Questions about accuracy

[DMW9255]

I received my new Surge yesterday, after being disappointed with the latest app upgrades from Polar for my V800 and M400.

The surge was easy to set up and get started with and the app is light years ahead of the Polar Flow app, ut that is where it ends.

I tried out the HR function whilst on my turbo trainer last night, and the HR was on average around 25-30bpm lower than the HR from my Polar strap.

Today when I went for a 10km run, the surge showed 7.03km when again the polar showed 10km, but at least the HR was a lot better.

Is it normal for the HR and GPS to be so poor and innacurate?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[SantiR]

@DMW9255 Welcome to the Fitbit Community! To get more accurate data towards distance; I recommend adjusting your stride length. About the HR, make sure you are not wearing the tracker too tight on your wrist as that may interfere with the signal. Also, while doing exercise; you need to wear the tracker far up your wrist (2 or 3 fingers from your wrist bone). Blood flow is stronger there so you will get more accurate data.

As another tip, you can always perform a restart on your tracker to make sure everything is in order with it.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes! 

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community @DMW9255 ! There are several Runs and Exercises on your Surge tracker that allow you to track GPS. Other Run and Exercise options do not use GPS. For example, the Treadmill Run and Weights will not use GPS. 

Additionally, the environment you are in can affect the signal strength of GPS. For example, if you are running in an urban environment with many tall buildings, it may take your Surge tracker several seconds to get a fix. To learn more about using GPS on your Surge, visit here.

At least two dozen GPS satellites are constantly in orbit around the Earth and broadcasting data. All GPS devices, whether your phone or a Fitbit Surge, require a direct path to these satellites in order to receive their radio transmissions. If the signal is being blocked—either because you're underground, near many tall buildings, or as a result of atmospheric effects—GPS will not work. Thus, whereas GPS gives you a more accurate measure of distance than step counting alone, the actual accuracy depends on both your environment and the weather.

If you're running with your Surge and the GPS signal is lost, rest assured Surge will continually search for a GPS signal as long as the exercise is in progress.

Have a nice day!

[DMW9255]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I have decided to return the Surge. It does the activity, sleep and HR tracking great, but does not have the accuracy and flexibility I require for my running, crossfit and strength training.

I do like the activity tracking, and the fitbit app is far superior to the polar flow app at the moment, so will try out the charge HR and rely on my polar devices for training.

I was hoping for a bit more detail with your responses, but understand that I am not your normal type of customer and expected higher end performance for the exercise functions.

The Surge could be a truly great watch if more functions were added to the exercise functions 🙂

So I now have a great activity tracker and exercise tracker, but unfortunately not in one device as was hoped 😞

Best Regards.

Dean.

[DMW9255]

Why was my Topic Subject Changed?? Do we live in North Korea where we must be moderated?? I was unaware that my original title was offensive, innacurate or not PC.

My first 24 hours of use were very disapointing, hence the return of the item.

Sad, and very disappointed regards.

Dean.