Debating Surge vs. Blaze for notifications

[fletchmumma]

Hi,

im debating between the blaze and the surge.

im looking for somthing that has good continous heart rate, multisport regnotion and social notifications i.e text, call, email, but also FB etc...

whats the best to get?

Moderator edit: Clarified subject.

[dogenzenji]

For me it comes down to whether or not you want GPS to track activities beyond the odd walk. Running and walking are auto recognised well without it. The GPS is better if you cycle or want to track exactly how long you have been going and where, long runs for example. Both are not offically water proof. Not sure if either do Facebook notifications but I do not use that side of things so others are better placed to comment.

From a style perspective I actually like the look of the Surge but it is obviously a personal thing.

If you are more interested in the social side of things and notifications and less in tracking or sports, I do not know, maybe there are better alternatives out there?

The fitbit app and web site is clean simple and powerful and is a big plus in Fitbits favour...

Good luck, either choice is nice.

[YojanaFitbit · Accepted solution]

Thanks for popping by the forums @fletchmumma! And thank you @dogenzenji for your comments. Both trackers are great, so any both would be a really good option. But as I think that your choice should be based on your needs. We need to focus on the features that you're looking for. 

Both have similar features, for example Surge has built GPS and Blaze has Connected GPS, which means that it will connect with the GPS on your phone. Both have SmartTrack which is the automatic recognition for certain activities (walks, runs, outdoor biking, elliptical, sports and aerobic workouts). 

The main difference is about the notifications maybe, since the Fitbit Surge connects call and text notifications only (text messages, Whatsapp, depending the platform). And Fitbit Blaze has call, text (text messages, Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook, etc) and email notifications. Taking in count that you really like to get social notifications, it might be that the Blaze is a better option for you.  Why don't you compare both features first and then decide. Check that information here.

I'll be around in case you have more questions! 

[fletchmumma]

Hi,

Thanks for replying!!

I currently have the Alta, and its great but im looking for something with heart rate and possibly GPS (latter not all that important as i have my phone) But i have noticed with my Alta even thou i have my phone and location turned on, it doesnt show up on my app after workout?

Also ive noticed that on some of the other threads that the Surge hasnt had any updates in over a year? Is this true? Are Fitbit cancellling the Surge?

[YojanaFitbit]

How are you @fletchmumma? Thanks for replying. It's great to know that you're thinking in upgrading your Fitbit Alta. I would like to know which model of phone you're using and how you're tracking those activities. Alta doesn't have GPS integrated but you can use the Mobile Run feature, which is when you connect both your Fitbit and your phone GPS to map your walks, runs and hikes. You will find this option in the Fitbit App > Track exercise tile (this tile has the picture of a little man running) > Track exercise.

Or use only Mobile Track, which is when you use only your phone to get basic stats to map your activities (walks, runs and hikes too). You can check the list of Compatible Devices to make sure if your phone is compatible for this features. 

In regards to you inquiry about updates, it's right we haven't receive any information about the next update and it's being a while since the last one, but it does not necessarily mean that Fitbit is cancelling the Fitbit Surge.

I'll be waiting your response! 

[fletchmumma]

im using Huawei Honor 5x.

It comes up that ive done excercise and for how long but doesnt show the route or distance. and yes im clicking on the excercise tile.

Thanks for ur help

[YojanaFitbit]

Hey there @fletchmumma! Thanks for your quick reply. I double check the list of compatible devices and that specific model in not listed. 

So, that must be why it is not working properly in your phone. You might try checking updates for the phone to see if this helps. But it is not in list, must likely it won't connect. Some users check the option of a third party app to connect, for example MapMyRun App. You might consider this option helpful too.

Let me know what you think! 

[fletchmumma]

 I went for a 50 minute walk (managed to find the walking man thing and start a workout). All was good, until i got home and i went onto my app. Came up with a message that it couldnt track the exercise as it wasnt long enough?!!!! Jeez what does this thing want me to do 10 mile walks?

All it comes up with is that ive done 52 min walk in the exercise bit, no maps

[YojanaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back @fletchmumma!

Must likely the Surge had issues connecting with the satellite, that's why it didn't track all the activity. Restart your Surge in case that it is having hardware issues. Fitbit Surge has built-in GPS. When you select a GPS run or exercise, you'll feel a vibration that indicates Surge has found a GPS signal. If Surge doesn't find a signal immediately, keep in mind that environmental factors including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and even thick cloud cover can interfere with your tracker's ability to connect to GPS satellites. 

For best results, wait for Surge to find the signal before you start your workout. However, if you don't want to wait you may be able to use the Quick Start option. Quick Start begins tracking your workout without GPS until it finds the signal. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Quick Start is not available if you're tracking a bike ride because cycling requires GPS to track distance. 
• If you see the Quick Start option and want to use it, press the Select button and then press Play. 
• While Surge continues to look for the GPS signal it will use your step count to calculate distance traveled. In this scenario you can expect that your total distance calculated for the workout will be slightly less accurate than if GPS data was available for the duration. 

If you still have trouble with tracking your workouts please contact Customer Support, they will be more than glad to help you!

Till next time!