I’ve been using and working with Fitbit since 2011 when I was introduced to the original Fitbit. Since that time I’ve reviewed for the Fitbit Ultra, Fitbit One, Aria Scale, Fitbit Premium Membership, and the Fitbit Zip.
I recently received their newest product to review the Fitbit Flex.
This slim, stylish device is with you all the time. During the day, it tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. At night, it tracks your sleep cycle and wakes you silently in the morning. Just check out the lights to see how you stack up against your personal goal. It’s the motivation you need to get out and be more active
Fitbit Flex Band Review
Being such a loyal Fitbit fan I jumped at the chance to test drive a new product. When I heard about the Fitbit Flex the person I had in mind for this was my daughter. Honey has been asking me for a Fitbit for a while. Since she is only 7 it is not something I want to invest in for her at this time as I don’t know that she would use it long term. My daughter loves to wear bracelets. She often goes to go school with 5 or 6 bracelets from rainbow looms, to pony tail holders around her wrist.
Before I handed over the Fitbit Flex to her I wanted to test it out myself. One Saturday I put on the Fitbit Flex and continue to wear my Fitbit One to do a little dual testing between the two devices.
Fitbit Flex Wrist Band Fit
The wrist band comes in large or small which makes it a great fit for both men and women. I received a large which fit me perfectly. It is a little hard to get on. Sometimes the notches don’t fit through the holes in the band all that well. However once it is on it is secure.
Fitbit One vs Fitbit Flex
I wrote down the beginning steps from both devices and then wore them for a few hours while my husband and I ran some errors. At the end of the test the devices were about 300 steps apart. The Fitbit One recorded more steps then the Fitbit Flex. I do not know which device is the most accurate so I can not speak on that but did want to note that there does appear to be a difference.
Incorrect Steps Recorded
A friend of mine that owns a Fitbit Flex made the comment that she thought the Fitbit Flex was counting her arm movements so I tested this out as well. While sitting stationary I swung my arm back and forth to see if it would record it as steps. Sure enough it did. To be fair and check if it was a device defect or the technology I also tried the same exercise with my Fitbit One. It too counted the steps. So this inaccuracy is not device driven but due to the technology of how the device records a step. The only thing I can say to this is that since the Fitbit Flex is warn on the arm there is more of a chance of this happening then with the Fitbit One that is worn on the hip or bra.
Fitbit Flex Versatility
The Flex is purchased in a black or light grey color. They also sell additional bands that come in teal, tangerine, and navy. I thought this was smart for those that want to match their Flex to their outfit or just prefer a fun color.
Advantage of the Flex
One advantage that the Flex has over the other Fitbit products is the ability to wear it in the shower. This is something you should not do with the Fitbit One.
Overall Impression
Overall the Flex works just as good as the Fitbit One, and they have the same features tracking steps, climbs, sleep and they both can connect to your Fitbit account. I think it is a preference as to what type of device you prefer. I myself am a loyal Fitbit One user and I like that the Fitbit is hidden under my clothes, and not visible to anyone. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry so wearing a band all the time would drive me crazy. I asked a co-worker who was researching the Flex and a competitive product why she wanted bracelet type tracker. She said…
Because it is just Cool!
What I would really love to see come next from Fitbit is a truly waterproof Fitbit. This past weekend the family and I went to a water park. All the walking and climbing I did I would have loved to see on my Fitbit. Instead that day shows a lot less steps because I was unable to wear it.
Have You Tried The Fitbit Flex Yet?
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
The past few fitness counters I’ve had (not Fitbit brands) have all counted steps incorrectly.
Leilani says
I bought a FitBit One when it first came out last year and lost it within a week. 🙁 I was so sad. Thankfully, I just got another one a couple days ago. I’d love to try the Flex, though because I can just wear it on my wrist and not have to worry about it falling off my bra, which is how I lost it the first time.
Sheri says
I really need to get one of these. I think it will help me stay on track.
Colleen says
I still can’t believe you don’t have one. UGH I gave her everyone’s name!
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I haven’t but I am looking into buying one!
Colleen says
With all your working out it would come in handy! Don’t think it counts “spins” though 😉
Channah says
I’ve thinking of getting one of these for a while. The workout part seems fine, but how about the sleep feature?
Colleen says
It shows you how many times you wake up based on your movement.
Mellisa says
I have a fitbit and love it.
Colleen says
What’s not to love? My best climb was the ziplining from Brandcation (Pensacola) LOL!
Christine Mayfield says
My hubby won a FitBit and they sent him a Flex and they gave it to me. I love it even thought it will count steps when I move my arm too much so I try and remember to take it off if I have to do my hair or the girls hair. I wear it almost all the time and it has made me move more to try and hit at least 10,000 steps a day.
Colleen says
That is awesome! Yes that is one draw back that it counts your arm movements. Congrats to you for your husband winning it 🙂
Angela says
I have the FitBit One and have been very curious about this. Thanks for the info!
Colleen says
I think it all depends on your preference, it works the same as the One so it just depends on if you prefer to wear it as a bracelet. It does not however show you the stats on the unit like the One does you have to get online to see them.
Kathleen says
This sounds like it would be perfect. I love my FitBit now, but I lose it all the time. This would be much harder to lose.
Colleen says
I agree it is a little hard to get on and off so it would probably stay on pretty good. I put my Fitbit on my bra I have lost one putting it on my hip.
LyndaS says
I have not tried it, but need something to motivate me to do more physically.
Colleen says
It is motivating if you set a goal or try to beat your friends at least keeps you walking.
Maryann says
i still haven’t invested in one of these.
Colleen says
The one nice thing about the Flex is being able to use it in the shower so you can pretty much just leave it on. It is interesting to see how many steps you take. Like when we were in NY I think I had a day where I had 22K steps.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I’ve been wanting to try any of the Fitbits..My son would love this one because of the coolness factor..
Colleen says
Yep I guess people say it is cool LOL I personally love the One where it is invisible.
Marcie W. says
The sleek bracelet design makes this seem like a great starter Fitbit for older children or teens.
Colleen says
Definitely, my oldest son likes to wear those rubber bracelets this fits right in.
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Ive never tried it but I keep hearing great thigns about it
Colleen says
I don’t get on to check my stats much they aren’t as good as they use to be but I enjoy having it when I really put some energy into meeting a step goal.
Tammy says
Thanks for the review, I was curious on the difference between the One and the Flex. I think I would prefer the one, because I’d be worried that if I moved too much sitting down with my hand that the Flex would pick that up as steps.
Colleen says
I definitely prefer it, mine is clipped to my bra and the One stays on a lot better then the original. I’m not much on the bracelet thing.
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
YES!!! I waterproof one is what I’ve been wanting one. I would totally wait in line for that if they ever made one.
HilLesha@To the Motherhood says
This is a great brand! I love Fit Bit. However, I lost mine a few weeks after receiving it – eck!
Lisa says
I’ll have to check this out.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I’ve heard so much about these FitBit’s but I haven’t purchased one yet. I’m really thinking about it though.
Jai says
I’ve been looking for something like this. I’ll check it out.
Michelle S says
If the device wanted to accurately count steps then it would have to be affixed to your leg to detect movements, so that is one downfall of this device. I have something similar and it’s amazing.
lovely jasmin says
nice review
Rebecca S. says
I’d also holdout for a waterproof one!
Rhiannon Rowland says
I’ve been wanting a fitbit for while, but generally, as the mom, I get new things last…which means I have not gotten one yet.