I bought a pair of third party bands just like this (brand name Abanen) a year ago for $22. I’ve only used one, but it’s been on my Fenix 7x for 11 months. Not a single issue with it. Goes on same as this does. Way cheaper. No screws or buckles to worry about breaking off during a trail run.
@@garvitdhingra8062 I got it from the Dutch Amazon site. I usually can't post links without them being deleted by youtube (and this link is ridiculously long), but the brand is called Yooside, and I got a set of 2 bands (black + green) for just over 20 euro.
Been using near identical bands on my fitbits for the last 5 years or so. Cost considerably less too! Also just ordered a 3 pack on Amazon for £7 for my forerunner 265 that’s arriving tomorrow.
Way too late to the party, Garmin. We have been asking for years. Surprised you even listened to us... but at this price? Des: amazing video as always!
I’m actually using the Apple ultra alpine loop. Just cut off the metal part and it fits perfectly on the Fenix. No more worries that the watch will fly off while swimming.
I looked at their prices for bands and they are insane. I have the titanium band and they cost $500 today. Silicone bands are $129. You can get velcro bands which will work on Garmin watches for $10-$20 and I like that they are infinitely adjustable. Silicone will eventually break. My wife's Forerunner 630 band just broke and I ordered her a replacement for about $9. I am glad that my Titanium band should last forever but am kind of annoyed at the cost for the other bands.
Yeah, the margins on these Garmin bands have to be insane; $50 for a silicone/nylon band that probably cost them $5 in materials and a negligible amount of R&D. I'll take a reputable 3rd party band for a fraction of that and "risk" my watch coming off, which I guarantee has happened with these official bands to someone as well, so nothing is completely "safe."
There does seem to be a bit of a Garmin Gouge. I'm a new member to the Garmin community. My experience with their customer service has been so smooth, and dare I say even pleasant. Looking at it now I'm happy to pay a bit more to support good customer support.
@@tyresejackson9665 The band I bought was $250 when my watch was new in 2018. The current band from Garmin is twice that. Is a 100% increase in price reasonable? The markup on the silicone bands is 10 times. I imagine that it's similar for the nylon loop bands which is why a lot of people opt for third-party solutions. The nylon loop bands were around by the third-party companies for a long time before Garmin decided to offer them. I do not know if the third-party Quickfit bands work as well as the OEM. When I do upgrade, though, I will be able to take my old band with me to my next Garmin. In the old days, Garmin bundled the premium bands with the watch. Today, they just give you a base silicone band and you have to order any other band separately.
The watch costs as a watch from a Premium brand. The bands on the premium brands have premium prices and quality control. Never heard of someone lost it’s Garmin with an original band. I have a 7x Pro with 2 extra bands from them and never had an issue. My Fenix 5 original band still works 5 years later and the watch was used constantly. BTW, the titanium band for 7x pro was 300 euros, not dolars, nylon one 40 and a silicone one is 70 in Romania, do not know why these cost more on your side.
Thanks for an informative video again Des! My 2 cents on 3rd party straps: Some 15 months ago, I bought a 3-pack of 'Yooside 22mm velcro straps' (black/green/grey) for my FR255 through Amazon. They look identical to these official ones from Garmin, except for their pricing ofcourse. Very happy with these, but I recognize the comment above the velcro isn't that secure when swimming, opposed to dry conditions. Not that it comes loose directly, I just pay more attention to it still being secured. But I don't swim that much either.
Just got the Moss 26mm and i paid ~37 EURO for it. It's definitely worth it! Much more tolerable on the wrist, than the quickfit one (also, no metal rings that close and pinch my skin, yay!). It's big! I wish they offered them in different lengths but it's more than ok as it is! The quality is also way better (easily noticeable) than the cheap, knock-offs from Amazon or Aliexpress so as far as i'm concerned, it's a worthwhile investment!
I’ve got the old one and always wished it would grip a bit more and that the straps wouldn’t overlap (and I have pretty big wrists). Stumbled across this and realised there’s a new improved version! Yes they’re not cheap but it is 400% better than the silicone strap, and now I’ve ordered the new one I can’t wait to try it.
I did buy amazon quickfit bands once and the clip actually came of the watch pins while i was adjusting the fit while running and the watch went flying off. Also the material are not the same quality as the start to corrode quite easily. I don't like endorse the high pricing of these official but there's definitely a difference in quality.
Really wish Garmin would offer some more colour option. Would be nice to have a teal option. Heard the coros nylon bands that loop. work with Garmin as well, so I'm considering one of those as they do have a teal option (when it's not out of stock).
I’ve been using a cheap chinese knock-off that’s been working fine even with lots of pool swims but I’ve always wondered about the security having both ends on the outside of the wrist… this new version does seem more secure 👍
can you check if the 26mm completely covers the spring bars when its on the watch ? some other reviews show there is a small gap making the band look like 25mm and not 26mm
Is the 22mm band actually 22mm or 21mm? 26mm band actually 26mm or 25mm so a little gap is visible on each side? This issue has plagued the ultrafits and knock offs from Amazon. Thanks
Thanks for the video Des. Looks like Garmin have also reduced the prices a little for these bands. Is the 26mm band actually 26mm or 25mm so a little gap is visible on each side? This issue has plagued the large ultrafits and knock offs from Amazon. Thanks
Got the fake version. Velcro doesnt stick properly. Heavy. Not easily dry. Too short for my wrist size. Material is stiff Get the real one. U wont regret it. I am happy with mine
Hi Des, could you please weigh the FR965 with a nylon band fitted? I’m interested to see how much weight can be saved on this model. I’ve got an Epix pro 51mm with the same band and love it! I’ve just purchased a FR965 and would love to know what the weight saving was prior to purchasing the strap. Thanks
My only complain about the Quickfit band on my Fenix 7 its that my 'ideal band size' is between two holes in the band. 6th hole is a bit tight, 7th is too lose. This should solve it.
Like quiet a number of other viewers I've bought a third party band that looks and fits identical to the Garmin watch band... until Garmin start to lower their prices, its a no brainer....😊
Wow @desfit for you're videos I really appreciate and just bought 2 ultrafit for my Epix gen 2 47mm 22mm and for the Instinct 2X Solar in 26mm dimension🙏🙏🙏 Nice video Thank you Best regards👍
They describe it as ‘quick drying’ but I’ve found mine gets a bit of water. If you use a towel to dry it off a bit it goes from being wet to just damp, and then it’s probably another hour or so to be mostly dry (depending on temperature and humidity etc).
Hello sir! I bought one in green 22mm for my fenix 7 sapphire solar. Theres something anoying me. A lot, the band doesnt have 22mm, look like a 21 or 21,5mm.... when instaled at the watch it shows part of the springbat. I'dlike to know if someone else has the same problem.... Thanks
I’m curious on the comfort with these. I tried a third party ultrafit style band and it had very scratchy edges that irritated my skin. What are the official ones like?
I've been using 3rd party bands similar to the one in this video. I was very happy with them until my pool sessions where they opened up pretty easily with each stroke. Have you experienced this with the original band ? I wonder if it's a 3rd party band issue or a design one. Thanks for the review - Keep up the good work!
I don't see the new ones on garmin website, can you share the link pls for one that is compatible with epix gen 2 51 mm just to check even if it's in US because the ones i see there seems like the old ones?
Ik have a simple question: does this band also fit on the new VENU 3. I am not sure wat the GARMIN shop tells me. And Thx again for the info I just need!
Nope. Definitely 3rd party straps and bands. I’m sure this strap is great but I’d rather pay a fourth the price and have a few. Plenty on Amazon and eBay. I haven’t had one fail yet. (In my 9+ years with garmin)
These are all very nice, but for example the Instinct 2 have pins that make the compass unusable if you use a band like this that rotates them (Also Garmin support refuses to accept this as a fact, as these are not "designed for instinct")
No, I used the ones I got with the watch. You don't get new pins with the strap The pins are magnetic a little, so when they rotate, the watch's compass needs to recalibrated every time...
I swap bands on my Apple Watch Ultra at least two times a day (different band for running than afterwards) and looking at this, it still seems like a massive hassle compared. And I don’t really want a sweaty or wet Velcro band on after running
Shame it’s so much, I got a generic brand on Amazon and they came in a 2 pack for half the price. They are exactly the same design as this and I’ve had them a year now
I bought a pair of third party bands just like this (brand name Abanen) a year ago for $22. I’ve only used one, but it’s been on my Fenix 7x for 11 months. Not a single issue with it. Goes on same as this does. Way cheaper. No screws or buckles to worry about breaking off during a trail run.
Bought the same Abanen (2 pack for < $20) for my previous Garmin watch and now my Fenix 7. Most comfortable watch band I've ever had. Works great!
Will but it!
These look exactly like the Abanen ones I’ve been using for a couple years. Gonna give these a try, probably the most comfortable option out there imo
is it good, and is it fine in water?
I've been using a 3rd party 22 mm nylon band for a while, that looks exactly like that Garmin v2 model. Got it on amazon. I absolutely love it!
Could you share the link
@@garvitdhingra8062 I got it from the Dutch Amazon site. I usually can't post links without them being deleted by youtube (and this link is ridiculously long), but the brand is called Yooside, and I got a set of 2 bands (black + green) for just over 20 euro.
Been using near identical bands on my fitbits for the last 5 years or so. Cost considerably less too! Also just ordered a 3 pack on Amazon for £7 for my forerunner 265 that’s arriving tomorrow.
Please could you provide the exact name of the Fitbit bands? Would like to try them.
Way too late to the party, Garmin. We have been asking for years. Surprised you even listened to us... but at this price? Des: amazing video as always!
love that you gave demos on how to change the bands on the other models.
Happy to help!
I’m actually using the Apple ultra alpine loop. Just cut off the metal part and it fits perfectly on the Fenix. No more worries that the watch will fly off while swimming.
Before I buy anything, I confirm the quality with ol’ desfit! Thank you sir!
🙌
I looked at their prices for bands and they are insane. I have the titanium band and they cost $500 today. Silicone bands are $129. You can get velcro bands which will work on Garmin watches for $10-$20 and I like that they are infinitely adjustable. Silicone will eventually break. My wife's Forerunner 630 band just broke and I ordered her a replacement for about $9. I am glad that my Titanium band should last forever but am kind of annoyed at the cost for the other bands.
Yeah, the margins on these Garmin bands have to be insane; $50 for a silicone/nylon band that probably cost them $5 in materials and a negligible amount of R&D. I'll take a reputable 3rd party band for a fraction of that and "risk" my watch coming off, which I guarantee has happened with these official bands to someone as well, so nothing is completely "safe."
There does seem to be a bit of a Garmin Gouge. I'm a new member to the Garmin community.
My experience with their customer service has been so smooth, and dare I say even pleasant. Looking at it now I'm happy to pay a bit more to support good customer support.
Why purchase a $400-$1000 watch and not be willing to spend a little extra for the straps? Make it make sense?!🤷🏾♂️
@@tyresejackson9665 The band I bought was $250 when my watch was new in 2018. The current band from Garmin is twice that. Is a 100% increase in price reasonable? The markup on the silicone bands is 10 times. I imagine that it's similar for the nylon loop bands which is why a lot of people opt for third-party solutions. The nylon loop bands were around by the third-party companies for a long time before Garmin decided to offer them. I do not know if the third-party Quickfit bands work as well as the OEM. When I do upgrade, though, I will be able to take my old band with me to my next Garmin. In the old days, Garmin bundled the premium bands with the watch. Today, they just give you a base silicone band and you have to order any other band separately.
The watch costs as a watch from a Premium brand. The bands on the premium brands have premium prices and quality control. Never heard of someone lost it’s Garmin with an original band. I have a 7x Pro with 2 extra bands from them and never had an issue. My Fenix 5 original band still works 5 years later and the watch was used constantly. BTW, the titanium band for 7x pro was 300 euros, not dolars, nylon one 40 and a silicone one is 70 in Romania, do not know why these cost more on your side.
Thanks for an informative video again Des! My 2 cents on 3rd party straps:
Some 15 months ago, I bought a 3-pack of 'Yooside 22mm velcro straps' (black/green/grey) for my FR255 through Amazon. They look identical to these official ones from Garmin, except for their pricing ofcourse. Very happy with these, but I recognize the comment above the velcro isn't that secure when swimming, opposed to dry conditions. Not that it comes loose directly, I just pay more attention to it still being secured. But I don't swim that much either.
Just got the Moss 26mm and i paid ~37 EURO for it. It's definitely worth it! Much more tolerable on the wrist, than the quickfit one (also, no metal rings that close and pinch my skin, yay!). It's big! I wish they offered them in different lengths but it's more than ok as it is! The quality is also way better (easily noticeable) than the cheap, knock-offs from Amazon or Aliexpress so as far as i'm concerned, it's a worthwhile investment!
Thanks, I tested the UltraFit. I had to return it because it was too hot to wear and rough feeling.
Smells like Enduro v3 is just around the corner. ❤
I’ve got the old one and always wished it would grip a bit more and that the straps wouldn’t overlap (and I have pretty big wrists). Stumbled across this and realised there’s a new improved version! Yes they’re not cheap but it is 400% better than the silicone strap, and now I’ve ordered the new one I can’t wait to try it.
How do you know if you have the new version?
@@remybakken3019they’re a different design. The old one hooks from both sides. The new one does not.
I just picked up the new Forerunner 965 and just discovered these bands. Thanks for the info. Black 22mm on order ✅️
did it fit the 965?
It's like 40 vs 2,5 for the same. Moreover if watch is not compatible (255 for eg.) You can make it with spring bar replacement.
Thank you for posting. Very helpful
Happy to help!
Great review! 👏 I am curious about using this for watersports, any risk losing the watch in big surf?...
Thanks for the quick installation tip for the 965. Managed to get my band swapped by fiddling with a pair of tweezers!
I hope they come outwith new colors. I would love a beige one for my Fenix 7s pro beige/gold
Might have to get this band! Ty for the video🎉
I did buy amazon quickfit bands once and the clip actually came of the watch pins while i was adjusting the fit while running and the watch went flying off. Also the material are not the same quality as the start to corrode quite easily. I don't like endorse the high pricing of these official but there's definitely a difference in quality.
Really wish Garmin would offer some more colour option. Would be nice to have a teal option. Heard the coros nylon bands that loop. work with Garmin as well, so I'm considering one of those as they do have a teal option (when it's not out of stock).
How does it perform in the pool and is it any comfier than the standard rubber / silicone strap that comes with the watch ?
I’ve been using a cheap chinese knock-off that’s been working fine even with lots of pool swims but I’ve always wondered about the security having both ends on the outside of the wrist… this new version does seem more secure 👍
Those look alot like the 3 pack I got on Amazon for $10 😂
can you check if the 26mm completely covers the spring bars when its on the watch ? some other reviews show there is a small gap making the band look like 25mm and not 26mm
Is the 22mm band actually 22mm or 21mm? 26mm band actually 26mm or 25mm so a little gap is visible on each side?
This issue has plagued the ultrafits and knock offs from Amazon. Thanks
Thanks for the video Des. Looks like Garmin have also reduced the prices a little for these bands. Is the 26mm band actually 26mm or 25mm so a little gap is visible on each side? This issue has plagued the large ultrafits and knock offs from Amazon. Thanks
Keen to know this as well
Hi @desfit! Does the nylonband in 20mm fit forerunner 165?
Enduro 3 on the way?
Just ordered a grey 22mm, hope it matches my white Epix 47mm!
👍
Got the fake version. Velcro doesnt stick properly. Heavy. Not easily dry. Too short for my wrist size. Material is stiff
Get the real one. U wont regret it. I am happy with mine
Does the velcro securely stick underwater?
Hi Des, could you please weigh the FR965 with a nylon band fitted? I’m interested to see how much weight can be saved on this model. I’ve got an Epix pro 51mm with the same band and love it! I’ve just purchased a FR965 and would love to know what the weight saving was prior to purchasing the strap.
Thanks
My only complain about the Quickfit band on my Fenix 7 its that my 'ideal band size' is between two holes in the band. 6th hole is a bit tight, 7th is too lose. This should solve it.
Like quiet a number of other viewers I've bought a third party band that looks and fits identical to the Garmin watch band... until Garmin start to lower their prices, its a no brainer....😊
Wow @desfit for you're videos I really appreciate and just bought 2 ultrafit for my Epix gen 2 47mm 22mm and for the Instinct 2X Solar in 26mm dimension🙏🙏🙏
Nice video
Thank you
Best regards👍
Thanks and enjoy your bands!
are they compatible with swimming
Hey, Des, can I swim with these or should I stick to silicone for that? Love your content! Thanks!
Please review marq Captain gen 2
What is the watch face at 1:22 in the middle on the 965? I really want it
Thanks for the update. But Garmin just copied what was available from some Chinese company on Amazon for much less than the original
Wonder how well these bands do when swimming. Always default to the silicone band but never been a fan.
I was wondering the same thing. And wondering how long it takes for the band to dry after a swim/shower.
Are these ok for pool swimming
Thanks Des. Which watch face is that you are using for the FR 965?
I can't find this one anywhere in stock in Europe and UK: It says delivery in 5-8 weeks which sounds crazy. Anyone know where to find it?
That's exactly what's putting me off from buying the Garmin one! Crazy wait time
thank you
Excelente video. 👏👏⌚️⌚️
Thanks!
Thanks for the review. Any thoughts or experience on how long it takes for a band to dry after a swim or a shower?
They describe it as ‘quick drying’ but I’ve found mine gets a bit of water. If you use a towel to dry it off a bit it goes from being wet to just damp, and then it’s probably another hour or so to be mostly dry (depending on temperature and humidity etc).
Hello sir! I bought one in green 22mm for my fenix 7 sapphire solar. Theres something anoying me. A lot, the band doesnt have 22mm, look like a 21 or 21,5mm.... when instaled at the watch it shows part of the springbat. I'dlike to know if someone else has the same problem....
Thanks
Can you use this in the FR165? Officially is not compatible but I wonder if it could still fit it by removing the metal bars from the silicone band
Works on the 265.
Hi Des, can you share which model of the 965 is in the video? He looks pretty awesome! Thanks
That's the 965 that originally comes with the yellow band
@@DesFit I think my meaning may be wrong, I actually want to ask about watch face XXXDDDD
Oh just one of the stock watch faces… near the bottom of the list 👍
hi @desfit do you do anything special to clean these?
I just rinse them with some mild, soapy water
Do they fit also the new Fenix 8 51mm?
Yes
I’m curious on the comfort with these. I tried a third party ultrafit style band and it had very scratchy edges that irritated my skin.
What are the official ones like?
By far the most comfortable straps I’ve used
Thanks for coming back to me. I picked one up in the end. Super comfortable, use it all the time
So it’s like apple’s Velcro bands?
I've been using 3rd party bands similar to the one in this video. I was very happy with them until my pool sessions where they opened up pretty easily with each stroke. Have you experienced this with the original band ? I wonder if it's a 3rd party band issue or a design one. Thanks for the review - Keep up the good work!
Just ordered, my 965 band latch was causing irritation on my wrist.
Is there a link to purchase?
I don't see the new ones on garmin website, can you share the link pls for one that is compatible with epix gen 2 51 mm just to check even if it's in US because the ones i see there seems like the old ones?
20mm: www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1056389/pn/010-13306-00
22mm: www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1056089/pn/010-13306-10
26mm: www.garmin.com/en-US/p/737433/pn/010-13306-20
Do they fit to the vivoactive 5? The site does not say to Venu or Vivoactive.
The vivoactive 5 uses industry standard bands, it’s not QuickFit band compatible
I wanna know what watch face is on the Epix in the intro pic (looks like an analogue dial) and are the data fields interactive?
It's just the stock watch face on the Epix Pro. You can long press on the round complications to bring up the widgets
@@DesFit
Thanks. Is that available for the Epix2 sapphire?
Ik have a simple question: does this band also fit on the new VENU 3. I am not sure wat the GARMIN shop tells me.
And Thx again for the info I just need!
These do not fit the Venu 3, the Venu 3 uses industry standard bands with pins.
@@DesFit would putting a normal 22mm spring bar work just like on the FR965?
Does anyone know how these compare to the Amazon ones that are $16? If better id consider thank you
Lots more new content sounds like new products on the way! 🤓
Does it fit FR245?
Can you get these to fit a 265?
The 265 uses industry standard bands and isn’t QuickFit band compatible
Works perfectly on the 265.
Venu 3 compatible?
The Venu 3 uses industry standard straps and doesn't utilize the QuickFit system
I use an Abanen I picked up from Amazon along with two new pins to use in place of the quick-release pins. It works great.
@@tchazzard if i get it right u are using the quick release pins from Abanen and the ultra fit straps from Garmin ?
£35 in the UK...:/
I’ve been using a nylon band from a third party that is cheaper and attaches via the quickfit connector. Still not impressed with Garmin’s offering
Nope. Definitely 3rd party straps and bands. I’m sure this strap is great but I’d rather pay a fourth the price and have a few. Plenty on Amazon and eBay. I haven’t had one fail yet. (In my 9+ years with garmin)
These are all very nice, but for example the Instinct 2 have pins that make the compass unusable if you use a band like this that rotates them
(Also Garmin support refuses to accept this as a fact, as these are not "designed for instinct")
How does this make the compass unusable?
No, I used the ones I got with the watch.
You don't get new pins with the strap
The pins are magnetic a little, so when they rotate, the watch's compass needs to recalibrated every time...
@@channul4887 Sorry for the late answer.... Yes it is, unfortunately.
Wish this was true. They only have the 26mm. Bummer
Maybe just not in your region? All 3 sizes are available in the US.
@@DesFit I am not seeing them in the US. What is the link?
I swap bands on my Apple Watch Ultra at least two times a day (different band for running than afterwards) and looking at this, it still seems like a massive hassle compared. And I don’t really want a sweaty or wet Velcro band on after running
Shame it’s so much, I got a generic brand on Amazon and they came in a 2 pack for half the price.
They are exactly the same design as this and I’ve had them a year now
So basically the Garmin hs copied the 3rd party nylon loop band which has been on the market for more than 1,5 years now. :)
And still available only in black and gray 😭
Still colour are limited for the smaller size… it kinda low down on females or smaller wrists people.
Too bad not for Venu 3S
I don't see these on the Garmin website, what am I missing?