Differences between bands bundled with Fenix 5 Plus and Fenix 5 (original)

I'm in the market for a Garmin black silicone band and was curious if anyone could tell me if there's any significant difference between the new, smooth bands bundled with the Plus watches and the bands from last year. I have the new solar flare orange and think it's pretty comfortable, but the others don't appear to be in stock anywhere.

Are there just cosmetic differences between the two styles, or are there any changes to the comfort and fit?

0 ic3cold over 6 years ago

The only difference between the F5+ bands and the F5 is that the F5+ is all smooth, with a line that runs in the middle by the connectors. If you check out the accessories page on the Garmin site you can see both variants. The F5 model has a bit of a pattern near the connector. I prefer the new F5+ band look myself.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Very little difference other than what has been pointed out. In my view the bands are just as comfortable vs last years bands

0 PatrickNSF over 6 years ago

Thanks for the feedback!

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Looking at the rear side of the new straps, I can see that they are not completely flat. I suppose that this will improve ventilation towards the wrist somewhat. Otherwise I can not spot any differencies other than the style and colours.

0 FredMieske over 6 years ago

Here is a photo with a Fenix 5+ Orange band and Fenix 5 Black bandciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1389580.jpg

0 PatrickNSF over 6 years ago

Thanks, Fred. Looks like a subtle change to the back. I assume it feels like the same material, right?

I'll likely just wait for the redesigned black band to become readily available.

0 FredMieske over 6 years ago

I does feel like the same material to me at least.

0 PSteinlech over 6 years ago

To me the new bands (judging from the orange one only) feel a tiny bit softer.

0 PatrickNSF over 6 years ago

Thanks. I have some third-party bands (ANCOOL, Moko and others) but the new Garmin band feels more comfortable to me than the knockoffs. And the extra thickness seems to better balance the weight of the watch for me.