Need a new fitness tracker
wolverine66
Posts: 3,779 Member
My fitbit died and they don't make the model I like anymore. So I need a new tracker. It can be another fitbit or it can be another brand. I mainly want a HR monitor and an accelerometer along with basic step tracking. It would be nice if it were at least water resistant and had the ability to track other activity like biking, and if it can notify me of text messages and calls and control music through my phone (iOS) then great, but not necessary.
So let me hear your testimonials for what you use and why I should get one too!
But no fighting with each other, because people like what they like and that's totally fine.
So let me hear your testimonials for what you use and why I should get one too!
But no fighting with each other, because people like what they like and that's totally fine.
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Replies
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I'm loving my Garmin vivoactive 3, I bought it as a reward when I got halfway to my first goal weight. It is waterproof, it is supposed to track swimming, but I can't vouch for that. But I wear it in the shower so I don't waste a half hour washing my hair its been fine in there.
I'm not a biker, but it has an option to track biking, and it has the text/music controls you mentioned. It can also help track reps when doing strength work. One thing it tracks that I didn't think I cared about, was the flights of steps you climb a day. Now that I get a little green check after climbing 10 flights a step, I've started doing 2 flights of stairs at work throughout the day, I usually hit 10 by the time I leave for home. Its just a little bonus that has helped me get in shape.
It's really customizable and I don't think I've even learned half of the things its capable of doing. I wanted something that looked more like a watch. I'm (hopefully) attaching a picture of what my last run looks like on Garmin Connect
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i like the Garmin products. i have a vivosmart hr.
i prefer the waterproof to 5atm
they have a world of products to fit all needs and pricepoints2 -
I have a FitBit Alta and I really like it.0
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bump for some more opinions, please.0
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Samsung Gear Fit 2 is great. I went through like 5-6 fitbits, then I switched to the Samsung.0
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I recommend GARMIN products. Water-resistant and, the big plus for me, they run on a watch battery, so you don't have to constantly remember to charge the thing --- just replace the battery once a year. I really LOVE my Garmin.1
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Fitbit VERSA!!!!!! It's AMAZING. I upgraded form the Charge HR and I love it. It's waterproof, has soooo many little awesome gadgets and is super accurate towards working out and steps. Battery lasts 5 days and even will notify you when it's time to charge
It also has app notifications for your phone! It's the best fitness tracker i've ever bought. 0 -
I'm also a Garmin fan (went from a Vivoactive to a Vivoactive 3). But for research, check https://dcrainmaker.com/. I can't recommend that site enough. Good luck1
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checkmatekingtwo wrote: »I recommend GARMIN products. Water-resistant and, the big plus for me, they run on a watch battery, so you don't have to constantly remember to charge the thing --- just replace the battery once a year. I really LOVE my Garmin.
Not sure which Garmin yo have that does this, but most don't. Most are rechargeable and last 3-7 days on a charge.
I have a Fenix 3hr and like it, but it's big (same size as a 5x). Have used it biking, swimming, running, snowshoeing, X-Country skiing and wear it 23.5/7 (take it off when I shower to charge it most days).1 -
I've used both Garmin and Fitbit. I found that while I did really like the Garmin (I had a vivoSmart), I preferred the fitbit app. I wore the Garmin and a fitbit at the same time for quite a few weeks. Step count was very similar, but I found that I always went to the fitbit app to check my progress. More of my real life friends and family have fitbits too, so it makes challenges a lot more interactive and fun. I ended up giving up my Garmin vivoSmart for a Fitbit Blaze and am about to upgrade to the Versa.0
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wolverine66 wrote: »I mainly want a HR monitor and an accelerometer along with basic step tracking. It would be nice if it were at least water resistant and had the ability to track other activity like biking, and if it can notify me of text messages and calls and control music through my phone (iOS) then great, but not necessary.
I have the series 3 Apple Watch on LTE and absolutely love it. I also love being able to go on my walks and bike rides and leaving my phone at home.
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My Polar A370 has a 24/7 HRM along with steps/activity and what not, it's been very accurate for me when it gives me my TDEE too.0
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I've used both Garmin and Fitbit. I found that while I did really like the Garmin (I had a vivoSmart), I preferred the fitbit app. I wore the Garmin and a fitbit at the same time for quite a few weeks. Step count was very similar, but I found that I always went to the fitbit app to check my progress. More of my real life friends and family have fitbits too, so it makes challenges a lot more interactive and fun. I ended up giving up my Garmin vivoSmart for a Fitbit Blaze and am about to upgrade to the Versa.
This is a fair statement. Garmin tries, but it really isn't a "social" app. If the social part of the Fitbit appeals to you, you will be disappointed in Garmin.
The Versa looks like a decent watch. My main thing with Fitbit is most are not waterproof, so they are no good for swimming. The Versa is I see. And you can store music on it.
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wolverine66 wrote: »My fitbit died and they don't make the model I like anymore. So I need a new tracker. It can be another fitbit or it can be another brand. I mainly want a HR monitor and an accelerometer along with basic step tracking. It would be nice if it were at least water resistant and had the ability to track other activity like biking, and if it can notify me of text messages and calls and control music through my phone (iOS) then great, but not necessary.
So let me hear your testimonials for what you use and why I should get one too!
But no fighting with each other, because people like what they like and that's totally fine.
Because of the music bit I'd suggest the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music.0 -
wolverine66 wrote: »My fitbit died and they don't make the model I like anymore. So I need a new tracker. It can be another fitbit or it can be another brand. I mainly want a HR monitor and an accelerometer along with basic step tracking. It would be nice if it were at least water resistant and had the ability to track other activity like biking, and if it can notify me of text messages and calls and control music through my phone (iOS) then great, but not necessary.
So let me hear your testimonials for what you use and why I should get one too!
But no fighting with each other, because people like what they like and that's totally fine.
Because of the music bit I'd suggest the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music.
Music can be had on the Versa (just learned this), Samsung Gear and the 645.
I went a different route with music and bought Samsung Gear Iconx true wireless headphones that have 4 gb of storage so I can put my run mix on them and not need my phone with me. Plus they stay in my ears. First pair I've bought that I don't find uncomfortable and they stay put. Not having any wires is nice. Went through 5 pairs before settling on these. Only downside is they are a bit hard to control and turning some features on and off without the phone app is a bit of a pain.2 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »wolverine66 wrote: »My fitbit died and they don't make the model I like anymore. So I need a new tracker. It can be another fitbit or it can be another brand. I mainly want a HR monitor and an accelerometer along with basic step tracking. It would be nice if it were at least water resistant and had the ability to track other activity like biking, and if it can notify me of text messages and calls and control music through my phone (iOS) then great, but not necessary.
So let me hear your testimonials for what you use and why I should get one too!
But no fighting with each other, because people like what they like and that's totally fine.
Because of the music bit I'd suggest the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music.
Music can be had on the Versa (just learned this), Samsung Gear and the 645.
I went a different route with music and bought Samsung Gear Iconx true wireless headphones that have 4 gb of storage so I can put my run mix on them and not need my phone with me. Plus they stay in my ears. First pair I've bought that I don't find uncomfortable and they stay put. Not having any wires is nice. Went through 5 pairs before settling on these. Only downside is they are a bit hard to control and turning some features on and off without the phone app is a bit of a pain.
Lol. My mom bought me some wireless earbuds for Xmas then my Dog ate them. So I'm in the market for new ones, I like the idea of 4gb storage, so I don't have to take the phone with me. That's awesome! 0 -
mutantspicy wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »wolverine66 wrote: »My fitbit died and they don't make the model I like anymore. So I need a new tracker. It can be another fitbit or it can be another brand. I mainly want a HR monitor and an accelerometer along with basic step tracking. It would be nice if it were at least water resistant and had the ability to track other activity like biking, and if it can notify me of text messages and calls and control music through my phone (iOS) then great, but not necessary.
So let me hear your testimonials for what you use and why I should get one too!
But no fighting with each other, because people like what they like and that's totally fine.
Because of the music bit I'd suggest the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music.
Music can be had on the Versa (just learned this), Samsung Gear and the 645.
I went a different route with music and bought Samsung Gear Iconx true wireless headphones that have 4 gb of storage so I can put my run mix on them and not need my phone with me. Plus they stay in my ears. First pair I've bought that I don't find uncomfortable and they stay put. Not having any wires is nice. Went through 5 pairs before settling on these. Only downside is they are a bit hard to control and turning some features on and off without the phone app is a bit of a pain.
Lol. My mom bought me some wireless earbuds for Xmas then my Dog ate them. So I'm in the market for new ones, I like the idea of 4gb storage, so I don't have to take the phone with me. That's awesome!
My big issue now is loading more music in the 180 bpm range for my longer runs so I don't have so many repeats. I'm not sure how long they will last but I ran 2 1/2 hours Sunday without missing a beat (get it, a beat, I kill myself).3 -
gcconroy29 wrote: »I'm loving my Garmin vivoactive 3, I bought it as a reward when I got halfway to my first goal weight. It is waterproof, it is supposed to track swimming, but I can't vouch for that. But I wear it in the shower so I don't waste a half hour washing my hair its been fine in there.
I'm not a biker, but it has an option to track biking, and it has the text/music controls you mentioned. It can also help track reps when doing strength work. One thing it tracks that I didn't think I cared about, was the flights of steps you climb a day. Now that I get a little green check after climbing 10 flights a step, I've started doing 2 flights of stairs at work throughout the day, I usually hit 10 by the time I leave for home. Its just a little bonus that has helped me get in shape.
It's really customizable and I don't think I've even learned half of the things its capable of doing. I wanted something that looked more like a watch. I'm (hopefully) attaching a picture of what my last run looks like on Garmin Connect
I have this also and love it.0 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »checkmatekingtwo wrote: »I recommend GARMIN products. Water-resistant and, the big plus for me, they run on a watch battery, so you don't have to constantly remember to charge the thing --- just replace the battery once a year. I really LOVE my Garmin.
Not sure which Garmin yo have that does this, but most don't. Most are rechargeable and last 3-7 days on a charge.
I have a Fenix 3hr and like it, but it's big (same size as a 5x). Have used it biking, swimming, running, snowshoeing, X-Country skiing and wear it 23.5/7 (take it off when I shower to charge it most days).
I have the Vivofit 2 and it runs on watch batteries. I got about a year and a half last time before changing batteries and even then it was working I just figured I would need to change them. It has no heart monitor tho. I love mine.0 -
I had a Fitbit Flex and One, last April my One gave up the ghost. I decided to go it alone and it was the best thing I ever did. Instead of being all about the steps I am now all about the purposeful exercise.0
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@wolverine66 If you want to stick with Fitbit then new versa came out last week. It's waterproof, has notifications, it looks more like a watch, sort of comparable to the Apple Watch but cheaper, you can't answer calls or texts but it notify you, battery lasts about 5 days, controls the music and has some on board storage for music as well. I've had it for a week and a half and I like it so far. It's much more comfortable to wear than the charge 2 was.1
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If you're an Android user, I recommend the Samsung gear 3 sport watch.0
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LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »I had a Fitbit Flex and One, last April my One gave up the ghost. I decided to go it alone and it was the best thing I ever did. Instead of being all about the steps I am now all about the purposeful exercise.
Maybe I give too much credit to my weight loss to a fitness tracker, but getting one for Christmas was the beginning of losing 45 lbs. so while I certainly see merit in what you are saying, I think I still need/want a tracker for the accountability.
I hope to get where you are, but I’m not there yet.
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I don't even care about the steps. I like to track my calories burned, hr during exercise, etc. see which days I'm less active and try to be alottle more active on those days. It's about more than steps.1
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Like you I found the fitness tracker worked for me. I never thought I would stick to it but it really motivates me on days that I haven't moved enough. I say if it ain't broke don't fix it. I've lost over 100 pounds in total (pre and post MFP) and have no desire to go back.0
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Fitbit Versa or Garmin vivo-whatever that meets your needs and budget.
Because MFP integration with the rest of the world is even worse than the only occasional Garmin or Fitbit glitch.
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wolverine66 wrote: »LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »I had a Fitbit Flex and One, last April my One gave up the ghost. I decided to go it alone and it was the best thing I ever did. Instead of being all about the steps I am now all about the purposeful exercise.
Maybe I give too much credit to my weight loss to a fitness tracker, but getting one for Christmas was the beginning of losing 45 lbs. so while I certainly see merit in what you are saying, I think I still need/want a tracker for the accountability.
I hope to get where you are, but I’m not there yet.
Thanks, I'm in maintenance almost 5 years. Although in saying that since I stopped wearing my tracker I dropped a further 7lbs - and that's with my steps virtually going from 20k a day to probably 7k, if even that. (it turns out biking burns way more calories than high steps
And isn't sore on my knees)
Wishing you all the best - I know the tracker was a great gadget to get me up and moving more in my losing phase.
Ruth 0
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