Special Edition Versa band fraying

[SunsetRunner]

I've had my fitbit versa special edition for 2 weeks. The band (purple) is already fraying and started the first week I got it. Curious if this is happening already to anyone else?

[kdimitri]

Yes, the end of mine (charcoal special edition) is fraying on the end as well.

[kcronin]

Fitbit has indicated that the woven Special Edition band isn't an all-the-time band.  For everyday they recommend the black silicone band that also came with the watch.  Fitbit states that the woven band is for non-active wear.

[AlessFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi, everyone! 

The quality of Fitbit products is one of our top priorities, and we conduct extensive testing so our users can wear and enjoy our products. Due to the fabric and material of the woven bands, it is possible that some people may experience minor fraying over time.

The Special Edition woven bands are not intended to be worn during high-intensity workouts or sleep, which could affect the overall appearance and quality of the band. To best preserve your woven band, we recommend switching to a Classic silicone or TPU band when working out or engaging in water-based activities. For more wear and care tips, please visit www.fitbit.com/productcare.

[geepondy]

Why exactly are you not supposed to wear it while sleeping?  Do people really change out the bands on a daily basis?  I never tried but it looks like changing out the bands is a bit of an intrinsic  process.  I got a special edition but returned it because of an issue.  Should I try again, I'll save my money and get the regular if the band is that delicate.

[dclarknow]

In a word - absurd.  A fitness tracker that tracks sleep has a "special edition" watch band that should not be worn for high-intensity workouts or sleep.  Can't make up stuff like this.  Is Fitbit just laughing at us?

[hwdiemom]

Why do u think it is okay to sell and promote a inferior product. I dont like changing the bands and bought the special edition for the band. Nive to know that fitbit doesn't care about quality. 

[hwdiemom]

Why do u think it is okay to sell and promote a inferior product. I dont like changing the bands and bought the special edition for the band. Nice to know that fitbit doesn't care about quality. 

[geepondy]

I know complaining too much just sounds like sour grapes but the Fitbit support response really is funny.  A watch that's designed to be used for exercise and sleeping and you pay extra in part because of the "special" band and yet you are not supposed to use the band when using the watch for what it is designed for?  

[kat_33]

I've had my Versa less than a week, special addition charcoal, and actually just noticed some fraying earlier today. I understand natural wear and tear, but not on a product that is less than a month (or realistically a year) old... That's just one small issue I've been having...

[dkrn60]

Very difficult to change the band. I was bleeding under my nail and still didn't get it done. Yes my pretty purple band is fraying, very disappointing considering I've only had it about 3 weeks. 

[kdimitri]

There was no clear indication on Fitbit.com that the special edition watchbands were not for daily wear. While I do change the band while working out, the silicone band is not comfortable enough to wear daily. Since I won't pay $50 for the leather band, I guess I'll look at Amazon for a replacement band that won't wear out with daily wear.

Regarding wearing the watch to sleep, the silicone band is way too stiff to wear all night long.

[SunsetRunner]

I apologize as I should have known I would have gotten ripped to shreds by links to FAQs for not clarifying my usage of the bands. But I do agree with the majority of you wonderful fitbit-ers out there that what is the point if I have to keep changing the band????

but YES I do not wear this band during high intensity workouts where I'll be sweating a lot. I wear it for work, walks, and yoga though. And sleep because it is more comfortable and does not irritate my skin like the silicone does over weeks (thank you fitibit)

It started fraying right away, it should last longer. Thanks for all your feedback, i'm glad I'm not alone. I have 'trimmed' it (the frays off) a couple times now. Luckily Amazon does sell replacements for a very fair price.

Bummer dude!

[SunsetRunner]

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@dkrn60 wrote:

Very difficult to change the band. I was bleeding under my nail and still didn't get it done. Yes my pretty purple band is fraying, very disappointing considering I've only had it about 3 weeks. 

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Yes! I have this same issue where I do find it hard to change the band! When i'm ready to go workout, the last thing I feel like doing is fiddling with my band! It hurts my fingers too. I think the woven one is even more difficult because the prongs slip around more in the material vs. silicone

[geepondy]

These fabric bands are getting some press.  If anybody has/will try them, please report on how they compare to the Versa SE bands.  I had to return my SE for another issue but should I try another Versa, probably best to get the regular version and shop for an after market band.

https://www.amazon.com/QIBOX-Release-Classic-Stainless-Lavender/dp/B07C89D9WV/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid...

[LaLa82]

I've had mine for 10 days and I'm having the same problem. I'm so disappointed. I paid $50 more for that band and to be able to use FitBit Pay which so far, I don't think I'm even able to use :(.

[LaLa82]

Fair enough, but I've had mine 10 days and only worn it less than half the time I've had it. One would expect it to hold up longer than 5 days :(.

[KalaTudon]

Same issue here. Started fraying with it 3 days of having it, not used during workouts. I was told my Fitbit support that they do not make replacement bands separately and the only way to get it replaced is to send the entire package with everything in it back. 

[Tamgriff18]

The bands should not fray if you barely use it and don't work out. And knowing they are going to fray after a couple of weeks is shameful.

[Emberly]

I’m having this issue as well. Where in the box did it say don’t wear on a regular basis or to sleep. Ffs.