Jawbone up or fitbit flex.

amandaj1966
amandaj1966 Posts: 342 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I really want a wristband that tracks my exercise and daily movements but really don't know which one to go for.

What do other people have and what are your views.

I can't afford to spend money on something that will end up in a drawer somewhere cos it doesn't do what it says on the box. x

Replies

  • MelyndaWaldner
    MelyndaWaldner Posts: 442 Member
    I am debating this as well... All the reviews I have read online have said the flex is better. But it's still a tough decision. Unfortunately I don't live in the states, so the flex is 6-8 weeks shipping on top of the 6-8 weeks on back order so i might go with the up because it is available...
  • amandaj1966
    amandaj1966 Posts: 342 Member
    I am debating this as well... All the reviews I have read online have said the flex is better. But it's still a tough decision. Unfortunately I don't live in the states, so the flex is 6-8 weeks shipping on top of the 6-8 weeks on back order so i might go with the up because it is available...

    I live in the uk, I didn't realise that it was another 6/8 weeks on top of the release date. I can't wait that long. .
  • rassha01
    rassha01 Posts: 534 Member
    I have got a nike fuelband. It counts your steps, estimates calories based on settings, and adds up nike fuel, oops can't forget that it also doubles as a watch. I am willing to sell it for $100 lol. I would rather try the new flex. Using the fitbit website for my scale and the nike+ website for my fuelband, the fitbit site definately wins in the PC, IT category. Nike does not offer very much data for what you pay!!!

    I can also vouch for fitbit's connectivity. Using their scale, it sinks my weight wirelessly between their site and MFP. Also with the delay for the launch of the flex, I am guessing they have worked out a lot of the bugs.
  • sylf1966
    sylf1966 Posts: 52
    I recently purchased the Polar Ft7 and it works for me, regardless of what you purchase just be certain it has the functions you need. This is my 3rd day with the polar and I am so glad I have a HRM. MFP calories burned were over stated by over 160 calories and for someone who @ 1200 calories a day, it is major! Along with a food scale, a HRM is a great tool to loosing weight. Good Luck with your choice :)
  • MelyndaWaldner
    MelyndaWaldner Posts: 442 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 as well and I agree it was well worth the money. But I wanted something to track everything 24/7 not just when I run or workout..
  • twinsmom7602
    twinsmom7602 Posts: 55 Member
    My friend just bought the Flex after having the FITBIT one. She isn't very satisfied with the Flex, and may go back to using the One. :)
  • amandaj1966
    amandaj1966 Posts: 342 Member
    Thanks guys for all your comments, I've just ordered myself a jawbone up, can't wait for it to arrive.

    I decided not to go with the flex, 2 reasons, I couldn't wait and I had heard a few bad remarks about it. Most items have a few teething problems to begin with. xx
  • Melanie123100
    Melanie123100 Posts: 2
    I went to Best Buy with the intent of purchasing the Flex and ended up with 2 Ups for me and my husband. The Flex was out of stock and I really like the look and feel of the Up. For some reason I don't care for the assymetrical look of the Flex. I have an iPhone and my husband has Android, the Up syncs with MyFitnessPal and Runkeeper with iPhone but not Android. The Up comes in 3 sizes that fit to your wrist which I like. I also didn't care for the watchband style of the Flex. BUT I would much rather have the Bluetooth syncing of the Flex then having to remove the Up to sync, but it's not a big deal. Neither come with any instructions so the best reference I found was YouTube.

    The battery life on the Up is MUCH greater than on the Flex. So although you don't have to remove the Flex to sync, you do have to remove it to charge more often. The Up lasts about 10 days on a charge. Just the price you pay for Bluetooth capability.

    I figured out that the device calculates your BMR/calorie burn for 3 modes, sleep, active and workout. You manually switch the Up band between the 3 throughout your day (easy enough). So even if you leave your device on your nightstand, or forget to change from sleep to active, your total burn is going to calculate calories for the mode it was in, but you won't get credit for extra calories you burned.

    So when I first put my Up on at 3 in the afternoon, it calculated resting calories from midnight to 3 p.m.

    The steps are accurate regardless of the mode you're in. I attempted to put it in workout mode but instead put it in sleep mode (didn't click and hold fast enough) so my steps were accurate but my calories were too low. Makes sense once you understand the logic.

    The Up only works on your phone app, not on a website. Not sure about the Flex.

    I think it's a personal preference between the two. I'm sure within 6 months they'll both be outdated and there will be something more accurate, more stylish and more convenient on the market.

    Good luck!
  • urbansocialight
    urbansocialight Posts: 1
    Thank you Melanie for such an articulate and succinct review. I just (literally less than 15 minutes ago) purchased the Up online and had instant buyers remorse because I'd completely forgot about the Flex until I submitted my order. Then I remembered how much my boss loves her Fitbit One and highly recommended the brand. Now, I'm confident in my purchase and I'll give it a whirl. And you are so right, the next big thing is likely around the corner and plus, it comes with a 60 money back guarantee!
  • Kttyler87
    Kttyler87 Posts: 141 Member
    My friend tried to get the flex at Best buy and they said its discontinued. Not sure how true this is, but on amazon it claims their out of stock.
  • pkingfox
    pkingfox Posts: 25
    Flex is brand new....just released first of May.....I have the Flex and I love it however there are draw backs I am learning about. The calorie burn stat is not accurate - I don't know how far NOT accurate and I have been told that the only accurate calorie burn calculation is with HRMs. I love that it tracks 24/7 something HRMs do not do. Does anyone know of ONE device which will track HR, distances, calories burned and steps??? I feel that now I need to go purchase a HRM just to get the accurate data I need and even then the HRM will only calculate when I am exercising.....it's a very confusing racquet they have going. I do love my flex but find that I get different calorie counts btw Runkeeper (I use for walking) and Flex.
    I didn't mean to cause any more confusion - it's just I don't want to walk around with more devices on me than necessary! :ohwell:
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    The Bodymedia Fit is more accurate than both of them. Have a look at that.
  • dawningr
    dawningr Posts: 387 Member
    The Bodymedia Fit is more accurate than both of them. Have a look at that.

    Where are you getting this data? All the reviews I've read so far have given the upperhand to the fitbit one.
  • thathorn
    thathorn Posts: 2 Member
    http://forums.jawbone.com/t5/SUGGESTIONS/Integrate-with-MyFitnessPal-Please/td-p/4808

    http://forums.jawbone.com/t5/SUGGESTIONS/Integrate-with-MyFitnessPal-Please/td-p/4808



    Melanie, how did you sync your jawbone up? I've been searching for a way for months....as have hundreds of other people (see link below). I'm going to get the flex. It looks more comfortable than my UP and I like that I can switch bands.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    The Bodymedia Fit is more accurate than both of them. Have a look at that.

    Where are you getting this data? All the reviews I've read so far have given the upperhand to the fitbit one.
    Fit it one most accurate for steps but BMF for calories.
  • trishtn
    trishtn Posts: 4 Member
    Hi guys, I have the fitbit flex. The reason i got it was because my fitbit ultra was marking my breast, because i wore it on my bra. I did it because i had placed it on my waist band once, and lost it during one of my walks (had to back track and i found it). I love the flex, what i dont like is that the power does not last long.
  • Kttyler87
    Kttyler87 Posts: 141 Member
    Yeah forgot to tell you too, the jawbone last 10 days. Its awesome not to worry. It will notify you when to charge it also. My jawbone was syncing well to MFP and for some reason it stopped....Not sure what the issue it there.
  • Bella1204
    Bella1204 Posts: 1
    I have the body media body bug but it really isn't very concealable and you aren't supposed to wear it to sleep or in the shower. I've been going back and forth which to get next, the jawbone or fitbit - alot of reviews seem to be pretty comparable, the only major difference is the wireless sinking available with the fitbit. I'll be using my iphone primarily and happy that the UP syncs with my fitness pal. i think I'll be ordering UP :)
  • murali2227
    murali2227 Posts: 3 Member
    I am an unhappy user of UP. Got one about 6 months ago and it completely failed a couple of months later. Simply died. They sent me a replacement which I was happy to use before it died too!! So, the UP band is excellent when it works! I now plan on trying out the Flex.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    I have the body media body bug but it really isn't very concealable and you aren't supposed to wear it to sleep or in the shower. I've been going back and forth which to get next, the jawbone or fitbit - alot of reviews seem to be pretty comparable, the only major difference is the wireless sinking available with the fitbit. I'll be using my iphone primarily and happy that the UP syncs with my fitness pal. i think I'll be ordering UP :)
    You ARE SUPPOSED to wear it when you sleep. It has a sleep tracker.
  • psm450
    psm450 Posts: 8 Member
    I also had an Up that died after a few months, seems to be pretty common that they last 8-12 weeks and then have issues. Go see the Amazon reviews. I have a fitbit flex now that is more comfortable and easier to sync. The fitbit app is better as well.
  • gfroniewski
    gfroniewski Posts: 168
    I just ordered my Flex for $50 from Brookstone. I am really excited to get it on Tuesday and try it out. I have read mixed reviews about all the top competitors and come to the conclusion that these are supplementary tools for people who already have a good idea of their activity level. You can't expect to pick one of these up and have it track your calories and steps down to single digits. Everyone is different and may use it in different ways. I am sure a lot of people don't even add their stride length in when they get it!

    For me, having a 24/7 tracker that provides me with a CONSISTENT (maybe not 100%, perfectly accurate) account of my activity is the goal. No matter what it is making you move more!
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    I just ordered my Flex for $50 from Brookstone. I am really excited to get it on Tuesday and try it out. I have read mixed reviews about all the top competitors and come to the conclusion that these are supplementary tools for people who already have a good idea of their activity level. You can't expect to pick one of these up and have it track your calories and steps down to single digits. Everyone is different and may use it in different ways. I am sure a lot of people don't even add their stride length in when they get it!

    For me, having a 24/7 tracker that provides me with a CONSISTENT (maybe not 100%, perfectly accurate) account of my activity is the goal. No matter what it is making you move more!

    I agree! People tend to get carried away with micro analyzing every minute detail.
    These gadgets are designed to give you an overview of your life.
    None of them are accurate to a 100%. Not even the calorie labels on packages are 100%.

    If you look at your week in review and see that you had consistent movement on 6 days and one day you only walked 380 steps, you know where the work needs to be done.

    They also are a completely different beast than a HRM. There really (as far as I know) isn't a way to consolidate a HRM into a pedometer at this point. If you want an incredibly accurate account of calories burned during a workout, you need a chest strap HRM. No glorified pedometer is going to give as accurate information like a good HRM (for workouts).

    I've had my Fitbit One for several months and am very happy with it's accuracy.
    Today I'm taking advantage of the Brookstone deal to get a Fitbit Flex, for my daughter.
  • gfroniewski
    gfroniewski Posts: 168
    I just ordered my Flex for $50 from Brookstone. I am really excited to get it on Tuesday and try it out. I have read mixed reviews about all the top competitors and come to the conclusion that these are supplementary tools for people who already have a good idea of their activity level. You can't expect to pick one of these up and have it track your calories and steps down to single digits. Everyone is different and may use it in different ways. I am sure a lot of people don't even add their stride length in when they get it!

    For me, having a 24/7 tracker that provides me with a CONSISTENT (maybe not 100%, perfectly accurate) account of my activity is the goal. No matter what it is making you move more!

    I agree! People tend to get carried away with micro analyzing every minute detail.
    These gadgets are designed to give you an overview of your life.
    None of them are accurate to a 100%. Not even the calorie labels on packages are 100%.

    If you look at your week in review and see that you had consistent movement on 6 days and one day you only walked 380 steps, you know where the work needs to be done.

    They also are a completely different beast than a HRM. There really (as far as I know) isn't a way to consolidate a HRM into a pedometer at this point. If you want an incredibly accurate account of calories burned during a workout, you need a chest strap HRM. No glorified pedometer is going to give as accurate information like a good HRM (for workouts).

    I've had my Fitbit One for several months and am very happy with it's accuracy.
    Today I'm taking advantage of the Brookstone deal to get a Fitbit Flex, for my daughter.

    Good call! Let me know how they compare. I am expecting my flex on Tuesday. :)
  • jared427
    jared427 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi Guys,

    Great info on this thread. I was wondering if someone can clarify their purchase price for the flex. I cant find it available anywhere and definitely not for $50. Thanks
  • healthyKYgirl
    healthyKYgirl Posts: 272 Member
    I have the body media body bug but it really isn't very concealable and you aren't supposed to wear it to sleep or in the shower. I've been going back and forth which to get next, the jawbone or fitbit - alot of reviews seem to be pretty comparable, the only major difference is the wireless sinking available with the fitbit. I'll be using my iphone primarily and happy that the UP syncs with my fitness pal. i think I'll be ordering UP :)

    I have the body media fit and wear that to sleep. It tracks sleep patterns and from what I see very accurately.
  • Pheoniex85
    Pheoniex85 Posts: 3 Member
    It looks like I just missed the big Brokkstone Flex deal? I waited and waited for the Flex announcement, and now that it is out on a 6-8 week back order on Amazon and FitBit's website.
    As I started looking around, it seems that people are still giving an upper hand to the FitBit One though. I couldn't help but wonder after watching a few only video reviews, does the FitBit One body fit into the Flex silicon bracelet? I like the idea of having various wearing options such as clip OR bracelet and not just one or the other. If anyone knows, can you please confirm it here.
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    It looks like I just missed the big Brokkstone Flex deal? I waited and waited for the Flex announcement, and now that it is out on a 6-8 week back order on Amazon and FitBit's website.
    As I started looking around, it seems that people are still giving an upper hand to the FitBit One though. I couldn't help but wonder after watching a few only video reviews, does the FitBit One body fit into the Flex silicon bracelet? I like the idea of having various wearing options such as clip OR bracelet and not just one or the other. If anyone knows, can you please confirm it here.

    The Fitbit One does not fit in the Flex band. It's to big.

    Brookstone is now sold out of the Flex. But, you can still get the deal on the One:

    It's 99.99 add this code in the cart to bring it to 79.99 - ACDAD20

    then get the 25/50 groupon deal here (copy and paste the URL):
    http://gr.pn/18M6VCO

    brings the total to 54.95.
  • Pheoniex85
    Pheoniex85 Posts: 3 Member
    Thank you for the tip, just finished ordering on Brookstone! Now to await the arrival!

    On a side note, does anyone here have any tips for a wrist strap (other than the sleeping pouch!), watch band or necklace to wear the FitBit One with? I thought about looking into one of those silicone watch bands that it might fit in.
  • FakingFitness
    FakingFitness Posts: 325 Member
    Thank you for the tip, just finished ordering on Brookstone! Now to await the arrival!

    On a side note, does anyone here have any tips for a wrist strap (other than the sleeping pouch!), watch band or necklace to wear the FitBit One with? I thought about looking into one of those silicone watch bands that it might fit in.

    You're welcome. :)
    It won't track properly if you wear it on your wrist. The One needs to be on the torso to work properly.

    Edit for spelling error.

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