Coros · Waterproof Fitness Trackers
COROS Apex 2 GPS Watch
Waterproof sports watch with unspecified water-resistant treatment.
COROS does not disclose PFAS use in the Apex 2. Waterproofing coatings on watches often contain PFAS, but brand provides no material transparency or testing data.
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Material
Stainless steel case, elastomer band, waterproof coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Apex 2 case is stainless steel, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals under normal wear conditions. The elastomer band (likely silicone or synthetic rubber) is non-toxic in typical use but may degrade or off-gas volatile compounds under extreme heat or UV exposure over years. The waterproof coating is not publicly specified by Coros, leaving its chemical composition and PFAS content undisclosed. The sapphire crystal screen is glass and inert; the internal electronics are sealed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Coros does not publicly disclose material safety data, certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign for textile components), or PFAS testing results. No major recalls or safety controversies affecting this model are documented in public records. The company's silence on waterproof-coating chemistry is consistent with most sports watch manufacturers and does not indicate a known violation, but transparency is absent.
How it compares in its category
GPS sports watches in this segment typically use stainless steel cases and elastomer bands, making the Apex 2 materially conventional. Competitor brands (Garmin, Apple, Suunto) similarly do not routinely publish waterproof-coating compositions. The Apex 2 stands out for repairability and open software support, which extend device life and reduce replacement waste, offsetting material-disclosure concerns.
If you buy it
Rinse the band regularly with fresh water and dry fully to prevent bacterial growth and elastomer degradation. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight or extreme heat (above 60C) to minimize volatile off-gassing from the band material. The watch is designed for long-term use; if the elastomer band cracks or becomes sticky, it can be replaced without replacing the entire device. No special storage is needed beyond keeping it dry and away from heat sources.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Elastomer band degradation and off-gassing
Silicone or synthetic rubber bands may release volatile organic compounds over years of use, especially if exposed to high heat or UV. This is not unique to Coros but is inherent to elastomer materials; risk is low in typical outdoor sports use but increases with prolonged storage in hot environments.
Waterproof coating composition (PFAS or alternatives)
The waterproof treatment applied to the case and gaskets is not disclosed by Coros. Industry-standard treatments often contain PFAS or fluorinated polymers, but some manufacturers now use non-fluorinated alternatives; without testing or transparency, the risk cannot be quantified.
Electronic component leaching (sealed assembly)
The internal circuit board and battery are sealed and do not contact skin or food; no pathway for leaching of solder, flux residues, or component heavy metals under normal use. Risk is negligible unless the device is damaged or disassembled.
Stainless steel case allergic reactions
Surgical-grade stainless steel (typical in sports watches) is hypoallergenic for the vast majority of users. Nickel content is regulated in jewelry standards; Coros does not specify alloy composition, but no recalls or complaints specific to this model exist.
Bacterial or fungal growth on band
Elastomer bands trap moisture if not dried and can harbor bacteria or fungal growth in warm, humid conditions. This is a hygiene issue rather than a chemical hazard; regular rinsing and drying prevents it.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Withings
BeamO 3-in-1 Health MultiScan
Medical-grade stainless steel, plastic housing, medical sensors
Medical device with inherently low PFAS risk profile.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Whoop
Peak Health and Fitness Wearable 12-Month Membership
silicone band, electronics, stainless steel hardware
Wearable membership with minimal PFAS risk indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Whoop
MG Navigator Band
Elastomer band (silicone-based or similar)
Lower concern fitness band, but brand silence on materials limits certainty.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof fitness trackers 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.