Third Party Bands

Are you saying the bands you linked to have a thicker pin? Can you post photos?

CW

Just got my F5 and F5X from Aliexpress and as I said before I wanted to see if I can adjust the F5X ones for my F5. After a first quick attempt with my cutter I can say that it did not work, beneath the silicone there is the plastic quick release mechanism which has to be trimmed as well. I am confident that it will work but I need either proper tools and to take it to someone more skilled than me. But will report back some weeks later.

Are you saying the bands you linked to have a thicker pin? Can you post photos?

CW

Not a thicker pin, the buckle is thicker where the pin connects, so it is less likely to "open" so that the pin comes out.

It is driving me up the wall that the 5S seems to not be getting the same interest from 3rd parties, especially for leather bands. I presume the assumption is that 5S is more for women, though I know plenty of men have one. Quite frustrating, since you would imagine it is only about a slightly smaller quick/easy fit mechanism and they do it for silicon already. I hope either Garmin or Ancool or someone else is listening!

The buckle on these straps is not the same as the other aftermarket straps... look at the thickness of the buckle where the pin connects to it, it's much thinner than these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replacement-Silicagel-Fast-Install-Band-Watch-Strap-For-Garmin-Fenix-5-GPS-Watch/201935426415?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=501952755115&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Just received one of these and i'm super happy with it.

I actually bought all of them except the purple. They are great !
I know the other one have a thinner buckle, but may be ok for everyday use ?

I actually bought all of them except the purple. They are great !
I know the other one have a thinner buckle, but may be ok for everyday use ?

You're right, it's probably fine for everyday use... they are actually marked as being for the 935, so I think the buckle matches the 935.

I paddlled my surfski 3km offshore today with my fenix 5 and chinese strap :eek:

You're right, it's probably fine for everyday use... they are actually marked as being for the 935, so I think the buckle matches the 935.

I paddlled my surfski 3km offshore today with my fenix 5 and chinese strap :eek:

I swim in open water with the chinese bands, honestly, I've been swimming with normal watches way more expensive than the garmin and they all had push pins, the chance for it to go wrong is similar to winning the lottey I think. But I wouldn't use the chinese while doing a triathlon with others giving punches to my watch ...

some thoughts.

definitely cheaper rubber but IMO they fit better than the Garmin branded ones.

I would pay more for higher quality rubber but oh well. It has that chinese cheap rubber look to it.

Overall i'm satisfied. BTW the black band is so spot on to looking like the real black one. it just not as deep of a black.

I would swim with these no issue.

Just a bit of warning. The springbar jumped out on my Chinese strap. This was when I was out shopping so no extra pressure on it. I would never consider using it for swimming (or other training either) after this

Where have you purchased your strap?