Fitbit Surge Review 2016
Today I’d like to review the Fitbit Surge which I tested for a few weeks and incorporated it into my fitness routine which comprised of running in different weather conditions, cycling, home aerobics (stepper and light weights) and circuit training.
Product Review: Fitbit Surge
Colours Available: Black, Blue, Orange
Guarantee: 1-year Limited Warranty
Product Rating: 8 out of 10 ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Firstly the material on Fitbit Surge is made from durable elastomer, in other words, high-quality rubber that you’ll find in a lot of premium sports watches and fitness trackers, and the buckle is made from stainless steel.
The watch has built-in GPS which tracked the distance and routes that I ran or cycled. The device also monitored my heart rate continuously via the HR sensor and provided the results on the large screen along with calories burnt and workout duration.
The Fitbit Surge also monitored my sleep patterns, allowed me to control music playback, and showed call/text notifications on its display.
I enjoyed using the Surge and really got used to having it as my main fitness gadget for the few weeks that I tested it.
The display interface needs a bit of work, and there isn’t a way to get rid of notifications after reading them. Notifications still occasionally appear on the watch even when the notifications option is turned off.
In my opinion, these issues were very minor and didn’t distract or hinder me during my workouts. Okay! now that we’ve got the bad bits out of the way lets get to the good stuff.
The HR (heart rate) monitor very is accurate. I’ve compared the Surge’s HR sensor against the Polar H7 heart rate sensor which was strapped around my chest (and sent data to my iPhone via Bluetooth).
The Fitbit Surge was within a couple of beats of the Polar H7 whilst I was running fast, jogging and during rest. This was an acceptable measure.
The watch strap felt smooth and very supple even when moved into awkward positions. The Surge never lost my HR reading except when the strap needed tightening up during a rigorous circuit training session.
I had loosened the strap earlier and this was purely a fault of my own. Once tightened, the strap quickly returned the HR signal.
The battery life last between 3-4 days and the charging time was impressively fast. The watch isn’t water-proof so can’t be used for swimming or other water sports but it’s been tested up to 5 ATM which means that it’s rain, sweat, and splash-proof.
I advise that you remove the watch before you take a shower because it’s kinder to your skin if the watch strap stays dry.
The video below shows the Fitbit Surge in its Full Glory:
One of the key features on the Fitbit Surge is that no additional chest monitor is required! As mentioned above, I use the Polar H7 heart rate sensor regularly and although I highly rate the H7, it was much more convenient not having to worry about strapping a monitor to my chest.
I was able to export and link the Fitbit Surge’s data, through the Fitbit interface, to other popular apps such as MyFitnessPal, Endomondo, MapMyRun and many more.
This was very useful as I was able to link MyFitnesspal account that I already use and sync my exercise data against my food log to easily calculate my daily calorie allowances.
Fitbit has its own web and phone app, which is very user-friendly and, when used, it spurred me on to regularly check my movement and water intake. The app made what most people would consider a chore into a fun experience (thumbs up Fitbit!).
The display also lights up when touched in dimly-light conditions, this made it a lot easier for me to read my heart rate, distance, etc during my evening training sessions.
The Fitbit Surge was able to automatically wirelessly sync to my iPad and PC via Bluetooth. It can also sync to other tablets, iOS, Windows and Android smartphones.
Watch Onboard Memory
- The watch records and sores the heart rate data at 1-second intervals whilst exercising and at 5-second intervals at any other time.
- The watch can track up to 7 days of motion data and daily totals for the past 30 days.
Sensors and Components
- Optical HR (heart rate) monitor.
- Built-in GPS.
- Ambient light sensor.
- 3-axis accelerometers and gyroscope.
- Digital compass (in case you lose your bearings)
- Altimeter (for determining altitude).
- Vibration motor.
Word of advice
Make sure that you clean your band and wrist regularly, particularly after exercising to get rid of sweat. This task was easy enough as I simply rinsed the band with some water and dried it thoroughly with a clean hand towel which took a matter of seconds.
I never used any cleaning agents like soap, household cleaners or washing up liquid as the instructions advised against this. I also used a soft-bristled toothbrush to get rid of tough spots and stains.
To avoid irritation on the skin, try not to keep a wet band on your skin for extended periods. If the band gets wet from sweat follow the above steps to ensure the band is rinsed and dried thoroughly before putting it back on.
Try not to fasten the strap too tight around your wrist. It’s best to wear the band loosely and give it a bit of room for movement on your wrist.
To improve heart rate readings whilst exercising, I wore the band so that it was secure, but not too tight, and wore the band further up my wrist.
I lowered the band further down my wrist and loosen it after my training session. I also removed the Fitbit surge, for roughly an hour, after wearing it for long periods of time to give my wrist a bit of breathing space.
Pros:
- Separate heart rate monitor not required.
- Good choice of colours.
- Plenty features to cater for beginners right up to experienced athletes.
- The large display makes it easier to navigate.
Cons:
- The interface looks a bit dated and needs upgrading.
- Notifications showing even when turned off.
- GPS feature uses up more battery.
My Final note
The Fitbit Surge is an all-round performance tracker and has plenty of features to cater for a range of sporting activities. The main benefit of using the watch was the convenience of not having to constantly root for my phone, during a workout, to check my performance.
I would even consider purchasing one once my Polar H7 gives up on me one day (if that day ever comes!). The Surge looks attractive and is a durable piece of fitness tech that should see you through plenty of workouts and deliver every time.
Where Can I Buy The Fitbit Surge?
US: Purchase it on Amazon.com for only $215.84
UK: Purchase it on Amazon.co.uk for only £157.00
Do you own a Fitbit Surge or are considering buying one?? Feel free to leave your comments below. I would love to hear you from you!
Hey man, first of all thanks for this great, interesting and very informative review of the fitbit surge. I actually once owned the little brother of the surge, the fitbit charge. This really looks like a step up from that one. The only thing I am worried about is that it is bigger and I don’t really like to carry too big watches on my arm. Did you have any issues with that?
Hey! I really like your review about the fitbit surge. As I read your I notice one thing in your article, you hit every spot perfectly. This is a pretty well explained review and I don’t have any question about this fitness watch. It really got my interest and now I’m planning to buy one but I have a small confusion, what’s the difference of smartwatches and fitbit watches? I greatly appreciate your answer, thank you!
Hi John, thanks for reading. Fitbit watches are better suited for fitness tracking whereas smartwatches are ideal for anyone in need of a device that syncs with their smartphone and provides up-to-date notifications. Fitbits will provide better customisation for specific training programs and workouts although I think that the differences between fitness trackers and smartwatches are becoming less and less with each new update.
regards Jay
Hi Jay,
The fact that it monitors sleep is really useful, keeping a regular sleeping pattern is something that I really struggled with over the years.
Does the Fitbit surge do much in the way of tracking your weight lifting performance, I tend to focus more on weight lifting than cardio.
Hi Nate, thanks for reading. Yes the Fitbit surge can track weight training performance. It has a setting specifically for weights. Are you thinking of getting one
Hey man,
This Fitbit tracker looks nice bro. I have other trackers, but they do not look as nice as this one. This is the right time to buy a tracker and I am considering it.
I think you have just got a customer because you have explained things well and in great detail. Really appreciate it man!
Hey Emmanuel, It’s definitely an exciting time to buy a fitness trackers. The fitbit Surge sits up there with the best of them. You’ve made a great choice! What colour are you thinking of buying?
regardsJay
Hey there it’s Alexey! this looks so awesome ! I actually saw it many times on amazon but was too lazy to check it out. Well, I’m glad I finally had the opportunity to read about it (Now lol). I like fitness accessories and cool stuff to add, because I myself go to the gym 4 times a week, live healthy and all that. Thanks for the review, I will read about it now!
Hi Alexey, the fitbit surge is definitely one the best fitness trackers on the market. Its functionality will ensure that your 4 gym sessions are tracked accurately and the data can be viewed after your exercise and customised according to your training needs e.g. calories burnt or distance covered. It’s a worthwhile investment. Do you already use a fitness tracker? If so which one?
thanks for reading the review.
Jay
Hi Jay,
Great article, I really enjoyed reading it!
Those watches are beautiful and helpful . I am not doing a lot of exercises lately, but I consider doing soon. I love walking and I was wondering if this watch could be effective as well when walking quickly ?
Thank you very much for this awesome blog
Hi Daniella, thanks for reading the article. Yes the Fitbit Surge is perfect for power walking. I enjoy walking as well when we get good weather. I used the watch on a few walks in the countryside, together with my polar device, and when I compared the two devices the fitbit provided accurate distance and calorie data similar to the polar. I would definitely recommend the Fitbit Surge
Hi there! That’s a nice post you have created here.
Very nice gadget for fitness! This is very useful stuff.
I’m thinking of getting one, it’s very nicely reviewed.
I’m sure many people will find this article as useful and interesting as I did.
Thanks for sharing this nice information.
Cheers and best of luck to you.
Hey thanks for reading. Indeed the Fitbit surge is a brilliant all rounder for fitness and really catered for every aspect of my fitness regime- running, aerobics, kettlebell sessions, circuit training, cycling etc. I’d recommend you getting one here
thanks again
Jay
Hi Jay
Ooh, I think you’ve sold me!
I’ve been a runner for a very long time but I have noticed that I’ve been slowing down and I can tell that I’m not burning calories as well as I used to.
I am not someone who accepts that this is natural as we age, I know I’m still in better shape than I was at 20, what this tells me is that I’m just getting complacent and running at a too comfortable pace.
I think the surge would be a very useful tool for me. Not easy to slack off when there’s data. And then to add it to an app like Myfitnesspal…wow, I’m pretty sure I could get things back on track in just weeks and then start to make some progress again.Right now I’m falling into the “not moving forward therefore moving backward” category. Gotta break out of that!
Thanks very muchfor this.
Alison
Hey Alison, you won’t go wrong here. Of all the exercises that I used the fitbit surge with, running was amongst the best because I was able to glance at all my data very easily during my runs. This helped me to see which parts of my route I needed to work on. It’s well worth the investment!
Hi Jay,
Your Fitbit Surge promotion has been very good. You have given much information about the Fitbit Surge. I could not see what was left for you to put on the page for the customer to know. This therefore, gave your customers enough information to make informed purchase(s).
Having said that, I must let you know that the promotion caused me to want to buy a Fitbit Surge. Who would not want to have one? The surges were beautifully and displayed.
The website is clear and easy to read. It carries a lot of information about the product. However, it could have been a a little more engaging. One or two questions could be asked within the content. Could I have missed them (the questions if asked)? Overall, a very good post. Great job.
All the best!
Hey PansyB, Thanks for reading. The Fitbit Surge was a joy to use during the time I tested it. It coped with all my workouts and different weather conditions when I took it out with me. Its also surprisingly a lot stronger than it looks- I knocked it into a tree during a run and it didn’t break. Phew! I will definitely take your advice and ask more questions within my content. Thanks again!
Hey there, I love this post, great info you have given about this cool gadget, (Fitbit Surge), cannot say I have ever heard of this before.
I was wondering with the buckle made of stainless steel whether you think this would irritate me when I am sweaty, I have a bit of a reaction to metals , especially those that have nickel in them, do you think this buckle would irritate me? Love your site btw, great post!!!
Hey blubutterfly, The fitbit surge is growing in popularity– I’m starting to see a few ads popping up everywhere and a few of my colleagues have purchased them. Irritation normally occurs if you wear the device for very long periods without giving your wrist a break- this causes your sweaty wrist to react with the rubber. The stainless steel shouldn’t irritate you but, if you react to metals, then check with your doctor first before getting one. thanks again for reading!