Blaze Water Resistance

[AriesG]

I don't necessarily need the Blaze to be waterproof.  I would like it if I could wear it when swimming (key word is swimming *not* diving) or even for a quick shower.  Living in Seattle, if I'm biking there's a good chance its also raining.  Sometimes no matter how fast you pedal you just can't outrun that cloud! 

Every one of my Fitbit has had the standard blurb about the occasional splash but not recommended to be showered.  If the seal is an issue can it be manufactured with an 'O' ring installed? I do understand that's an over simplified "solution"  If the charging port prevents it to be water resistant, use some form of magnetic or "osmosis" charging so there's no exposed port.  Again - over simplified.  Will that cause the watch to be higher in cost?  Personally, I'm okay with that.  I paid over $200 for my Surge HR which I love but I can't modify any part of it.  Having the option to swap out the band especially if its starting to look a bit haggard is worth it to me.

I think of all the improvements the clamoring hasn't changed much in the need for it to withstand water. 

Moderator Edit: Title For Clarity

[LiliMon]

Earlier I read somewhere on here a mods repsonse was that water proofing is not possible because of the altimeter, cant remember where exactly.

[LiliMon · Accepted solution]

Here it is "@RonnieS Waterproofing comes at the cost of altimeter function - air pressure is used to determine things like elevation change, and fully sealing the device prevents this from working. Since our trackers aren't designed to accurately track swimming, there's not much benefit to full waterproofing, especially at the cost of other features. All our trackers are water resistant - Blaze won't be harmed if you wear it in the rain, or if it gets splashed."

[Michael · Accepted solution]

They say it is rain-proof, so you shouldn't have any problem with it getting wet while biking through the rain.

[MikeF]

As already stated, that ship has already sailed. At this point I imagine that Fitbit are building up initial inventory prior to the release date in March.

[Rich_Laue]

While the Charge and Charge HR are rated for 1 ATM, this is a stationary test. The standared for 1 ATM is not to swim with, but would be ok for the ocaisional dunking and rain storm.

I have to agree with @MikeF, the ship has sailed, and I've never seen a product anouncement proceded imeadiatly by a release. Even MS doesn't have a good record here, Win 95 was released almost a year late, Win 98 came in 99,  Win 2000 missed its released date, and we are only referring to software bytes  not hardware powered by software.

[AriesG]

I experienced fogging when I accidentally showered with the Charge. The only ones that actually was able to handle a shower or wet bike ride was the Force and the One survived accidental laundering. I don't want to risk the Surge. I wear my Fitbit faithfully. Unloading a delivery truck in the rain means spending time ensuring everything is dried off properly. I feel we've all been clamoring for the ability to wear our devices without too much risk. Heck I would like to believe it can handle being dragged through water and mud for obstacle courses. I am pleased as punch that the Fitbit is as robust as it is but slightly disappointed that it isn't always able to keep pace with the variety of workouts people may partake in.

[groovehoob]

I'm with you on this. I don't need to dive with it, but as it will get sweaty/dirty etc, you should at least be able to have a shower without issue.

Why make an activity/sports watch without at least 5ATM. Garmin offer 5ATM with their Vivosmart HR, and it has a Barometric altimeter.

Interestingly, DC Rainmaker did some tests on one of the Fitbit devices (can't remember which, possibly Charge HR), so worth checking out...

[bbarrera]

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@groovehoob wrote:

Interestingly, DC Rainmaker did some tests on one of the Fitbit devices (can't remember which, possibly Charge HR), so worth checking out...

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Tested Surge, and in the review he says:

"Now, knowing that Fitbit says upfront (now anyway) that they don’t recommend swimming with it, I’d probably echo their sentiment.  Eventually it’s likely that you’ll kill the watch."

Garmin says 5ATM is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, etc. You know, the kind of water play I do in my pool at the beach. So your good to go with their devices that have 5ATM (or higher) water resistance.

[JoanneinCA]

bbarrera, I wonder if the step counts on the Garmen are as accurate as the Fitbit? The water resistance rating certainly is an attractive feature. Back when I bought my Flex it was advertised to be water resistant to 30 feet and that was a major selling point to me.

[bbarrera]

@JoanneinCA

Flex specs:

"Flex has been tested up to 1 ATM meaning it is sweat, rain and splash proof. However, the device is not swim proof. We also recommend taking Flex off before showering because, as with any wearable device, it’s best for your skin if the band stays dry and clean."

Crazy, tested to 1ATM but no swimming.

Regarding accuracy, Fitbit has its share of issues. I can push a shopping cart at Costco for 3000 steps and only get 300 steps on my Flex, Force and Surge. Meanwhile the phone in my pocket is accurate, as are the Fitbit Zip and One. 

I recommend reading DCRainmaker point-of-view:

"Next to last – the vast majority of activity trackers are roughly accurate.  To that I meant that no activity tracker on the market is perfect.  None.  Instead, they are estimations – treat them as such.  Each company tries to fine tune their algorithms for various use cases.  Some might be better at guarding against false positives in the shower, but less so doing dishes.  Others the inverse.  What matters is that at the end of the day if you’re activity tracker said you only did 2,000 steps, and you’re goal was 10,000 steps – then you were…lazy.  Meanwhile, if it says you did 9,782 steps and you think you really did 9,923 or 9,458 – just go walk around the block an extra time.  It’s about tracking trends – not exacts."

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/11/winter-sports-gadget-recommendations.html

[groovehoob]

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@bbarrera wrote:

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@groovehoob wrote:

Interestingly, DC Rainmaker did some tests on one of the Fitbit devices (can't remember which, possibly Charge HR), so worth checking out...

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Tested Surge, and in the review he says:

"Now, knowing that Fitbit says upfront (now anyway) that they don’t recommend swimming with it, I’d probably echo their sentiment.  Eventually it’s likely that you’ll kill the watch."

Garmin says 5ATM is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, etc. You know, the kind of water play I do in my pool at the beach. So your good to go with their devices that have 5ATM (or higher) water resistance.

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bbarrera, he put the Surge through waterproof testing in a chamber and it came out fine. He also tested the Charge & Charge HR in the shower, and had no issues after several weeks. 

I guess it's whether you take the chance or not. Clearly the warranty will be void, but not sure how you're supposed to clean sweat and dirt off without getting it reasonably wet!

I just returned a Garmin device because the OHR was rubbish, but as you say the 5ATM works well. I swam and showered with no issues. It's a shame Fitbit hasn't listened to its customers over recent times about some level of water resistance.

Anyway, the Blaze looks a nice device, and I found the Charge HR to be pretty good.

[Rich_Laue]

@bbarrera it is not crazy that 1ATM is not for swimming,  I'll let you google it, but the international standards for 1ATM say that the watch is good for accidental summersion, no swimming, diving or showers. Remeber that this test is performed by slowly increasing the pressure with the watch standing still. Moving the watch around in yhe water could increase the pressure and cause a leak.

[bbarrera]

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@Rich_Laue wrote:

@bbarrera it is not crazy that 1ATM is not for swimming,

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sorry, commenting on two threads at once.

This is crazy -- Surge "tested up to 5 ATM meaning it is sweat, rain and splash proof. However, the device is not swim proof."

https://www.fitbit.com/surge#specs

I'll quote DCRainmaker review:

"The issue though is that traditionally speaking 50m was more than sufficient for swimming, so this is really the first company to say “No, you can’t swim with it either.” – which, I’d point out is lame."

and 

"What’s correct is that Fitbit just skimped on their waterproof implementation here."

Fitbit is making me crazy for these reasons:

- Fitbit doesn't publish any water ratings (instead somewhat vague guidelines)

- instead of a water rating, Fitbit Surge is "tested up to 5ATM... the device is not swim proof"

- Blaze specs state "Fitbit Blaze is sweat, rain and splash proof, but is not swim proof."

- Charge specs state "Charge has been tested up to 1 ATM meaning it is sweat, rain and splash proof. However, the device is not swim proof."

- Charge HR specs state "Charge HR is sweat, rain and splash proof. However, the device is not swim proof or showerproof."

for me, thats crazy making after reading marketing phrases like "PurePulse" and "Every Beat Counts" and "Ultimate Fitness Super Watch"

[Rich_Laue]

Sorry the comment i made was directed to the 1 ATM of the Flex, Charge, Charge HR and it'slack of ability to swim. Is in line with internation standards.

5 ATM is rated for shallow swimming, not diving, why fitbit says what tye say, will have to be asked of Fitbit, since their statements about water resistant contridict.

Personally since the band is glued on, this is the reason i dont want to swim with the Surge.

Abother good reason for me is that Fitbits are calibrated for walking through air, wh3n going through water there is a lot more resistance and therefore more calories burnt then reported.

[matt9013]

@Rich_Laue

I know some of us want to track water activities which I agree would be hard with the Fitbit's and how they measure air and all that.

My main use for wanting a water resistent Fitbit would be for the pain of having to take it off if I go kayaking, paddleboarding or just doing light water activities. I know Fitbit's can do light splashs so I think I'll get a little more daring with the Blaze than I am with my Charge.

[Rich_Laue]

If i was doing canoeing or a simaler activity i would not worry about taking the Fitbit off, but if i was going to go swimming i would ţake it off for the sake of the glue that's holding the band together. I might however be over thinking things.

[matt9013]

@Rich_Laue

Yeah, I'll take my watch with me at times but I would never take my Fitbit with me even if it was rated for swimming. I usually go from swimming to jetskiing and wouldn't risk the Fitbit falling off and loosing it.

[bbarrera]

@Rich_Laue curious why you mention the glue? Haven't seen anyone else mention this as a possible issue.

[Mavi]

I don't believe the altimeter or temperature or any other tools built into these watches should restrict it from being water resistant to at least 50 meters. Hasn't anyone seen the Casio G'Shock watches? Those things have most of the same bells and whistles like an altimeter, And are practically rated for both skydiving and deep sea diving. Fitbit has taken the easy way out to avoid the R & D or warranty claims or something, but personally I'm going to be buying a Garmin VivoActive that is rated 100 meters, and has everything else going for it. Thanks anyways Fitbit...