I've had my Versa for 14 months. I swam with it all last summer with no issues. Yesterday I swam with it for the first time this summer and noticed about an hour after I got out of the pool that it was completely dead. Bricked. It won't charge, won't turn on, won't show up when I try to connect it to my computer. I contacted support first via chat and went through all the steps patiently (hard reset, cleaning Fitbit and charging base with alcohol, trying a different USB port) even though I could tell that it was clearly bricked. She offered me a discount on a new one. Tried calling support instead but got the same song and dance. (so sorry, understand how you feel, warranty is 12 months and your device has been in use for 14, hands are tied). Everyone I talk to seems to think it is unreasonable for me to expect a $200 device to be guaranteed to not brick after 14 months. The device is otherwise in absolutely perfect condition.
Now I'm seeing all over this forum, all over amazon.com reviews, and basically all over the web this same complaint. And what I'm seeing in this forum is Fitbit backtracking! (No, no... it's water resistant NOT waterproof.) Many of us specifically purchased it because it was specifically advertised for swim tracking. Clearly the water resistance is faulty and the company does not want to stand behind it. Look on Reddit and you'll find threads about how much Fitbit customer service has declined since the introduction of Versa and Ionic.
I've been a Fitbit user for 6 years. I've had 5 different trackers (all purchased at full price), having upgraded several times when they came out with product improvements. I've beta tested new features for them at least 3 times. And I did all this happily because I have always loved my Fitbit, Fitbit customer service, and the company as a whole. Now after researching this issue, I'm surprised at how many people are complaining about not only this issue with water resistance but also with the declining customer service.
I'm in this forum for 2 reasons: One, to let others who are considering the Versa for it's swim tracking or water resistance to look elsewhere. It is faulty, and Fitibit is not standing behind it. Second, to add one more voice to the forum urging Fitbit to do better on their water resistance, warranty period, and customer service. I spent 2 hours with their customer service last night with no acceptable solution.
I haven't made a final decision yet, but at this point it is likely you have lost a long-time, very loyal, very vocal customer. And I'm very sad about it! I loved counting my steps and tracking my heart rate. (but I can do that with a cheap pedometer and my phone) I will miss competing with my family members. (4 of them who, by the way, all purchased Fitbit because of me) But I honestly just cannot justify staying with a company who will not stand behind a device that bricked after 14 months of use in perfect condition. It's funny, I've purchased a new device almost every year because I wanted to upgrade, and I was okay with that. I'm not okay with being forced to purchase a new device because of poor manufacturing. Every company makes a lemon at some point. Companies that won't stand behind their lemon get kicked out of my house.
Fitbit - You have way too much competition to do this poorly (Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and so many others). Do better or you will lose your loyal customer base.
