Must-have fitness gear

With some form of GPS, optical heart rate monitoring, profiles for gym training and mobile syncing, these are elevated from activity tracker status.

APPLE WATCH SERIES 2 NIKE+

WHAT IS IT? The second coming of Apple’s smartwatch, now with added water resistance and GPS. Watchos 3 is also a treat. This feels like a complete product now. WHAT IS IT GOOD AT? Wrist communication doesn’t get better than this. Read and reply to messages, take and make phone calls without having to touch your phone. DOWNSIDES? Battery life is not ideal. Although 37 hours without using GPS is a quantum leap from the 10 hours of series 1. Doesn’t play outside of IOS. WHO IS IT FOR? iphone users who want a unified smart watch and fitness tracking solution. EXTRAS? The Nike+ bit brings in custom strap and watch face options as well as quick access to Nike Run Club functions over the standard Watch Series 2. It will also harass you to get off the couch. FROM R6 900, myistore.com

GARMIN VIVOSMART HR+

WHAT IS IT? The best fitness and activity tracker for most people. Garmin’s Vivosmart HR, but now with added GPS. WHAT IS IT GOOD AT? Activity tracking. Distance tracking without GPS was bang on 10 km when used in a 10K race and the personalised step goal is a great tool to keep you motivated while also pushing you. DOWNSIDES? While it does catch notifications from your phone, this screen doesn’t display text in a pleasing way. WHO IS IT FOR? Someone who wants an activity tracker, but also does a bit of running and cycling and needs accurate distance for that. EXTRAS? Remote controls for music functions and weather reports are a nice touch. FROM R3 900, garmin.co.za

SAMSUNG GEAR FIT 2

WHAT IS IT? Samsung’s second generation of sleek fitness tracker. It’s a Gear Fit only in name and appearance, outside of that it’s a much better, GPS capable, idea. You’ll have to reach up for the Gear S3 to compete like for like with Apple Watch. WHAT IS IT GOOD AT? Samsung’s automatic exercise recognition is phenomenal. Also the GPS, Wi-fi connectivity and music storage means you can leave your phone behind. DOWNSIDES? Battery lasted just around two days. Left off of the IOS support list. WHO IS IT FOR? Android users looking for the best design and who don’t mind Samsung’s S-health app. EXTRAS? Wi-fi connectivity gives you access to phone notifications as long as both devices are connected. FROM R3 000, samsung.com

FITBIT BLAZE

WHAT IS IT? Fitbit’s attempt at a smartwatch that can piggyback on your phone’s GPS for distance and speed metrics. WHAT IS IT GOOD AT? The Fitbit app is the most polished of the lot. We’d say the Blaze comes second to the Gear Fit 2 in the beauty pageant. It also handles notifications really well after a significant software update. DOWNSIDES? Connected GPS means it’s tethered to your phone and having to remove the module from the strap when charging is a pain. No water resistance. WHO IS IT FOR? The fashion conscious who also want a powerful fitness tracker as well as a second screen for their smartphone notifications. EXTRAS? Music control and interchangeable straps. FROM R3 500, fitbit.com

GARMIN FORERUNNER 235

WHAT IS IT? Garmin’s best bang for buck offering if you’re serious about your running that also dabbles in catching smartphone notifications and general sport and all-day activity tracking. WHAT IS IT GOOD AT? Running metrics. There’s also options to create or upload custom workouts. DOWNSIDES? Battery life is poor at around two days if you’re using GPS every day. WHO IS IT FOR? Someone who has taken up running as their primary sport, but not a professional runner. EXTRAS? The always-on display is great and you have full access to Garmin’s Connect IQ app store. FROM R5 000, garmin.co.za

TOMTOM ADVENTURER

WHAT IS IT? Tomtom’s most well-considered update to the Spark Cardio sports watch, now with course uploads and back-to-start tracking. WHAT IS IT GOOD AT? If you want to run without your phone and still be able to listen to music, get this watch. Tomtom does that better than anyone, currently. DOWNSIDES? No smartphone notifications and the app is nowhere near as polished as its competitors. WHO IS IT FOR? Outdoor fitness enthusiasts who don’t like carrying too much tech with them. EXTRAS? The raised bezels and 50 m waterproof rating makes this the most rugged watch in this line-up. Can come bundled with premium Bluetooth earbuds. That premium strap is everything. FROM R5 500, tomtom.com