Need replacement band for Surge. No thanks to Fitbit....

[dgyluv]

Just got off the phone with Fitbit customer service about my broken Surge band. I knew it was out of the 1st year warranty and wanted to purchase a replacement band. Per Fitbit, a replacement band is not available for purchase from Fitbit. Her recommendation was to buy a new Surge. It's ridiculous to not offer replacement bands available for purchase for their customers! Found replacement bands available on Amazon. After this watch breaks completely, I will not be returning to the Fitbit family of products for their lack of replacement part availability. I should not have to buy a new 250.00 US dollar watch every two years!

[Sparky617]

Mine was replaced in the first year, the second one didn't last much longer.  Crappy design.

[boymom2823]

Awww man, I was going to get in touch with CS regarding this too 

guess I'm SOL too 😞 

[Sparky617]

Try calling them.  They'll at least give you a discount on another FitBit product if they won't replace it out of warranty.  

[Sparky617]

On a whim, I went to Amazon and there are aftermarket bands available.  Only three reviews, two positive and one negative.  It may be worth a try.

https://smile.amazon.com/BeneStellar-Replacement-WatchBand-Wristband-Accessories/dp/B06XKB5RRV/ref=s...

[TxTundra]

The replacement bands are available.  The trick it trying to get the original bands off without taking off one of the antennae that is essentially glued to the band but attached to the upper end of the watch.  People are shown gluing the pad back to the watch but I don't think the connection is made so it is merely asthetic.

[Bankman1989]

They actually replaced my Surge even though I was out of the warranty period. But then again I was super nice to them over the phone. 

They gave me the option of buying a new Blaze (or other design) at 50% off. I chose another Surge and for now i am glad that I did. 

Good luck. I didn't realize you could replace the band. 

[Sparky617]

I've been watching the youtube videos on the subject.  It looks like if you use the spatula tool and carefully remove the old band you can keep the antenna intact.   I have three Surges to play with, they didn't require me to mail my 1st one back when they sent me a new one.  I also have my son's original.  My brother's original band broke as well.

I'm ordering a two pack of bands to try to resurrect a pair of them.

[Sparky617]

I chatted with them online.  My brother talked with them on the phone and got a new one even though he was out of warranty.  They'd had already replaced mine once so I was probably pushing it.  I should try talking to them.

I wouldn't recommend a Surge to anyone until they come up with a new design with a user-replaceable band that they'll stand behind.  I don't mind that the band needs to be replaced, I do mind that they don't have one on a watch that retails for $250.  The Blaze and the Charge 2 have replaceable bands.

[Bankman1989]

Yeah I bought my mom the Charge 2 and my wife the Blaze. When I get a new one, I will make sure it has replaceable bands. My mom's came with 10 different colors. 

[Sparky617]

I installed my replacement band yesterday.  The Bluetooth antenna is pretty securely glued to the band so it comes off with the band.  I peeled it off, cleaned it up and just stuck it back in place without glue.  It seems to be working fine.  I didn't have glue available when I did the replacement so I just gave it a try.  I'm not sure if the range is affected, but it seems to work without issues if I'm close to the phone.  I guess we'll see how well it works at a distance when I get a text while my Surge is charging in another room.

This is the product I bought from Amazon.  I also picked up a pair of charging cables for $5.50.

Budesi Silicone Accessory as Replacement Strap Band for Fitbit Surge Watch Fitness Tracker WatchBand Black-Large 2-Pack

[RiaP]

Well I purchased a replacement band from ebay and replaced the band on my daughters Surge. Easy peas. 

[RiaP]

If they're like the ones I got of ebay, they work. I just replaced one. 

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@Sparky617 wrote:

On a whim, I went to Amazon and there are aftermarket bands available.  Only three reviews, two positive and one negative.  It may be worth a try.

https://smile.amazon.com/BeneStellar-Replacement-WatchBand-Wristband-Accessories/dp/B06XKB5RRV/ref=s...

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If they're anything like the one I got off ebay, they work. I just replaced one. 

[Aashnaa]

Hi, did you have anymore updates on the antenna? Was the gps function still intact? 

[RiaP]

All works fine 🙂 

[jlh819]

I've owned my Surge for 2 1/2 years and replaced the band twice no antenna issues.  Ordered the 3rd replacement today as it has started to bubble up again.  It's $12 for a new band, just feels like that's yearly maintenance now.