Best GPS smart watch/fitness band?

[highlanderfil]

The Apple Watch would have been perfect for me with one small exception: it lacks a GPS feature which I would like my new wearable to have. So, intent though I was on taking the plunge, I'm stuck looking for a different solution. Here are the requirements:

- The aforementioned GPS (for run tracking/Facebook posting - yes, it's shameless self-promotion, but I find it motivating)
- iOS app
- Heart rate monitor of at least moderate accuracy
- Calorie counter (preferably related to HRM) - in the watch or app, I don't really care which
- Battery life of at least a full day

Optional features:

- MP3 player (for Bluetooth headphones)
- Safe for swimming

Not super fussed about aesthetics. Would like to keep it under $300, but would consider stretching the budget if absolutely needed.

TIA

 

[drbrock]

Fenix 2 off ebay includes the heart rate monitor. Amazing watch and can do everything but have an MP3 player. Battery life is also excellent. Fenix 3 is crazy expensive and you don't get that much more for the money. However it did drive the prices of the Fenix 2 substantially. It probably has to do with the color screen.

I am personally waiting for the apple watch 2 or 3 for me to upgrade. GPS and bettery life are crucial which the iwatch does not have.

 

[highlanderfil]

I'd be happy to hold off for now if I knew that the AW2 would have GPS, but all the rumors I've read so far suggested that it won't...

 

[Nebor]

The iOS for the Fitbit products is great. The Fitbit Surge seems to fit all your requirements. I have a Charge HR that I really like.

 

[highlanderfil]

The iOS for the Fitbit products is great. The Fitbit Surge seems to fit all your requirements. I have a Charge HR that I really like.

Yeah, the Fitbit iOS app is pretty stellar, although it doesn't do a great job of tracking exercise such as weightlifting, but, in fairness, that wasn't part of my original requirements. What does concern me is FitBit's wearables' quality (I had a Flex that bruised my wrist and ended up getting a One instead).

 

[Nebor]

Yeah, the Fitbit iOS app is pretty stellar, although it doesn't do a great job of tracking exercise such as weightlifting, but, in fairness, that wasn't part of my original requirements. What does concern me is FitBit's wearables' quality (I had a Flex that bruised my wrist and ended up getting a One instead).

The newer heart rate based models (Charge HR & Surge) do a much better job of estimating caloric burn. I just got my Charge a couple months ago, but in one month I used it to cut from 173 to 157lbs, and now I'm using it to slow bulk to 200lbs. It has me on a 400 a day calorie surplus, and it's been successful so far (though there have been some late nights with a jar of peanut butter trying to meet my goals.) Results are being tracked with their Aria scale, which also syncs with the app.

 

[highlanderfil]

The newer heart rate based models (Charge HR & Surge) do a much better job of estimating caloric burn. I just got my Charge a couple months ago, but in one month I used it to cut from 173 to 157lbs, and now I'm using it to slow bulk to 200lbs. It has me on a 400 a day calorie surplus, and it's been successful so far (though there have been some late nights with a jar of peanut butter trying to meet my goals.) Results are being tracked with their Aria scale, which also syncs with the app.

That's good. I have the Aria scale, just need to get more serious about using it. Guess I'm going to try to find a good deal on Surge, then.

 

[highlanderfil]

Any opinion on adidas miCoach?