This discussion has been locked.

You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Is Venu using thicker QuickRelease lugs? (Possible incompatibility with 3rd party straps)

So we all know the Garmin Venu uses 20mm QuickRelease (not to be mixed with QuickFit that the newer Fenix watches use) straps. I had assumed it therefore used identical straps to those of my VA3 (I'm using 3rd party straps, mostly by Fullmosa via AliExpress). However, I've been reading reviews of Venu (and VA4) and it seems that a small number of buyers are reporting that the lugs/lug holes on the Venu/VA4 are slightly bigger (thicker) than those of VA3 and, I'm assuming, most 3rd party straps. In the reviews the buyers are saying that while the thinner lugs of other straps do fit, they do not feel secure (probably risking either the watch chassis shaking because it's not securely connected to the strap or, even worse, the strap detaching from the watch chassis).

Could Venu (or VA4) owners confirm this by comparing 3rd party (or older Garmin) straps to the Venu (or VA4) strap lugs and lug holes? Are 3rd party straps secure enough with the Venu?

Top Replies

All Replies

+1 User566 over 3 years ago

I ordered some 3rd party straps recently, will come back and update here once they arrive to see if they are different vs the Venu official ones.

+1 Ted over 3 years ago

I can confirm this. I have experienced this issue on my Venu with two different third-party straps. I wondered if both were defective, but the larger lug holes would definitely explain it. In both cases, my straps actually came loose, resulting in nearly dropping my Venu!

0 juhomaen over 3 years ago in reply to Ted

Thanks for letting us know. That's a shame. I tend to use 3rd party straps exclusively and would be sad if I was forced to use Garmin's own straps.

I wonder if QuickFit bands are more suitable for VA4/Venu. The Fenix line uses QuickFit bands and I happened to read somewhere that the pinds on QuickFit bands might be thicker.

0 sailornorm over 3 years ago

I'm using a VA3 compatable Fintie nylon strap purchased from Amazon on my Venu. The pins seem tight and secure after about 2 months use.

0 User566 over 3 years ago in reply to User566

So the third party bands sucked, they would come loose as they were not wide enough to securely fit. I bought a Garmin band in the end.

0 Ted over 3 years ago in reply to User566

That is a bummer. Happened for me too.

0 juhomaen over 3 years ago

Thanks for the confirmations. Glad I didn't buy the Venu then as I'd hate to get stuck buying Garmin's expensive bands (as I do like to wear 2-3 different kinds). In fact, I ended up buying the Fenix 6 Pro and three 3rd party (Yooside via Aliexpress) QuickFit bands to it and they fit perfect. I do recommend getting better quality bands even if you do buy from a 3rd party brand.

0 BippityBoppity over 3 years ago

I think the problem is that the lugs for the Venu are just a tiiiiny bit further apart than 20mm, and so the third party bands typically don't work that well. Silicone bands, which grip the quickrelease pin tend to fare the worst - if you bump the watchband, it can easily be bumped out of place. I have tried a ton of different silicone bands, all act the same. I've had decent luck with third party milanese style bands, which are loose around the quickrelease pin, and slide back and forth a small amount. That "give" seems to help the pin stay in place. Might be why the Fintie nylon strap works well, too, the nylon doesn't grip the pin like a silicone band would.

It is annoying, for sure. The Garmin bands are overpriced, IMO, and aren't nearly as comfortable.

0 sailornorm over 3 years ago

Four months using Fintie nylon VA3 band with no problems. Pins still seem tight.

0 mcurtiss over 3 years ago

so far so good with these two bands

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077QLVT4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CM215KW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1