5s Plus Strap Mod (Chunky Straps)

Nice job. I also have a 5S Plus and would be interested in using a wider band which allows for more choices. How did you cut the band in a precise way?

Thanks -

I’ve done the same with my f5+ and an old f3 strap, it’s quite straightforward; you just need to take your time with a craft knife. I’ve also done the same with the Velcro strap from my f3 which didn’t need any cutting as the fabric can be squeezed enough to fit it between the lugs and get the pin through. I cut the nylon which would otherwise have covered the HRM in a curve shape to match the shape of the back of the f5+ and ran the cut over a flame to stop it fraying.

To me the stock f5 straps look to weedy for what is a relatively chunky sports watch.

I done it with an old spare F3 strap as a trial, never took great care with a stanley knife and it still looks good enough, so much so that I have left it on. Ordered another couple to do the same. Using F3 straps means that you lose the quick fit feature that doesnt matter much to me anyway. I have ordered a 5X quick fit strap to see if the same can be done.
Peraonally id use the F3 and 5X bands (26mm i think) before the 22mm bands as the larger band runs flush with the shape of the watch when cut properly.
This simple mod makes it a more masculine looking watch in my opinion.

I see what you mean. It's a straight transition between the watch case and the strap. Similar to a seiko divers watch with the stock rubber strap. I'd be interested to see if the F5x quickfit will work on the F5s+ once it's trimmed to 20mm at the lugs.

I'd think with quickfit straps there'd be a limit to how narrow you could cut it before you hit the quickfit mechanism, not sure if this would be a problem though

I have ordered a cheap F5X Quick Fit Strap to trial. I dont see it being a problem but appreciate the mechanism may need chopped. 3mm off each side, smooth cut with a dremel and job done hopefully. I will update on here incase anyone is interested.

I was thinking of using a my Dremel also to shave a Fx quickfit strap down too. It should seer the end to prevent cracks and can cut into the metal portion of the release if it comes to that. Lightly sand it smooth and it could be comfortable. The 20mm quickfit release is much smaller than the 22mm & 26mm release.

Looks perfect MikeyRN, wouldnt be surprised if Garmin or another 3rd party go down this route and start selling straps similar to our mods. The 20mm band was nearly a deal breaker for me when choosing between the models. The larger band allows much more comfort and doesnt dig into the skin as much.

Yeah, the trade off between F5+ and F5s+ should really come down to case and battery size. The 20mm strap was a bad call. Too narrow to be functional for the weight of the watch especially during activities. Some of the Seiko 5 diver series have 20mm rubber straps but they taper off to the width of the watch making it look bigger. And look at the FR745. It tapers larger too. If this modded strap breaks I'll just replace. The F5s+ has a clean slim bezel for such a big screen. Just needed a larger strap to enhance the function and looks.

The F5x strap you customized looks great. If you use a wider strap, how do you shorten it so that it does not look just chopped off? Thanks -