Suunto · Waterproof Fitness Trackers & Cases
Suunto Race 2 Watch
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes stainless steel case, elastomer strap, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Stainless steel case, elastomer strap
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Elastomer strap degradation and skin contact
Extended UV exposure and sweat may degrade the elastomer strap over years of use, potentially causing material brittleness or sticky residue. No specific allergens or toxic breakdown products are documented for Suunto's elastomer compound, but replacement is advisable if the strap shows visible aging.
Nickel release from stainless steel (contact dermatitis risk)
Some individuals with nickel sensitivity may react to direct stainless steel contact, though 316L stainless steel (commonly used in sports watches) contains lower nickel than 304 grades. Suunto does not publish the exact steel grade or nickel content for the Race 2 case.
Microplastics
All elastomer straps shed minute particles over extended wear, particularly where the strap bends. The volume is small relative to other plastic-intensive wearables, but wearers with sensitive skin or environmental concerns may prefer metal or fabric alternatives.
Source, EPA ↗What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Battery or internal components (not accessible during normal use)
The Race 2 is a sealed unit with no user-replaceable battery. No hazardous substances from internal electronics are expected to escape under normal wearing conditions or water exposure, as the case is designed to be fully waterproof to 100 meters.
Coatings or adhesives in assembly
No decorative coatings, enamel glazes, or Teflon-type coating finishes are documented on the Race 2 case or crystal. Industrial adhesives used in assembly are encapsulated and do not contact skin; no volatile off-gassing risk is known.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Suunto Race 2 uses a stainless steel case, which is chemically stable and does not leach metals under normal wear conditions. The elastomer strap (synthetic rubber) is a common sports watch material chosen for durability and hypoallergenic properties. Neither material typically sheds microplastics or releases volatile organic compounds during normal use. The absence of ceramic glazes, enamels, or Teflon-type coating coatings eliminates several hazard pathways common to other watch categories.
The brand's record and disclosure
Suunto (owned by Amer Sports) has not published a formal PFAS disclosure statement for this model, though the case and strap materials do not inherently require PFAS-based water-repellent treatments. The brand maintains ISO 9001 manufacturing certification and publishes technical specifications openly. No product recalls or chemical safety controversies specific to the Race 2 appear in public records. The watch is marketed for durability rather than luxury finishes, reducing likelihood of decorative coatings that might introduce hazardous additives.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel sports watches have lower concern in the wearables category because metal cases avoid some ceramic glazes and plastic-leaching concerns. The elastomer strap is standard across mid-to-premium fitness trackers and poses fewer chemical risks than fabric straps (which may contain formaldehyde-based dyes or flame retardants) or leather (which may carry chromium tanning residues). Suunto's approach of relying on mechanical sealing and material selection rather than chemical coatings for water resistance aligns with straightforward industrial safety practices.
If you buy it
Rinse the elastomer strap with fresh water after saltwater or sweat exposure to prevent salt-induced material degradation and skin irritation. Replace the strap if it shows visible cracking, discoloration, or becomes sticky, as aged elastomer can lose its hypoallergenic properties. The stainless steel case requires no special care beyond occasional wiping; it will not leach metals into skin under normal conditions. If the watch experiences impact damage that cracks the screen or lens, have it serviced by Suunto rather than using adhesives, which may introduce volatile compounds near your wrist.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Suunto has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof fitness trackers & cases grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.