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FR 230 235 630 Replacement Bands - Differences

Wasn't sure where to post this but since the FR235 has the optical HRM that requires a tight band it's probably the most applicable here.

Looking at this page https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/shop-by-accessories/bands/watch-bands-forerunner-230-235-630-/prod532676.html all bands appear to be interchangeable and they certainly are but having just upgraded to the Black/Gray FR235 from the Black/White FR230 I was surprised to find that the Black/Gray strap is a lot softer/thinner/flexible than the Black/White strap. I'm guessing this is to allow the FR235 to be worn more tightly without being (too) uncomfortable, anyone else notice that?

Something to keep in mind if ordering a second/replacement band.

The first three (Black and White, Force Yellow, Purple Strike) being the original FR230 bands, the next 3 (Black and Gray, Marsala, Frost Blue) for the FR235, the next 2 (Black and White, Midnight Blue) for the FR630 with a slightly different design and the last one (Black and Force Yellow) for the Nike Black and Volt FR 235 (see https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?334738-Garmin-Nike-Black-and-Volt-Colorway-Forerunner-235).

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Actually I believe the last color band, Black and Force Yellow, is the color of the FR235 that was made for Nike.

0 webvan over 9 years ago

Well spotted it is indeed an FR230/FR235 design. I've updated the list.

They're a lot more "supple" bit I wonder if the FR235 straps are as strong as the FR230, mine's already fairly marked where I fasten it, whereas the one on the FR230 was unmarked after a couple of weeks.

0 webvan over 9 years ago

Not very surprising but the FR630 is also confirmed to having a band made of harder rubber -> https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?337969-235-Band-vs-630-Band&p=775856#post775856

0 webvan over 9 years ago

Wondering if anyone's picked up a replacement band for their FR235 ? I think some weren't too happy with the color of the "Frost Blue" version ;-)

0 MalcolmLavery over 9 years ago

Both

I have the 630 and my wife has the 235.

I personally prefer the harder strap of the 630, its tougher and seems like it would just last longer. I like the feel of the 235 strap, and I can see why they have made it much softer and stretchy almost silicon like, I guess thats so the built in HRM of the 235 can be kept tight against the skin.

0 webvan over 9 years ago

Yes the extra thickness/stiffness gives it a sturdier feel, now whether that makes it more durable it's hard to tell at this point. It might be prone to cracking, we'll see !

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

Yes the extra thickness/stiffness gives it a sturdier feel, now whether that makes it more durable it's hard to tell at this point. It might be prone to cracking, we'll see !

So in terms of thickness/stiffness, is there any difference between the 230 and 630 straps?

0 timgrose over 9 years ago

So in terms of thickness/stiffness, is there any difference between the 230 and 630 straps?

No - they are identical. Well mine are.

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

No - they are identical. Well mine are.

Ok thanks. I much prefer my 220 strap to the 235. Assuming it doesn't adversely effect the HRM seal on the skin, sounds like grabbing a 230/630 strap would be the way to go for me.

0 timgrose over 9 years ago

Yes probably. I can get my 230/630 tight if need be. Note also that the "holes" are closer together on the 235 strap for finer adjustment.

Have also noticed the 230/630 straps, being stiffer, have more of a "memory" that molds to you. The 235 one looks like it has never been worn.