Fitness Trackers... help me decide

fbchick51

I've lost my pedometer and need to figure out a replacement. I have enough points through my workplace health program to get something but having a tough time deciding what to get.

First off... I am NOT a runner in any way shape or form and never will be. My primary exercises are swimming, weightlifting, water aerobics and Zumba... so any fitness trackers need to be water proof and preferably decent at tracking swim workouts. But I also walk, hike, bike and play various sports for fun. To date, I've only used a simple pedometer, as part of the companies health program to earn points on my movements throughout the day. Of course, I lose out on my primary workouts, but I always just considered it as bonus as I would ensure 10,000 steps a day for the points, plus my workouts on top. But now that I need a replacement, I'm hoping to find something that helps me capture my whole day.

With that in mind, I need a devices that can connect with my companies program, which limits me to Garmin, Fitbit, Polar, or Misfit. Based on my points balance and reviews... here's my options

1. Garmin vivosmart HR+ - Seems to have decent reviews for tracking basic swim information, comes with a built in wrist HR monitor and GPS tracking. Points requirements for it is equivalent to approximately $125.00

2. FitBit Flex 2 - Seems to have similar ratings to the vivosmart HR+, but I'm not sure I'll like the lack of a screen to view stats without needing to pull up the app on my phone. Also notice on a few threads here, people complaining about it's wonky tracking of swim workouts. I'm aware it's an issue with the lower end water proof trackers in general, but I'd rather not waste points if it's not good at tracking the one thing I really want to track. On the other hand, it will only cost me about $65 in equivalent points.

3. Garmin vivoactive HR - I'm actually a bit short on points, but from the reviews, it looks like my best overall option as far as swimming goes. I'm a little put off by the overall size, as it's bulkier then anything I've worn in a long, long time, but I think I'd get used to it if it works as well as all the reviews say. Other down side, I'm about 1500 points shy (which I need a pedometer or tracker to earn that much), so I would have to pick up another cheep pedometer and then hopefully earn this by christmas (which was my original plan all along).

4. I can also trade in the bucks for about $150 in gift cards to either Amazon or Target to buy one through there. While I'm willing to throw a little cash as well to get something worthwhile, not really looking for anything more then $200 total.

So.. with ALL that, what would you do and why?

Grnhouse

I have used #1 for close to a year. No problem with it.

Duck_Puddle

I have the Garmin Vivoactive HR. It's a lot of bang for the buck. I find it does well tracking my lap swimming (it matches my own count) and all the stuff that goes with it. It also does a fine job with all the other sports-walking/running/biking/hiking/etc. and can connect to a whole host of extra sensors if you ever wanted to use them. It is not the most attractive wearable (but that's also just my opinion of a highly subjective thing). But it really is a great watch for the money and does a better job with swimming than I would expect at that price point. I don't have any experience with the others you listed. I can only confirm that the VAHR is a lot of bang for the buck and will definitely handle your swimming needs (which seems to be a primary point).

jennybearlv

I have an old Vivoactive non-HR. It is not bulky at all and I thought it worked well for tracking lap swimming. Worked great for biking too. If they still make it they should sell for less than the HR. No HR info unless you buy a strap but it has a longer battery life and less bulk.

fbchick51

Duck_Puddle wrote: »

I have the Garmin Vivoactive HR. It's a lot of bang for the buck. I find it does well tracking my lap swimming (it matches my own count) and all the stuff that goes with it. It also does a fine job with all the other sports-walking/running/biking/hiking/etc. and can connect to a whole host of extra sensors if you ever wanted to use them. It is not the most attractive wearable (but that's also just my opinion of a highly subjective thing). But it really is a great watch for the money and does a better job with swimming than I would expect at that price point. I don't have any experience with the others you listed. I can only confirm that the VAHR is a lot of bang for the buck and will definitely handle your swimming needs (which seems to be a primary point).

Honestly, That's exactly what I keep reading from most reviews. As luck would have it, I did manage to locate my pedometer last last night (Hiding in the garden where I took it off to clean up, LOL). So I'm leaning more towards waiting till I earn enough for the Vivoactive.