#fitbitsucks

For five months I’ve been using a Fitbit Charge HR. I’ve loved having my heart rate available at the touch of a button during my rides. I’ve also liked having a sleep tracker in addition to the pedometer function, calorie tracker and floors climbed. 

The problem is, these things are pieces of shit. I’ve actually only used the Charge HR for about 4 months because after the first one broke, I was without it for about a month. I contacted customer service via email and after a few exchanges, they sent me a replacement. Fair enough. 

The first one had some kind of electronic glitch where a thin, half filled-half empty bar took over the screen. The software was up to date and every other troubleshooting technique failed. In the process, the plastic backing around the charging port also disintegrated. But by that time it didn’t matter. 

So I’ve been using the replacement for just over two months. It’s now broken also. I’m guessing due to water penetration frying the electronics. After all, about a week after I received the replacement, the rubber siding on the device bubbled up and left an exposed gap. I was unable to secure this gap using super glue, Shoe Goo, another silicon adhesive and the epoxy resin I use for carbon fiber repairs. 

I’ve seen other people post about these devices and am glad to hear my thoughts echoed. I understand that devices are fallible and are not indestructible. But you would expect a device that costs ~$150 that is designed to be used by active people would actually hold up to the activities these people use them for. I have never abused my devices and simply wore them on my wrist.