Anonymous wrote:I’m looking for something easy to use to real time to track pacing and mileage while running. All the runners I know use Garmins, though I was gifted a Fitbit. Can anyone compare and contrast for me or recommend the Fitbit?

I like Garmin over fitbit any day. If you want one that will last, i would buy a higher end Garmin. I've had a fenix for 5 years and still works great. My fitbits and cheaper garmins lasted only 1 year. You can buy a garmin by calling them. they sell refurbished ones. Also, if you want to trade in your garmin they will give you a discount on a new or refurbished one. Lastly, i recommend if you buy one from Best buy you get the two year warranty. If it breaks or something happens you can get the same money applied toward a new watch at best buy.

I’d OP decides to get a garmin and really only wants it for running, there are tons of great deals used either on FB marketplace or eBay. I buy used garmin and endurance / bike stuff all the time. All works great.

Garmin is more durable. We bought my son a fit bit charge and it was dead within a year. I had my Garmin vevoactive for 4 years before i replaced it with the venu 2 and even then I only replaced it because I didn't want to charge it every night.

Anonymous wrote:I loved my previous charge model Fitbit for standard pacing and mileage but when it broke (after 2 yrs) and I started researching, the Charge 5 has pretty bad reviews comparatively. I ended up switching to Garmin. Technically a little more watch than I need for simple run data but worth it for quality.

10:34 here. I agree that the run maps are really inaccurate. I did a 3.5 miler the other day but the map was SO off it only logged 3.

I loved my previous charge model Fitbit for standard pacing and mileage but when it broke (after 2 yrs) and I started researching, the Charge 5 has pretty bad reviews comparatively. I ended up switching to Garmin. Technically a little more watch than I need for simple run data but worth it for quality.

Anonymous wrote:I cannot figure out how to set it for a run and have my pace be the front screen on the watch. That’s all I want it for. Can it do this? I tried setting it up and it projected on my app and wasn’t even accurate or reading out on the watch. I already have Strava on my phone. Don’t need

Yes for Fitbit. My versa shows three lines and I can make the stats show whatever I want. I chose distance, average pace, and time elapsed. The average pace line can be changed with a touch, it is also customizable. For example, it shows steps but I don't need that so I just have average pace, current pace and heart rate. However, this is the Versa, I THINK the charge will be similar but I'm sure you can find a Youtube video about it.

Anonymous wrote:I cannot figure out how to set it for a run and have my pace be the front screen on the watch. That’s all I want it for. Can it do this? I tried setting it up and it projected on my app and wasn’t even accurate or reading out on the watch. I already have Strava on my phone. Don’t need

Don’t you just cycle to run and start it and you can cycle to a pace screen? I had a charge 5 before I got my garmin and that’s what I remember at least.

I cannot figure out how to set it for a run and have my pace be the front screen on the watch. That’s all I want it for. Can it do this? I tried setting it up and it projected on my app and wasn’t even accurate or reading out on the watch. I already have Strava on my phone. Don’t need

The Fitbit is changing over the next month. They are getting rid of challenges on March 27th so there will be no more community. They are also getting rid of premium and making it available to all. Id wait to see what they are planning on doing.

Fitbit is fine for that purpose. People get tied up in data and it really doesn’t matter if you aren’t racing. I moved over to Garmin for multi sport and because you can use the garmin for structured workouts. Many garmin models also have downloadable Spotify playlists which is nice. So you can run without a phone.

But if all you want is pace, HR, distance and maps after a run, the Fitbit is probably fine.

I’m looking for something easy to use to real time to track pacing and mileage while running. All the runners I know use Garmins, though I was gifted a Fitbit. Can anyone compare and contrast for me or recommend the Fitbit?