I run early mornings. The yellow band is just one more way to increase visibility, which I imagine is what Garmin was going for by including it. Makes sense.
Nobody's claiming it's a beacon.
Beacon, no. But there were several posts in a row all agreeing how it will make a difference. To me it sounds like potential buyers trying to justify paying the extra $100 for the sapphire. Which is your choice, and if you want the sapphire get it! But if you think the color of your watch band has any impact on your night time visibility, I think you're fooling yourself. From behind or even from the side a driver isn't likely to even see your band. In winter it may be mostly covered by a sleeve. And just overall a watch band is a pretty small target for a driver to have a chance to see.
Thanks for that - missed it when i read the review. Oddly Garmin doesn't list those details.
I was considering the sapphire since you also get an additional band, but honestly I can't imagine wearing the yellow band ever. So the value proposition isn't that good for me.
Disappointed that the 5X nonmetal doesn't come with a band though.