Fitbit Surge or Mocrosoft Band?

[NeilT21]

I want to buy a GPS watch with a heart rate monitor, and it seems the Fitbit Surge and the Microsoft Band do very similar things, in particular syncing to Strava. Trouble is, I can't work out which would be best to buy. Does anyone have any experience or can offer any advice to help me make a choice?

Many thanks in eager anticipation!

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I use the Microsoft Band, it's a bit ugly but very good in terms of accuracy and features.

I even play rugby in it and still have no issues! I love mine!

 

[wardy_uk]

Check the fitbit forums before buying - series issues with the hr accuracy... The new garmin forerunner might be worth a look, alternatively wait a few more months for the next gen bands i also needec water resistance, so the best compromise I found was the garmin vivoactive with chest strap... A good resource is DC Rainmakers site...

 

[Milkfloat]

TomTom Cardio is pretty good, but not exactly cheap, although you can get it with cadence/speed sensor and it is fully waterproof.

 

[Fubar]

Check the fitbit forums before buying - series issues with the hr accuracy... The new garmin forerunner might be worth a look, alternatively wait a few more months for the next gen bands i also needec water resistance, so the best compromise I found was the garmin vivoactive with chest strap... A good resource is DC Rainmakers site...

+1 for the Garmin Forerunner.

 

[NeilT21]

thanks for the feedback, I did look at the Garmin, but I am loathe to use a chest strap. I understand that the HR monitors in both the Fitbit and the Microsoft band are not as accurate as a chest strap, but I just couldn't see myself using a chest strap, so I'm going to have to compromise there.
Are there any other options that anyone knows of that have GPS and a HR monitor that does not involve a chest strap?

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Are there any other options that anyone knows of that have GPS and a HR monitor that does not involve a chest strap?

yes. in a month's time. Sony have just announced their offering. The smartband 2. http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/smartwear/smartband-2/specifications/
I have the original version and if you have one of their phones then in tandem with the phone it will also do GPS to their own app lifelog. Currently it does not export in any manner though, so like many others is of limited use for strava.

My best guess would be a garmin option which may then export automatically to strava, but I don't know if they do anything that does HR without a chest strap yet. Next round of bands should be interesting.

 

[Diggs]

I have a Fitbit surge.
I bought it mainly as a GPS for off the bike hike/run etc.or trips where I don't want to faff about and sync my Garmin.
It's just about discreet enough to wear as a watch.
I appreciate HRM may not be as precise as a chest strap but gives me an indication.
The silent alarm is very handy.
Battery life isn't bad, I tend to give it a charge when in the shower. Which brings me to another draw back, it's apparently not fully waterproof.
I did a fair bit of research and it ticked most of my boxes but appreciate people's requirements differ

 

[adscrim]

Are there any other options that anyone knows of that have GPS and a HR monitor that does not involve a chest strap?

I have a fitbit charge HR and the HR can be dodgy. I had the charge telling me my heartrate was 80 when the garmin chest-strap told me I was at 140.

Have a look at the forerunner 225 - Garmin accuracy hopefully with integrated wrist HR monitor.

 

[wardy_uk]

this is Garmins first wearable with built in HRM https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/sports-recreation/running/forerunner-225/prod512478.html - supposedly pretty accurate... given this is Garmin's first, I'd be surprised if something like the Vivoactive (their top end activity tracker) didn't get one soon...

as an alternative to a chest strap, somthing like http://www.scosche.com/rhythm-plus or especially http://www.mioglobal.com/Mio-LINK-Gray/Product.aspx?ProductID=14&DeptID=1 are market leaders (Mio are EKG accurate, and thier sensors are used by Garmin)

 

[PhilDawson8270]

thanks for the feedback, I did look at the Garmin, but I am loathe to use a chest strap. I understand that the HR monitors in both the Fitbit and the Microsoft band are not as accurate as a chest strap, but I just couldn't see myself using a chest strap, so I'm going to have to compromise there.
Are there any other options that anyone knows of that have GPS and a HR monitor that does not involve a chest strap?

Many reviews comment that the Band is currently the most technologically advanced, and the built in HRM matches up within 2 or 3 bpm when I compared to a chest strap. I also wanted something without a chest strap, as I play rugby with it on, and the strap would end up being painful to get hit against the ribs.

The other plus for the MS band, is that their app to sync, and track with. Works on Android, Windows, and iOS. So you're not locked down to a certain a brand. I've not tried any direct link to any of other stuff like strava, endomondo, or myfitnesspal yet though.

 

[annirak]

The Garmin vivo(fit|fit 2|smart|active) all support HRM.
vivo(fit|fit 2|smart|active) support the Garmin Connect app
vivo(fit|fit 2|smart|active) support wireless sync
vivo(fit 2|smart|active) support automatic sync
Only the vivoactive supports GPS.

https://sites.garmin.com/en-GB/vivo/vivoactive/

 

[david k]

My,mfavourite currently is the Tom Tom cardio spark, anyone used one?

 

[Oldfentiger]

TomTom Multisport Cardio GPS here.
I haven't used any of the other offerings so can't compare.
Uploads to Strava automatically once set up to do so.
HR is gives consistent results.
Does everything I want it to do.

 

[david k]

TomTom Multisport Cardio GPS here.
I haven't used any of the other offerings so can't compare.
Uploads to Strava automatically once set up to do so.
HR is gives consistent results.
Does everything I want it to do.

I like it, just bought a windows phone so need to check compatibility