My take on Fitbits....
In order to qualify for the "fit" benefit plan at work (reduced rates) we have to earn so many healthy incentive points per benefit cycle. They use Fitbit as one way to help us do this. If you earn a million steps you get X points, another X points for the next two million for a total of X points. With that said we have spent quite a bit of time using Fitbits and talking through them at work (sort of weird that everyone in the office wears the same watch). We have been using them for 4 years or so now.
Fitbit Zip
The original fit bit, simple effective, long batter life. Only tracks steps. But it utilizes a watch style battery that can be replaced. Its last a few months, but the small device is easy to lose or leave in your pocket. They don't do well going through the laundry cycle.. **
Fitbit Flex:
Ok, limited display, band was frustrating to use. Its now the one we passed off to the kiddos. *
Fitbit One:
Probably the best device for the outdoor adventure type in that its light, will hold a charge for 7-9 days+, and is pretty accurate. Despite newer models being out I keep my Fitbit One as option in my account. (More on that later) *** (I have gotten 11 ACTIVE days off of one charge, sheep hunt)
Fitbit Surge HR
Definitely my favorite device. Lots of options, it can track your runs, workouts, treadmill, spin bike, heart rate you name it. The Surge is sweat, rain, and "splash proof" but is NOT waterproof. Bummer in that it is not recommended for swimming. If it was waterproof, it would be the perfect outdoor device... The battery only lasts about two days, one if you really use the GPS options (where it can map your run, hike, walk, etc). So not so good for the backcountry, but great for training and around town. They claim 7 days, but I don't think I have ever gotten more than 3-4. Then again we try to get 10,000+ steps a day..
One of the fun features is that the Surge will track elevation. Its not an altimeter by any mean, in that it there is no elevation display. However, the internal "altimeter" calculates "altitude" based on changes in atmospheric pressure. The intent is to track how many "quasi floors" you've climbed. It will mark a floor when it "detects" ongoing motion combined with elevation gains of about 8-10 feet. Fitbit claims that 10 feet is the average of most floor heights. So if you go up a 20' set of stairs it should mark 2 floors.
What do I use?
If tracking and monitoring your steps is a critical piece of your workout plan, then I recommend two different devices. The Fiitbit One and the Fitbit Surge GPS HR. I utilize the Surge for all of my around town and daily adventures and work outs. I then use the Fitbit One for backcountry trips. I take my Suunto Spartan (a closeout deal!) for my watch and keep the fitbit one in a sealed zip lock in one of my cargo pockets. Its a great way to measure miles traveled in the backcountry and see just how high you climbed that day.
I can't speak for other brands/devices, because Fitbit is the only device we can use with our healthcare plan.
The new Fitbit Blaze is intriguing and it says it is more water-resistant than the Surge. So, if you like the idea of the Surge, the Blaze is $50 cheaper, and seems to have more options. I just can't speak to performance in any way. With that said, I plan to buy my wife one this spring. Will update when I know more.
One other tip, if you buy direct from Fitbit they do a good job following up on warranty issues. However, you do have to battle with a foreign help desk, and as such I highly recommend just keeping it simple and using the email option to contact them.
Another option is to use REI. They stand behind their products and dividend time is almost here!
All of the Fitbits at REI
http://goo.gl/WswGyb
If this link works, a comparison chart:
http://goo.gl/4kBf6a
One last thing.. I went to a benefit seminar here are at work. Our ancestors in the 50s typically averaged 10,000 steps a day, and VERY FEW exercised like we do. They just lived a more active life. The gal teaching the seminar stated our goal should be a minimum of 10,000 steps a day as a base, any workout steps should be in addition to. Pretty simple if you have an active job, "scaringly" difficult if you have a desk job.....