TomTom Spark Cardio (Runner 2) Test – Multisport, pulse, music

March 15, 2017 Fitness-Tracker

In this review we are taking a closer look at the brand new successor to the Runner/Multi-sport cardio models, the TomTom Spark Cardio. TomTom targets the Runner 2 primarily for runners, since it features the same hardware and software. The Spark Cardio/Runner 2 brings numerous new and unique features that we will now take a closer look at.

Our Recommendation

The TomTom Spark cardio is ideal for ambitious and hobby seeking multi-athletes, for whom adaptability in sport profiles is relevant. Those that like to leave their cell phone at home and like to listen to music, will love the music feature. The activity tracker encourages an active life style. If you are interested in routing capabilities then you should take a look at the newer TomTom Spark 3 Cardio. For those that like  to have an extensive fitness platform, they should take a look at competitive products like Garmin Vivoactive HR or Polar M600.

Compatibility

  • Android 4.3 and higher and Bluetooth Smart
  • iOS 8.0 and higher
  • Windows Phone 10
  • ANT+ sensors like HR-chest strap and bike sensors (speed and cadence)

What’s inside- Unboxing and Feel

The TomTom Spark is available in different versions, with or built-in heart rate monitor or music module… Here we’re testing the top model with the best features: The TomTom Spark Cardio + Music including bluetooth in-ears. The special feature of this model is the built-in heart rate monitor, a local memory (3 GB) for audio files, (MP3 + AAC) and the supplied Bluetooth Smart in-ear headphones.

 

In this package the most important things are included:

 

Besides the band and the headphones, also packed is a USB charging cable. In addition two smaller user manuals are included, in addition to online documentation to look at on the side.

The TomTom Spark Cardio consists of two parts, the wristband and the actual fitness tracker and heart rate monitor unit. This allows is to be easy exchanged for another band.

 

The band and the USB charger, which can also be used in for syncing with PC and Mac, differ in comparison to the previous Runner and multi-sport cardio models, so they are incompatible with predecessors. There are different sizes and colors available for the Spark.

 

The wristband is prominent in it’s simplicity, but it’s not so easy to connect with the charger.

 

On this unit as well as the predecessors, there are navigation buttons which look good and allow you to wade through the menus of the Spark Cardio.

 

The comfort and feel of the band is good, even if the TomTom doesn’t utilize softer silicone material to enhance the flexibility on the wrist. The shape of the band and the weight of the unit (50 grams,) contribute to the fact that you’ll hardly notice the watch on you. The wristband is available for wrist sizes 143-206 mm.

 

Comparable devices:

 

  • Garmin Forerunner 225: 54 grams
  • Garmin Forerunner 235: 41 grams

 

TomTom Spark vs Runner 2

 

Sometimes the successor has to respect the design of the predecessor. The differences are only marginal.

 

  • Spark is designed for people who want to track their activities over a complete day, such as counting steps, active minutes, sleep and calories burned, as well as sports activities. It has an everyday style. It is available in stores for consumer electronics.
  • Runner 2 is intended for Runners: The design is better suited for running and other fitness activities and has brighter colors. It is also available in shops.

Both watches have the same hardware and software.

 

The Optical Pulse Sensor

 

TomTom has replaced the Mn/Phillips optical pulse sensor from previous models with one from another manufacturer. The Mios/Phillips sensor is known for its accuracy and reliability, also of other known manufacturers such as Garmin in the GPS Running Watch FR225 or Adidas in the models Fit Smart and Smart Run.

 

In the Spark Cardio a sensor developed in-house called the LifeQ is used. The LifeQ has its strengths in the software field, and relates to the hardware of OSRAM, something about the sensor SFH 7060, which was developed specifically for fitness trackers and smartwatches.

 

OSRAM provides more opportunities compared to Mios/Phillips. It has 3 green, 1 red and 1 infared LED and a photodiode. In this combination of SFH to 7060 in addition to pulse measurement, inter alia, data on blood oxygen content, maximum oxygen uptake, RR intervals, and thus the heart rate viability (HRV) can be read. In addition, more skin types should be better supported, because the red light can penetrate darker skin types better, for example.

 

Yes, the red LED is not active, but some possible features are not yet available. Software updates may change that.

 

The SFH 7060 TomTom tries to probably set the course for the future in order to offer more features compared to the competition.

 

Spark Cardio Basics

 

The initial setup and synchronization of TomTom Spark Cardio done with your Windows PC or Mac. Further syncing processes may be made available on the Smartphone (Android or iOS.) A synchronization type data may be wirelessly performed at a later times. The carrying of a smartphone is not necessary.

 

TomTom Spark Cardio vs Runner/Multi-sport Cardio

 

Compared to the (cardio) predecessors Runner and Multi-sport, the following innovations are particularly noteworthy.

 

Activity Tracker

  • Local music player / Bluetooth wireless in-ears (Music Model)
  • New optical pulse monitor (cardio model)
  • Every Spark model supports multi-sport (no distinction between Runner and multi-sport variants)
  • New wristband

The GPS Multi-sport watch Spark Cardio has 4 navigation and control buttons (left, right, up, down,) which are mounted below the display. The navigation with these buttons by the logical menu structure works well and ensures that the Spark Cardio remains active when the display is wet. That’s when the fitness tracker with a touch screen often has problems.

 

Touch and swipe gestures are not supported by the display, but they have a different function. Keeping the hands briefly on the backlit display for several seconds will activate it. This one in particular needs dark surroundings, otherwise the display is difficult to read. With high brightness and contrast, the direct sunlight readablity is otherwise very good.

 

The TomTom Spark Cardio has two operation modes, which are shown in detail below:

 

Outdoor Running (GPS enabled)

  • Running Indoors (GPS off)
  • Cycling Outdoors (GPS enabled)
  • Swimming (Only swimming pool, GPS off)
  • Studio (GPS off)
  • Freestyle (GPS enabled)
  • Stopwatch

Already at the IFA 2015 we have the TomTom Spark Cardio/ TomTom Runner 2 we have filmed a short video about the menus.

 

Outdoor Running

 

Once you activate the run mode, the built-in heart rate monitor and GPS receiver turns on. Usually it takes a few seconds (4-7) until the heart rate is detected. A very good value, depending on skin color and surroundings. For darker skin types, from tattoos on the skin, cold skin, or low blood circulation, it can sometimes take longer. At this point, the Spark Cardio is one of the fastest known optical pulse monitors in terms of pulse-detection rate. The Spark may also be coupled with an HR chest strap if configured, Run sensors are not supported.

 

Also GPS satellites quickly find you (10-15 secs,) because the fitness tracker has Quick GPS. The Quick-GPS database is automatically updated when the Spark with the TomTom app is connected and valid for 3 days.

 

In run mode different training options can be selected:

  • No: Freestyle running without an exercise program
  • Objectives: Pursue a training target (distance, time, calories):
  • Intervals: Interval training perform short workouts followed by periods of rest. For the phases of “warm”, “training”, “peace” and “rest” each one time or distance can be set
  • Rounds: Compare activity with specified lap times or distances or to record manually, if a game is terminated
  • Areas: Work within a target range. Training spaces “Tempo”, “speed”, “pulse” or “cadence”
  • Race: Organize a race against the ten latest activities or to an activity from the MySports website

The Data fields can also be adapted. There are two small boxes at the bottom of the display. In the large data field, different metrics can be scrolled through using the Up and Down Arrow: Time, duration, distance, pace, average pace, calories, heart rate and pulse range.

 

Tip: During workout one should fit the band closer to the skin to get accurate results. The optical pulse monitors also sense when the skin is a little heated and blood circulation stimulates, (for example by warm ups,) otherwise the beginning of training values are less accurate.

 

To pause/pause an exercise recording, you press the left-operating key of the Spark cardio and that stops the timer. To continue the recording of the training, the right button is pressed. To stop recording training, press the left key again.

 

After syncing with TomTom MySport, the data is down below for further analysis:

 

As an example, here is some data from a test run. To convince us the accuracy of the pulse values, we’re comparing it to a Garmin Premium HR chest strap, paired with the Garmin MultiSport Fenix3. The platinum chest belt is known for highly accurate frequency HR records.

 

Here is the first recording of the Spark Cardio as it appears in MySport.

 

The GPS accuracy is very good. The intended distance corresponds almost perfectly. For GPS accuracy we show the cycling section as a more concrete example.

 

And the pulse and tempo values:

 

The heart rate changes can be broken down:

 

The comparison with the Garmin HR chest strap is then as follows:

 

It can be seen that the Spark Cardio keeps up quite well, depending on the unit. However the beginning needed more time to measure the pulse consistently well. This can have many causes such as lower skin temperature at the start. In addition, the typical and delayed time pulse values of an optical pulse sensor can be seen. This is no different from other manufacturers.

 

We will possibly undergo another test run under different conditions.

 

Cycling with the Spark Cardio

 

The TomTom Spark Cardio supports cycling, allowing the integration of speed and cadence sensors, (bluetooth smart.) I don’t understand the next part

 

The Spark Cardio can also submit with external Bluetooth Smart HR couples, so that one also receives HR data if the Spark is mounted to a bike mount.

 

Don’t understand this first sentence. GPS data can then be exported via the PC, Mac tool from the recorded TomTom Spark Cardio data to other programs such as the Open Street Map feed.

 

And further zoomed in:

 

This route runs along roads, underpasses, and is covered with trees. It’s beautiful to see such GPS accuracy. It stated even the smallest swerve.

 

The altitude will be recorded and can be retrieved. It glides with the mouse. The corresponding location and other data such as speed, distance, and heart rate are displayed in MySports.

 

Swimming with the Spark Cardio

 

Swimming in the pool is supported but without HR measurement. Unfortunately, there is no free water mode. The path length can be configured.

 

While floating units, metrics can be tracked: SWOLF, laps, lap time, lap distance, lap speed, tracks, time, duration, distance, (?), calories, and specific targets can be set. Also, vibration notes as timer instructions.

 

Music Player

 

As one of the few GPS sports watches on the market, the Spark provides a local store for music files. You can store music on your GPS watch and play, for example, during activities. You can couple the bluetooth headphones with the Spark.

 

The headphones feature features 3 buttons and is charged via microUSB. With the keys the volume is controlled, the in-ears turned off, and the pairing activated. To enter pairing mode, you hold the center button for 10 seconds, and then the red and blue lights flash alternately. According to TomTom, most bluetooth headsets or speaker can also be used.

 

During sports activities, the volume can be controlled using the two buttons +/-. In addition, it can also be paused using the middle button and music continues. Longer holds skip songs.

 

Best and almost trouble free listening pleasure was achieved when wearing the TomTom on the left wrist, because the transmitter is on the left side of the headphones. Don’t know what this next sentence is trying to say.

 

Useful training aid announcements during sports activities:

 

Area: in the field, on the field, under the field

  • Objective: at 50%, 90%, 100% and 110% of the target
  • Race: front, back, lost, won

 

Software Updates: Smartphone Alerts Announced

TomTom extends the lifespan of the Spark regularly with new features and improves the performance of the device. So on 01.26.2016 the following features have been implemented with the version 1.20:

  • Around the clock pulse measurement. The pulse is doing it every 10 minutes recorded.
  • Improved headset compatibility and audio playback
  • Improved feedback votes
  • When indoor cycling the calories are calculated by the heart rate when no data from cadence and speed sensor are available
  • Shortened duration of the GPS positioning
  • Improved counting calories for Studio Activities
  • Improved calculation of floating distances
  • Various performance improvements and bug fixes

In addition, in particular the following new features for 2016 have been announced for 2016:

  • Notifications on the clock when receiving messages and emails on your smartphone
  • Share the activities on Facebook and Twitter

TomTom Spark Cardio Test – Conclusion

 

We hope that this review brought you a little closed to the versatile fitness tracker. What convinced us was the accuracy of the GPS receiver/ HR data during running sessions, the good and informative display, the sports variety, and its overall nice to have a music player, training announcements, and wireless in-ears without a smartphone. The integrated activity tracker supports a more active lifestyle.

 

 

unwichtig

The following is a quick overview of the most important properties of the activity tracker TomTom Spark Cardio for those who are in a hurry.

 

  • Device Type: GPS + GLONASS Multi-sport Fitness tracker with integrated heart rate monitor.
  • Sports: Running, treadmill, cycling, indoor cycling, swimming, freestyle, Studio, 24 × 7 Activity Tracker.
  • 24 × 7 Activity Tracker: Fully automatic sleep analysis, steps, calories, distance, daily goals.
  • Sensors, interfaces: Motion Detector (accelerometer + gyroscope), compass, optical heart rate monitor, Bluetooth Smart, USB.
  • External sensors: Heart rate and wheel sensors coupled.
  • Synchronization: Wirelessly via Bluetooth Smart and USB.
  • Battery life:
    • Activity Tracking (Clock mode): up to 3 weeks
    • GPS: up to 11 hours
    • GPS + Heart Rate + Music: Up to 5 hours.
  • Display and operation: negative LCD display with backlight. Rummaging through menu using the navigation keys below the display.
  • Software:
    • TomTom MySports app for Android and iOS.
    • TomTom MySports web platform for the browser.
  • Alarms: Vibration and visually via the display.

Others:

  • Water resistance: 5 ATM (corresponds to test pressure in 50 m depth). The Spark Cardio is suitable for swimming.
  • 3 GB local music store: streaming audio files (MP3 + AAC) to Bluetooth headset

 

Full featured fitness tracker with multisport support, internal pulse meter, 24 × 7 Activity Tracker, local music player and music store, automatic sleep detection, and support for wireless Bluetooth headset.

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