5X - Still Silver Pins Out There? Sensor Cracking?!

Former Member over 6 years ago

Hi everyone. Curious, has anyone that has bought a brand new 5X over the past couple of months received one with silver pins? I am a heavy reader on the forums and am right now deciding between the 5X which is $200 off in Canada right now or the newer Tactix Charlie. I did notice when I go to the Garmin or Best Buy websites that in the product photos they do not show the pin color on the back of the watch like they do other models. The band gets in the way whereas if you look at the Charlie for example the product pictures clearly show the pins - and they are gold. Leads me to believe there could still be a mix of silver and gold pin devices out there.

Secondly, I know people generally only come to forums to discuss issues however I am strongly concerned about the amount of times I have read about sensors cracking. Based on what I've read the materials used in the Charlie sensor are no different than the 5X or even 5X Plus sensor. Seems Garmin has been taking care of those with issues but I would be incredibly upset if I paid the money for a watch and 2-3 months out of warranty I experience the crack issue and am told nothing can be done or that it will cost a fee to repair.

Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I bought one in August...black pins and no signs of a cracked sensor...I'm in LA so it's a temperate environment; my watch wont be subject to significant thermal expansion and contraction. The watch is heavy so If were to lay it down face up...I would have to be careful not to drop it.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Thank you for the response. You say black pins? I believe the 5X is only silver or gold. Based on my reading the cracked sensor issue has been quite widespread in terms of where it is happening. Some cases in Canada where the temperatures can really shift from cold to warm and vice versa but also cases in Australia for example where the temperatures would not shift as much. More stable. Example, outside in the winter and then back inside the home. I am not as concerned with the pins color as I am the sensor cracking to be honest. If I purchase one with gold pins I can simply return/exchange in hopes of getting one with gold pins. The sensor cracking issue does worry me most and it seems like it is so sporadic when it is happening. Sometimes a few months after purchase, sometimes a few months after the warranty expires.

I will continue to read responses here before making my decision. I appreciate you replying - cheers!

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I bought mine in June this year and wear it 24/7.
Mine has golden pins and no cracked sensor.

0 Doktorko over 6 years ago

I got replacement in October and golden pins and no cracked sensor, but in first watch cracking started like after one year, so let us kepp fingers crossed.

0 Riddla80 over 6 years ago

Same for me...i bougth mine in Jan. 2018. Golden Pins. Sensor cracking after 1 year. Not much, but one crack was slightly seeable. I got a replacement 2 weeks ago...not only for sensor, also for updating map issues.

0 Doktorko over 6 years ago

Mine replacement was due to wrong contact with charging/PC cable, it worked usually on 2nd or 3rd try. Cracking appeared also, I did not claim it, it was multiple small hairy cracks, if it would stay like that, I would probably be able to live with that.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Thank you everyone! Based on the responses and my continued reading I have decided to pass on the Fenix 5X. I also understand the Tactix Charlie sensor materials are identical to the 5X series so I have decided to pass on that as well. It is a big investment and I am reading about many cases where this shows up after 1 year therefore after the manufacture warranty has expired. I will search for an alternative product - best to you!