Band2: How many of us have had a great experience?

[RJ Priest]

I just read a thread where the OP states that his Band 2 purchased in November has already failed.

We tend to make threads when we have problems, and not necessarily when we've had an excellent experience with a product.

I'm curious as to how many of us in the Windows Central community have had a problem free experience with the Band 2?

I've had my Band 2 since last Christmas (13 months). No strap breaks, battery life holding up fine (charge every second day or so), no software issues, perfect compatibility with Lumia 1520 running Windows Phone 8.1.

I love my Band 2 - especially for golf - and was really looking forward to a Band 3 with the hope that it would have ironed out the "kinks" from the Band 2, and provide a more durable strap.

Who here is still on their original Band 2, or how many replacements have you required?

I'm sure that the variable use between us will play a roll.

My use:
- I wear daily when I'm moving around. I take it off when I'm working at my desk.
- Wear during running, don't wear during weights to avoid flex / stress in the strap.
- Used to wear for sleep mode, no longer do because of fear that strap could crack.
- Wear during golf. Lots of exposure to perspiration for hours on hot summer days, sunscreen overspray on display easily cleaned off with cell phone screen cleaning wipes.

Current condition:
- Scuff marks on rubber strap.
- Display still mint, no scratches, etc.
- Very fine / very light scratches on metal clasp.

 

[Captain_Eric]

I've had two replacements, both easy and without problem, one due to strap tear (in a late build) and another, early on due to a known issue with shut off, if I recall correctly.

I love my Band 2. But I'm geeky and just like to play around with the technology, which is very*impressive on the Band 2.

But I understand why and accept that Microsoft dropped out. Seems Smart/Fitness bands are going to be a niche product. And Microsoft, I presume, wanted a big health data product / service.

Except for a few niches, these bands have a useful like of about two to six week. Yea, I like seeing my sleep patterns, how many steps i take and my heart rate. But after two to six weeks, I've learned , for example, that my heart rate is always 130 bpm +/- 3 beats on the second hole of my local gold course, so nothing new.

For people losing weight, or training for a big run, or enthusiasts tracking gym exercises, or maybe someone with a sleep problem, it has legs. But otherwise, it's not a big market for these things, and it's crowded with competitors. And they are consolidating.

When I saw the giant market drop, the whole market of*smart watches sold, last year, I understood why Microsoft dropped out. Let Apple and FitBit and Garmin have it makes sense.

 

[poit57]

I wore mine daily for about a year and had to replace it twice - both times because it would indicate the battery died with a full charge and eventually stop taking a charge altogether.

My second unit was shipped to the warranty center at the beginning of December, but I'm waiting on a decision for them to send a refund for the warranty because of lack of inventory. I was advised by the escalations team that this process could take 6 to 8 weeks to be issued.

 

[Dave47]

I've had 3 band2 failures since November 2015. First one, battery failure, other 2 strap tear. All were replaced with no hassle. First at Best Buy where I initially bought the B2, the other 2 at a Microsoft Store. Didn't need to show a receipt even though I had one with me. I got the last replacement B2 they had in stock and was told they were not getting any more.

So far my "newest" B2 is OK. I like its features and it works well with my L640 running W10M. I hope this one lasts a while but........

 

[PepperdotNet]

My second one is doing fine, replaced at MS store with no question or hassle on day of warranty expiration after the band started to split open.

The new one, I registered it online, lo and behold a new one year warranty. If this one splits and replacements are not available, will resort to gorilla glue and/or ebay.

 

[Scott Pisciotta]

It was a great device, they just needed to fix the batter shorting issues and band breaking issues. Sad times.

 

[Bronislav Klofac]

Same here, having my Band 2 since Xmas 2015 works perfectly with my Lumia 930 Win. 8.1.

 

[Centrifuge Games]

I've been wearing my Band 2 all day, every day (aside from charging it when I'm in the shower) since October 2015, and needed a replacement after about 10 months. It was a split strap, and TBH I think it was partially my fault - I'd got into the habit of resting the strap on the corner of my desk, and it must have but a bit too much strain on it. Since I've stopped doing that I've had no issues at all. As a side effect, it's improved my posture too - I've had to stop slouching in my chair!