QuickFit bands ? Flexible near watch?

My last watch FR945 strap had broken (non quick) and replaced it with a cheap amazon QuickFit style, didn't like it much because of it made it fit a bit funny on my skinny wrists.  Wasn't very bendy in the first half inch or more near watch.  Got a new 965 and the normal strap isn't quickfit, but is nice and bendy right up to the watch! :-)

Curious if the Garmin Quickfit bands are similar in their rigidness of the band near the watch (not only where the Quick clasp is but in the next .25-.5inch off of that).  Had to spend $49 bucks instead of 8-20$ just to have the same problem.  Not the hugest fan of the black/grey accent style of the 965... so looking for future options.