Wildly inaccurate--"lost" 5.6 lb in just a few minutes...
Updated 4/6/14.<br /><br />The Aria scale initially weighed me at 6lb below my old scale. Took my old scale to my doctor's office yesterday and it compared at 1 lb below the doctor's scale. So the Aria is weighing me at 7 lb below my real weight--which could make for a nasty shock. I had previously tried to calibrate it with consecutive weighings, per FitBit support's instructions. Weights then varied by 5.6 lb one day, and 2.9 lb the next day.<br /><br />Despite being able to see these weights in my account, FitBit Support insisted that the scale was weighing me within an acceptable 2 lb accuracy range. Very poor math skills! In this age of internet transparency--and yes, I got screen shots of my account--it's bizarre that they would insist against documented facts that the scale is on target. Either it's faulty or it's lousy. My guess is that FitBit is well aware that it proves inaccurate if you check it. They didn't even attempt to replace it.<br /><br />If you're in a good place weight-wise, this might work OK, albeit expensively, to keep on track. Even 2 lb, let alone 5-6 lb, isn't an acceptable accuracy range for those of us who are trying to lose weight. My old scale never deviates more than .2 lb (yeah, I'll admit I'll occasionally check a couple of times if I'm extra-delighted or extra-horrified with my weight).<br /><br />Also, don't even try to set this up on a computer. What a nightmare! When I switched to a smartphone, setup was a cinch.<br /><br />So yep, it's going back. I was very excited to try this scale as I love my FitBit tracker, despite its shortcomings. Great idea, very disappointing execution and customer support. Perhaps the next generation scale will be better.<br /><br />Here is my actual email exchange with Support (weights deleted to protect the not-so-innocent).<br /><br />FitBit Support / Maria:<br /><br />"After reviewing your account, it appears that your measurements fall within our expected accuracy range, which is plus or minus 2 pounds.<br /><br />The Aria provides a unique measure at each weigh in. Moving while on the scale or standing differently (even slightly) can affect your reading.<br /><br />We understand if what we consider an acceptable accuracy range does not meet your expectations. If you wish to return the scale, you can view our return policy by going to [...]. If your scale was purchased from a retailer, please see them for a refund.<br /><br />We're apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your time and understanding.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Maria S and the Fitbit Team"<br /><br />Me:<br /><br />You cannot be serious. I actually received a "You've lost 5 lbs!" notification from FitBit! In the space of an hour my weight ranged from xxx lbs to xxx lbs--a 5.6 lb variation. I did not change clothing, or eat or drink anything. The scale is on a hard floor and was not moved.<br /><br />If you look at my account it clearly shows that between 8.24 AM and 8:51 AM I weighed myself 10 times--you had told me to "take five measurements one after the other to calibrate". I lost count, went to check my cellphone and found that I'd only weighed 4 times. So I tried again, and overshot.<br /><br />The weights range from xxx lbs to xxx lbs during that time, a difference of 4.8 lbs. Then I decided to try again to see if it had re-calibrated. Between 9:20 AM and 9:22 AM I weighed myself 3 times and my weight ranged from xxx lbs to xxx lbs--a difference of 2.3 lbs right there.<br /><br />Please look at my account instead of delivering a canned response.<br /><br />Obviously I realize that I can return the Aria if it's completely useless, but I would have thought you would want an opportunity to make things right since the scale is apparently defective.<br /><br />Please escalate this issue."<br /><br />FirBit Support:<br /><br />"Hello Maria, (That's the other customer support person, not me...oops)<br /><br />We apologize for the frustration and disappointment you are having with your Aria.<br /><br />The Aria was designed to be as accurate as possible. Something to keep in mind is that the Aria is extremely sensitive to input. A simple shift in stance while on the scale could trigger a fluctuation in weights and body fat measurements.<br /><br />Your weight of xxx from the morning of April 2nd can best be explained by a possible shift in weight from one side to another (i.e. more weight from your left side now on your right side) or leaning forward/backward slightly unintentionally.<br /><br />Looking at your measurements from today, the weights are within our accepted range of accuracy, which is plus or minus two pounds. Your body fat measurements are very close to each other as well, so we believe that your Aria scale is functioning properly.<br /><br />If you deem that this is still unacceptable, we advise you to return your Aria to the retailer that you originally purchased it from.<br /><br />We appreciate your patience while we better understand your experience with the Aria. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Ricky L and the Fitbit Team<br /><br />Me:<br /><br />"Dear Ricky,<br /><br />Again--are you serious? The high weight this morning was xxx; the low weight was xxx. That's 2.9 lb, not 'within 2 lb.'<br /><br />If the engineering dept. has the same math skills as customer support personnel, I'm not surprised I'm having this problem. I'm sorry to be rude but I've never seen such oblivious responses.<br /><br />Yes, this is completely unacceptable and I will indeed return the scale and review it appropriately. What's the point of having it? My Healthometer digital scale never varies by more than .2 lb and weighs closer to my doctor's scales by about 6 lb. I can accept a consistently low weight, despite the shock when I see the real weight, but not a wildly fluctuating one.<br /><br />This might work for people who are already at a good weight and just want to check in. However, people who are trying to lose weight--I would guess the majority of your customers--want to see that they're consistently going in the right direction, not wonder what the heck their true weight is.<br /><br />(not Maria)
Rating: 1 stars