Category Archives: Fitness Gadgets

Basis Peak Ultimate Fitness and Sleep Tracker Review

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Now owned by Intel, Basis, one of the companies that are leading in wearable device technologies for fitness, sleep and wellness applications has just recently launched the Basis Peak where they branded their new product as the Ultimate Fitness and Sleep Tracker. This new product impressively features a lustrously sleeky touchscreen design and with a highly improved sensor technology. Peak provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring – WITHOUT wearing the chest strap! Yes, that’s right folks. This interesting wearable gadget does not need to have a strap around your chest to monitor your heart beat during exercise or running or any other activities. Learn more about this exciting new device through this Basis Peak Ultimate Fitness and Sleep Tracker Review.

Click here for product pricing and to check for availability and color options.

What makes the Basis Peak the Ultimate Fitness and Sleep Tracker is its unique mash-up of automatic activity tracking, advanced sleep analysis and healthy habits that the user experiences which are all geared to encourage real behavior changes hence bringing the most competitive depiction of fitness and sleep of any product of its class.

What are the best features of this Fitness and Sleep Tracker?

Accuracy is very important when it comes to tracking your sleep and even more important in tracking your fitness activities. With Basis Peak‘s  four different sensors, this beastly little device simply gives the accuracy that every person with an active lifestyle yearns for. It precisely and accurately measures steps, calories burned, heart rate, skin temperature, perspiration (sweating), and sleep. This device has impressive improvements when it comes to engineering and technology. One of which is its automatic activity tracking with BodyIQ technology that detect your walks, runs, bike rides as well as sleep and wake times. The same technology is also responsible for its advanced sleep analysis that captures REM/Deep/Light Sleep, Toss-and-Turns, Interruptions and Sleep Quality. And lastly, this activity tracker also features Healthy Habits system for transforming health insights into action.

Not only that the features of Basis Peak is strikingly remarkable, its built is also durable and lightweight yet comfortable to wear, chic and stylish. This watch can be worn day and night, even in going to work, working out, play time, and going out. It’s constructed with a forged aluminum body, a sensitive touch screen with gesture recognition, Gorilla Glass 3 for extra screen protection and soft silicone straps that are modifiable. Peak can can also be worn when swimming at it is tested for water resistance up to 5A. More so, Basis Peak is capable of displaying smartwatch notifications, alerts for incoming calls and texts from your smartphone (compatible with iOS and Android smartphones).

PROS

  • Sturdy built
  • Elegant, classy design and wearable 24/7
  • Water Resistant to 5 ATM, enough to withstand swimming
  • Has Gorilla Glass 3, touchscreen with gesture recognition
  • No need for a chest wrap in monitoring your heart rate (real time heart rate is taken from your wrist)
  • Automatically syncs via Bluetooth Smart
  • Has 4 sensors:
    • Optical Heart Rate Sensor
    • Galvanic Skin Response
    • Skin Temperature
    • 3-Axis Accelerometer
  • Habit notifications keeps you on the look-out
  • Automatically adjusts weekly goals based on user’s performance
  • Automatic sleep detection ( no need to set anything, just fall asleep wearing Peak)
  • Spontaneously understand sleep trends based on your ongoing average
  • Both heart rate & accelerometer data combine to provide rich sleep insights
  • Peak uses Basis’ habit system to help you make small but powerful changes to your sleep or activity patterns
  • 4 days of battery life but depends on usage

CONS

  • Only available in two colors (black and white)
  • No size options (for women like me who have smaller wrists – but I guess this won’t be much of a con since a smaller size also means smaller screen)
  • Only works with Android or iPhone (to activate the Basis Peak). Also it works only with with selected iOS and Android (iOS 7+ – iPhone 4S+ – and some Android 4.4.2 BLE phones) so make sure to check compatibility with your smartphones before getting Basis Peak

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Basis Peak – Ultimate Fitness and Sleep Tracker (Brushed Metal/White)

PAPAGO GH100-US GoHeart100 Ant+ Heart Rate Monitor Review

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PAPAGO! GoHeart 100 is equipped with the standard ANT+ transmission protocol which allows you to link your devices that supports this protocol.  ANT+ is the wireless transmission technology that lets your monitoring devices to talk to each other. Although this protocol is primarily owned by Garmin, this technology are being used by a lot of electronics that transmit fitness-related information over the years. The GoHeart 100 pairs with a lot of devices which includes GPS watches, treadmills, mobile phones, and workout apps. Know more about this device through this PAPAGO GH100-US GoHeart100 Ant+ Heart Rate Monitor Review.

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This heart rate monitor is designed to give a snug and secure fit to a wide variation of body types. Thanks to its affable and easy-to-use, comfort-made modifiable strap the user is able to customize the GoHeart 100 according to personal preference.

What are the best features of this Heart Rate Monitor?

The ANT+ protocol has been well-established in the fitness monitoring market for quite some time now. Having said that, the PAPAGO! GH100-US GoHeart100 Ant+ Heart Rate Monitor‘s advantage is that is it ensures that in using it, the user gets the required accurate and reliable data whenever and whenever you want it. Essentially, the ANT+ technology of this device gives you the simplest, versatile and most reliable user experience possible. In addition, the band that is used in this device is very soft and flexible made from long-enduring material which allows for frequent regular washing. 

Small and compact, the GoHeart 100 will not be so hard to bring with you anywhere. It’s designed with comfort and efficiency as its precedence. This band can be easily adjusted from 66 up to 92 centimeters in order to securely fit almost any body type. Fitness enthusiasts are given the confidence of accurately tracking their beats per minute on  a wide range thanks to the device’s heart rate transmission ability. ANT+ technologies require very minimal power, so, ANT+-ready watches or transmitters are able to function on a longer time even with one tiny battery and no charging to worry about.

PROS

  • Small, compact, thin and lightweight (weighs around 1.6 oz or 45.4 g)
  • Comfortable. soft fabric, adjustable strap
  • Uses ANT+ 2.4 GHz Transmission Technology (automatically connects to ANT+ devices when paired)
  • Powered with 3.0 V CR2032 lithium button battery
  • Detects Heart Rate from 30 to 240 BPM
  • Transmission Range of up to 16.4 feet or 5 meters
  • Impressive battery life
  • User friendly and syncs easily to your devices
  • Strap is made from breathable lightweight material

CONS

  • User must make sure that the device is tightly secured and is well in contact with the skin otherwise the device will not yield accurate data. Best results for the sensor is achieved by putting it at the exact center of the chest

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PAPAGO GH100-US GoHeart100 ANT+ Heart Rate Monitor (Black)

Garmin Fenix 2 Training GPS Watch Performance Bundle Review

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Triathletes and sports enthusiasts are surely keen on first-rate and dependable data collected from GPS watches whether during running, biking, hiking, skiing where one is able to effortlessly track every activity. The Garmin Fenix 2 GPS Watch  puts together the paramount highlights of a fitness watch as well as an outdoor watch which makes it the perfect multisport athlete’s Training partner. This impressive GPS watch can track mostly everything starting from distance and pace to heart rate and recovery time, all from a dense, wrist-worn device. This watch can synchronize with other Garmin devices and at the same time, it tracks and shares your progress. It also corresponds with your iPhone to allow the user to view texts and emails without pulling out your phone. Know more about this training watch through this Garmin Fenix 2 Training GPS Watch Performance Bundle Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read other user reviews.

The Fenix 2 allows you to conveniently switch between one feature to another as it give you easier access to the data you need. This watch can make you switch from Advanced Fitness Training features like VO2 max, Virtual Partner and a recovery advisor, to high-sensitivity GPS tracking features like 3-axis compass, worldwide base map, and TracBack. You can also shift to a totally distinct feature set for any of your sports activities.

What are the best features of this Training GPS Watch?

A favorite feature of the fēnix 2 would have to be its advanced fitness metrics. It is brimming with training features that informs the user about form and fitness. The first of which is the VO2 max estimator. When this feature is used with a heart rate monitor, what the device does is it crunches data, including your running speed, beats per minute and heart rate differences to estimate the maximum volume of oxygen you can consume per minute. It then follows the changes to your VO2 max to see your fitness gains and then have it compared with your peers. Additional fitness metrics include recovery advisor with a recovery timer and recovery check, plus a Race Predictor, that approximates your ideal finish time from your current VO2 max number.

Had enough? Not quite. The ABS sensors of the fēnix 2 provides relevant real-time information. There is a built-in altimeter that gives elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer is used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. The 3-axis electronic compass keeps your bearing whether you’re moving or not. Not only this this device has the features, it is also equipped with a sturdy housing in order to survive shocks and harsh environments along with its curved mineral scratch-resistant glass lens. This impressive physical feature is paired with a large LCD display with a red LED backlight and a tough polyurethane wristband.

PROS

  • Strong and sturdy, built with quality materials
  • Provides real-time performance data such as time, distance, pace, calories, speed, lap data, and heart rate
  • Estimates state of recovery immediately following a run and operates in a countdown mode until the next effort
  • With built-in barometric altimeter that provides accurate elevation information so you can keep track of your ascent and descent
  • Calculates advanced features like recovery advisor and race predictor (when paired with the heart rate monitor)
  • Built-in barometer can help you monitor and predict weather changes
  • Includes a 3-axis electronic compass that keeps your bearing whether you’re moving or not
  • Indoor and outdoor Swim Modes that record stroke count, intervals, distance, pace, and time
  • Automatically uploads data wirelessly to Garmin Connect, Live Track and social media
  • Smart Notification feature lets you receive emails, texts and alerts
  • Ski-Board Mode measures 3D speed and distance, time, vertical drop, total runs, auto pause, auto run detection, plus features Ski specific data pages, history of runs, performance data
  • If paired with HRM-Run monitor2, fenix 2 provides feedback on Running form by measuring cadence (number of steps per minute), vertical oscillation (bounce in your Running motion), and ground contact time
  • Gain insight into temperature trends from the built-in temperature sensor
  • Easily share tracks, waypoints, routes and paperless geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Garmin GPS units and smartphones
  • Impressive battery life
  • Equipped with both ANT+ capabilities and Bluetooth technology

CONS

  • A little bulky (thick) to wear, especially for those who have smaller wrists
  • It has loads of features but setting can be quite a daunting task. But once already set-up, makes it a haven for serious triathletes
  • Does not support ANT+ Fitness Equipment (Gym) and also user is unable to export software settings
  • This device is also not compatible with firstbeat HR tools

The Garmin Fenix 2 Training GPS Watch Performance Bundle may not be very friendly to your budget but this device is jam packed with many features. It’s not a multi-sport watch for nothing as it truly brings the features one needs and can provide data that the user requires in every aspect of their activity. Definitely a must have for triathletes out there, and most importantly, this watch is built to last as it is well engineered with quality materials and is geared to endure rough conditions with a shock-resistant, steel-reinforced housing, scratch-resistant mineral crystal and durable wristband.

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Garmin Fenix 2 Performance Bundle

Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player Review

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For those who want to keep listening to their favorite music even when swimming, one can do so really nicely and easily with the waterproof Sony Walkman W274S. This Walkman is built with superior technology being compact and lightweight which allows you to be bring your music everywhere you go, even when in wet and sweaty conditions. With Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player, leaving your music behind is never an option. Its technologically advanced swimming earbuds are engineered to sustain water resistance so you can continue to enjoy your music while swimming. Know more about this device through this Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read other user reviews.

This walkman is best to use during your workout, also for your running and swimming. It’s conveniently wire-free, and it’s a single-piece music player that you can put on with absolute freedom.

What are the best features of this MP3 Player?

The Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player weighs around 29 grams. Being very lightweight as it is, it makes it very suitable for sports enthusiasts as well as those who have an active lifestyle. Whether you are out on the gym, enjoying a nice swim or playing outdoors, it allows you to do whatever without the distraction thanks to its wire-free and hands-free design. Not only that, you are also guaranteed of great sound quality with its exlusive Sony Clear Audio Technologies like Clear Stereo and Clear Bass which produce deeper, richer audio output.

The impressive waterproof design (IPX8 standards, submersible up to 2 meters) of this MP3 device keeps moisture out at the same time as listening to its lifelike sound with deep bass. A fully charge battery can last for up to 8 hours. You can also have it powered up on a 3-minute quick charge that will last for up to 60 minutes of play back. Transferring of your audio files is also very easy through a drag and drop ease with iTunes for Mac or Windows. It’s indeed very easy to use and convenient.

PROS

  • Lightweight and with a snug fitting and a modern and stylish design (also available in 3 colors)
  • One-piece device – wire-free and hands-free
  • ZAPPIN search feature, allowing you to easily navigate through your playlist (plays back main melodies)
  • Integrated 13.5 mm EX headphone drivers deliver great sound quality with deep bass
  • Easy to create a playlist (drag and drop)
  • Shuffle mode allows you to mix up songs in the playlist
  • Automatic Volume Limiter System
  • Simple music search with the multi-function playback buttons
  • 8 hours battery life for full charge and 60 minutes play back for a 3-minute quick charge
  • Waterproof (IPX8 standards, submersible up to 2 meters)
  • Multi-format playback also lets you play MP3, WMA, AAC or L-PCM music files
  • Comes in different earbud sizes as well as for swimming earbuds (S/M/L/LL)

CONS

  • Audio output slightly changes when using the swimming earbuds and sometimes the sound also becomes muffled when swimming (make sure to use the right size of the earbuds  – the one that fits tightly with no gap left between the ears and the headphones)
  • Be careful not to use it on salt water as this may corrode the device

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Sony NWZW274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player (Black)

Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker Review

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The Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker would be an interesting fitness gadget for Samsung aficionados as this device is the company’s first attempt in jumping into the bandwagon of wearable activity monitors like that from Nike and FitBit. It may sound like a match made in heaven as users get to have a mash up of a fitness band and a smartwatch on a single product, but does it meet the needs of its users? The mixture is indeed impressive and not only that it looks strikingly pretty with its swipe and touch curved display, and impressively being the first on a wearable. Know more about this fitness device through this Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read more user reviews.

This device is made to be worn not only while you’re working out, but for also for any condition you’re in. Its curved display is unique and contours comfortably to your wrist, with bright and vivid, well readable display while interchangeable bands allows you to choose form multiple color options.

What are the best features of this fitness tracker?

If there is one thing that the Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker stands out, it has to be its design. Its sleek, slightly curved, 1.8-inch Super AMOLED rectangular screen is big enough to read, without feeling bulky and looks incredibly sexy too. The user interface can be interchanged from landscape to portrait depending on your preference for an easier view and its adjustable strap lets you snugly fit the device on your wrist.  The Gear Fit has an IP67 certification so it’s dust-proof and water-resistant (but not intended for swimming), and weighs around 27 grams, so you’ll hardly notice it on your wrist.

For sports enthusiasts, or even for those who simply want to keep track of their active lifestyle, this device might not be a good choice. It has features for both a fitness band and a smartwatch but the reliability for the data it gives as well as the software to use for the data is not quite hitting the board. The heart rate monitor as well as the calorie count is at times unreliable (failing) and inaccurate.  And to aggravate this, some data are not sent to any of the apps that are used to communicate with the device. Take note, it takes 3-4 Samsung apps to talk to the device which is really too much of a good thing specially when the apps does not do basic things like communicate biographic information between the device and your account. Clearly, Samsung needs a lot more work on this device.

PROS

  • Stylish and elegant design, lightweight yet has a sturdy built and wearable 24/7
  • Vivid colorful display resolution
  • Functions and features: Pedometer; Exercise monitor; Sleep monitor; Heart Rate; Notifications from phone (calls and texts); Media Controller; Timer; Stopwatch; Find My Device
  • Sensors: HR Sensor; Accelerometer; Gyro Sensor
  • Includes smartwatch features where you can view emails, texts and alerts
  • 1.84-inch Super AMOLED display makes it easy to read the device even with sunlight
  • Mobile S Health Partner integrated into the device tracks your steps and also you can set a personal best with real-time coaching
  • Calendar notifications from your phone can be snoozed and dismissed from this device

CONS

  • The Gear Fit does not have a GPS inside of it and is totally dependent on the phone for this so if  there is no phone, the Gear Fit will not be able to start the activity (like cycling/running)
  • For monitoring your exercise/sleep, you would have to actually to turn on the specific function on the unit in order to track them (the same for the pedometer, you have to turn it on to track steps and likewise turn it off to stop it – so in case if you forget to turn it on or off, your stats are no longer accurate)
  • Battery life lasts only for 3 days (up to 5 days for less active users)
  • Be sure to check device compatibility before deciding to buy this fitness tracker

If you are someone who gives precedence to the looks of the device as more important than it’s functions then this device will totally wow you. Without question, it really is very pretty to wear and matches with anything. However, for those who are looking forward for a better functionality as an activity monitor, there are other choices in the market out there from other brands like the FitBit, Garmin, Polar or Nike that will favorably serve your purpose.

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Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker – Black