Heart Rate Accuracy when Sweating?

[mattlach]

Hey all, 

I am considering investing in an Ionic, but I wanted to ask a question before doing so.

I have had Fitbits for a few years now, and while I have many frustrations with them, I keep coming back for the sole reason that they are more accurate than the competition in the few tests I have read.

I currently alternate between a Blaze and a Surge.   They both still work admirably despite aging (the Surge has some cracking on the wristband, but is still holding on) but they both suffer from a problem they have had ever since they were new.   Heart rate monitoring is fairly accurate (compares well to my chest based sensor) as long as I don't start sweating.  If I do the heart rate slowly climbs up to 150-175 and then ends with a -- when it can no longer read anything.    Because I know my body, I know my heart rate is nowhere near that high (probably should be about 115 when this happens)   This is clearly a problem with the older models.

My question is this:   Has the Ionic improved in this regard?   If it has, I'll buy one in a second.   If not, I'll just keep using my existing what I already have.

I appreciate any input anyone can give me.

Thanks,

Matt

[bbarrera]

@mattlach Its hard to predict, because different optical HRMs behave differently for different people on different activities. Every HRM I've tried fails miserably at the gym when I'm working out with dumbbells and the barbell. And all HRM's I've tried are pretty good while outside on my bike, but "pretty good" doesn't last the whole ride because they routinely lose the beat at some point, and show a ridiculous HR like right after a sprint where my HR is 160s or 170s and the wrist shows 80s or 90s. But not always. Consistently inconsistent.

I'd suggest buying one from a store with a good return policy (Fitbit direct, or REI) and returning within a week or two if it proves inaccurate.

[mattlach]

Thank you.   Good information!

[mattlach · Accepted solution]

I should follow up in this thread.   

I went ahead and purchased an Ionic last weekend.   I can happily report that for me, I no longer lose heart rate accuracy and signal when I start to sweat.

I took a picture comparing the watches I currently have below: (left to right, Ionic, Blaze, Surge)

(pardon the cracked armband on the Surge, one of the many reasons I was ready to replace it)

The Blaze and the Surge have very similar HR sensor designs it would seem, both with two flashing green LED's, one on each side of the sensor.

The new Ionic has what appears to be a complete redesign of the HR sensor, with only one green LED flashing in the center, but with three sensors, two which look the same, and one different.    

I wish I understood these sensors better than I do, but for now suffice it to say that at least on my arm, the new design works MUCH better.

[JagMom]

I am a speed walker and I have the same issue. My heart rate on my Ionic stops working until dry off the back and my wrist. I wear it properly and not too tight. Because I need to keep talking it off and wiping it, I will get several stops and starts on my app instead of one continuous exercise routine. In addition, it can’t possibly count calories right if it’s saying my heart rate is resting or just ft burn rather than peak.