Garmin Vivosmart or Fitbit Charge

TdaniT

I am looking at getting a fitness tracker. Actually my parents want to buy me one for Christmas but of course they want to know which one I want. I currently use a Polar FT4 when I run/walk which hasn't been very much as of late. My parents want to help motivate me and I appreciate it.

My dad was thinking the Fitbit Charge, but when I tried on the small in store (tiny wrists - only thing small on me....) it wasn't comfortable and I am worried that I can't get used to wearing it.

Then I saw the Garmin Vivosmart. I haven't tried one on yet but it looks more comfortable.

So....opinions/advice/suggestions?

jdhcm2006

I have the Vivofit and it's comfortable. I forget I have it on sometimes. And the Vivosmart looks like it's a bit smaller than the V.fit, so I think it could be a good fit for you. Also, I know that the Smart has the option of using a HRM. Idk if the Charge does. It might be a deciding factor for you.

TdaniT

I do like that I would be able to use a chest strap with the Vivosmart so I don't have to use the HRM that I have. I thought about waiting for the Charge HR but I don't think I like the reviews on a wrist based HRM.

StaciMarie1974

I have the Fitbit One - worn by clipping to body rather than on wrist. I really like it. Honestly from what I've seen: the Fitbit wrist devices are not worth buying right now. The Flex does not have any information on the display - so if you wear a watch now you'll need to wear the watch & the Flex and sync to a phone or computer to see your stats. The Charge, Surge are brand new. Its rarely a good idea to buy brand new technology. Better to let others try it out, find the bugs & glitches.

My husband has the Polar Loop. Wrist device, water proof (not just water resistant) and it can be paired with Polar HRM for more accurate info during cardio. (Though it may not work with the strap you currently have - I'm not sure.) Anyhow, it tracks steps and such - also is supposed to be good for picking up more types of activity than just running or walking. He sets an activity goal - and it shows him where he is in the process of meeting that goal. IF I were buying a wrist device right now, I'd have to go with the Loop.

And in terms of HRM I think Polar is the leading company in that industry... I did read a review of the wrist based HRM from Fitbit uses jointly w/ a chest strap: and it was off/low consistently.

carlosjenno

Complete Garmin addict here, so despite not having used the Vivosmart, I've had a Vivofit for a while and it's been helpful. Also got a Swim, an Edge 500 and two Forerunner 110s in the house, one mine, one the wifes. And she's got a Vivofit too. Told you, addict.

jaliving

Note that only a couple brands of fitness trackers will sync Step counts with MFP. Others, like the Garmin lineup, will only sync Calorie adjustments.

StaciMarie1974

Polar Loop does NOT sync with MFP at the present time. But its easy enough to manually adjust if you're ok with a little math.

1. Set MFP for maintenance. See what calories in they recommend. This is what MFP thinks is your daily TDEE. (Then can reset to whatever your goal: gain, loss?)
2. Look up your BMR and divide by 24 to know an hourly amount.
3. When you're 'done' for the day, take your Polar Loop current calorie burn, add hourly BMR for hours remaining. If higher than the value in step 1 - log 1 minute as Polar Adjustment for the difference.

Works for any tracker that does not sync w/ MFP. As your weight changes, occasionally recheck BMR & MFP expected calories per day for accuracy.

zipa78

I have the Vivosmart with the HRM belt. Works like a charm, battery lasts for a week, has a silent alarm clock and shows messages and notifications from my iPhone. Also, it is waterproof, which is a must for me as I like swimming.

TdaniT

Is the phone notifications annoying? I think it would be neat to have and I am no inundated with people calling/texting me but I don't want to get annoyed with it.

SnuggleSmacks

The Up3 should ship 12/22 for preorders. Have you looked at it? It has some of the tech from Bodymedia, which was the most accurate first generation tracker, so it has a great deal of promise. With overnight shipping, you should get it in time for Christmas.

TdaniT

I will take a look at the Up3, thanks!