Breaststroke detection needs finetuning

[SunsetRunner]

Just as the title says, the breaststroke algorithm needs major tuning. It's my conclusion after trying several Ionics while pool swimming. Other devices (competitors') do not have the issue, wore them in parallel on the same hand, at the same time.

Freestyle is picked up properly, breaststroke needs to allow a wider range of "styles" detection (stroke, glide, rhythm, etc.). I am not a pro-swimmer but it cannot be that Ionic records 2 lengths out of 20 while other devices are more or less spot-on. Again, i mention that i wore the watches at the same time, same hand, doing the same movements. Can't think of a more better test than this.

[NellyG]

@SunsetRunner I understand that must be frustrating for you, but mine records my breast stroke equally as well as other styles. I have read that breast stroke is the most difficult to detect correctly (though I cant remember where), so maybe the particular way you move is not consistant with the recognition parameters. Which isnt much help to you, I know. I am just saying that not all breaststrokers have recognition problems. I have found both my flex 2 and my Ionic pretty spot on with my swimming (except kick board of course).

[SunsetRunner]

yes, that's the point: the breaststroke recognition parameters/patterns are too "strict", compared to other styles. Basically more breaststroke style variations should be allowed, not only "closest to standard", if you know what i mean. I also use quite long glides in-between hand/legs movements, which other watches seem to pick up perfectly, not the Ionic.

I wish the Ionic had an auto-learning function, or does it already? If it does, well, it doesn't work. Can't be that out of 20 lenghts, only 4 are detected (2 of those being freestyle).

[SunsetRunner]

I have had similar issues. I swim 3 times a week, used to swim competitively and love the Ionic as a companion. However, while freestyle, fly and backstroke work perfectly, the breaststroke only counts if I really go at it.

If I swim slowly or use long glides, the sensors do not pick it up. I realize that these are probably particularly hard to track, but like the OP, I'd appreciate any attempt at improvement 🙂 

[Stu_B]

Can I ask what is not being tracked?

I have recorded a couple of swims on my Ionic, as you referring to the detection of the number of lengths, or is there something else?

From my experience, once I start recording a swim, as long as the turn at each of the pool is sharp enough, the length is recorded.  How I swim breast stroke or whether I stop half way doesn't seem to matter, only the turn so the watch records the change of direction.

[SunsetRunner]

Yes, at least I was referring to the number of lengths/lanes. 

Generally it works very well with the other three strokes, I only noticed inaccuracies during breaststroke (and of course leg specific exercises, but that is sort of inevitable I guess). I think simply decreasing the threshold regarding some sensor outputs, thus lowering the sensitivity threshold would be even better than now.

But maybe thats just me. Interesting observation, I'll try to pay attention to the turns tomorrow! 

[SunsetRunner]

i use the same turn style when doing freestyle or breaststroke, so the turn is not the issue.

freestyle is picked up, breaststroke not.

[AGdelC]

I have the same problem with my Charge 3, it basically does not register anything when swimming breastroke.

[SunsetRunner]

Hi, can you say what other devices recorded breaststroke correctly? I am so unhappy with my Charge 3.

[NellyG]

I have used a flex 2, an Ionic, a Versa and a Charge 3 and all of them recognise my breast strokenwith no problems at all. So it isnt the type of tracker, though some may have more problems than others - I cant tell! Maybe I have very easy to recognise breast stroke!

[SunsetRunner]

HI Nelly, that's quite a colection you have there 🙂 Thank you for the response, that gives me something to hope for then. To clarify, you are getting the correct number of laps counted? I'm getting up to 50% extra laps counted. I'm not doing anything except swimming to the end, turning around, repeat.

[KatMax]

My Versa works fine for freestyle; however, when I swim back stroke or breast stroke it counts double! In addition a third of my workout is kicking and I didn’t know that wouldn’t be tracked. As I bought the Versa to track my swimming I am very disappointed.

[Ssll]

I have major issue with recording my breast stroke too. For me my charge 3 grossly over-records. Once close to 100% and another time 50%. That’s the only style I swim so I can’t really comment on other styles. Wondering what could have caused my issue? I am not a very good swimmer but I have been Swimming breast stroke for years so I won’t say I am totally off either.

[Ssll]

• I got the exact same issue with u. It double counts my breast stroke.