Garmin vívofit Fitness Band - Black

I've been using an activity monitor for a couple of years now, and have owned the following in addition to the Vivofit: Fitbit One, Fitbit Flex, Fitbit Force, and Polar Loop. Since the Fitbit devices are very popular and widely used, I'll orient this review around a comparison to those (and the Polar Loop for good measure).First, my main activity is road biking: I average about 2,000 miles a year, mostly from March to November. In winter I try to regularly ride a trainer or a recumbent gym bike. I wear a heart monitor when riding or training because I like to see how I'm doing as a late middle-aged male. As you'll see, one of the advantages of the Vivofit is its ability to pair with a HR strap, something the Fitbit products lack. So here we go:The Vivofit is a bit reminiscent of the Fitbit Force as far as the form factor. They have similar bracelet styling, though the body part of the Vivofit is slightly thicker. The clasp design is similar to the Force, but locks more positively. The actual Vivofit unit is removable from the bracelet unlike the Force (more like the Flex), so you can replace the band (it comes with both large and small bands) and change to different colored ones.The biggest differences from the Force are these: 1) the Vivofit uses two small watch batteries that are purportedly good for at least a year versus the rechargeable battery used by the Force, and; 2) the Vivofit display doesn't light up like the Force (which has both positive and negative attributes; read on).I liked my Force - even though I think Fitbit's customer service is abysmal, perhaps rivaled only by Comcast among companies I've dealt with - but the Vivofit is ultimately what I wish the Force had been. Here's why.I didn't particularly mind having to recharge my Force periodically (about once a week), but the battery always seemed to go dead at the most inopportune times, i.e., when I didn't have my charger available (and remember it only charges with USB via a computer). So there were times where my activity tracking would be interrupted until I could get to a charging source, and then of course you can't use the device while it's charging. Not so with the Vivofit. I like the idea of using watch batteries: they add just a smidgen of bulk, but you don't have to worry about recharging. The batteries are the common 1632s, so they're easy to find if even if you don't keep spares on hand, and with a year of life, continuous operation is a given.As to the display, I actually prefer the Vivofit's overall even though it isn't lighted. With the Force you have to press the button when you want to read it, although you can then read it even in pitch darkness. The Vivofit displays continuously; you cycle through the different readings by pressing a button, just like on the Force. It's readable in all but near darkness (reminds of a Kindle), so the lack of lighting is a non-factor for me. It's also VERY sharp, with gold characters on a black background. I'll sacrifice a lighted display for the year-long battery life and continuous display of the Vivofit.The other nice thing about the Vivofit vs. the Force is that it pairs with a HR monitor strap. So if you like to keep track of your heart rate when doing vigorous exercise - like I do - then the Vivofit is the hands-down winner. In fact, I think it slightly beats the Force even without that feature, based on the better battery configuration, continuous display, interchangeable bracelet and more secure clasp.A word about the clasp. It's basically the same design as used on the Force and the Flex, but for some reason is more secure. The Fitbit bands have a tendency to uncouple, especially the Force, but the Vivofit is rock solid. I think the reason is that the Vivofit's material is slightly less neoprene-like than the Force's: it's a tad less springy, so when the clasp pins penetrate the holes they're held firmly.I'll finish the Fitibit comparison by mentioning the Flex and the One. The Force tried to integrate the best features of both of these: in effect it's a One incorporated into a Flex-like bracelet design (albeit a larger one). With the One you have a display that lights when the button is pushed (like the Force) and gives you a readout of various measures by cycling through with repeated button pushes. With the Flex the display only shows a series of dots that track your progress on a measure of your choosing (steps, calories burned, etc.). You can check your stats at any time by pairing the Flex with your smartphone (you can also pair the One and the Force to a smartphone) or by syncing it to your computer with a USB wireless dongle (also supplied for the One and the Force). I found the One too easy to lose, since it's not a bracelet, and found the battery life of the Flex to be a bit on the short side, probably because of its small size (which is why I upgraded to the Force).One of the best features of using a Fitibit is the excellent website. I haven't found a competitor's website that even comes close. Polar's site is in beta and tracks almost nothing. Garmin's site is good, but is mainly for tracking just activity from their various GPS devices for biking, running, etc., albeit in exhaustive detail. Fitbit's site is a full-featured health tracking and monitoring tool. It displays all activity measured by your tracker, allows you to log your food intake (huge food database), regularly record your heart rate, blood pressure, weight, and even custom measures of your own design. It's too comprehensive to describe here, but suffice to say it's reason enough to favor a Fitbit device over others. This is where the Vivofit has a leg up on other non-Fitbit devices: it will automatically sync to the Fitbit site using Garmin Connect software via an arrangement between Fitbit and Garmin.So now with my Vivofit, I get a device that to me that has all the advantages of the Fitbit Force with none of the disadvantages, allows for HR monitoring, AND syncs to the Fitbit website. It's the best of both worlds.On to the Polar Loop. It's a well made device that's roughly the same size as the Force and Vivofit, but has the most secure clasp of the bunch. It's a deployment buckle like you'd find on an upscale watch (think Breitling or Omega). Like the Vivofit, it allows for HR monitoring via a Polar HR strap (and its worth noting that Polar HR monitor straps auto sync to a lot of gym exercise equipment that is "Polar ready"). It has a brilliantly lit red display, activated by pushing a button that you then push repeatedly to cycle through different measures. However, unlike the button on the Vivofit or Force, the one on the Polar is very imprecise: you frequently have to push it two or three times before it does anything. That's because it's recessed so as to be almost flush with the strap and is very small, such that when you push most of your fingertip is pushing on the surrounding area. And as noted, the Polar website (beta) is pretty much useless at this point. If the Polar had a better button, and if the website were the equal of Fitbit's or could sync to it, then it would be slightly ahead of the Force (because of the HR feature) but still behind the Vivofit (because of the need to charge it periodically, and because when syncing to a computer it has to be connected to a dual-use charging/syncing cable rather than using a wireless dongle like the Force and Vivofit, though it will sync wirelessly to a smartphone using Polar's app).In summary:Form factor: basically a tie among the Vivofit, Force and Loop (Flex has a smaller form factor, which some may prefer; the One is basically a fob made to be clipped to a belt or carried in a pocket).Display: the Vivofit for its continuous (and very sharp) display and positive button feedback for cycling through data, although you may disagree if you plan to check your unit regularly in the dark.Accuracy: the Vivofit and all of the Fitbit units seemed to be very accurate (they yielded nearly identical measures when compared); the Loop seemed to overstate my steps, and - like the Vivofit - it doesn't measure flights of stairs climbed (all Fitbits do).Clasp: the Polar is most secure, very closely followed by the Vivofit. The Force and Flex tend to uncouple, and the One is a fob rather than a bracelet.HR monitoring: It's between the Vivofit and the Loop since Fitibit doesn't offer it. If you already use a Garmin HR strap with a Garmin bike or running computer, then you might prefer the Vivofit for that reason. If you want to auto connect your HR strap at the gym, then that might argue for a Polar strap, and the Loop (both the Loop and the gym bike or elliptical, etc. will simultaneously record HR activity).Smartphone software: all three offer good smartphone apps, but they specialize in different areas. The Fitbit app mimics its website, so most of what you'd upload, enter, sync or track at the website can also be done on its smartphone app. The Garmin app is set up to focus on bike rides, runs, etc. in conjunction with a GPS unit to record routes, route segments, etc. The Loop app is focused on heart rate activity.Website: Fitbit by a mile, though as noted you can sync all your Vivofit data to the Fitbit site automatically. Thus you can essentially treat the Vivofit as if it was a Fitbit device. Garmin's website has the same focus as it's smartphone app; it's not a full-fledged fitness site. Polar's site is useless, though it's only in beta...perhaps it will eventually be more competitive.I vote for the Vivofit. Note that the Force has been recalled and is no longer being sold.

First off, I LOVE this fitness band. It always functions great as a day to day watch (except no alarm function). Some people complain that you have to hit a button when you sleep to record sleep mode, this is not a big problem and very easy once you get used to it. In the first week you might forget to record your sleep, I did -is this really that big of a deal? Of course not. This device works great with any ANT+ heart rate monitor as well. Integration with your smartphone is easy, intuitive, and pretty darn cool. The Garmin connect website is pretty expansive and fun, and continues to improve. The step challenges through Garmin Connect add a pretty cool competitive, social aspect to staying active as well. For an outstanding in depth review of the Vivofit I suggest you go to DC Rainmaker website, his reviews are awesome, and cover just about everything about any device he reviews.Okay! So here is the MAJOR design flaw of the Vivofit - the band WILL FALL OFF OVER TIME. Just because yours hasn't yet, does not mean that it will not in the future! Trust me! I have used this band extensively since it was released , and I am very active and have 3 wild kids. At first it was pretty secure, but over time it is scary how easily the band will pop off, and it is so light that you will probably not even notice. Mine fell off 5 times before I remedied the situation. Through reading the various Garmin blogs and through trial and error I have discovered and used 3 different methods to remedy this major design flaw by Garmin. Please do yourself a favor and utilize one of these methods before you lose your $130 device.1) Use 1 or 2 common O rings: Important is that is must be a Size #9. I found mine in at Home Depot in the section where the toilets are (not in hardware or plumbing section, that would make too much sense :)This method is by far the cheapest, at $2-3, and it is very effective at keeping your Vivofit on you wrist where it belongs. The O rings did not bother my wrist much, not at all whilst doing activities, but after a long computer session using a mouse you might have a nice line dug into your wrist from the O ring like I did. The one big problem with using O Rings to keep your Vivofit from falling off is that it makes it much more difficult to take your device on and off. If you leave your Vivofit on 24/7, this is a great method, otherwise, please read on...2) Order a FitBit: Available at www.bitbelt.biz/. These are basically a little rubber watch strap band that you might find on many typical sport watches, except they are designed specifically to fit your Vivofit band. These are available in many colors, if you want to add a splash of color to your band and keep it secure on your wrist. This method is nearly as effective as the O Rings, and makes taking your Vivofit on and off a snap. Some people have complained that the FitBit digs into their wrist, speaking for myself, the mark on my wrist was no better or worse than the O Ring method. This method is a bit more expensive than the O Rings, coming in at about $10 for 2, and you can pick you colors.3) Order an Elite Road ID: Available at www.roadid.com . This method is expensive compared to the other 2 at $30-$40, and requires a bit of work as well. If you want to go with this method for securing your Vivofit, make sure you purchase the Elite model, this one is a PERFECT fit for your device. Basically with this method you just hijack all the metal parts off your Elite Road ID and attach them to your Vivofit. You have to cut the ends of the rubber Vivofit band and attach the metal, sports watch quality Road ID clasp to the Vivofit. It sounds complicated, but it is very easy and takes less than 5 minutes. This method makes the Vivofit incredibly easy to take on and off, and it is very secure. The only downer to this method is that it does add a bit of weight to the device compared to the other methods. On the plus side it also makes the device look more high end and classy, in my opinion. You can also keep the metal Road ID badges on your Vivofit, with your emergency medical contact info, or whatever else you want to put on there. I am an avid triathlete and road biker, and I decided to put my blood type on there too. So with this method you get a great 2 for 1, a road id bracelet combined with the best fitness band out there, the Garmin Vivofit.I hope that my review has been helpful, and if you are on the fence about buying a fitness band, get off it! They are great at helping you stay active, be accountable to yourself (and others if you chose to), and get healthy!

Wore this for almost four years until it finally gave up. Upgraded to a watch but this fitness trackerWas amazing. Good quality and worked seamlessly with my iPhone. Definitely worth the price.

Reluctant to buy in the beginning but this device turned out to be an amazing asset and 24/7 companion of mine. I have clocked 3400000 steps in a little over 4 months now. Keeps me motivated, helps me compete globally, gives an accurate account of my workout and overall is an awesome device at its price. No problem of battery charging as it goes on for a year it seems. Again, am awesome device and a perfect workout buddy

### Kurzum ###Ich habe das Band jetzt 3 Tage in Benutzung und ich muss es sagen, dass ich wirklich positiv überrascht bin. Kurzum: Es macht alles was es soll recht zuverlässig, die Bedienung ist absolut intuitiv und die Qualität ist sehr gut.### Allgemeines ###Preis: Es handelt sich hier um mein erstes Fitness Armband, daher wollte ich auch noch nicht gleich direkt mehrere Hundert Euro ausgeben. Die ganz billigen China-Varianten sollten es aber u.a. aufgrund der schlechten Bewertungen ("Hielt 2 Tage" usw.) auch nicht werden. Preislich war dieses Band also der beste Kompromis.Versand: Die Lieferung erfolgte Amazon-nicht-Prime-typisch nach 3 Tagen.Qualität: Beim Auspacken konnte man schon erkennen, dass es sich um ein Markenprodukt handelt. Gute Verpackung, vollkommen ausreichende Schnellanleitung und vor allem gute Verarbeitung und Material. Die Qualität des Armbands hat mich besonders überzeugt, da es kein billiges Silikon ist, unter dem man ständig schwitzt. Auch der Verschluss sitzt bombensicher, hier war ich vor der Bestellung am unsichersten. Doch durch diese Einsteckpins mit den kleinen Widerhaken und dem Schieber oben drüber ist ein Verlieren praktisch nicht möglich.Display: Ein weiterer Pluspunkt ist das Display: Es ist die ganze Zeit an und muss nicht jedes Mal mit Knopfdruck aktiviert werden, dabei leuchtet es aber nicht ständig hell wie z.B. die Anzeige des DVD-Players oder ein digitaler Radiowecker, sondern sehr dezent und sozusagen "matt" statt grell. Ich wusste vorher nicht, was ein "E-Ink-Display" ist, finde es aber super, da man halt dadurch z.B. nachts nicht immer geblendet wird oder jeder andere nicht direkt die Werte sehen kann. Davon abgesehen auch prima im Tageslicht erkennbar.Software: Das Programm, mit dem man das Band synchronisieren kann, läd man sich schnell runter, dauert inkl. Konto anlegen vielleicht 5 bis 10 Minuten, auch hier keine Probleme. Die Anzeigen sind schön übersichtlich, auch für Anfänger. Habe es auf meinem Laptop mit Windows 7 sowie meinem Samsung S4 mini mit Android drauf, auf meinem alten PC mit Windows XP (ja, ich weiß...! :-) ) wolltees nicht mehr installiert werden.Anleitung: Man könnte sich auch noch das Handbuch runterladen, auch in Deutsch, habe ich aber selber nicht gemacht, weil tatsächlich nach ca. 15 Minuten klar war, wie alles funktioniert.### Funktion ###Der Schrittzähler funktioniert absolut zufriedenstellend. Es ist zwar nicht so, dass er bei jedem Schritt einzeln mitzählt, sondern immer nach ein paar Schritten aktualisiert, aber das ist voll ok. Ich habe auch schon mitgezählt, manchmal ist es sehr genau, manchmal 1 oder 2 abweichend, aber meine Güte... Die Berichte bzgl. des "Einmal Arm schütteln = 50 Schritte mehr" kann ich nicht bestätigen, vielleicht mal hier und da einen, aber das ist ebenfalls gut verkraftbar. Man sollte die angepeilten 10.000 Tagesschritte ja auch nicht unbedingt genau auffassen, wenn es dann mal tatsächlich 10.0007 oder 9.993 sind, ist das ja auch ok. Von daher kann ich den Schrittzähler bisher sehr empfehlen.Außerdem zeigt das Armband das Tagesziel bzw. die noch nötigen Schritte zur Erreichung desssen an. Das Ziel passt sich dem Wert vom Vortag an, was ich sehr gut und auch motivieend finde. Ebenso interessant sind die zurückgelegt Kilometer, die verbrauchten Kalorien (berechnet aus den Werten, die man am Anfang im Programm eingibt, also Größe, Gewicht, Alter, usw.) und tatsächlich auch sehr wichtig: Uhrzeit und Datum. Denn auch als stylige Uhr taugt das Armband. Im Büro habe ich es meistens auf Uhr laufen, dann sieht nicht direkt jeder, dass es ein Fitness-Armband ist. Erwähnenswert ist auch der Erinnerungsbalken, der bei zu langer Inaktivität rot wird und den man dann kurz "abarbeiten" muss. Tolle Sache, im Grunde glaube ich, dass dies das abnehmförderlichste Feature des ganzen Geräts ist, da hierdurch der Stoffwechsel trotz langen Sitztagen in Gang bleibt. Beim Schlafen hatte ich es ebenfalls schon an, hier kann man dann am nächsten Morgen im Programm sehen, wann man sich wie stark bewegt hat. Das ist ganz witzig, aber eher eine Spielerei, denk ich.### Empfehlung? ###Von mir ein klares ja! Ich wüsste nach den paar Tagen nicht, was teurere Armbänder besser machen sollten. Wenn die Baterien jetzt tatsächlich ein ganzes Jahr halten sollten, muss ich echt sagen, ich bin sehr begeistert, was ich vorher wirklich nicht erwartet hätte. Preis/Leistung 5 Sterne.

A replacement for a previous Garmin. Easy to read and functions well.

Good product. All other fitness bands require regular charging. As this is battery operated like regular watch, will not require regular charging. That looks to be like a good feature for us as I don't want my fitness band to be drained out of battery the day morning, if I forget to chargeEven though The initial piece was faulty,Amazon was quick to replace the product with another one. Impressed by Amazon