again, however, we understand bottles can get damaged so please let us know if you need a replacement.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me directly at elisa@polarbottle.com.

Thanks again for taking the time to post. I hope we can resolve this for you.
Fantastic customer service! Thanks Elisa
DEW21 is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 07:17 AM
  #42  
Senior Member
 
RIRview's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Long Beach, CA
Posts: 421

Bikes: Trek Domane 6.2 Project One

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by 03FinestAL
I've never had a Polar bottle that didn't leak (old and new style). No matter what I tried they leaked. So, like many others I switched to the Camelback bottles and have never looked back.
Go figure--I had just the opposite experience. I really liked the Camelback bottles because they were much easier to squeeze, but no matter how tight I put the cap on, the damn things would always leak all over the bike, so I switched to Polar, and have never had that issue.
RIRview is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 08:16 AM
  #43  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 343
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 45 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts
I've never had an issue with Polar leaking. Both my Camelbak and Polar leak sometimes and i just re-tighten and they are fine.

I've switched to Camelback because I like the flow from the nozzle better. When riding its just a slight more effort. So my daughter and family rock the polar for the soccer fields and hockey games. Camelbaks for the bikes. What I dont like about Camelbak is that the shorter bottle is slightly fatter and they dont fit as well in my cage. I use one tall and one short for my longer rides.

Mr. Polar - if you can get that jet spray nozzle thing happening, I'd go back to Polar in a heartbeat. (cooler, flashy designs!)
inspclouseau is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 08:24 AM
  #44  
Senior Member
 
cderalow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Potomac, MD
Posts: 776

Bikes: 2012 GT Transeo 3 2014 Cannondale CAAD 10 105

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
didn't know about the free caps...

nice.

i've got 4 of them, 3 large ones and 1 small one.

only one of mine leaks and its because i dropped it on the valve and cracked the cap slightly.

otherwise tighten with nipple open, no leak. I also removed the plastic grab loops as I don't use them (in fact snagging it on a cage is what caused me to drop the one I did)
cderalow is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 08:49 AM
  #45  
Senior Member
 
shyonelung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Healdsburg & Los Angeles, Ca.
Posts: 433

Bikes: 1998 Amp Research dual suspension mtn bike; 2012 Ridley Orion full Carbon (Ultegra)

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I emailed Polar last night after posting here. My replacement caps are on the way. So, yeah, great customer service.

Originally Posted by cderalow
didn't know about the free caps...

nice.

i've got 4 of them, 3 large ones and 1 small one.

only one of mine leaks and its because i dropped it on the valve and cracked the cap slightly.

otherwise tighten with nipple open, no leak. I also removed the plastic grab loops as I don't use them (in fact snagging it on a cage is what caused me to drop the one I did)

Last edited by shyonelung; 03-28-14 at 08:12 AM.
shyonelung is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 09:25 AM
  #46  
djb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Montreal Canada
Posts: 13,192
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2732 Post(s)
Liked 955 Times in 785 Posts
again, for those who didnt read it-

tighten top with nipple open and this takes care of leaks.

as further proof, if you tighten the lid with the nipple closed, seemingly screwed down all the way, if you open the nipple a short time later and retighten, the lid will screw down a further 1/8 of a turn more, and voila, no leaks--it must be a pressure thing going on.
djb is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 09:34 AM
  #47  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,744
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Polar Bottle, join date 11/12, first post 3/25/14. That's some lurking! Actually glad she did post.

My unofficial tests over the past few years of using Polar vs Camelbak Podium Chill and Podium Ice have resulted in Polar winning out when it comes to keeping the contents COLD. Ice cube test & filling bottle half way and turning sideways and freezing in freezer test. Used in 100+ temps in Sacramento as well as Reno, Polar insulated better even if I did like the always open design of the Camelbak cap better. Pretty sure my problems with the cap of the bottle leaking were more to carelessness than product defect.
Bostic is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 09:54 AM
  #48  
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 44

Bikes: 09 Felt F3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Ill chip in and say Camelback too...I love mine.
Jackal is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 10:05 AM
  #49  
Senior Member
 
aubiecat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alexander City, Alabama
Posts: 806
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I love my Camelback too. Never had a leak. I never close the valve on mine anyway so I guess that may be why.
I always leave it open so I can pull the bottle out at a monuments notice to squirt dogs that chase me.
I was about to order another 25oz from Amazon but they are unavailable. I think they are between design updates.
Looks like they have redesigned the shape of the bottle and added a bunch of new colors.
aubiecat is offline  
Old 03-26-14, 10:32 AM
  #50  
Senior Member
 
himespau's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,553
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4199 Post(s)
Liked 2,913 Times in 1,781 Posts
I like the insulation and loop of the polar, but the nozzle of the camelbak. Haven't had too much problems with leaking from either, but I only put water in them so if a little dribbles on my while I'm drinking I don't mind - I could usually use the cooling. Plus, I'm not always the neatest drinker anyway while riding and breathing heavily.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?), 1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"





himespau is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.