Which activity tracker?
dualvans
Posts: 51 Member
For the last 2 years I’ve had HR charge Fitbit which served my purpose. However I think it’s time to replace it with another since it needs a charge every other day which is annoying. Previously I would only need to charge it 1x and it last all week!
I jog/run 3x a week indoors or outside and swim 2x a week with some weights lifting. Which is your most reliable activity tracker?
I jog/run 3x a week indoors or outside and swim 2x a week with some weights lifting. Which is your most reliable activity tracker?
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Replies
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Onto a Garmin Fenix 3HR. ~$450 Cdn at Costco over Christmas break, but it's a full sized watch and would look silly on my wife's wrist.
She now has my VivoActive HR. I liked it but it was missing out a few functions I was looking for (triathlon, VO2Max etc.)1 -
Well, you did well with your charge, mine never lasted more than 6-7 months before dying (Fitbit replaced it twice). There were certain features that I really liked.
But, I'm quite tempted by the Vivoactive HR.0 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Well, you did well with your charge, mine never lasted more than 6-7 months before dying (Fitbit replaced it twice). There were certain features that I really liked.
But, I'm quite tempted by the Vivoactive HR.
What is intriguing you about Vivoactive HR?0 -
It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.1 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.1 -
That is interesting. As my gym has a pool, and like to switch my workout days by alternating run/swim & weights/run for 4x a week.
This is how I foreseen my pattern to continue for next few months and increasing to 6x a week by Spring. So I need a reliable tracker. That’s what confounding me is the reviews of Fitbit vs Vivoactive.0 -
I just switched from Fitbit Blaze to a Garmin Vivoactive 3. Love it.0
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Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?1 -
If you have an iPhone then you need to get an Apple Watch.5
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I'm sure the Vivoactive 3 has some features that the HR doesn't have, but isn't it a lot bigger? It looks huge in the video on their web page.
This is a nice comparison. Watching this video makes me much less interested in either one. They look bulky and uncomfortable. Also, they are expensive. I see why the FitBits are still attractive: smaller and simpler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxz1l6O5ErQ 1 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »I'm sure the Vivoactive 3 has some features that the HR doesn't have, but isn't it a lot bigger? It looks huge in the video on their web page.
This is a nice comparison. Watching this video makes me much less interested in either one. They look bulky and uncomfortable. Also, they are expensive. I see why the FitBits are still attractive: smaller and simpler.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxz1l6O5ErQ
That is my biggest issue and why I've stuck with Fitbit for the last 4 years cuz I have a SMALL wrist and small hand. My ring finger size is only 5 to give you an idea.
it just looks so bulky from the pictures. Any idea where one can look at the Vivoactive in person to try it on etc?0 -
BrianAWeber wrote: »If you have an iPhone then you need to get an Apple Watch.
I do have an iPhone, so I am considering it. But it's more expensive than Fitbit or Vivoactive though, I think .0 -
BrianAWeber wrote: »If you have an iPhone then you need to get an Apple Watch.
If I'm going to spend 300+ for a watch, I'm going to get a Fenix or another Garmin model from a company with a 20 year track record of providing quality fitness equipment.4 -
ok, I think im leaning towards Garmin over Fitbit, but within Garmin I still can't decide which versions to go for; Vivoactive, Vívosport or one of the forerunners.
im not a serious athletic or run in big marathons as the most I've run is the simple 5k so far. I do like to have a watch/tracker that a) accurately counts steps, b) track my heart rate, c) waterproof and can count "laps/steps" from the pool. Oh, and within 150-200 bucks too.
which version would fit my needs??0 -
ok, I think im leaning towards Garmin over Fitbit, but within Garmin I still can't decide which versions to go for; Vivoactive, Vívosport or one of the forerunners.
im not a serious athletic or run in big marathons as the most I've run is the simple 5k so far. I do like to have a watch/tracker that a) accurately counts steps, b) track my heart rate, c) waterproof and can count "laps/steps" from the pool. Oh, and within 150-200 bucks too.
which version would fit my needs??
While the identified feature is attractive, even the best ones out there are still relatively unreliable and inaccurate and can lead to misidentifying calorie burns0 -
stanmann571 wrote: »ok, I think im leaning towards Garmin over Fitbit, but within Garmin I still can't decide which versions to go for; Vivoactive, Vívosport or one of the forerunners.
im not a serious athletic or run in big marathons as the most I've run is the simple 5k so far. I do like to have a watch/tracker that a) accurately counts steps, b) track my heart rate, c) waterproof and can count "laps/steps" from the pool. Oh, and within 150-200 bucks too.
which version would fit my needs??
While the identified feature is attractive, even the best ones out there are still relatively unreliable and inaccurate and can lead to misidentifying calorie burns
I agree a lot of trackers and watches don't have the market on heart rate. I guess I am asking for a lot then, lol. since I rely a lot on logging in my food and calorie burns to get accurate count by the end of day. It's just those two functions im looking at.0 -
stanmann571 wrote: »ok, I think im leaning towards Garmin over Fitbit, but within Garmin I still can't decide which versions to go for; Vivoactive, Vívosport or one of the forerunners.
im not a serious athletic or run in big marathons as the most I've run is the simple 5k so far. I do like to have a watch/tracker that a) accurately counts steps, b) track my heart rate, c) waterproof and can count "laps/steps" from the pool. Oh, and within 150-200 bucks too.
which version would fit my needs??
While the identified feature is attractive, even the best ones out there are still relatively unreliable and inaccurate and can lead to misidentifying calorie burns
I agree a lot of trackers and watches don't have the market on heart rate. I guess I am asking for a lot then, lol. since I rely a lot on logging in my food and calorie burns to get accurate count by the end of day. It's just those two functions im looking at.
My suggestion is to use a separate HRM band, that's only worn for fitness. Either a chest strap like wahoo, or arm like scosche.0 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Indoors or uses the accelerometer to determine lapsstrokes and turns, so as long as you tell it the length of a lap it'll give a decent estimate.
Outdoors the GPS doesn't deal well with being in water. Every time it dips into the water it loses the signal, and has to reaquire. The acquisition time isn't good enough in that model to allow for open water tracking.
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Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Because GPS doesn't work through water, outdoor swim is incredibly difficult. A watch has to get a new fix on the satellites every time your hand comes out of the water and doesn't have long to do it.
Indoor swimming doesn't use GPS. You tell the watch your pool length, and it uses the motion sensor to know when you've changed direction to count laps for you.
I have a Fenix 5X, which does both. Indoor swims are much more reliable and accurate in terms of distance.1 -
Has anyone heard any reviews regarding the new FitBit Ionic? Thanks0
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NorthCascades wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Because GPS doesn't work through water, outdoor swim is incredibly difficult. A watch has to get a new fix on the satellites every time your hand comes out of the water and doesn't have long to do it.
Indoor swimming doesn't use GPS. You tell the watch your pool length, and it uses the motion sensor to know when you've changed direction to count laps for you.
I have a Fenix 5X, which does both. Indoor swims are much more reliable and accurate in terms of distance.
Crap. Both my old VAHR and the Fenix3 are overcounting my laps and distance. Was hoping it was better outside. But I don't have a strap (yet). Probably going to pick up the HRM-Tri (which will not work with the VAHR) for the spring/summer.
And to the OP.
Be aware than none of the wrist based HRM's work in the water. To get HRM data from a swim, you need a chest strap that talks to the watch.0 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Because GPS doesn't work through water, outdoor swim is incredibly difficult. A watch has to get a new fix on the satellites every time your hand comes out of the water and doesn't have long to do it.
Indoor swimming doesn't use GPS. You tell the watch your pool length, and it uses the motion sensor to know when you've changed direction to count laps for you.
I have a Fenix 5X, which does both. Indoor swims are much more reliable and accurate in terms of distance.
Crap. Both my old VAHR and the Fenix3 are overcounting my laps and distance. Was hoping it was better outside. But I don't have a strap (yet). Probably going to pick up the HRM-Tri (which will not work with the VAHR) for the spring/summer.
And to the OP.
Be aware than none of the wrist based HRM's work in the water. To get HRM data from a swim, you need a chest strap that talks to the watch.
It's relatively meaningless data anyway.0 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Because GPS doesn't work through water, outdoor swim is incredibly difficult. A watch has to get a new fix on the satellites every time your hand comes out of the water and doesn't have long to do it.
Indoor swimming doesn't use GPS. You tell the watch your pool length, and it uses the motion sensor to know when you've changed direction to count laps for you.
I have a Fenix 5X, which does both. Indoor swims are much more reliable and accurate in terms of distance.
Crap. Both my old VAHR and the Fenix3 are overcounting my laps and distance. Was hoping it was better outside. But I don't have a strap (yet). Probably going to pick up the HRM-Tri (which will not work with the VAHR) for the spring/summer.
And to the OP.
Be aware than none of the wrist based HRM's work in the water. To get HRM data from a swim, you need a chest strap that talks to the watch.
Create a distance alert, for whatever your pool length is. So that the watch will buzz every time it thinks you've gone a pool length. After a while you'll get a better sense of what it's looking for.1 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »It's relatively meaningless data anyway.
In a pool you can count the laps in your head (with some level of success) and watch the lap timer, assuming there is one. You can't really look at a watch while you swim, anyway, so it only helps after the fact. (Even then, the lap counters sound like they're pretty flaky.)
I'd like to monitor HR during my swim, so I might get a waterproof strap (someday...). For now (and maybe forever) it suffices to pop up at the end of a set and count my HR manually.
At the lake/ocean, I sometimes put my phone in the waterproof pouch of my safety buoy. Again, I'd like to have a HRM, but I'd only know the result after the fact, which is of limited use.0 -
I think the lap counter is less flakey than my memory for numbers while I'm exercising.1
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Tacklewasher wrote: »Onto a Garmin Fenix 3HR. ~$450 Cdn at Costco over Christmas break, but it's a full sized watch and would look silly on my wife's wrist.
She now has my VivoActive HR. I liked it but it was missing out a few functions I was looking for (triathlon, VO2Max etc.)
I am thinking of upgrading to a Fenix 5s as a present for hitting goal. My Fenix 3 looks fine on my currently meaty arms but will be ridiculous at 140 pounds.
My Fenix 3 was terrible for open water swimming last summer. It sometimes worked if I picked up the GPS signal a few minutes before getting in the water and used only a freestyle stroke. I got myself a HRM Tri strap for Christmas and am hoping I can at least use HR to get a calorie burn guestimate. I'll see when the weather warms up.
I think a Vivoactive would be perfect for you, OP. You will have to figure out the length of your pool. Mine counted laps accurately. My non-HR Vivoactive got great battery life. It could go about a week as a step tracker or 2-3 days if I was running.
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NorthCascades wrote: »I think the lap counter is less flakey than my memory for numbers while I'm exercising.
Ditto. I can't keep the count in my head while still learning how to breathe properly
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Tacklewasher wrote: »NorthCascades wrote: »I think the lap counter is less flakey than my memory for numbers while I'm exercising.
Ditto. I can't keep the count in my head while still learning how to breathe properly
Yeah, but, if I'm swimming a mile I don't want to stop and check my watch.0 -
davepollack wrote: »Has anyone heard any reviews regarding the new FitBit Ionic? Thanks
DC Rainmaker does the most thorough, comprehensive reviews you'll find anywhere: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/09/fitbit-ionic-smartwatch-in-depth-review.html1 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Indoors or uses the accelerometer to determine lapsstrokes and turns, so as long as you tell it the length of a lap it'll give a decent estimate.
Outdoors the GPS doesn't deal well with being in water. Every time it dips into the water it loses the signal, and has to reaquire. The acquisition time isn't good enough in that model to allow for open water tracking.NorthCascades wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It can log swimming, for one thing. It is fully waterproof. And it has a built-in GPS that tracks running and cycling. Also, it isn't humungus, like some of the other sport watches. And the price is pretty reasonable.
Of course, this means it's more complicated than, for example, FitBit. I liked the simplicity of FitBit, but I never believed the calorie or step estimates, except for actual running of fast walking workouts. The estimates for incidental walking around at work seemed high.
It can only door indoor (pool) swims, and it isn't that good at counting laps. But that is common with all the watches in a pool (from my understanding). It won't track outdoor swims (if you care).
It's been replaced by the Vivoactive 3.
Could I ask why it will only work in indoor pools and not outdoor swims? I would have thought it would be more accurate outdoors without a roof overhead...?
Because GPS doesn't work through water, outdoor swim is incredibly difficult. A watch has to get a new fix on the satellites every time your hand comes out of the water and doesn't have long to do it.
Indoor swimming doesn't use GPS. You tell the watch your pool length, and it uses the motion sensor to know when you've changed direction to count laps for you.
I have a Fenix 5X, which does both. Indoor swims are much more reliable and accurate in terms of distance.
Ah.... thanks for the reply guys, didn't know GPS doesn't work in water. You learn a new thing every day! 0
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