Are there any improvements in the Sense's heart rate monitoring?

[RobboCop]

Hello Fitbitters!

I know this subject has been thrashed out a fair bit, but does anyone know if the Sense’s HR tracking has improved with software updates? Any info greatly appreciated 👍

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Grumpy52]

In my experience in the last 3 weeks, NO it is non-SENSE. Resting heart rate is 45 BPM as read from Blood Pressure cuff and manual; and sense reports 129 BPM the most inaccurate band I have used. My old MS band was more consistent.

[SunsetRunner]

@RobboCop 

My experience, Sense matches HR readings during rest on my pulse oxymeter. During running exercise, Sense matches between 2-3 bpm with my arm band heart rate monitor. I don't know with other exercise mode like HIIT or what not. At times, the Sense's HR readings spiked for about a 1-2 seconds at the very start of the exercise and then matches the arm band heart rate monitor. 

As mentioned, my experience only. I wear the Sense about 1-2 fingerwidths from the wrist bone during exercise, normal wearing (fit) is for the stratp ensure that the sensors LEDs are no visible at all thereby preventing external light being read by the Sensors. 

[ksattler]

I'm in the forums today trying to find out the same thing. When I work out - HITT, weight training, and the like, my Fitbit Sense's heart rate is ludicrous. I'm huffing and puffing and it reads 90 bpm but if I take my pulse manually, it's closer to 130 bpm. Afterward during cooldown, it seems to "catch up" and will report 113 bpm and I'm breathing fine. It is SO FRUSTRATING!!! It is constantly about 20-40 bpm off of where my pulse tells me when I'm exercising. I do exercise in my basement. It also seems to do okay with heartrate when I'm walking outside. 

When I first bought it I complained to Fitbit support. Within a week there was an upgrade that appeared to have fixed it, but it has started flaking out again. I really miss my Blaze, #rip. That one worked great!

[Grumpy52]

Yes, tightening the band has seemed to fix my issue so far. But
I'm convalescencing from a heart stent procedure so max rate has not been
tested yet. (46 to 51 BPM's today) Which is close to my normal rate using
the blood pressure cuff.

But it does go against the directions from manufacturer Fitbit as the band
is snug not loose. No light escaping.

--
Randy

[RobboCop]

Hey Randy,

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m glad this worked for you but I honestly have to say I’m very sceptical about this issue due to the many reviews mentioning it.

Moving to an Apple Watch ..

Very best wishes .. 😇

[Toons114]

Great choice .... we are almost close to a year and heart rate and floor counting are still issues !!!! 

[RobboCop]

Thanks friend.

I wasn’t aware it has floor counting issues as well .. Shame really ‘cause I’ve been happy with Fitbit and my Ionic since I got it in September 2017, very good app and great sleep tracking. However, feels slow and outdated now and time for a change. I’m looking forward to the fantastic Apple Watch experience.


Very best wishes …


Note: I’d imagine with Google’s vast tech reservoir on board, Fitbit’s issues like the above will quickly disappear.

[Grumpy52]

I would move to Apple watch too if I was not an Android user. Returning the
sense today. As it is still not accurate enough for my needs.

--
Randy

[ksattler]

I contacted Fitbit help and linked to this thread. I really want them to fix the Sense instead of me switching to a different device. 

[RobboCop]

https://youtu.be/w6D_uUDUP2k

Well done. I’d imagine Fitbit are well aware of this issue due to the amount of on line content referring to it. See link above as one of the better examples.
They seem unable to fix it, possibly a hardware issue?

[Tgisele]

The moderators are not responding to any of the heart rate issue threads. When they do they say the same thing they have said for a year. "We are aware of the problem and looking into it."