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Ok... Here's The Deal...

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‎11-25-2020 05:16

‎11-25-2020 05:16

I got the Versa 3 when it first hit the stores in hopes that the GPS would be better as it has its own GPS chip and does not have to rely on the phones GPS. That was not the case. Did a 3 mile walk and it was off by at least a quarter mile compared to my Garmin. Also the heart rate was not very accurate either. The main things I look for in a device are the GPS and heart rate accuracy.

 

Not sure if I just got a bad one or not, but I returned it and got an Apple watch Series 6. The heart rate on the AW6 is extremely accurate, but does get a little wonky in real cold conditions. The GPS is very accurate too as long as I use the AW6 GPS. This means I can not bring my phone or have to turn Bluetooth off on my phone to trick it into using the AW6's GPS. This causes me to have to listen to my music from the watch as I can't pair my headphones to the phone. Another inconvenience is the AW has very limited sleep tracking, very basic workout data, and needs to be charged a minimum of once per day depending on how many workouts I do that day. Sure there are apps that can get more detailed workouts and health data, but then I have to look in 20 different places to see my data.

 

So...

 

I decided to give the Sense a try. I just happened to purchase it right after the software update came out and when I set it up, it updated to the latest software. I wore it on one wrist and the AW6 on the other wrist for 4 days, and compared every workout on both so I could compare the GPS and HR data between the two devices. I did 3 walks and 1 quarter mile interval run (5 intervals).

 

The Sense performed very well in both GPS and HR data. The average HR was either exactly the same as the AW6 or within 1 BPM on every workout. The GPS was within a couple hundredths of a mile between both devices on all but 1 workout. In that workout there was a difference of about a third of a mile, but it was the apple watch that was wrong on that workout and not the Sense.

 

Not sure if the software update fixed these issues or if I just got a bad unit when I got the Versa 3. Also, I have used the Sense long enough to start getting all the stress, temperature, and all that stuff, and it seems to be working as designed, so overall I think it's a good device.

 

I do like the AW6 as a smart watch, but I prefer the fitbit as it is a fitness/health device first, and has enough smart features as well. Plus the battery does not have to be charged every day. I estimate getting 3 to 4 full days out of the Sense. And that is with about an hour of GPS based workouts per day.

 

For me, the fitbit app is the best app because everything is all in one place, and it is laid out very well for the average person. I have been using Garmin devices for about 6 years and have had every fenix watch from the fenix 3 to the fenix 6X. Those watches have very advanced features and are more designed for higher level athletes, which I am not. I'm just a regular old dude trying to stay healthy...lol

 

So... That's the deal... for me anyway

 

 

 

 

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2 REPLIES 2

‎11-25-2020 14:33

‎11-25-2020 14:33

@bcalvanese, sounds like the Sense is giving you good data. Glad to hear that!

Best Answer

‎11-25-2020 16:12

‎11-25-2020 16:12

Like you, I'm very satisfied with the sense especially after the last firmware update. Since the sense comes with fitbit premium for 6 months, been using fitbit coach for a week, it's great for my purposes. Thanks for your informative post, by the way, battery life was the biggest factor for me in choosing fitbit over apple watches, I've had the original versa for 2 years and was very satisfied with it's performance. Decided to get the Sense for the more informative health functions. 

Best Answer