Calories shown on Ionic radically different for the same activity on Blaze

[Beamish]

Today was my lifting day. Usually for an hour of lifting, my Blaze would show that I had expended between 237 and 350 calories. Today my Ionic showed 632. Which is it? 

I also noticed that the calories for running are substantially different -- 800 calories versus 450 for the same distance/time.

I could wear both watches but it doesn't tell me which one is right.

Suggestions?

[wmchapman]

Interesting, @Beamish  Typically:

...some estimates for me:

A slow walk | 255 calories/hour

brisk walk | 391 calories/hour

Hiking | 546 calories/hour

Running 5 mph | 755 calories/hour

Run the stairs | burn 819 calories per hour.

Running, 8 mph | 1,074 calories/hour

Bowling or Dancing; fitboarding | 273 calories/hour

easy cycling | 364 calories/hour

spinning/exercise bike | 550 calories/hour

Jump rope | 1,074 calories/hour  -like running in place but with step count

HRM helps; but I don't know which would be closer since everyones circuit is different and usually not constant - I'll invite my good friend @Dominique to offer his expertise and insight - strength training is his strength.

[C0ltrain]

I would like to add that I'm seeing much higher calories burned during weights as well. It seems that my heart rate is being registered much higher (only during workouts), and that is why the calorie burn numbers are so much greater.

[bbarrera]

---

@Beamish wrote:

I also noticed that the calories for running are substantially different -- 800 calories versus 450 for the same distance/time.

---

@Beamish that is somewhat troubling. Did you have a look at HR for a run on Ionic and a run on Blaze? 

As explained in the link provided by @wmchapman there are known limitations when using HR to estimate calorie burn for weight lifting.

[Dominique]

I’m by no mean an expert, but one of my hobbies has been to wear multiple trackers and compare the main metrics (steps, calories). Here are some comparative numbers for:

Surge vs. Charge 2

and

Surge vs. Charge 2 vs. Alta HR

Haven’t been lucky enough to get my hands on an Ionic yet, but generally speaking, there are going to be discrepancies between trackers. Estimating energy expenditure with an activity tracker simply isn’t exact science.

The differences you’ve observed seem pretty large, though, much larger than what I’ve seen in my various comparisons with other trackers.

You may want to create a secondary/temporary account for your Ionic and wear both trackers at the same time for a few days, so you can have numbers for the entire day. In the end, these are the ones that matter IMO. People around you may question your sanity when they notice you’ve got two largish fancy looking watches, but who cares . After a few days, you would have a better overall picture. 

[Seaplane]

I used to own a Fitbit blaze. Gave it to my daughter when I got a Samsung Fit 2. Now have an Ionic.

Wore both Fit 2 and Ionic today and noticed a huge discrepancy between them for calories burned (no specific exercises just walking/at work/ etc.). When Fit 2 says I've burned 1270 cals the Ionic is at 1720. Thats a 450 cal difference.  I know the Fit 2 measures HR intermittently rather than continuously but I can't tell whuch is more accurate. Might just have to borrow the Blaze and compare all 3 'live'.

[BillN26.2]

Just got my Ionic yesterday and already noticing the same. I run 8-9 miles per day + 3-4 miles walking getting place to place. My calories burned with the Ionic today is already 4300 with 5 hours 20 minutes left in the day, whereas the same distance typically has been 4000-4200 for 24 hours on my Surge. A bit concerned because I think my Surge is already overstating by 10% based on more accurate online measurements (eating what my Surge says in calories = quick weight gain for me).

[PDeshpan]

Same thing is happening with me. The calorie count is weirdly high for the same exercises that I use to do with my Charge HR

[PaulIsh]

First week almost over of using Ionic, total Calories almost 4,000 less than average week of previously using Fitbit Surge. Is the Ionic more accurate? Was the Surge way out? Have checked profile settings and everything was transferred over when setting up Ionic and replacing Surge, so same details as before.

Anybody else experiencing this??

[BeansP]

Yep. Having the same issue. I just logged 227 calories for a 45min spinning class. Where my mom (has a garmin) and she logged almost 400 if not more... I've noticed my calorie count is super low on Ionic. 

---

[LizKelly]

After observing the same problem I conferred with Fitbit and they are aware of the issue. The heart rate while tracking exercise is 10 to 20 beats too high. Of course I wish to have an accurate hear trate and calorie count for workouts so I asked to return the Ionic. The company is insisting that I pay return shipping and insurance.

They are aware of the problem and STILL SELLING THE IONIC AS GOOD.. 

I hope representatives are monitoring this site, Shame on you, Fitbit!

[Laos]

Please check if your weight input is right. I had the same problem with the calories reading and I realised this was because I introduced a wrong weight.

Obviously it takes more calories to move a 80 Kg body then a 40 Kg one.

[LizKelly]

Hi
Thank you for your reply. Although calories are secondary, my Ion is set up
appropriately to weight. What is the problem is the heart rate. I am
disappointed that I had to find out how aberrant the heart rate reads after
a considerable investment. I know it is off because I verify with my charge
2 and by my pulse.
Fitbit is counting on getting by with the people who say, "I have a Fitbit
but I don't pay attention to it." They also can fool first timer users who
are unfamiliar with what their heart rate should be proportionate to
intensity.
The company is aware of the problem and does not care

[LizKelly]

Your Blaze is right.

Fitbit is aware of the problem with the Ionic and they are "working it" with no time frame for a fix

[LizKelly]

 Absolutely correct

And the company has knowledge of the problem and is doing nothing and selling the ionic as good. 

I am writing of this on threads, only fair to speread the word and I have had posts removed and by moderators and I have been threatened. 

I am not going to stop. You, fitbit company must be exposed for the fraud that you are. 

I also have a complaint with the better buiness bureau and I advise all of you that have seen the Ionic HR discrepancies to to the same.

Remove this post and I will post again.

Liz 

[LizKelly]

I am looking for getting the quality that I paid for.

I am looking for concern in dealing with a faulty product and the committment  to providing a solution.

I am looking for loyalty in return for staying with a company since flex was the first product.

Baisic human qualities.

Censure me, I will not stop.