It's all about accessories - Fitbit Flex 2

It's all about accessories - Fitbit Flex 2

The Flex 2 is 30 percent smaller than its predecessor, the Fitbit Flex. It's slim and discreet, which is what appeals to me, and it could even be worn next to a traditional watch (if you have the wrist room). My only complaint is with the strap. It's secure and never fell off my wrist, but you have to swap out the two-prong connector when switching to a new strap, which was actually pretty difficult.

Besides the two different-sized bands in the box, there are a variety of accessory straps in multiple colors and designs. There are rubber ones, leather ones (coming in 2017 from the designer collections), and gold and silver bangles and pendants. The accessories start at $15 (£10, AU$20) for rubber straps, all the way to $100 (£75, AU$130) for the gold bangle.

The Fitbit Flex 2 tracker and necklace (left) and Misfit Shine tracker and necklace (right).

Sarah Tew/CNET

A quick poll of my female colleagues found that these designs, mainly the pendant, were appealing, especially compared with the nearest fitness-accessory equivalent, the Misfit Shine necklace (pictured above). One colleague complained that the bangle was "lacking pizzazz" and another said the Fitbit pendant was a little "too long," but both liked these options better than the rubber strap.

Everyone agreed that having these accessory options is a good thing. They help keep the Flex 2's design fresh, and help it not feel like a fitness tracker. While some complained about them being too expensive, most agreed they would make nice gifts.

In addition to the bangles and pendants mentioned above, Fitbit said we can expect more luxurious bands from designers Tory Burch, Vera Wang and Public School.

Sarah Tew/CNET

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