Fitbit Charge, Flex, Fit-- Oh, my!

NekoneMeowMixx

It was suggest to me that I post this in the FitBit group, as there may be a wealthier source of knowledge/better opinions from those who currently own and utilize them...

So I currently have a Polar FT4, which I love; but unfortunately being a slightly bustier woman, I find the chest strap to be rather inconvenient-- especially since in order to get the most accurate (and consistent) reading, I need to have it under the bottom strap of my sports bra. Ladies, you can imagine my woes...

Normally I'm not one for fancy gadgets, and the more hype a product like this gets, the more suspect I tend to become. But the idea of having something that can both track my progress 24/7, and track my progress specifically throughout a workout, is amazing... Apparently there are a zillion point seven different FitBits to choose from, and before diving too hard into the research, I figured I'd ask around for suggestions from people who actually *own* them...

The biggest thing I like about the FT4, is that I can watch my calories burned count go up as I'm working out. This is really important for me, as it helps motivate me, and lets me know if I need to go "just a little longer/harder". So something with an easy read-out and/or app that syncs in real time so I can watch my progress would be perfect.

Aside from that, I'm mostly just looking for the most cost-effective option that will sync (with MFP, preferably) and doesn't require me going out and buying a load of accessories (like the FitBit scale-- that seems a bit over the top to me) in order to utilize it properly.

Also open to suggestions outside of FitBit! Thanks in advance!

Robbnva

Polar M400 is an activity tracker with a heart rate monitor built in. I personally like my charge HR but then again I didn't have to pay for mine.

editorgrrl

You don't need a Fitbit Aria wifi scale to use a Fitbit activity tracker—it's just another product they sell.

Fitbits have a 45-day money back guarantee. Even easier, buy one at a retail store near you & keep the receipt. If you don't like it, return it—or exchange it for a different model.

NancyN795

I have a Charge HR. For me, it does a good job of reading my heart rate. It has a display, so you can check it from time to time during a workout to see how many calories you've burned, etc.. However, the display doesn't stay on. You have to push the button.

I've been keeping careful track for the past month and it does an excellent job of measuring my TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). I know this because I've lost almost exactly the amount of weight predicted.

The Surge also tracks heart rate. I didn't get it because 1) it's much more expensive; 2) has features I don't really need; and 3) it's HUGE!

If you decide you don't need heart rate monitoring (my old FitBit One did a good job without it) then I think your options are the One, the Flex and the Zip.

You probably don't want a Flex because it doesn't have a display.

The Zip is the cheapest, but has the fewest features. I think it uses a replaceable battery, rather than a rechargeable. It does have a display, though.

The One has a display and doesn't have to be worn on your wrist. You can stick it in a pocket or clip it to your bra. I liked that aspect of it, but it also led to its downfall. I forgot to take it out of my pocket and it got washed.