Can you help me pick the right fitness tracking gadget

brightsideofpink

Some information:
I've had a basic fitbit zip for a year now. I like it and I've had it long enough to figure out its accuracy, etc. But as the clip broke and I'm tired of replacing batteries every few weeks, I'm considering my options.

Here is what I'd like to get out of a gadget (or set of gadgets):
I pay close attention to the CI/CO so I would like something I can use for estimating calorie burn.
I run more now, and I'd like something that can do basic gps tracking so I know my distance, and a timer/stopwatch feature so I know my pace.
I don't swim so waterproof isn't necessary.
I prefer not to use anything I have to strap to my chest.
It doesn't need to play music or answer phone calls.
I do some exercises which don't correlate well to step based monitoring, such as an elliptical or ARC machine, occasional biking, but I'd estimate 90% of my intentional exercise is walking or running.
I would really like it to sync with MFP.
I'm not stuck on a hard budget, but I'd really like to keep it below $200 if possible.

Thanks in advance!!

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ScubaSteve1962

StrongAsFuarkBear wrote: »

Fitbit charge Hr or Surge. Lol @ people who will recommend polar.

Since they don't want a chest strap that eliminates polar and few other of the BETTER ones, but they want something for elliptical or ARC machines and occasional biking, well fitbit isn't great with any of those, the surge would be the only one but it's eliminated by the $200 plus price tag.

brightsideofpink

THank you both for writing. I don't need something for ARC or biking. As I mentioned, that makes up less than 10% of my cardio. Maybe it would help for recommendations if I ordered my priorities: no chest strap; calorie estimations; gps and timing function to check pace during or after a run; sync to MFP; heartrate monitor; below $200. Maybe there's no one gadget that does that, which is partially why I am asking as I'm not familiar with every model. Perhaps a basic running watch and separate basic fitbit is best?

ScubaSteve1962

Try this site, but it may be a stretch to find something with a gps and HRM for under $200. I prefer the ones with chest straps, don't anything about the others.

http://www.heartratemonitors.com/

editorgrrl

brightsideofpink wrote: »

Maybe it would help for recommendations if I ordered my priorities:
no chest strap;
calorie estimations;
gps and timing function to check pace during or after a run;
sync to MFP;
heartrate monitor;
below $200.

I'm pretty sure the Fitbit Charge HR does all that. I don't run, so I haven't used the voice cues: http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/About-MobileRun

You can learn more in the Fitbit Users group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users

ScubaSteve1962

This might help you also

http://www.wareable.com/fitness-trackers/the-best-gps-running-watches

brightsideofpink

Thank you both!

brianpperkins

Most wrist mounted HR devices have accuracy issues during exercise. The more accurate devices tend to be wider, have better side shielding, and are worn tightly around the wrist or forearm.

http://www.cnet.com/news/how-accurate-are-wristband-heart-rate-monitors/
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/fitbit-surge-depth-review.html
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/01/mio-link-first-look.html
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/05/scosche-antbluetooth-optical.html



Estimating net calories from running or walking is pretty much a function of weight and distance traveled. HR is a nice data point, but not needed for caloric estimation.

http://www.runnersworld.com/weight-loss/how-many-calories-are-you-really-burning?page=single



That opens up several devices that do all day activity tracking, have a GPS, and are under $200 ... including the Polar M400 (without HR strap) and Garmin Forerunner 15.

brightsideofpink

brianpperkins wrote: »

Estimating net calories from running or walking is pretty much a function of weight and distance traveled. HR is a nice data point, but not needed for caloric estimation.

That opens up several devices that do all day activity tracking, have a GPS, and are under $200 ... including the Polar M400 (without HR strap) and Garmin Forerunner 15.

Thank you. I suspected as much but was unsure. I've managed to balance and understand my CI/CO equation thus far using a simple fitbit as a monitor of my activity, so I figured the need for a heart rate monitor was low for this purpose. The two trackers you have listed are on my now shrinking list- both are also on the list that ScubaSteve shared. Thanks again!

XavierNusum

Polar M400 hands down. It has gps for running, pairs with a chest strap HRM for continuous, EKG quality readings and also does 24/7 activity tracking.

brightsideofpink

I was all set to order the M400 and found it isn't yet compatible with android os. I'll take a look at the Forerunner next.

XavierNusum

brightsideofpink wrote: »

I was all set to order the M400 and found it isn't yet compatible with android os. I'll take a look at the Forerunner next.

Are you sure that's still the case? I have a Loop which uses the same app and it works just fine on Android OS.