Fitbit Charge 3 Didn't Solve Nickel Allergy Problems

[hobbes419]

I was a longtime, 24/7 user of the Charge 2.  Loved it.  Bought a Fitbit scale, synced both to my iphone, all was good.  After about 3 years, though, the wrist rashes started.  I found out it was nickel allergy; or should I say I found out that that was even a thing, and that it was a thing with watches made of stainless steel -- like the Charge 2.  I found that the Charge 3 was made of aluminum, I assumed to solve this problem, since aluminum doesn't have nickel, so I tried one.  It did NOT solve the problem.  Apparently it still has some nickel in it -- especially in the buckle.  THE BUCKLE!  Come on, Fitbit!  Make a truly nickel-free watch (not just by euro-standards).  Swatch does, for one.  I would love to go back to using a Fitbit.  I'm tired of counting my steps in my head! (I've got a thinking allergy, too!)

[Heather-S · Accepted solution]

@hobbes419 Hello!  Have you tried using third-party watch bands?  You can find them relatively cheap on Amazon.  

I know you probably don't want to buy another Fitbit, but the Fitbit Inspire can be put into a clip so you don't have to wear it on your wrist.  If you're allergic or have very sensitive skin, this might be the best option going forward.

Best of luck!

[hobbes419]

Hi FinanceBabe!  What a great idea! I'm all in on the Fitbit Inspire.  Just got a new one off ebay ($48, not bad) and a clip off Amazon ($9/pair).  It might have its own issues -- like losing it, or not tracking your heart rate (truth is, I just want to know mine is above zero, and I come equipped with a monitor to track that!) -- but allergic reactions do not appear to be among them.  I'll let you all know how it turns out, but in any event thank you FinanceBabe for the terrific suggestion.

[Photojo]

I have a Charge 4 and I have never had a problem until the coating wore off one of the sensors on the back. Obviously the sensors are Nickle because I have  a known Nickle allergy. So the problem is not just the band-it's the watch itself. I  bought the Charge 4 because it was waterproof and it works very well in the pool. I'm not going to be able to wear it now.

[Photojo]

The coating wore off the sensors on the back and caused the nickel reaction.  Nothing to do with the band.