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SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer

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Diver entering the water

Looking for a scuba diving computer but find yourself confused over which one to get? Our review of the Zoop Novo will help you to make an informed choice.

What’s the Fuss About the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer?

SUUNTO are world leaders in wrist diving computers. The Finnish company has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to making equipment that will last.

The SUUNTO Zoop Novo is a budget-friendly diving computer. It is the perfect choice for novice or learner divers. There is a wealth of features that help you track everything you want and measure how deep you are. So you can be certain you are where you want to be. We like the clean design and ease of use with this computer. Furthermore, we are happy with the performance levels it offers.

What Has SUUNTO Included in the Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer?

The Zoop Novo is packed with features. These will make it easy to track your dive and keep you safe when you are in the water. There is a button-operated menu that will take you through the diving modes you can choose from:

  • Air Mode – this is used when undertaking your dives on air. Select this option. You will be able to monitor your dive time, depth and no-deco time. And be able to see what the time is.
  • Nitrox Mode – choose this more if you want your computer to be set for 21 to 50% oxygen content.
  • Gauge Mode – Select this mode and your computer will work as a bottom timer. It will show you the time, depth and temp of your dive. This mode is ideal for when you plan dives via computer software or by calculating your own decompression time.
  • Free Dive Mode – this mode will help you to see your depth, dive time, max depth and the surface time of each of your free dives.
  • Off Mode – this mode is when the computer is turned off and not activated when you are in the water.

In reality, you can typically expect to use the Air and Nitrox modes the most. It is simple to let the computer calculate everything for you.

Other features include three personal adjustment abilities as well as three altitude adjustments. When you have it the way you want it all you need to do it strap it to your wrist and start your dive; it really is that simple.

What Does the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer Look Like?

The Zoop Novo has an attractive and functional design that is similar to the original Zoop. However, there are key changes that have made it easier to read and use when you are in the water. There are three colour options and the protection glass is more raised on this model. The display is squared, and the digits are all clearly displayed for ease of use.

This is a computer that is made with ease of use in mind. You can remove the battery and replace it quickly without much fuss. This is a diving computer that is focused on offering the practical features. Rather than focusing on style over substance.

The Zoop Novo automatically starts as soon as you jump in, then starts up dive mode when you start to descend. You can turn on the backlight so that your screen is always clear to read. Whatever your depth, there is a feature that will let you log a bookmark whenever you want to measure the time, depth and temp. You can then check the analysis when you come back up.

When you start your ascent, you will be guided by bars on the display that will check you do not go over the 10m/min rate. The computer will give you a countdown before you can hit the surface in a bid to stop a nitrogen build-up.

If you are planning multiple dives over a short space of time, then the Zoop Novo will allow you to record up to 140 hours of dives ready to be uploaded to your computer via a USB when you are ready. This information can then be tracked and analysed to give you clear feedback on each dive.

What Concerns Are There With the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer?

If you are looking for a diving computer that is the height of style over functionality, then this is not the one for you. There has been negative feedback on the basic nature of the Zoop Novo, but it is made with the novice diver in mind. Make sure that you are looking for a simple to use and basic model before spending your money as you may end up disappointed. However, if you want something that is easy to use and tracks the must-have info, then you are bound to love the Zoop Novo.

dving watch

Why Should I Buy a SUUNTO Zoop Novo Scuba Diving Wrist Computer?

If you have been considering getting a diving computer to track your dives, then the Zoop Novo is a great choice. It is a basic model that is the perfect choice for any new diver who wants to track and analyse their dives. However, this is not the model for any hardcore diver or free diver as it is not efficient enough for this type of diving.

Zoop Novo will help you to know what is going on when you are in the water. It will give you the chance to see how you are progressing over time from the downloadable data from each dive. SUUNTO has made a great diving computer with the Zoop Novo, and we are happy to highly recommend it.

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Swimming Watches – What Are They Really?

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Swimming watches

The term ‘water-resistant’ is seen as standard on most smartwatches today so what makes the difference with swimming watches? It’s a useful feature that protects the tech that lies within watches, but there’s actually more to this function than you might realise.  

What does ‘waterproof’ actually mean?

No watch is 100% waterproof. There is a limit to the amount of water pressure any watch can handle and while the word might suggest that it won’t take in water under any circumstance, this isn’t the case. A water-resistant watch may simply resist a shower, or be suitable for deep diving – you need to know which before getting it wet.

If you’ve invested in an expensive multisport watch, for example, it’s important to get it tested annually. The rating only applies to it when you get it out of the box. Don’t expect it to offer the same thing five years later.

How is it measured?

Watches are rated by ATMs or atmospheres. 1ATM is about 10m. 

Should I get a diving watch if I’m a swimmer?

Divers watches can stand very deep depths – up to 200m in some cases. They have few openings to limit vulnerability to water ingress. If your interests extend to scuba diving, surfing, boating or anything of that ilk, you’re advised to get a diving watch.

If you’re a triathlete, however, there are multisport watches that will suit you better, offering accurate performance data and fitness tracking. 

testing swimming watches

Testing a watch for swimming

If the advert boasts that the watch is water-resistant to 30m it doesn’t mean you can dive 30m with it on, as many times as you like, and expect the watch to keep working. It’s the biggest misconception. 

During testing, in a lab, the watch will undergo a pressure test that mimics water pressure, which is actually done under only 10cm of water, over the course of 60 minutes. The ATM measurement is given following this test.

The key thing to remember is that this test is done in still water. In real-life situations, water is not static. Imagine a wave coming at you, a hose being sprayed, or the impact of you diving into a pool; this will change the water pressure instantly.

Understanding the ratings

There is a range of classifications for watches that can be used in water – here’s a quick guide:

  • If there’s nothing stated at all about water resistance, you shouldn’t get it wet at all.
  • Water-resistant means you can splash it, but not submerge it.
  • 30m – This can withstand rain and hand-washing type splashes but you shouldn’t wear it during lengthy swimming sessions or diving.
  • 50m – Some swimming and water sports on the surface, rather than under it. Still not good for diving.
  • 100m – Can be used underwater. Good for swimming and diving and most water sports.
  • 200m – Pretty much anything except for really deep water dives.
Swimming Watches

What should I buy?

Swimming-dedicated trackers range from budget models ideal for casual swimmers who are interested in lap times, up to complex analytical data gathering multisport watches for triathletes. The right watch for you depends on exactly what you need from it.

Summary

Swimming trackers have been trending for a while now – no surprise considering the amount of complicated tech being packed into smartwatches. Even if a waterproof watch isn’t being used to monitor and analyse swimming data, the waterproofing will protect the expensive hardware in the case.

The choice isn’t plentiful, yet. A lot of fitness trackers will boast their waterproof features, but look carefully at the classification and understand what you can and cannot do with them. Realise too that an overall fitness tracker won’t provide extensive swim-specific data.

There are some great features to look out for, like automatic detection of your stroke, lap and distance tracking in the pool and GPS capability to monitor your open water sessions. If you can get hold of one with a heart rate monitor you’ll also know your calorie burn and efficiency. All these features offer insights that will help you to get the most out of your training.

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The Suunto D5 Review

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Suunto D5 Diving Watch

We couldn’t wait to introduce the Suunto D5. Suunto was an early entrant into the market for electronic dive computers. Having launched its SME-ML model back in the late 1980s. This innovative unit was considerably smaller than its rivals. Around the same size as a depth-gauge so that it would fit neatly onto the wrist. Even better, it was more affordable. It’s no wonder that the Suunto brand is still around while its two main rivals from back then are long gone.

Today, the Suunto brand remains one of the top contenders in the dive computer field. It offers a diverse variety of products. These suit both the requirements of recreational divers and those who want to push the boundaries of technical diving. The D5 is one of Suunto’s latest releases – a wristwatch-style computer that is designed with recreational divers in mind. Despite being created for this market, it’s capable of handling advanced recreational diving. It’s possible to switch between 3 air/nitrox mix notifications when underwater.

What’s The Suunto D5’s Design Like?

The Suunto D5 is designed for wear as a dress watch. For this reason, the brand has really focused on its choice of straps. For diving, its Zulu strap is designed to be just as secure as a NATO strap. It passes through two pins to guard against loss of the device. There are even extension straps available to accommodate people with larger wrists and thicker dive suits. With so many different casing colours and straps, it couldn’t be easier to keep track of your own unit even when you’re diving with someone else who owns one.

The D5 features relatively large numbers, and this makes it quite simple to see the information onscreen. Thanks to the custom functions, it’s possible to change the layout of the screen to suit your own needs and preferences. The screen is illuminated at all times by a powerful, adjustable-intensity LED.

What About The Suunto D5’s Features?

The D5 features an RGBM algorithm – the Fused 2 Buhlmann 16gf – which was designed by the Suunto brand itself to minimize silent bubbles.
The D5 is different from its other dive computers since it allows shorter decompression times after a deep-air dive. It’s capable of handling nitrox and regular air along with two extra switchable nitrox decompression mixtures up to 99% oxygen. It’s possible to adjust the algorithm to allow for different amounts of liberalism or conservatism. Altitude ranges can be manually selected and so can maximum oxygen partial pressures.
Dives can be logged and viewed onscreen, transferred onto paper or sent wirelessly to a smartphone thanks to the Suunto app.

It’s also possible to integrate the D5 with your stage tanks and main cylinder thanks to the Suunto POD. You’ll need one for each cylinder to predict how much gas remains, based on the breathing rate. There is even a gauge mode to suit those who want to plan dives with tables as well as a freediving mode.

What Are The Suunto D5s Dive Capabilities?

Alarms are integrated into the Suunto D5’s design which can be pre-set to give an alert at set times and depths. There is both an audible and a graphic warning to make sure that the alert is noticed by the user. The device even vibrates to ensure that you remain informed about your air, depth and time.

The deco feature allows you to link with the POD to the gas supply so you can see roughly how long you can expect it to last. You’ll also be able to view your total ascent time so you can judge whether you have sufficient breathing gas to cover that time. The D5 will indicate your optimal decompressing depth and ceiling so you have the information at your fingertips to help you decide how far you want to take things. There’s even a deep-stop option that comes into use on a no-stop dive to ask for a short stop at about half of the greatest depth attained.

Another excellent feature is the electronic compass. This has an easily visible degree scale which is set around the perimeter of the device. You’re also able to present your heading so you can easily navigate back to the exit point.

Deep diving

What Are The Main Advantages of The Suunto D5?

  • A long-life rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
  • The software can be updated
  • Water-resistant down to 328 feet (100 meters)
  • Several modes including gauge, digital compass, free dive and air/nitrox options
  • Wireless tank pressure can be monitoring
  • There is a wireless Bluetooth mobile connection with the Suunto app for syncing data
  • A choice of straps including exchangeable leisure and silicone straps
  • There are vibrating, audible and visual alarms and alerts

What Are The Main Disadvantages Of The Suunto D5?

  • The Plan mode may be too simple – there’s no ability to run a complete depth/time simulation

Should I Buy The Suunto D5 Dive Computer?

If you’re a keen recreational diver who tackles a range of dive types including those which are more advanced, the Suunto D5 could be the ideal choice for you. Its well-thought-out design allows users to easily read the display, even in the darkest areas while its audible, visual and vibrating alarms ensure that you won’t miss key alerts for your own safety. Always worth comparing Suunto vs Garmin and more specifically you may want to review Garmin Descent MK1.

This device boasts user-updatable features as well as the capability to switch between three nitrox/air mixes. This makes it an excellent choice for more able divers who are keen to push their boundaries underwater. There is even the facility to sync data to social media from the D5, so this adds up to one pretty impressive dive computer.

The interchangeable straps only add to the style and visual appeal of this device. It can be worn out of the water just as easily as in it, and this makes the Suunto D5 a great choice for all kinds of recreational divers.

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Amazfit GTR Review – Fashion Meets Function

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Amazfit GTR

If bulky and easily noticeable smartwatches aren’t your style, you might want to check out Amazfit GTR by Huami. Its elegant design stands out among the the usual tech-oriented watches which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

GTR is one of several recent smartwatch releases by Huami which provides high-quality wearable tech at a relatively affordable price. You might want to check out the details of their other releases to make the right choice for your lifestyle: Amazfit Stratos 3, Amazfit GTS, Amazfit Nexo, Amazfit Verge Lite and Amazfit BIP Lite. 

If you prefer to match your wearable tech to your personality and style, the GTR has a lot to offer. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about this smartwatch in order to help you make the correct choice. 

Features

Battery lasts up to 24 daysSleep analysis
12 Sports modesRemotely control your music app
WaterproofAvailable in 47mm and 42mm
AMOLED displayHeart rate monitoring

Appearance And Design

The Amazfit GTR comes in two size variations, 47mm and 42mm. The watch body is made from titanium for durability while the microcrystalline zirconium ceramic bezel gives the dial a more elegant look.

The 47mm GTR has a standard edition and a glitter edition made with sparkle cubic zirconia Austrian Crystals. It utilizes a 1.39” AMOLED display with a resolution of 456 x 456 pixels. The touch screen is made from Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and has an anti-fingerprint coating. the always-on feature is not present in this version. Additionally, it comes with a 22mm strap, which is made from leather or fluororubber, depending on the version.

The 42mm version has four colours: Starry Black, Cherry Blossom Pink, Moonlight White and Coral Red. It also has a glitter edition for a further refined look. Its 1.2”AMOLED display has a display resolution of 390x390pixels. The strap varies in colour depending on your choice, and is slightly thinner at 20mm. This GTR does have an always-on display.

Both variants have a power button and a function button on the body. The power button can be used to close the screen, return to the main dial and shut down the device after a 10-second press. The function button allows you to set a quick access function to customise the device according to your needs.

Battery

According to the manufacturer, the 47mm smartwatch has an impressive battery life of 24 days in ordinary usage. If you turn off the fitness tracking features, its life can be extended to 74 days as a basic watch. The 42mm version is less frugal on power – typical usage will give you 12 days while basic watch mode extends to 34 days.

Both smartwatches can be fully charged in around two hours and use a LiPo battery.

Functionality

Aside from looking like fashionable wearable tech, GTR does aim to provide users with the smartwatch functionality, which consists of:

Live Connection

From notifying you about calls to setting up reminders, the GTR will never let you miss an alert. You can integrate the smartwatch to provide utility to elevate your lifestyle. Get reminders to move or set your own alarms for various tasks without relying on your phone. You can view most of your notifications from different apps on the device, minimising distractions. There is no microphone, speaker or keyboard so you’ll need to have your phone in order to respond to notifications or calls.

Up To 12 Fitness Activity Modes

In order to help you accurately understand your fitness activities, the Amazfit smartwatch has 12 distinct modes:

RunningIndoor Cycling
TreadmillOpen Water Swimming
Trail RunningPool Swim
WalkingClimbing
EllipticalSkiing
Outdoor CyclingExercise

The smartwatch is waterproof up to 5ATM, making it suitable for basic swimming. However it is not recommended for scuba diving, deep water diving and high-speed water sports.

BioTracking

Aside from the physical sports aspects, the watch comes with its proprietary BioTracker sensors which help analyse performance, heart rate and sleep. It alerts you on any irregularities and allows you to recalibrate your lifestyle accordingly.

Music Playback

You can remotely control your music player with the GTR so you can get an uninterrupted, hands-free listening experience. You can perform basic functions like playing, pausing or skipping tracks, as well as volume control, all from the touch screen.

In-built GPS Tracking

Whether you’re out on a run or need to evaluate your pace, the device’s GPS framework helps to gather the data you’ll need. Having on-device functionality allows for an accurate reading while enabling better battery management.

Activity Sync and App

All your tracked data is neatly presented in an accompanying app with further analytics to help you make sense of your readings. It completes the whole smartwatch experience by providing you with historical records to understand your performance better. Additionally, it also allows you to customise your watch faces and customise notifications according to your own preference.

Main AdvantagesMain Disadvantages
Fashionable covert designGPS, sleep and heart rate tracking can be slightly inaccurate
Customizable watch facesLimited features available
12 Activity modes including swim track
Heart rate monitoring
Long lasting battery

Summary

The Amazfit GTR offers the functionality of a sports watch with the design elegance of traditional watches. While there are some limitations, it does deliver on its basic premise and provides you with analysis you could use to improve your daily life. All in all, if you’re looking for a covert smartwatch without much of the frills and bulk of traditional wearable tech, the GTR is definitely worth checking out.

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Suunto vs Garmin

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Choosing a watch - garmin/suunto

Which Brand of SmartWatch is Right for You?

Whether you are in the market for an upgrade on your sports watch or have decided that now is the time to make your first GPS watch purchase, the market can be a little daunting. There are some great brands out there with a wide variety of different features and some significant difference in prices. If you already have a watch, then there is a good chance that you already know some, if not all, of the features that you require, and those that you really didn’t need. If, however, this is your first purchase, then don’t just be tempted to buy the one someone suggests to you. It may not have all the features you are looking for.

Review the top popular Garmin watches on Amazon.com


The Garmin Fenix Slate Grey

Two of the more popular brands of GPS watch that are available to buy now are Suunto and Garmin. Both make great running watches, so let’s take a look at a few of their models.

Top Suunto deals on Amazon

So Who is Garmin?

Based in Olathe, Kansas Garmin Ltd is an American company who originally began life as Pronav. The company has been around for quite a while, having been founded in 1989. They have a background in specialising in GPS technology for a wide variety of applications from aviation to marine, automobile to outdoor activities. More recently, they have moved into the field of activity trackers following the development of wearable technology.

Over the years, Garmin has grown from the small company – whose first customer was the US Army – to where they are today.  Now, they are a company who sell their products on a global scale and hold a variety of patents. 

Garmin sells a wide variety of incredibly popular vehicle trackers as well as walking and diving GPS. They also count the Vivo series of fitness trackers in their range with popular models including Vivofit, Vivosmart and the Vivoactive.

Who is Suunto?

Suunto Oy is a Finnish company with its headquarters in Vantaa, Finland. The company name is derived from the Finnish word “Suunto” which means direction or heading. The company was founded in 1936 when they became the first company to manufacture the compact liquid sighting compass which was used extensively by artillery officers during the war.

The company has expanded over the years and now employs over 300 people all over the world with its products selling in over 100 countries.

In addition to compasses, which they still manufacture, the company also produce diving watches, computers and instruments, Sports watches and a range of lifestyle watches. They are a subsidiary of the Amer Sports Corporation.

Review a list of the most popular Suunto watches on Amazon.


The Suunto Core All Black Military

How to choose a GPS watch for running

Before you start to panic, it is essential to remember that both Suunto and Garmin are well known for making very high-quality tracker watches.  So, whichever brand you do decide on you really can’t go wrong.  Of course, both brands do offer a range of different features. Ultimately, what you should be looking at when choosing a GPS watch for running are the features. Look at things like display, tracking modes and activities, and of course, the app that you use to sync any data your watch records. There are a variety of models to suit different needs and budgets from each brand. 

  • Do you want a basic watch that just tracks races and training?
  • Do you want a multi-sport watch that will manage a more varied selection of sport?
  • Do you want a watch that foes everything and tracks everything that you do all the time?

These questions should get you started on your search for the right tracker. If you already have a watch and there are features that you don’t particularly like, then maybe you might prefer to change the brand. If, however, you love the one you already have and are just looking for an upgrade, then it might be better to stick with the brand you know.

Feature comparison

One thing you will find with most basis GPS watches, and this applies to any makes, is that they will include many of the same data-tracking features. These include pace, distance, calorie tracking and in many cases, heart rate monitor. However,  some cheaper GPS watches do not include this last feature.

They will, however, differ in terms of the hardware, alerts, training tools and data management.

In order to compare Suunto and Garmin, we will break the features down and look at them individually. 

Tracking and display

Both brands offer watches that display real-time data that is customisable, things such as pace, distance, time, calories burnt and heart rate. At the touch of a button, they also both offer summary information; average pace, elevation gain and stride count.  All of which can be valuable information for any runner in training.

In terms of tracking and display, there is little difference between the brands. However, in terms of digital customisation, there is one big difference. The Fenix 5X Plus from Garmin allows the user to change the data screen during a workout. All the models available from Suunto require any custom changes to be made through the Movescount app.

The GPS tracking from both models is, however, superb.

  • The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus with its handy mid-workout data changing is slightly more workout friendly.

Battery Life

The Suunto 9 is rather clever when it comes to battery life. This model features three battery mode and has a built-in system that allows you to estimate how much battery is left. If the watch notices your battery is running out, it will suggest you switch to a different mode to help prolong battery life. Depending on the mode users get between 25 to 120 hours from the battery.

Both the Forerunner 935/945 and the Fenix 5 from Garmin have various battery mode settings and a battery life ranging from 24 hours in GPS mode to 60 hours in the UltraTrac battery saver mode.  This mode shuts off GPS periodically and relies on an accelerometer to calculate distance and speed.

  • Suunto 9 offers the better battery life

Mapping and navigation

When it comes to new routes, whether you know the area or not, both brands provide superb navigational features. The Fenix series from Garmin offers colour topographic mapping capabilities. However, due to the size of the screen, this may not be ideal for many users.

All watches from Suunto offer GPS downloads that display a “breadcrumb” map and the direction you need to follow.

Of course, Suunto is also known for barometric and altimeter functions, which are great for off-trail running.

  • While both brands offer very similar features, the Suunto watches have the edge with their added altimeter and barometric functions and, of course, map size. 

Heart rate monitoring

The higher-end watches from both brands include optical heart rate or wrist-based monitoring.

Models like the Ambit 3 Peak from Suunto have an optional heart rate belt instead. The type of monitor you prefer is very much down to personal choice. 

In addition to monitoring heart rate, the Garmin Fenix 5 also tracks wellness on a 24/7 basis. This includes your sleep metrics, which some users might find handy.

  • If a heart rate belt is for you, then you will probably prefer the Ambit 3 Peak
  • If you want to track everything, then the Fenix 5 from Garmin is the watch for you.

Apps and data management

If you are changing brands of tracker, then this is one area where you will probably notice the most difference.

Suunto watches use Movescount. However, there are plans in place to replace this at some point during the summer of 2020 when the Suunto app will go live. All of the watches have the ability to analyse your data and synchronise, upload photos and workout descriptions and send notifications from your phone to your watch. The Spartan collection, Suunto 3 Fitness and Suunto 9 also allow for 24/7 synchronisation of data – things like calories burnt, steps and route planning.

All Garmin models use Connect – this offers similar features to Movescount and the ability to build courses, create workouts and even challenge your friends to competitions.

  • There is very little to choose between both brands. Although, it is worth remembering that with the move from Movescount to the Suunto app coming up, there may be new ways of doing things that you will need to learn.

 Which Tracker?

Ultimately the choice in tracker between the 2 makes really will come down to personal choice and the features that they both offer. They are both excellent brands that offer real value for money in the field of tracking devices.

Here we have put together a small comparison of a few models from each brand in different price brackets:

  SUUNTO GARMIN
BUDGET TRACKERSuunto Ambit 3 Run Garmin Forerunner 35
FEATURESAll basic run features, designed for a smaller wristBest priced starter GPS watch
MID RANGE TRACKERSuunto Ambit 3 PeakGarmin Forerunner 935/945
FEATURESMulti-sport, Route navigationMulti-sport, heartrate monitor, barometer, altimeter
HIGH-END TRACKER Suunto 9 Garmin Fenix 5/6
FEATURESExtra-long battery life, barometer, weather alertsSleek look, all sports, all day, has all the features

Fitbit v.s. Garmin

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Running woman wearing a fitness tracker
Running woman wearing a fitness tracker

Which brand should you choose for your fitness tracking watch?

Fitbit and Garmin are two heavyweight brands that over the last couple of years have earned themselves a position at the top of the fitness tracking market.

Garmin already offers plenty of smartwatches and sports watches as part of its product range. But Fitbit is catching up fast with the release of both the Versa and the Ionic.

Fitbit Versa
Fitbit Versa

Both brands have their distinct strengths, but it can be hard to choose between them. Here we take a look at their respective hardware and features to help you come to a decision.

Who is Fitbit?

With headquarters in San Francisco, California, Fitbit was founded in 2007 by James Park and Eric Friedman. The company had previously been known as Healthy Metrics Research Inc. Fitbit has won a number of awards over the years including being placed runner-up in 2008 at TechCrunch50. It was also best in the category of Health & Wellness in 2009 at CES and, in 2016, was ranked 37 out of 50 companies for being most innovative. 

The Fitbit product range includes clip-on trackers like the Fitbit Zip and a wide variety of wristband trackers including the Fitbit Alta and their most recent wristband tracker the Fitbit Charge 3. There are also several smartwatches available in their product range.

Who is Garmin?

Gamin is headquartered in based in Kansas. Formerly known as ProNav, it was founded in 1989 and initially specialised in GPS technology for aviation, marine, automobile and outdoor activities. The company’s first customer was the US Army. Later, it moved into the activity tracker market with the development of wearable technology and it now holds a significant number of patents.

In addition to a wide range of top-rated GPS tracking devices for cars, walking and even diving, Garmin also produces the Vivo series of fitness trackers. These include the Vivofit, Vivosmart and the Vivoactive.

Vivofit and Vivosmart
Vivofit and Vivosmart

What is a fitness tracker?

A fitness tracker is a device specifically designed to record exercise and other health-related data. Most fitness tracker will include the ability to analyse the quality of sleep, monitor heart rate, count calories and track number of steps. But even those with similar features may differ in the way they operate. For example, heart rate monitoring can be done using a separate chest strap or via the wrist band. Some sensors can automatically log your data, while others require manual intervention.

Many fitness trackers specialise in one type of exercise. Those more commonly used for running or cycling include GPS. In general, Garmin products are more suited to athletes, while Fitbit targets those with a more casual exercise routine.

Budget fitness trackers

fitbit charge 3
Fitbit Charge 3

When it comes to fitness trackers, there really is something for every budget. If you are looking for something a little less costly, then there are a couple of budget trackers that are worth considering.

The Fitbit Inspire is an ideal choice when it comes to a budget tracker. It is one of the smallest models available on the market and offers a nice sleek option.

Features:

Pros

  • Sleep Tracking
  • Step counting
  • Calorie counting
  • Distance tracking
  • 5-day battery life
  • Additional strap styles available
  • Water-resistant – suitable for showering or swimming

Cons

  • No heart rate monitor
  • No GPS
  • The strap is rather stiff

Overall, the Fitbit Inspire is a good option for the average user. The strap can be changed for a metal or leather band, and the water resistance feature is a nice touch, and it does offer the option to log the length of your swim. The screen is a bright touchscreen OLED. At around $98 or £69 the Fitbit Inspire really is a great tracker for the price, especially for the more casual user.

Garmin has the rather lovely looking Garmin Vivofit 4 as its rather more wallet-friendly model. Like the Inspire, this is a rather slim model with a beautiful sleek look to it, and of course plenty of features.

Features:

Pros

  • Sleep Tracking
  • Step counting – with daily personalised step goal
  • Calorie counting
  • Distance tracking
  • 1 + year battery life with no need to charge
  • Synchs with Garmin Connect™ periodically – allowing you to save and share your activities
  • Heart Rate Monitor
  • Water-resistant – suitable for swimming or showering

Cons

  • No GPS
  • Strap looks cheap
  • Has LCD but no backlight making it difficult to check at night
  • No altimeter

With great battery life and the extra bonus of a heart rate monitor, the Garmin Vivofit 4 ($70/£70), is a great tracker for those who are looking for a little more without spending too much.

In comparison to the Fitbit Inspire, it certainly offers a few convenient extra features but it doesn’t have the choice of straps or look quite as dressy as the Inspire. If you are looking for a budget tracker that gives you plenty for your money, then this, however, could be the tracker for you.

High-end fitness trackers

If you are looking for a luxury tracker that offers you more, then both brands have some fantastic high-end fitness trackers available. They offer a wealth of different features that should suit every type of exercise regime.

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a stunning health and fitness smartwatch that will undoubtedly turn heads. It comes in a variety of different colourways, and for a little more money there are even a couple of special edition Versa 2’s available as well. In addition to all the standard features, you would expect such as step count, calorie tracking etc. it also offers the following extras.

Features:

Pros

  • Sleep Tracking with sleep score which allows you to assess your sleep routine
  • Built-in Amazon Alexa
  • 5-day battery life
  • Fitbit pay – the ability to pay without your wallet
  • 24/7 Heart Rate Monitor
  • Smartphone notifications
  • Water-resistant up to 50 metres – suitable for swimming or showering
  • Ability to control your Spotify app and add music to your Deezer playlist

Cons

  • No GPS making its exercise logging slightly less accurate than it is
  • Only comes in the one size
  • Fitbit’s claim that this is one of their lightest trackers, unfortunately, gives it a look of something cheaper than the price tag.

With a price tag of $230/£219 for the special edition of Versa 2, this is a great tracker for daily use. It offers all of the usual features but it also provides some extra ones that can really help to motivate those who find it hard to stick to an exercise routine. The lack of GPS will probably deter serious runners or cyclists, for example.

Garmin vivoactive
Garmin Vivoactive

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 has the looks of a classic sports watch while really packing in the features. It is available in classic black or white with a couple of different colour choices for the bezel. This tracker has all the standard features you would expect from a Garmin and plenty of extras.

Features:

Pros

  • Tracks heart rate variability
  • 7-day battery life in smartwatch mode, 13 hours using GPS
  • Garmin pay – the ability to pay without your wallet
  • Smart notifications
  • Daily fitness and stress monitoring
  • Ability to download and create workouts
  • Vivoactive 3 Music allows you to download 500 songs and connect with Bluetooth headphones

Cons

  • Quite a bulky tracker
  • Gamin pay not supported everywhere
  • Not able to store music on the watch

The Garmin Vivoactive 3 which retails at $205/£200, or the music at $308/£250, is a top of the range fitness tracker that offers excellent functionality. It is aimed at those users who take their fitness very seriously, and like a number of different forms of sport. This is a tracker that has been designed with the sportsperson in mind. The extras such as the ability to listen to music are a plus.