Fitness tracker - with heart/oxygen recording - any recommendations?

dowie · 6 Feb 2016 at 12:18

I'm looking for a fitness tracker and could do with some recommendations - would like it to monitor/record heart rate and, if possible, oxygen levels too. Chest strap/non chest strap I'm not too fussed either way.

Ideally it ought to be waterproof too(as in able to go for a walk/run in the rain - not swimming).

D.P. · 6 Feb 2016 at 12:29

For outdoor sue, e.g. GPS For running, or do you just want a step,count that works indoors?

dowie · 6 Feb 2016 at 12:37

I'd like to be able to use it outdoors too, ideally in rain as well. Doesn't have to have GPS though.

D3K · 6 Feb 2016 at 12:43

I've heard the garmin chest strap is good for heart rate, but can't vouch for it's accuracy.
With regards to light-based heart rate monitors, I don't believe there's a single one on the market that is accurate. However, they are consistent in their lack of accuracy so trend analysis is possible between workouts. I have a Gear 2 Neo which seems to be about 10% out, but it cannot even read my sweaty wrist at the end of a run, let alone while I'm running.

I've never heard of an oxygen level monitor beyond app gimmicks. With the lack of accuracy measuring your pulse, I can only guess that the oxygen saturation monitors for your skin are even worse.

dowie · 6 Feb 2016 at 12:57

D3K said:
I've never heard of an oxygen level monitor beyond app gimmicks. With the lack of accuracy measuring your pulse, I can only guess that the oxygen saturation monitors for your skin are even worse.

I did wonder if that was possible - I think apple wanted their watch to be an all round fitness tracker with heart rate and oxygen monitoring etc... but it didn't work out quite as well as they'd hoped. Given the budget they have for hardware projects I guess others making those claims might be a bit dubious.

Begbie · 6 Feb 2016 at 13:02

How about the moto 360 sport watch? Although the reviews aren't great...