Fitness tracker/watch - suggestions please!

HeidiHeidi

My swatch has just died


So rather than go on a big hunt for another one, it's occurred to me to get a watch that's also a fitness tracker, it's been on my mind to get one for ages.


Is there one (Fitbit is literally the only name I know) that will double as a watch, not be dog ugly, and perform basic fitness tracking functions?



I would like a pedometer, a sleep tracker, and don't really know what other functions I'd like as I've no experience of these things at all!


All advice welcome


Thanks!

HeidiHeidi

OK, did a bit of research online, and visited a Curry's, Power City, and Elvery's.....


Elvery's looked at me like I had two heads...
Power City had a couple of boxes locked in a display case, wouldn't take any out for me.
Curry's at least had some on display, but you couldn't try them on, and I got the distinct impression the assistant was spoofing with the information he was giving me. They only had Fitbit and Garmin.

I had almost decided on a Fitbit (either a Charge 3, or Inspire HR). But there are a fair amount of crap reviews on Amazon (35% 1*) for the Charge3, problems with syncing etc.

So, does anyone know somewhere that stocks a decent range, has knowledgeable staff who will advise a complete newbie, and let you try them on for fit?


I'm looking for bricks and mortar preferably, as I'd like to get this before Wednesday if I can.......


Thanks again!!

stecleary

where are you based? that should narrow down b&m shops to suggest.

the problem is once you start using one you want a little more from the watch, I use an Amazfit Stratos, not with out its problems but in the price range of most garmin and fitbits and better bang for buck, not available in shops tho, I'd suggest calling into a good cycling store (not halfords) and checking some watches out, the likes of the garmin forerunner and fenix are good but expensive, Polar do some really good watches too

HeidiHeidi

stecleary wrote: »

where are you based? that should narrow down b&m shops to suggest.

the problem is once you start using one you want a little more from the watch, I use an Amazfit Stratos, not with out its problems but in the price range of most garmin and fitbits and better bang for buck, not available in shops tho, I'd suggest calling into a good cycling store (not halfords) and checking some watches out, the likes of the garmin forerunner and fenix are good but expensive, Polar do some really good watches too

Sorry, should've said - I'm in Dublin!


I've got my hands on a voucher for Curry's for €100, so I'll probably go with whatever they have in stock as it's effectively free - and am leaning towards the fitbit as they just look a bit better / less clunky. But am wondering about all those syncing issues I hear about....


Primarily, for now anyway, I just need a watch! But I get what you're saying about wanting ever more from it.....

stecleary

My wife has a charge 2, never syncing issues, she did have the first charge before it and had an issue with the strap just before warranty ran out and to be fair to fitbit they offered a big discount on the charge 2 as the 1 was discontinued.
as far as a basic tracker it does the job and the ability to change straps for different occasions is a big plus for her. as far as a sports watch its not great but you're not looking for a sports watch

HeidiHeidi

stecleary wrote: »

My wife has a charge 2, never syncing issues, she did have the first charge before it and had an issue with the strap just before warranty ran out and to be fair to fitbit they offered a big discount on the charge 2 as the 1 was discontinued.
as far as a basic tracker it does the job and the ability to change straps for different occasions is a big plus for her. as far as a sports watch its not great but you're not looking for a sports watch

Thanks, that's very helpful!


No, it's first and foremost a watch that I'm after, the tracker functions are secondary (for now anyway), and it has to look.... well, not ugly, anyway!

strandroad

Fitbit Versa? Heard some positive reviews from friends, and it looks a lot more like a watch, other fitbits are more like bands with screens. It will be more than a 100 though.

HeidiHeidi

strandroad wrote: »

Fitbit Versa? Heard some positive reviews from friends, and it looks a lot more like a watch, other fitbits are more like bands with screens. It will be more than a 100 though.

Yeah, the charge 3 is more than 100 as well, but I'll top up the voucher if needs be.


I'd need to see that one in real life, but it looks quite big - I've tiny hands and wrists!

Technique

Do you have an Apple iPhone?

If so, the Apple watch would be great, especially if you've already got a voucher. You're still going to have to put a few hundred along with your voucher but it would be so much better in many ways than a Fitbit.

HeidiHeidi

Technique wrote: »

Do you have an Apple iPhone?

If so, the Apple watch would be great, especially if you've already got a voucher. You're still going to have to put a few hundred along with your voucher but it would be so much better in many ways than a Fitbit.

No, Android all the way! Never engaged with Apple in any shape or form, so thats out.

Lord Nikon

As an owner of a Garmin Fenix 3,it will be best best fitness watch you'll ever own. The Fenix 5 is the latest model, and while expensive, do be more than you needed. All types of activities can be tracked, and syncing is simples.

HeidiHeidi

I got a Fitbit Charge 3 in the end. Any Garmins that I saw were just too big and ugly! Yours isn't the first recommendation I got for them, though.

I'm still getting to grips with this one, but it seems so far to be doing what I want. Having wanted first and foremost an actual watch, it's a bit of a pain that it doesn't have an always-on display - I may well wind up buying another analogue watch anyhow.

Thanks everyone for all the info and recommendations!

Mars Bar

Fitbit charge is categorised as a fitness tracker and not a (smart) watch.

The battery would last no time at all if the screen was always on.

Vivomove HR looks like it would have been up for street.

Technique

For £60, this Huawei looks really good value.

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/huawei-band-3-pro