Details
Brand
TomTom
Model
Spark 3
Battery Life
11hrs GPS | 3wks reg
Use
Tracking
Latest Version
Yes
Key Features
• GPS measures pace, distance, time, speed, calories burned, heart rate and other stats live• Built-in heart rate monitor allows the wearer to see their heart rate at all times whether they’re walking or sitting during the day or working out• Multisport Mode lets wearers keep track of running, biking, treadmill runs, swimming, indoor cycling, gym workouts and more• Activity Tracker allows the wearer to track their active minutes, steps, calories burned, distance, and sleep, as well as set goals• Route Exploration helps wearers explore new routes and find their way back• Customizable Straps allow the wearer to change straps based on mood or occasion• Water resistant for up to 40 meters (130 feet)• Interval Training allows the wearer to create custom workouts and rest periods• Social Sharing and Wireless Syncing let the wearer share their workouts, achievements and progress with friends• Stores up to 500 songs (3GB) to play music without needing to workout with a smartphone
Comfort
The TomTom Spark 3 uses an ultra slim design (.54 inches thick) so that it feels comfortable and not bulky. Weighing in at just 47 grams (1.66 ounces), users can wear the watch all day long or during workouts without noticing they have a watch on at all. Users can choose either a small or large wrist strap to ensure a perfect fit, with holes for adjustability, and the strap can easily be removed and switched out if the user wants a softer or more stylish one. The strap that comes with the fitness watch is thin, light, and soft to wear. It should be worn tight enough to detect a pulse but loose enough to still feel comfortable. The heart rate monitor is in the fitness watch so that a potentially uncomfortable chest strap is not needed, and the built-in GPS means that you do not have to carry the smartphone around in order to get a signal.
Size
s Available;The TomTomSpark 3 comes in two sizes: small and large. The small band is for wrists 125 to 175 mm long and the large band is 145 to 206 mm long. There is some overlap for in-between sizes, as well as holes to adjust to a more exact fit. Users can purchase replacement bands in different sizes as well.
Accessories
The TomTom Spark 3 has a headphone bundle option that includes a pair of wireless (Bluetooth) headphones. The sound quality is mediocre, but they are comfortable to use and you won’t have to worry about going out to purchase a pair of headphones for your fitness watch. The contoured ear hooks create a nice fit around the ear and you don’t have to worry about them falling off during your activities. The Spark 3 also comes with a charging cable in order to recharge the battery as it starts to wear out. The other accessories are the replacement bands so that you can choose the right band for your workout or social event.
Style
The Spark 3 has a light, ultra slim, and understated design. It is a rounded square surrounded by a thick black frame. It is simple to read and easy to use. Some might feel that it has a boring or dated look, but it is very usable and practical. The band comes in small or large and is removable so that each user can choose their own custom style for a social event, everyday use, or workout.
Activities
The TomTom Spark 3 has 24/7 activity tracking. In indoor training mode, users can go on the treadmill, use indoor cycles, or workout in a gym. Multisport mode lets users run, walk, bike, or swim up to 40 meters (130 feet) underwater. The Automatic Sleep Tracking lets the user track their sleep patterns and lets them know how restful their sleep was.
Basic Features
The TomTom Spark 3 has 24/7 activity tracking. In indoor training mode, users can go on the treadmill, use indoor cycles, or workout in a gym. Multisport mode lets users run, walk, bike, or swim up to 40 meters (130 feet) underwater. The Automatic Sleep Tracking lets the user track their sleep patterns and lets them know how restful their sleep was.
Advanced Features
The Spark 3 has a built-in heart rate monitor so the wearer is not required to use an uncomfortable chest strap, and can more accurately measure calories burned, sleep quality, and overall health. The GPS allows users to more accurately measure distance as well as use the Route Exploration feature to look for new paths and find their way back at the end of the workout. Interval Training allows the wearer to customize workouts and rest periods, and Race Mode lets the wearer beat their old records by competing against past workouts. It also stores music and is water resistant (5 ATM).
Connectivity
Connectivity is one of the Spark 3’s areas for improvement. It uses its GPS to find routes and measure distances, and Bluetooth to connect to smartphones and apps. It can sometimes take up to ten minutes to find a GPS signal. Syncing can sometimes be slow, so it can also take a while to connect and send data to the smartphone app. QuickGPS works well for finding reception, but not all smartphones have or are able to use that feature. The app can be used on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Ease of Use
Navigation on the Spark 3 is done through a single button, and it does not have a touch screen. It is easy and intuitive to use, but a few reviewers felt that the menu system can use work because it felt maze-like to navigate. It is easy to read during the day, but you will need to use the back light at night, which unfortunately drains the battery faster. Some people did not like that it does not display notifications from the smartphone, although it does play music, monitor one’s heart rate, and use GPS without needing to connect to a phone or chest strap. Connecting to a GPS or Bluetooth signal can sometimes be slow, but once connected it works well and is easy to use.
Power Source
This fitness watch is powered by a single rechargeable lithium ion battery that is included with purchase. It can last for up to 11 hours with the GPS turned on, 5 hours with GPS, music, and heart rate monitoring, or 3 weeks with simple activity tracking. It works well during the day, but be careful using it at night because the back light will drain the battery faster than normal.
Accuracy
The TomTom Spark 3 received excellent reviews for accuracy. The heart rate monitor works very well and accurately keeps track of current heart rate as well as heart rates over time for workouts, calories burned, and health monitoring. Heart rate is captured at regular intervals rather than taking constant measurements. The GPS is also very accurate, not only for tracking things like steps and distance, but also for finding paths for people who like to try new routes to switch up their workouts so they do not do the same thing every day.
Face
The face has a display resolution of 5.67 x 6.61 inches and a display size of 0.87 x 0.98 inches. It is easy to read, has a simple design, and has a back light for nighttime visibility. Although it is not colorful or modern looking, it has great functionality. It is big enough to display a few pieces of data at a time without being distracting. Navigation is done through a single button. Smartphone notifications do not show up on the screen.
Band
The thin, light, and comfortable rubber band has a secure, three point fastening. It comes in two sizes, large and small, for increased comfort and an exact fit. The band can be easily snapped on and off to be replaced with a more stylish or sporty band depending on the occasion.
Apps
The TomTom Sports App is compatible with iPhones with iOS 8 and above, and some Android 4.4 and above phones. Anyone can create an account and use the app on their computer or tablet, even if they do not have a compatible phone. The app allows users to view stats, set goals, and view their progress toward those goals. Testers said that the is simple and easy to use, with not only statistics but also breakdowns of activities, maps, and graphs.
Sizes Available
The TomTomSpark 3 comes in two sizes: small and large. The small band is for wrists 125 to 175 mm long and the large band is 145 to 206 mm long. There is some overlap for in-between sizes, as well as holes to adjust to a more exact fit. Users can purchase replacement bands in different sizes as well.
Durability
The TomTom Spark 3 has great durability. The battery has a decent life (up to 11 hours with the GPS turned on) and can be recharged many times. The single button and tap screen work well for many workouts over multiple years. The wrist strap is easy to snap off and replace if it accidentally breaks for whatever reason. Some retailers also offer a 3-year protection plan with purchase, which can replace the fitness watch in case of accidental damage.
Price
The Spark 3 has a great price considering it has a GPS, heart rate monitor, and music storage. It is about average price compared to other fitness watches. If you want the GPS fitness watch without the heart rate monitor, it takes $50 off the price, and if you want the headphone bundle (GPS fitness watch, heart rate monitor, Bluetooth headphones), it will cost $40 more. Some retailers are offering a small discount of around 10% off, but most are selling it for full price.
Bottom Line
The TomTom Spark 3 is a great fitness watch choice for runners who want to track their health and fitness goals, like listening to music, and want a GPS and heart rate monitor built in. It is nice for both new and experienced runners because it tracks running and has a GPS and Route Exploration so that users can try out new paths, find their way back, and not get bored from taking the same path every day. Users can also track other activities, such as cycling, swimming, biking, walking, and even sleeping. The Spark 3 encourages users to be social by sharing their goals, workouts, and progress with friends. It is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and users can switch out straps with different colors and styles. Possible areas for improvement include better connectivity speed for GPS and Bluetooth, and a more colorful and modern design. Overall, the TomTom Spark 3 is a great investment for runners who want to keep track of their overall health.
