Blaze HR sensor Vs. Charge HR sensor

[RC914]

Are the heart rate sensors better and more accurate in the blaze compared to the charge HR?

Moderator edit: edited title for clarity

[MakMak]

Hi @RC914, it's the  same technology.

[matt9013]

@RC914

As @MakMak said it's the same sensors. I would have liked to see the Blaze get better/more advance HR sensors than what Fitbit currently offers though as it's the newest product.

[Jenn458511]

I have a Charge HR that when I am working out and sweating stop reading my heart rate. Will the Blaze be able to track this better?

[MikeF]

As far as I'm aware, the technology is the same in the two devices so I would expect very similar results in identical circumstances.

[MikeF]

There's an assumption there that more advanced sensors actually exist (by which I mean developments of the pure pulse tech rather than 'something else').

[EmersonFitbit]

In addition to @MikeF's point, I'd like to touch on the fact that we're always working on building the existing foundation of the PurePulse technology that goes into our sensors! 

[Rich_Laue]

The actual senser is composed of two devices. Leds and a light detector, the Pure Pulse magic happens in the software.

So what is happening?

Blood absorbs green light, the more blood in the veins the less light that is reflected. Pure pulse is looking for the change in blood volume, as the heart beats.

Basically it is looking at the same change in pressure that the nurse looks for while holding the wrist.

[bbarrera]

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@MikeF wrote:
As far as I'm aware, the technology is the same in the two devices so I would expect very similar results in identical circumstances.

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True, and my first thought too, however its *possible* there could be HR accuracy differences between Charge HR and Blaze.

Even with the exact same sensor package (hardware/software), you might get better results with one tracker over another. Why? Because the two trackers will fit differently, and also each tracker will allow a different amount of outside light under the band. So its possible Blaze might have a better fit, or if you exercise outside in bright sun (e.g. cycling or running), it might do a better job keeping out sunlight. Or Charge HR might give better results. Or they might give very similar results as @MikeF stated. Now we do know that playing around with Surge position, tightness, and use under armband can impact HR results, seems possible that different tracker form factors could also impact results (in fact I know a few people that got better results with Charge HR vs Surge).

Would make for an interesting study, maybe Fitbit will give me a research grant and a few large piles of Fitbit trackers? LOL

[Tablone]

In that case the same tech should be able to determine blood pressure. I'd love to track that over time.

[EmersonFitbit]

That isn't an uncommon request @Tablone! I'd recommend joining the conversation here. 

[jbrian00]

Why would pcmagazine be lead to believe the hr sensor is "improved"?

"It lacks GPS, but the Fitbit Blaze has an improved heart rate sensor and automatic sleep and activity tracking."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2497526,00.asp

Also, cnet's article states "The Blaze does have some new fitness tricks. Fitbit claims there's improved heart rate tracking that now records more frequently when tracking in multi-sport modes, and the Blaze also can record more activities -- including those that don't involve step-counting -- with better calorie-burn estimates."

http://www.cnet.com/products/fitbit-blaze/#!

[RC914]

I agree. I have seen multiple places where it says that the sensor is better in the blaze compared to the HR so I don't know what to believe. You would think that with every generation, the sensor would be improved but with all the responses here, I'm guessing it's the same.

I've been having a lot of issues with the heart rate accuracy while I'm spinning with my charge HR. Many times it says my heart rate is in the 70s-80s, but it's really in the 130s. I was hoping that the blaze would fix this issue.

[Gshock]

@rc914- Do you cinch (tighten) your charge hr down when you are exercising?

[RC914]

@Gshock - I have tried it both ways... Slightly loose as well as one notch tighter (no band movement at all) with the same result.

[Michael]

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@jbrian00 wrote:

Also, cnet's article states "The Blaze does have some new fitness tricks. Fitbit claims there's improved heart rate tracking that now records more frequently when tracking in multi-sport modes, and the Blaze also can record more activities -- including those that don't involve step-counting -- with better calorie-burn estimates." 

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@jbrian00 That sounds like exactly like what Fitbit added to the Charge HR, and Surge, with the last firmware update: "We’ve enhanced our PurePulse™ heart-rate technology. Now when you activate exercise mode, you’ll have even better heart-rate tracking during certain high-intensity workouts like Zumba® or bootcamp classes. For more information about heart rate, see Heart rate FAQs."

[GG007]

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@RC914 wrote:
I agree. I have seen multiple places where it says that the sensor is better in the blaze compared to the HR so I don't know what to believe. You would think that with every generation, the sensor would be improved but with all the responses here, I'm guessing it's the same.

I've been having a lot of issues with the heart rate accuracy while I'm spinning with my charge HR. Many times it says my heart rate is in the 70s-80s, but it's really in the 130s. I was hoping that the blaze would fix this issue.

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Well considering the Charge HR heart rate readings at the moment....................

[stacy_19201325]

How does the HR info show up?  Are you only able to see it on the device in real time, or do you get a graph in your dashboard, like the way steps or activity levels show up?  I don't have one of the HR models yet, but I'm considering getting one.

Also, is it reasonably accurate, compared to a chest strap monitor?  I have one of those, and my exercise bike has a thumb thingy.  The chest strap appears pretty accurate (from just my counting heartbeats) but the thumb press thing is not even remotely close (showing 50 some beats per minute when I'm doing 120ish).

[SunsetRunner]

Th

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@stacy_19201325 wrote:

How does the HR info show up?  Are you only able to see it on the device in real time, or do you get a graph in your dashboard, like the way steps or activity levels show up?  I don't have one of the HR models yet, but I'm considering getting one.

Also, is it reasonably accurate, compared to a chest strap monitor?  I have one of those, and my exercise bike has a thumb thingy.  The chest strap appears pretty accurate (from just my counting heartbeats) but the thumb press thing is not even remotely close (showing 50 some beats per minute when I'm doing 120ish).

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If you wear a chest strap HR monitor you'll be disappointed with a Charge HR for high intensity work outs. Optical wrist monitors are no match and the Charge HR is no exception.

The Charge will show an instantaneous readout of HR but you need to press a button. It stores the workout and then you get a graph that you can view in your dashboard.

[matt9013]

@stacy_19201325

You get the info in real time on the Blaze but can also go to the dashboard and look at all the data.

I have heard mixed things on the HR. Some love it and say it's pretty close or spot on with there chest strap and others say it's way off. I have heard more good things about the HR than bad things from people who just do everyday things to people who run marathons and train everyday.