Fitbit Charge Wireless Activity Wristband, Slate, Small

So. I debated and debated, spent probably four days doing deep research on these and on other similar products from different companies. Wound up on this one for several reasons, and I am VERY pleased with my purchase!! PROS: The SOFTWARE on this thing is extremely helpful and easy to navigate. There are fields to log your weight, body fat %, water consumed, and also to track your food consumed. The fitbit lets you set a goal of your goal weight and how soon you want to be there, and will help you by telling you approximately how many calories you have burned so that when you input your food consumed it lets you know whether you're under-track, on-track, or over-track. Makes it very easy to know your calorie deficit to cut weight. The sleep tracking is great, as well! It seems pretty darn accurate in terms of only starting when you actually fall asleep and not just when you lie down (which was one thing I was curious about). The caller ID function works well (provided your phone is nearby), and is handy in lots of instances, not just while working out. I sprung for the charge over the flex because of this function (I cannot miss work calls), and also because I wanted to be able to see my step count, and distance at a touch instead of through my phone. If you don't need so much instant gratification, you would probably be happy with the Flex. It has the same software. I decided on charge vs. Charge HR because the HR function is said to be MUCH less comfortable to wear, and the technology for HR monitoring in the wrist is still not where it could be quite yet. CONS: My main problem with this device, and my *WARNING TO POTENTIAL BUYERS* is that if you are a biker or a skater or do any kind of cardio besides running or jogging, there are some issues with tracking steps. So to explain, I have bad joints so I need low-impact cardio, aka an elliptical machine. I have an iphone6 with a (relatively accurate) pedometer built in. When I use the elliptical, if I have my hands stationary on the machine, and sometimes even while they're on the handles, it doesn't count all of the steps. So I now use the elliptical with my hands at my waist as though I was running/jogging. This is the only major issue I have. This is great for runners and joggers, noooooot quite as accurate for ellipticals, biking, etc. I heard lots of people talk about how the lens is easily scratched, I thought this was silly until about a month in and I rubbed it against the plastic lining of a storage tote and now there's a scuff on the screen. Seems like that wouldn't have done it, so I see what they mean. If you are super active (which, obviously you are, or would like to be if you are buying this) just be aware of it on your wrist and be careful! Overall: I highly suggest this fitbit if you intend to get fit, or are interested in your health and need a bit of help. I love it and never take it off except for when I shower (and I charge it then, it charges VERY fast and lasts about five days for me if I don't check it too much) Update 12/5: so the band which originally made this look sleek and simple is falling apart and now makes it look sloppy and messy. There have been a couple occasions where after fully charging it, it would be dead with no battery charge left. Odd. I have tried to exchange it for another one via Amazon, and was told they only provide a 30 day window. Ugh. If you live an active lifestyle (which you probably do or else you wouldn't be looking at this item), beware that it doesn't stand up to daily wear and tear for too long. Update update 12/20: I contacted Fitbit about the issue I was having and they are mailing me a replacement Charge at no cost! They were very friendly, and quick to respond and have definitely won my respect, in a world where so many companies take your money and then turn a blind eye to your grievances. If you've been on the fence, get one! If it breaks, they'll take good care of you.

Once connected to the Fitbit site, I was able to quickly replace my wife's "Flex" with her new "Charge" then re-gift and setup her old "Flex" for another family member. A note to those looking for accuracy. Take the time to setup your account. The more accurate you are with your numbers (weight, sex, stride length, etc.) the more accurate your Fitbit becomes. Using it out of the box is fine as it is consistent allowing you to compare from day to day. Bottom line, if it gets you moving more, than all the better. Both the "Flex" and the "Charge" are fairly new arrivals to my family - about six months. My third product is the "Force" which is over a year old. This was a gift so I did not know what to expect, but I was intrigued and soon learned its value. The "Charge" is the replacement to the "Force" therefore I provide the following lessons learned with my experiences with the "Force" and expect the "Charge" to be very similar if not identical. Walking: Very accurate. At first, I often watched the step counter while I walked - both on the device and on my phone app. I was impressed with the accuracy of the step counter with or without swinging my arm. Of all the pedometers I have used, this continues to be the most accurate and trusted. Cheating the Software: Of course this is possible. You can get "bonus" steps (my words - not theirs) for shaking the device. The device is not too sensitive to shaking but does give you "bonus" steps. if you are concerned about these then I suggest that you bump up your daily step goal. Watch: The clock on this device is synced to my phone so it is as accurate as my service provider. It has not (yet) replaced my watch. In-Coming Calls: The "Force" received a firmware update this fall and started to show my in-coming calls on the "Force" display. I was pleasantly surprised as my phone is often kept on silent. The very useful "activity minutes" display was removed. The claim was that calculating the activity minutes was best left to the phone app, which is true as you use the app to record your exercise. However, I suspect that it may have also been a firmware size issue on the device and something had to make way for the in-coming calls. Either way - it was a fair trade and I greatly appreciate being able to see who it calling without interrupting my meetings. Sleep Calculator: My wife LOVES this feature, but I only have one word for it: Freaky. It records my every movement during sleep which is valuable but my subconscious seems to sense that the device is recording my every movement. The "Flex" and "Charge" also knows when you are sleeping and knows whey you are awake. They have a manual start/stop mode but you do not need to use it - its all automatic. The start/stop times seem to be very accurate and the device won't give me any auto sleep credit if I take it off at night. Like I said - Freaky. Cycling: My wife and I cycle often so my advice here is to take it off, enjoy the ride and enter your exercise in the phone app. This is the most accurate for your step counter and your calories burned. You can wear it and get the "bonus" from the road/trail or wear it on your ankle where it does a nice job of counting revolutions. But for me, I have a cycle computer that gives me all the information I need about my rides. Swimming: Never used. My simple thought here is that I don't step when I swim so there is nothing to count. Running: We don't. Suggestions for Fitbit. You have something awesome here, but I wonder how long you will be able to stay ahead of the competition. You seem to be reluctant to integrate with other apps and personal fitness devices are about to take a giant leap forward. Right now these devices integrate with a larger host device for social integration, storage, and more accurate calculations. I am looking for devices capable of doing this with minimal host integration. I would not expect this device to replace my phone but it should be able to add significant value without my phone. I am not sure I will move up to your "HR" or "Surge" models as much now depends on where the market takes these devices.

If you wish to buy a tracker that will last you 6-8 months or perhaps one year, then this is the tracker for you. Bought this as a gift for my wife in Dec 2015 after having purchased my own in July 2015, battery supposed to last for at least 3-4 days started draining completely in 12 hours after a couple of months usage. So you essentially had to constantly charge the item (not ideal for a fitness tracker when you are actually supposed to be moving around with it). Customer service was great - diagnosed the issue remotely and found the battery defective (happens to MOST of their trackers - just check the online fitbit forums and amazon.com reviews). Replaced the tracker since it was in the warranty period (of just one year). My own tracker bought in July 2015 was replaced once due to a bubbling issue on the strap (also happens to MOST of their trackers) (photo attached). Replaced once after good experience with aforementioned customer service - and then the new one had battery problems within 3 months but the original one year warranty had expired and company refused to replace or repair. Instead they offered me a 25% discount on a NEW tracker. So the business model is "first sell a tracker for a year and then upsell after it inevitably fails". Wow....as if I will buy a new tracker from them after this experience. This is from a publicly listed US company - can't believe it. Moral of the story: Buy cheaper trackers which do the same job or go for better brands like Garmin and the like.

Steps count is incorrect. Without moving anywhere sometimes it shows 1000 of steps. Without using stairs it shows #of floors covered. Even the battery got down within a day. Not expected something from such a big brand.

I think a review from me on my Fitbit Charge is long overdue. I purchased it on 15 Aug, 2015, So it has been almost 6 months since I've been using it. It has assisted me in keeping a track of my fitness. It keeps me abreast of the calories burned, steps taken, hours slept & whether I was in deep sleep or restless. It shows the number of stairs climbed, number of kilometers covered, the number of minutes, I've been active. Before purchasing this activity tracker, I had already been through the previous reviews of this tracker, so, the additional steps that it shows or adds when you drive your car or move your hands while eating, doesn't warrant the deduction of one star. This issue remains with all the other trackers too. However, the "fake" steps or calories doesn't have much impact on the accuracy of this tracker. I trust this tracker and have recommended it to my friends too. I was also aware that this tracker is not waterproof, so, please do not take it with you for a swim or drop it in a bucket of water. However, there is no need to worry, if it gets slightly wet in rain or due to sweat, you can always wipe it clean and dry it with a towel, handkerchief or any cloth. There are a lot of pros & a few cons that I can state and they are as follows: PROS: 1. USB Bluetooth Dongle: When I placed an order for Fitbit, I was apprehensive about whether will it be able to sync with my cheap Chinese phone via Bluetooth. My previous activity tracker(s) didn't(neither were they able to sync with any other phones, so to speak) . When I was opened the box, I was surprised to see a USB Bluetooth Dongle with the tracker, which meant that even if the tracker didn't sync with my phone, I'll be able to sync the tracker with my PC or laptop, through the Dongle. This was a massive relief for me. I can now sync the tracker with mu PC and check my daily activities without any hassle. Later on I realized that how pathetic was the bluetooth on my phone. I purchased OnePlus 2 in December & it works/syncs perfectly with my tracker. 2. Easy To Use App/Website: The Fitbit app is really easy to setup and use. I love the way the website it set up. It's all colorful and nice and pleasing to the eye. Setting up an account with Fitbit is as simple as setting up a new Email ID. Just keep in mind that you do need to know you weight & height at the time of setting up. You can change the measuring units as per your convenience. All measuring units are available on Fitbit. For eg:- For weights Kg, lbs & st, for height Ft&In., & Cms, Food gms, Oz, lb, piece(small, medium, large), etc., Drinks ml&L, Oz, etc +Kilo Calories or Kilo Joules are available. 3. Keeps you motivated: Fitbit or any other activity tracker keeps you motivated. It's there with you all the time & you cannot ignore it. If you are like me, a person who wants to lose weight without going on a crash diet or starving, then, Fitbit will motivate you. By wearing Fitbit won't make you lose weight, however, It keeps you motivated long enough to do something & be a bit more active than you usually are. I am trying to lose weight & it keeps me motivated. There are days, when you just feel that you don't want to exercise and just keep eating, however, this brings me back right on track the next day. I hope that it'll keep you motivated too, just the way it did with me. (plus, it's cost keeps me motivated too. :-D). I trust Fitbit and take it's readings as accurate & it has helped me a lot. 4. Comfortable on your wrist & Looks good. 5. Fitbit send a notification through it's App & through Email, informing you that the battery is low & you need to charge it. 6. Long lasting battery and can easily last for 6-7 days on a full charge. It also takes 1 hr to 1.5 hrs to fully charge the tracker. 7. Easy tap to check the readings. You do not have to press the button on the side to check the readings for the day. CONS: 1. Fake Steps/Calories: As I had mentioned it before, the tracker notes every movement of the arm and adds extra steps to your daily count, if you drive or use the same hand to eat. However, for me this is a non issue, as I had already known this fact in advance. I do not consider this as a con, but, others might do. 2. Food Database: This is a major issue for me. The food database of Fitbit is either US or the UK. So, it has the nutritional info of foods available in those countries. but, when it comes to Indian foods, it's databases are seriously lacking. Since, Fitbit is getting really popular in India, It needs to create a food database of all the foods and brands available in India, including the Indian snacks like samosas or chaat, etc, plus each and every regional food in India. Every time I eat anything, I need to search & record it's nutritional value. This is the most tedious work that I have to do on my Fitbit account. I'm now used to doing internet searches for the nutritional value of the food I've eaten, and select the website which I think depicts the most accurate nutritional values. This part might be a major turnoff for some, However, if you are determined enough, you can overcome this hurdle, like I did. 3. Not Waterproof: This might be a con for those who like to swim, but, not for me. You need to take it off when you are going for a bath, however, that's fine in my opinion. So, In short, I will definitely recommend Fitbit Charge to everyone. I know that the price can be a sticking point for some as it might blow their budget, however, I'll advise them to buy it on EMI's. I did the same. Bought it on an EMI for 6 months. You can get it a bit more cheaper during sales. Amazon sells it at 20% discount during those sales. If you are serious about keeping a track of your activity and leading a healthy life, Fitbit Charge will definitely assist you there & keep you motivated. When you are setting up your account with Fitbit, after purchasing any of their products, please enable their daily or weekly newsletters via Emails. Those Emails keep you up to date about exercises, foods, eating habits etc. I love my Fitbit Charge & would recommend everyone to get one or gift it to their loved ones. After all, HEALTH IS WEALTH. That's all I can come up with, however, If I remember something, I'll add it to this review later. P.S. - When I purchased my Fitbit, I was Obese (84Kgs), Now, I'm at the lower end of overweight category(69.3Kgs) and about to enter the normal weight category Soon. I had set my weight target at 63 Kgs & I will get there soon. :-)

Good stuff.

Solamente me lo quito para bañarme. Me gusta el diseño discreto para evitar robos; los que no saben qué es solo ven una pulsera de plastico sencilla. Los contadores son muy exactos. Solamente el tipo de broche no me gustó; cierra bien, pero no parece muy seguro en caso de una sacudida fuerte.