Special edition: charcoal cloth band?

[geepondy]

Any early users tried and have an opinion of the charcoal band that comes and only comes with the Versa special edition?  I most likely will be purchasing a Versa this weekend and and waffling between the regular and special edition.  I really like the looks of the charcoal band and it looks like it's quite comfortable.  I wonder though if you exercise and sweat, if the band will become wet, requiring a period of time to dry out and probably requiring regular washings of some sort.  I wonder if I should just purchase the regular version with the ho-hum not so attractive band and maybe look for aftermarket band alternatives?  It looks like changing bands on the Fitbit is a bit of a complicated process.  I sincerely hope it's not as hard as changing pin based bands on a regular watch.

Moderator edit: title for clarity

[chugalug]

I have had the special edition with the charcoal band since Monday, and I love it! Very comfortable and stylish! I have actually swapped to the classic silicon bands whenever I work out, so I do not know how well the woven band handles sweat... I will say that the woven band is slightly more comfortable than the classic band. Also, they fit slightly differently (I need the silicon band one notch looser). Some things to consider when weighing your options:

Special Edition: basic Versa with classic band + NFC payments + exclusive woven band $229.95

Classic: basic Versa with classic band (no NFC payments or extra band) $199.95

Extra classic (silicon) band alone: $29.95

So, for $30 more dollars for the Special Edition you get NFC payment and an extra (exclusive) band. I think it is for sure worth it when an extra band costs $29.95 alone...

Edit:

As for the process of changing bands, it can be quite frustrating... However, I have become quite a bit better at swapping bands after a few rounds. I will admit that the first time had me swearing out loud to myself, haha! By the third time, I can now swap bands without any trouble at all!

[lukeischewbacca]

I bought the special edition before realizing my bank doesn't support Fitbit pay. I'm keeping it though because I do not like the feel of the classic black band that it came with. The charcoal woven band is very comfortable in my opinion. I have worn in it the shower and it does absorb some water but not as much as it looks like it would. Seems to dry out pretty fast. I've had no issues wearing it after a shower so far but I bet it will need to be washed occasionally. Changing the band is very simple. Took me about 20 seconds. 

[crossfit_bc]

I agree completely with @chugalug 's post. 

I love the charcoal band, and I find it to be more comfortable than the silicon band for everyday wear. I have been swapping the bands when it's time to exercise.

When I first did a band swap, I drew blood because I couldn't quite seem to get the hang of it and also almost ripped my fingernail in the process. BUT after looking through these extremely helpful forums, someone had said that you have to make sure the little silicon "lip" on the end of the band fits into the groove inside the versa itself. This was a huge help and now I can change the bands with ease and in no time at all!

I definitely think the special edition is worth having for the fitbit pay feature alone! The charcoal band is a bonus!

[faerieflyinfree]

I too love my charcoal SE Versa. I haven't switched to the classic band yet as I like the style of the woven band for work. I also really like that the SE does come with both which was actually my main purpose of getting the SE to begin with. It doesn't feel super absorbent to me however I haven't gone swimming or anything with it.

[Len_Kawamoto]

I bought the special edition with the charcoal band.  I'm coming from a Pebble Time with the standard "rubbery" band.  The Fitbit's charcoal band is WAY more comfortable.

I had BOTH watches on during a night of swing dancing (heart rate average around 125bpm for a couple of hours, peaking around 150bpm several times).  I was pretty sweaty for most of the night and the charcoal band felt fine (a little damp to the touch) while my Pebble felt (in comparison) yucky/sweaty/sticky/hot.  I didn't realize how uncomfortable that was until I had the Fitbit on my other wrist at the same time for comparison.

I suspect that if I keep my Fitbit on for my weekly dances, that eventually I'll want to wash the band.  I haven't reached that point yet.

[geepondy]

Thanks everybody for the thoughts of affirmation.  I will pick one up this weekend.  I have had an Ultra and then a One (well multiple Ones) for quite a few years now and this will be my first wrist model.  As I mentioned in another thread, I do hope the screen activates more consistently with wrist models then earlier wrist models I have read about.l