Heartrate comparison between Versa and Charge 2

[lenny4d]

I know there are several threads on the heart-rate measurement by the Versa, Ionic, and Charge 3. Several people posting detailed comparisons (just to name one @tomp2). I have used a Charge 2 for the last 1-2 years or so, and 'calibrated' the hr measurement in the gym many times over the full range from 80bpm to 170bpm. Always very happy. I consider the Charge 2 the workhorse activity tracker than simply just works, all the time.

Then a month or three ago I bought the Versa and quite quickly discovered something wasn't right with the hr measurements. I know about the placement above the wrist etc. I love the Versa, but HR data wasn't adding up. Since a week or two I am wearing the Versa on my left arm, and my Charge 2 on my right arm, so I can compare all the time (I am using them on two different accounts).

The picture below compare the HR data for 2x exercise on the elliptical (left top/bottom) and 2x on the treadmill (right top, bottom). Blue curve is Versa, the green curve and gradient fill is the Charge 2 data, overlay on top of each other.  While sometimes the two follow eachother quite well (suprisingly well), at many other times the Versa is way off. I can guarantee the HR data from the charge 2 is spot on. 

The erratic behaviour of the Versa HR data is what I see all the time, including values way over my max heart rate (that should not be possible, in theory; it definitively never ever happens with the charge 2). Other ppl have reported the same or similar.

It is really a pity as I like my Versa a lot and wish the real-time HR was just more reliable. It is essential in the gym when you are working out against your HR zones. For now I keep wearing my Charge 2 and Versa in parallel and will compare weekly averages, sleep curves etc, but for the Gym I really only can rely on the Charge 2.

[AlvaroFitbit]

@lenny4d I hope you're doing well! Sorry to hear that you aren't getting good heart rate readings from your Versa. Try cleaning the back of the Versa with cotton and rubbing alcohol and restart it. As you said always check how you are wearing your device to improve the heart rate reading.

Let me know how it goes!