Running chest strap

[Hrannar]

Is there any chest strap for fitbit versa 2?

I would like to train as a goalkeeper but I cannot have the fitbit on my wrist. Is there any chest strap where I can put my Versa 2 in?

[NellyG · Accepted solution]

Hi @Hrannar Interesting idea.  There is no official chest strap for any of the current fitbits, and I don't know of any off brand ones either. If you are a sewer (or know someone who sews)  you might be able to rig something up that would work. Let us know if you find something.

[Rufous44]

Not possible at all as all Fitbit lacks compatibility to any external sensor and this possibility has been ruled out by Fitbit.

[--Smeagol--]

Hello @NellyG.

I believe what @Hrannar is asking for is an external Heart rate chest strap. Many competitors offer such devices for times when a wrist worn optical sensor isn't suitable.

If only it were as easy as sewing one, we then wouldn't have to wait on the off chance that Fitbit might care to provide users with such choices. 

[NellyG]

@--Smeagol-- @Rufous44 

I do not believ@Hrannar is asking about a chest strap HR monitor. He says 'I cannot have the fitbit on my wrist. Is there any chest strap where I can put my Versa 2 in?' That is why I answered as I did. You are correct though, that fitbits do not sync with chest strap heart monitors.

[Rufous44]

You are probably right @NellyG however in order to measure HR on your chest the optical sensor is useless and  electrical sensor must be used. Hence the advise of sewing something to support the tracker is not applicable.

Again, i can't believe Fitbit is not opening up to support external sensor, even using proprietary technology, having seen how inaccurate are its optical sensors.

[Rich_Laue]

A couple of years ago, their was talk of this, but not anymore. 

[Steffiesz]

This would be a reason for me to part ways with fitbit. The chest straps from polar so much more accurate than fitbit. 

[Zigzaggie]

Stick it with sports tape to your chest. (take wristband off)  Or on your underbelly left or right. Stays in place, works for me.

[Rachrains]

Does it still monitor and record well enough like this?? My strap broke!! 

[Zigzaggie]

Yes I do this twice a week for Krav Maga lessons. I prefer right underneath the elastic band of my underwear than chest but both work. Maybe it depends on hair growth how well sports tape stays in place. I have no problem with that. 
Good luck!

[Rich_Laue]

Chest straps monitor the electrical signal that powers the heart. Fitbit monitors the changes in blood density that happens durring a heart beat. 

[Guy_]

Hi @Zigzaggie - is the Fitbit able to detect heart rate adequately (and even steps) when strapped to your stomach?

[Zigzaggie]

Yes, it detects heart rate and steps as if its on my wrist. It works fine for me and what I do and use fitbit for -Krav Maga, boxing, fitness, walks, heart rate, burned calories.

I don't do long runs or biking so don't know if its good enough for that.

[Guy_]

@Zigzaggie - thanks,  seems like a good solution.

I tried it over my shirt, and it detects everything as on the wrist, except perhaps skin temperature which I didn't test yet.

[Zigzaggie]

@Guy_ That's great but óver your shirt? You mean like a vest then? How does it stay in place?  

[Guy_]

@Zigzaggie- it just does when walking, moving about, haven't tried when running, it might then need to be tighter. [A fat tummy helps! lol] I am using a chest strap.

[Triletics]

@Guy_ are you talking about a chest strap or Fitbit glued to a belly? I don't think an optical sensor would work over any fabric. Chest straps work as long as the fabric is wet (and eventually, we start sweating so that solves it but it's good to wet the area before to reduce electrical resistance.

[Guy_]

@Triletics- Chest strap and white shirt - surprisingly works fine [using a Sense], or directly next to skin also.

[Guy_]

@Zigzaggie - thanks,  seems like a good solution.

Decided to make my own chest strap and clock faces, SimpleSports ( with large easy to see rotatable face, so can be worn on wrist, arm or chest ) and also one for help improving your and your partner's sleep SimpleSleep (Versa and Sense only)

Don't know if this Strap is of any use for hard exercise but for general use it seems to measure everything better than on your wrist, even through a white shirt, steps, floors and HR, avoids accidental button press problems too and will work with most watches and their bands. Might even help for people with lots of tattoos on both wrists.