Ionic GPS over reading (mileage)when walking

[Lokisdad]

When compared to a Surge, Charge and  Garmin 310xt, my Ionic over reads the mileage by 5 -7% when walking. (Average pace about 15min/mile) If you look at the GPS trace on the app and expand it to its maximum it zigzags all over the place.the other 3 watches show quite smooth traces. This is obviously where the extra mileage comes from. When I first purchased the watch, about 9 months ago, it was considerably better and gave similar reading to the other watches. Fitbit have tried to help and eventually gave me a new watch which does exactly the same thing. Once the speed is up to 5 -6 min/mile (ie cycling) all is well and the GPS trace is very accurate. Has anybody else had this problem?

[SilviaFitbit]

It's great to see you around @Lokisdad. Thanks for the detailed information shared. 

It's pretty weird that after you speed up to 5-6 min/mile your information isn't properly tracked. I haven't seen any posts about it in the forums. I would like you to restart your Ionic and try tracking another activity, you can double check the information in this article about how accurate are Fitbit devices. 

Let me know how it goes. 

[Lokisdad]

I think you misread my post. At 5-6min/mile it is quite accurate. It's just at walking pace it's all over the shop. I've been in contact with the Fitbit technical guys and they have suggested all sorts of possible cures and none has made any difference. Hence the new watch. (Which is exactly the same) It makes me think it's probably a software problem. I am aware that I'm using it in 'run' mode for walking but the Charge, Surge and Garmin watches manage ok

[DHman]

I went hiking today and carried an old Garmin GPS and my phone GPS to compare the distances. The phone and Garmin showed around 4 miles while the Ionic was over 5 miles.

[Lokisdad]

Hmm Not good. Have you looked at  the GPS trace on your fitbit app? You will need to expand it to it's maximum. I know we can't expect GPS to be inch perfect but I think it's unacceptable especially when my Surge is so much better.

[DHman]

You are right, the track jumped all over the place when I expanded my trace!

[Lokisdad]

Well it's back to talking to the technical team again. Not only is the new watch any better but today I had the dreaded black screen. I shall ask for my money back.