Polar vs. Fitbit Charge HR

I just purchased a Fitbit charge a couple of days ago. So far I really like it, except it feels pretty big on my wrist- especially with long sleeve work shirts. I also cannot sleep with it on, so the sleep tracking is off the table. Integration is good with MFP.

It comes down to what you need in a fitness tracker & an HRM. Because of my particular needs I'm going with the Polar A300.

You can purchase just the watch or with an HRM strap. You can use it without the HRM strap, but it works better with it. (I'll be getting it with the HRM. It comes with the Polar H7.)

Here is an Amazon link for it as well.

If you are undecided as to which to purchase, DCRainmaker has a nice compare feature on his reviews website. Here is the link to his Fitbit Charge (HR) review. At the bottom of it will be a link to go to the comparison page. (You can only compare the trackers he has reviewed. So if he hasn't reviewed a tracker you want to compare it won't be listed.)

MercuryBlue wrote: »

If you're looking for accuracy, Polar with a chest strap is the way to go. I've got an A300 and love it. FitBit is good for letting you know how much you're moving, getting you motivated to get up, and doing challenges. Though, the A300 also tracks sleep patterns, mobility, and gives feedback on your movement. I like polar because I'm a numbers person, and I find their products to be pretty accurate, but what's best largely depends on what you're looking for.

^^ This. They havent figured out how to make wrist HRMs accurate yet. The chest ones are though. I have both and dont find the Fitbit Charge HR accurate as a HRM white my Polar chest strap one is accurate.

I love my HR. I use it to monitor sleep, activity and HR. The only thing I don't like about it is that I have to check my phone or computer to see what the battery level is. I wish I didn't have to charge it every 5 days, but I use my Flex for when I am charging it.

A lot of people are commenting on the "accuracy" of the wrist monitored HR. It doesn't need to be an exact science, but that is a thing to fuss over, so people do.

I use the polar V800, I know its more on the high end, but I was going the get a M400, but found it for a few more dollars at the time. one of the things that made me stay away from the charge was it isn't waterproof. Also gymlink was important too, I do a lot of cardio, and it's nice to not have to hold the handles on the equipment for it to adjust the levels by your heart rate.

If you use a smartphone there's the Polar H7. I use this and the droid app and it works great. The Polar website is a treasure trove for data mining and it's nice to see your cardio improvements over time.

I use the Fitbit Flex for daily activity and track my cardio using the H7. It shouldn't, but the two devices don't like to run together and I always lose connection with the Polar, so take off the Flex when running.

thatzumbachick wrote: »

im in need of a new HRM. I've used Polar FT7 for quite some time but now the battery's dead. Now I'm seeing Fitbits everywhere and just seen a commercial for Fitbit Charge HR. Not sure which to get now! What do you all use?

you can change batteries in the FT7. once they are dead doesnt mean its done for.but if you want something else then go for it.

I started with the polar ft4 and loved it. A couple of weeks ago I ordered the plum Fitbit charge but returned it because it only lets you log a run,walk or hike. Who only does that?! I lift weight too. I really like having a chest hrm so I got the polar m400. It's only been a couple of days but I like it. It has the benefit of a fitness tracker and a hrm.

RedRockChic wrote: »

I wish I didn't have to charge it every 5 days, but I use my Flex for when I am charging it.

I plug mine in when I take it off for a shower. That's been plenty to keep it from ever dying.