Fenix 5s disintegrating leather strap - replacement options?

I have a Fenix 5s and bought the official leather strap a couple of years ago since I was getting a rash from the silicon strap and I was initially pleased with the leather one which I found much more comfortable and didn't cause any rashes. However one side of the strap has been gradually splitting away from the middle but it's starting coming apart at the end where it's attached to the watch so it's not long before it fails entirely.

It's out of warranty but I'm wondering is it worth contacting Garmin to see if they'd give me any freewill towards a replacement? I'm very disappointed such an expensive strap has failed so soon.

Looking at the smaller watch straps it looks like the only other non-rose gold and non silicon strap is the heathered black nylon, is this strap likely to hold up better over time and is it comfortable to wear?

Are there any non-Garmin straps to consider? I tried one before that had good reviews but the clasp fell apart after a few days and almost lost the watch which has made me wary of trying any more.

I've not found any recent discussions on the official straps so would appreciate any advice.

0 LLRaven over 3 years ago

You can look to various type of straps. I used some of them with Fenix3, looks robust and comfortable.
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0 Johnmcl7 over 3 years ago in reply to LLRaven

As I mentioned I've tried one of the cheap non-Garmin straps and the quality was poor, I've spent some time reading through reviews of newer ones and at best they're mixed, I'm suspicious of many of the overly positive reviews with the number of incentivised reviews.

In answer to my own questions above I've spoken with Garmin a few times and they've been pretty abrupt and told me tough luck, that's wear and tear and I just have to buy another which is ridiculous for the price they charge. Although reading round the forum I see now this is entirely typical even for the straps under warranty.

Also reading through the forum there's a number of complaints of the nylon straps degrading so that's another option out unfortunately.

It looks like the only option is to go with a standard 20mm watch strap, am I right in thinking I need two Torx T5 screwdrivers to remove the bars on the Fenix?