There is a new fitbit band design now shipping

[SmallTownCanuck]

Initially fitbit refused to replace my surge but they agreed after i posted on the forum.

Yesterday I revieced my replacement surge. The band is a new material, closer to a timex or g-shock then the silicone band it originally shipped with. Definitly appears much more durrable.

Another big difference is on the old band the watch information was stamped (indented) into the watch band. with the new band it is printed on. I suspect this will address the irritation/rash

[PJS70]

I hope so. Good they have fixed this. Hope they fix the other reliability issues too.

[RobertoME]

Hello @SmallTownCanuck and @PJS70. I was reading your post and first I have to say I'm happy to hear you got a replacement for the Fitbit Surge. I have to say the product team have worked hard to ensure all users are able to enjoy wearing their Fitbit tracker, and are very excited to get everyone up and running.

I can tell so far I have no recent updates about any change on the materials use to build the Surge, however this does not mean that we are not taking serious the issues reported before. We learned quite a bit from the Force, and have applied that knowledge to our latest trackers, including Surge. We believe that users who experienced irritation with the Force trackers or other issues were reacting to the materials used in construction of the device. As such, we've implemented a new testing protocol and advanced research in choosing materials. That being said, we've greatly improved the durability and design of those bands, and have put them through intensive stress testing to ensure that the wristbands don't wear out.

See you around and I wish you the best.

[shipo]

I've had two Surges with different band material as well; my first was Black and my second is Blue; I had initially attributed the difference in the band material to the color change.  After reading this thread I now find myself wondering if there has indeed been a material or design change.