Is the Fitbit flex enough?

bmchenry02
bmchenry02 Posts: 233 Member
edited November 21 in Fitness and Exercise
After seeing a double pack of Fitbit at Costco ($97, prob the flex model though I didn't look closely) I'm wanting to get one.
I looked up the different models online and I'm curious if you have the flex do you find it to be enough for you? Is it accurate that the flex doesn't count stairs? I like the price at Costco but I'm thinking I'll outgrow it and want to upgrade to the charge (I like the watch feature)
I don't need the gps and I'm not interested in the HR monitor...fear it won't pick mine up. Always have an issue.

Thx!

Replies

  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    I lost the weight & maintained for eight months with a Fitbit Flex. I upgraded to Charge HR because it has a heart rate monitor and a real buckle (rather than the clasp).

    They all calculate your TDEE and sync with MFP. Fitbit challenges are great motivation—and fun.

    You can learn more in the Fitbit Users group: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/1290-fitbit-users
  • Timelordlady85
    Timelordlady85 Posts: 797 Member
    I started with the flex and then upgraded to the fitbit charge, definitely glad I switched to the charge and not wanting to burst your bubble, but I shop at Sam's club their not a double pack, they just offer both sizes of the bracelet but only one fitbit thing to put into the bracelet. Its a large bracelet and medium-small bracelet. I'd still recommend the charge, its not really that much more money and I find it sturdier then the fitbit flex. Only thing nice about the flex is all the different colored bracelets you can cheap if your into matching your clothes with your fitness gear.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    edited July 2015
    Timelordlady85 wrote: »
    They're not a double pack, they just offer both sizes of the bracelet but only one fitbit thing to put into the bracelet. Its a large bracelet and medium-small bracelet.

    Good catch!
    bmchenry02 wrote: »
    Is it accurate that the flex doesn't count stairs?

    The stair counter doesn't affect your burn in any way—it's just a fun motivating metric.

    Which model you choose is entirely a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't get the Charge, though. It's only $20 less than the Charge HR, with no heart rate monitor and a clasp rather than a secure buckle.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    I have the Fitbit Charge and Charge HR and love it. The best thing about these trackers is that they keep you aware of your activity level and keep you moving. Select the one with the features you want. I love the sleep monitor in both because I like to track my sleep. Not sure how accurate the heart rate monitors are with steady state cardio but they come close. I checked them against my Polar HRM which I stopped using since I have the Fitbits. The only downside seems to be the batteries holding a charge, but if you have a problem their customer service is outstanding.
  • shelbseroo
    shelbseroo Posts: 9 Member
    My fiance works at a place that sells them, I have a flex and he has a charge which he chose specifically over the HR because there were a lot of reports he read citing people were getting rashes from the HR's clasp, due to the glue they were using to manufacture them.

    He and I both love our fitbits, and using a scale we have both almost reached our goal weights in four months :)
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    trina1049 wrote: »
    The only downside seems to be the batteries holding a charge, but if you have a problem their customer service is outstanding.

    Here's how to maximize the battery life for every model: http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/Tracker-battery-information
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    editorgrrl wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »
    The only downside seems to be the batteries holding a charge, but if you have a problem their customer service is outstanding.

    Here's how to maximize the battery life for every model: http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/Tracker-battery-information

    Thanks! I read this when I purchased my Charge HR but, sadly, it had a defective battery (seems pretty common). I was only getting a 1 to 2 day charge on mine. They replaced it at no cost to me.
  • bmchenry02
    bmchenry02 Posts: 233 Member
    Wow thanks everyone! I'm going to go with the charge. Costco has it for $124 but only in black. And yes, I noticed today the dual pack of flex is an extra band...it all makes sense now. Can't wait!!
  • lkw1239
    lkw1239 Posts: 7 Member
    Get it from amazon!! So much Cheaper!
  • jessicapk
    jessicapk Posts: 574 Member
    I loved my Flex and it really helped to motivate me and keep me moving. I upgraded to the Garmin Vivofit 2 for a few reasons. Mainly, you NEVER have to charge it. A year from now, I might have to change the battery. You can also swim with it on and I have with no problems. It has a display where you can scroll through all your info without using the phone. The only drawback is that Garmin is not as widespread as Fitbit on trackers and Fitbit has much better challenges and such. Not a biggie for me. Also, there are less fashionable options for the Vivofit 2 and the ones out there are more expensive. The Flex is so common that there are oodles of CHEAP bands online (Amazon...). I loved my Flex but I like the Vivofit 2 better overall.
  • KenziesFrenzies
    KenziesFrenzies Posts: 1,014 Member
    I have the Fitbit Charge, and I like it. I wouldn't recommend the Charge HR for tracking your heart rate (I did SO much research on this when deciding which one to buy -- every single thing I read told me the Charge HR did great for reading your heart rate during sustained cardio (jogging, cycling, etc), but it was crap for strength training, so I bought an actual HRM instead for optimal accuracy), but since you're not bothered by the heart rate tracking part, go for it!
  • FitPhillygirl
    FitPhillygirl Posts: 7,124 Member
    mackenzies_frenzies wrote: »
    I have the Fitbit Charge, and I like it. I wouldn't recommend the Charge HR for tracking your heart rate (I did SO much research on this when deciding which one to buy -- every single thing I read told me the Charge HR did great for reading your heart rate during sustained cardio (jogging, cycling, etc), but it was crap for strength training, so I bought an actual HRM instead for optimal accuracy), but since you're not bothered by the heart rate tracking part, go for it!

    I had the Charge HR for a short period of time and wouldn't recomend it either. It was very inaccurate "most" of the time. My resting HR is always in the upper 40's to mid 50's. The Charge HR said it was in the 70's all the time, even when I was lying down. I ended up returning it and getting the Vivofit 2 which I love. Never have to charge it or remove it when I'm swimming or showering since it's waterproof.
  • bmchenry02
    bmchenry02 Posts: 233 Member
    edited July 2015
    Well my anniversary is coming up so I will just keep flashing my bare wrist!! Hahaha
  • shadowfax_c11
    shadowfax_c11 Posts: 1,942 Member
    I have a flex and really love it. I had to do without it for two weeks while customer service addressed a battery charging problem for me and I really missed it. So happy to have it back on my wrist. I got a really nice band on Amazon that has a buckle rather than a clasp and am very happy with it.
  • kindrabbit
    kindrabbit Posts: 837 Member
    Eileen_S wrote: »
    mackenzies_frenzies wrote: »
    I have the Fitbit Charge, and I like it. I wouldn't recommend the Charge HR for tracking your heart rate (I did SO much research on this when deciding which one to buy -- every single thing I read told me the Charge HR did great for reading your heart rate during sustained cardio (jogging, cycling, etc), but it was crap for strength training, so I bought an actual HRM instead for optimal accuracy), but since you're not bothered by the heart rate tracking part, go for it!

    I had the Charge HR for a short period of time and wouldn't recomend it either. It was very inaccurate "most" of the time. My resting HR is always in the upper 40's to mid 50's. The Charge HR said it was in the 70's all the time, even when I was lying down. I ended up returning it and getting the Vivofit 2 which I love. Never have to charge it or remove it when I'm swimming or showering since it's waterproof.

    Do you have to wear a chest strap to get your heart rate with the vivofit 2?
  • DuckReconMajor
    DuckReconMajor Posts: 434 Member
    editorgrrl wrote: »
    The stair counter doesn't affect your burn in any way—it's just a fun motivating

    Where did you get this info? I search for stuff like this but can't find it.

    Another question if you happen to know: How does the Charge HR's exercise mode alter the calorie burn reported during that time? How much accuracy is lost if you just work out without the Exercise Mode being on?
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    The charge HR heart rate monitor is a random number generator and has little to do with actual heart rate (my experience anyway). I've turned it off on my one and wish I had brought a cheaper model
  • bmchenry02
    bmchenry02 Posts: 233 Member
    DuckReconMajor wrote: »
    editorgrrl wrote: »
    The stair counter doesn't affect your burn in any way—it's just a fun motivating

    Where did you get this info? I search for stuff like this but can't find it.

    Another question if you happen to know: How does the Charge HR's exercise mode alter the calorie burn reported during that time? How much accuracy is lost if you just work out without the Exercise Mode being on?

    I'm confused on this too. Does it just count the steps but doesn't calculate them into your TDEE?
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    DuckReconMajor wrote: »
    How does the Charge HR's exercise mode alter the calorie burn reported during that time?

    It doesn't: https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/How-do-I-log-or-record-exercise-automatically
    The exercise mode on your Charge HR, Charge, Force, One, or Ultra lets you capture detailed data about your workout… similar to the trip mode on a car’s odometer.
  • Mgonza55
    Mgonza55 Posts: 14 Member
    Love my flex!
  • FitPhillygirl
    FitPhillygirl Posts: 7,124 Member
    Karen_libert wrote: »
    Eileen_S wrote: »
    mackenzies_frenzies wrote: »
    I have the Fitbit Charge, and I like it. I wouldn't recommend the Charge HR for tracking your heart rate (I did SO much research on this when deciding which one to buy -- every single thing I read told me the Charge HR did great for reading your heart rate during sustained cardio (jogging, cycling, etc), but it was crap for strength training, so I bought an actual HRM instead for optimal accuracy), but since you're not bothered by the heart rate tracking part, go for it!

    I had the Charge HR for a short period of time and wouldn't recomend it either. It was very inaccurate "most" of the time. My resting HR is always in the upper 40's to mid 50's. The Charge HR said it was in the 70's all the time, even when I was lying down. I ended up returning it and getting the Vivofit 2 which I love. Never have to charge it or remove it when I'm swimming or showering since it's waterproof.

    Do you have to wear a chest strap to get your heart rate with the vivofit 2?

    Yes, I purchased the one that included the chest strap. I only wear it when I'm doing steady state cardio exercises, though.
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