Where are the updates on my Surge?

[Cupcakekid]

I've had my Surge since Xmas last year (2015).  Other than the update I got when I first connected it to my computer I haven't seen or been notified of any updates. In my opinion this things needs some updates and certainly many users have made requests.  My units does a poor job of tracking my heartbeat.  Has no option for rowing and if I was to think longer I could come up with more complaints.  Fitbit has lost my recommendation.  Does anyone agree?

Moderator edit: Clarified subject.

[YojanaFitbit]

Good morning @Cupcakekid, please receive a warm welcome to the Fitbit Community! I appreciate your comments in regards new updates for Fitbit Surge, I haven't heard about new updates for the moment but I think that a new update would be great idea! 

I found a request for rowing that you can vote for it to be implemented later on, it's call "Stationary Rowing Machine Exercise Shortcut". If you think is not the same that you though you can create another one in our Feature Suggestions board. This board is constantly being reviewed by our devs to make sure we are delivering on what our customers need. Fitbit is always striving to improve! 

Now, about your hear rate readings, what is the issues that you've encountered; Are having issues while exercising? Are you taking medication or comparing your Surge with other medical device? Is this reading your HR but it is too low/high? Any other detail you can add will help me to help you with this. Also take a moment to review this recommendations for a better reading while using your Surge.  

I'll be around, please keep me posted! 

[Cupcakekid]

My issues with the heart rate monitor are during exercise. The readings
seem to be erratic at times. I am 70 and when the Fitbit reads 157 bpm
and my hearts not pumping fast I know the reading is incorrect. I do
compare the readings while on the treadmill. Sometimes both are close
and at other times a big difference.

[SunsetRunner]

You shouldn't have to, but I find when I'm spinning I have to push the Surge higher up on my wrist OR turn it around to the inside.  When I'm actually out riding a real bicycle on the road, I don't have this problem so I don't know why it doesn't register on the spin bike.

I too would like to see an update. I'm not going to buy a new (less expensive) fitbit just to get the features that the most expensive fitbit should have.  I've had mine for nearly a year and a half and I'm about ready to go back to Garmin.

Moderator edit: Format.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hope you're having a good day guys! Thank you for the details @Cupcakekid, if your Surge is jumping from 70 to 157 bpm during workouts, it's best to check how you're wearing it during your routines. I Also use treadmill and I've noticed that while running my Surge looses my HR reading if it is too loose on my wrist, also I've noticed the same that you did regarding comparing Surge and treadmill, but wearing your Surge a little bit higher on your wrist can do the trick. 

@SunsetRunner It's great to know that you have the option to use both activities to test your Surge. Tha'ts odd that you're not getting your HR readings in the same way for both activities if you're wearing it in the same way. Is this happening all the time? Have you tried to do both activities in the same day? Were you taking medications during those days? Any other detail will help me to determine what happened in your case. 

I'll be waiting your reply! 

[Cupcakekid]

70 and zero meds. Went to the gym today and same issue. The Surge
jumped up to 153 bpm. The max I actually reach is around 120-125. I had
it snug, not tight, on my wrist.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hope you’re enjoying the forums @Cupcakekid! Thanks for the details. In your case please try the restart on your Surge a couple of times, to see if it helps your Surge to have a consistence reading for your HR. The MHR (maximum heart rate) it is roughly calculated as 220 minus your age, it is the upper limit of what your cardiovascular system can handle during physical activity. So, it will depend on your age which is the appropriate max for you, but if you're wearing your Surge 3 fingers above your wrist bone while you're working out it should be getting an accurate reading. 

In case that this doesn't work please contact Customer Support  so they further investigate this. 

Let me know if you have questions about this! 

[SunsetRunner]

I spent the summer using the Surge to track most of my rides (unless it was overcast, then I used Strava on my phone, since the Surge GPS doesn't work well under cloud coverage). I wore the Surge where it naturally rests on my non-dominant wrist and the records don't show gaps or odd readings. When I workout on the spin bike indoors, (and wear the Surge in the exact same place), I will pound away knowing my HR is over 150, and when I look at the Surge it will read 78 (counting down) or -- (not at all). If I can wedge the Surge up my arm a bit, switch it to the inside of my wrist or (sometimes) just wear it on my dominant wrist, it works. Absolutely no meds in my system.

It really doesn't matter. Unless fitbit can update their software with new features and compatibility for other things (like adding indoor cycling, and getting spin sessions to upload to Strava), some sort of connectivity with Wahoo cadence meters, etc.  I think fitbit might be great if you just want to walk (without any reminders to do so) or if you're a runner. For any other type of activity, it's just rather pathetic.  

Again, I'm saving up my money to buy a Garmin. The Surge was a real waste of my money (especially since it seems that fitbit would rather focus on new (cheaper) products than update existing products for existing customers. I don't want a SMART watch... I just want something that is less fiddly, more reliable, might work under cloud cover, and is more compatible with other hardware and software (like Strava, Zwift and Apple's Health apps). These things would surely move fitbit forward instead of leaving it in the dust of its competitors.  And that's what is happening. I can't tell  you how many of my friends have disappeared from my dashboard because they purchased other wearable technology. It's really sad.

[YojanaFitbit]

It's great to see you in the Forums @SunsetRunner! Thanks for the clarification and details, sorry about the issues with HR, if you're still having issues with it, it's best to contact support so they can further investigate and check together why this is not getting higher when you're working out, that's not normal. 

In regards of compatibility with other softwares, Fitbit connects with Strava you can read more about that information in this mater post from @MatthewFitbit. I also found a request to connect with iOS Health, and another for Zwift Integration; feel free to vote for this suggestion or place a new one in our Feature Suggestions board, this board is constantly being reviewed by our devs to make sure we are delivering on what our customers need. Fitbit is always striving to improve! 

I really appreciate your feedback ,this is the best way to make your voice heard.