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I have a cheap nylon hook and loop (velcro) band for my 245m as recommended by someone else here and it makes everything much better. I'd find it hard to go back to a standard buckle now.
I found this one on OfferUp, I'm a bit weary though because it only has 1 month of warrenty left (according to the seller) and it was used for 2 weeks and then sat in a box. But if I can grab it for ~$180 I might consider. Thanks for the input!
Bluetooth works better than WiFi. When you weigh yourself, the weight signal goes into the scales app on my iPhone. The value of my weight goes into the Apple health app, and Garmin connect will except that information from the Apple health app.
Well, that’s my story.
Here is the scale on Amazon. Active Era Digital Bathroom... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SGDBLG7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
If you put velco hook and loop straps on the Epix https://www.amazon.co.uk/YOOSIDE-Ultralight-Garmin-Sapphire-Quatix/dp/B09BMBLKXD - it cuts it weight down to around 50g. The silicon straps are really heavy. Plus get a much snugger fit.
I have no issues sleeping with my watch at night - just swop it to the other wrist to give my normal wrist's skin a chance to breathe.
This was like the one I had. It was super comfy and you could easily adjust it while working out or whenever you needed.
Common problem with the original strap. I replaced mine with this one and I never had irritation again: https://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B0741SRMVX/
Many different brands have similar straps of the same non irritating material on Ali Express, Wish, etc.
Great to hear that it's working
You can leave it or delete it, up to you
I've been wearing the watch daily for over a year now with only minor complaints.
Recommend getting a protector for the edges though like this
This is a great price on a venu!!
I have a vivoactive 3! You’ll love Garmin; they’re fitbits on speed
I bought several straps when I got the Fenix 7, but this one is the one I use all the time, I far prefer it to all the other alternatives.
I have a few charging port covers (they came free with a twin-pack of the puck chargers
I've had a Forerunner 245 for 2 years and have used a charging port cover since day 1.
I shower with the watch after a run, to clean the sweat off. Then I remove the port cover and dry the watch thoroughly with a towel.
The charging port is pristine, with zero signs of wear or corrosion on the little pins. It charges perfectly every time.
So I guess the answer is : use the little covers to prevent excess dirt and sweat/moisture from getting in, wash it regularly, dry it thoroughly, and it'll be fine.
Just a quick confirmation to what others have suggested, I had the same problem as you and I replaced the original strap with this one: https://www.amazon.nl/gp/product/B0741SRMVX/ . After the switch my skin irritation was gone.
I do have a screen protector: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3JVMVR1?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I didn't on the Epix, but I do on the 955 and it's not noticeable at all. The 955 definitely doesn't hang onto sleeves like the Epix did, dimensions wise, they're actually fairly close, but it looks and feels much smaller.
Yeah, the Epix screen was great. I was getting 6 days of battery life with always-on. I get around 10-12 days with the 955 always-on. The 955 screen has grown on me.
I got this for my instinct 2. I don't what size band the Vivoactive has but I remember first seeing this band for the Samsung watches that have more normal springs than the instinct's.
No plastic on the strap. The buckle stays tensioned. I only wish it was a little smaller for my super tiny wrists but I still get good readings from the sensors.
Abanen 22mm Elastic Watch Bands... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J3J9JZV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Will see how it holds up, but the Ancool strap from Amazon is softer and lighter than the stock Garmin strap. Don't shame the intensity minutes, cold going around our house.
Strap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JLVVMVL?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details
I bought this tempered glass one from supershieldz back in June, and I haven't had any issues with it. Fits the screen perfectly, and I don't notice it at all. Not sure why it's so much in Canada, but it's $6.99 in US
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3JVMVR1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
First one I found on amazon. There might be cheaper options. I searched for "Garmin 22mm arm band."
This is the one I got:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FY52SR1
It is fairly easy to take on and off. It would be super easy except I have a road-id looped on the strap as well.
I have an iPhone and I use Overcast as my podcast app. The built-in one sucks.
I carry my phone in flip-style waist belt
I hated always worrying to bring with me yet another charging cable, so I got these and put them on my key chain. Game changer! Love it! Fits with a positive click.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09WVB5BN5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
i use abanen / yooside hook and loop straps: https://www.amazon.co.uk/YOOSIDE-Ultralight-Garmin-Sapphire-Quatix/dp/B0928FGLXB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1EGZMZ0HAN3RX&keywords=nylon+strap+hook+and+loop+fenix&qid=1661347905&sprefix=nylon+strap+hook+and+loop+fenix%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-5
I only change if strap gets wet/or gets sweaty.
Did you wait for it to get a GPS fix before you entered the water? I often start a run before I get a fix, because it will pick up just as easily during the warm-up as it would standing in my driveway, but when swimming it really needs to get a good lock before you interrupt the satellite search every stroke.
Also, did you pick the open-water swim activity? It's much more tolerant of GPS interruptions than other generic "track me" activities.
Lastly, what stroke were you using - freestyle/overhand crawl, I assume? Breaststroke, doggy paddling, side crawl, and other strokes don't always get your hand out of the water long enough to pick up a signal.
Swimming in saltwater, especially long distances where your form is less aggressive and you don't often lift the watch high out of the water for a long time, is really tough for a GPS to track.
I have a Cressi Torpedo Pro bouy (https://www.amazon.com//dp/B07V6KCXFJ) that I use when snorkeling or swimming long distances or in busy areas. I add a 2 lbs lead dive weight to the bottom of the pouch to better keep it upright. You lose heart rate tracking and stroke cadence tracking, but I've never had any problems with GPS accuracy when I put the watch in the bouy with my water. Plus my wife doesn't gnaw her fingers off with nervousness when I'm out swimming if I'm tied to a bright orange float...
Here's an example from Amazon that is both a protective case and a screen protector in one
And here's an example from eBay
(These may be for the full size 255, not the S version, but they may have that option)
I got my case for the 245 off eBay or Amazon, it was about £6 or something, and the screen protector was about the same.
Here's an example that is both a protective case and a screen protector in one
As the 255 is so new, it may take a little while for other cases to become available
Wrote it earlier in another thread,will just paste here
I actually bought another one during prime day sale
So I have three now. First purchase was the double black and green bundle.
I change every three days (3workouts and runs ) And wash hang it to dry
"I recommend the band from amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G68LMB3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
this has worked out awesome for me as daily use band. easy to tighten before my runs and workouts. easy to take off and put back on. my friend who bought epix last week also loves this strap/band
when going out I swap it with my better garmin Heathered Black Nylon
This looks pretty close if not exactly the same as what I have. Of course, if you're not in the UK you'll need to find something nearer you, but as you can see in the pics, the band overhangs the clasp by a few mm. If it's anything like it, I've had no issues, and the continuous adjustment of hook and loop is the big draw IMO - that way you can wear it at the right tension no matter where on your forearm you'd like to wear it.
Would use SS for general/dress up, but not for activity as not good fit for OHR, plus the clasps aren't always great security wise.
Personally I think the safest is a hook & loop. The bottom velcro loop secures on the inside of your wrist locking down the velcro between your wrist and the outside strap, where as the outside velcro if it comes loose cannot go past the lug due to the bar, so at the worst it becomes a bangle which can only come off by using the stretchiness of the nylon to pull it over your hand - making it very secure:
Watch the video to see what I mean: https://www.amazon.co.uk/YOOSIDE-Ultralight-Garmin-Sapphire-Enduro/dp/B09G16Q1Z3?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&psc=1&smid=A1FDIZJH8TF136
I think this would work?
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SLH5JFJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I have larger wrists and the second band that comes with that kit worked for me.
Thought this was a good value on Amazon. Pretty long/quality cord included as well as a few rubber covers for the watch.
Zacro Charger Dock Compatible... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L12XGMY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I highly recommend velcro bands like the Morsey Quick Release band. I had been getting some sort of irritation from the clasp on my Garmin VA4's original band. idk why - I had the band for about 18 months, but I got this to get rid of the band. However, it's a little elastic and has a nearly infinite choice of length. It allows you to wear the watch snug without being tight - and its very cheap. There's literally dozens like it, but a link to the 20 mm version of mine (22 mm on the VA4) is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DD57SHV/ref=ox\_sc\_saved\_title\_2?smid=A3GSF6F7SILCSR&th=1
Wow, I've had a different experience... I have a Venu 2 Plus and the third party bands I've bought from Amazon have worked fine. I even had an older band that I used to wear on my Amazfit Bip that has worked perfectly on my Venu 2 Plus.
Now... The popping out issue you are talking about.. I experienced that all the time with my Venu 2. I even tried ordering separate quick release bars that were supposedly the exact same size (185mm or something) as the factory bars on the Garmin band. None of them worked reliably for me. If I twisted my wrist a certain way - even just getting out of the car and putting keys in my pocket - the band could snap off and the watch would fall. I stopped wearing it because of that.
I even got this 3 pack of different colored bands from Amazon and they've worked perfectly for me on my Venu 2 Plus.
Anrir Compatible for Garmin... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WG75QR6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Sure, this is the exact one I got. Bought a two pack. Works great for me. EZCO Charger Compatible with Garmin Vivoactive 3 4 4S/ Fenix 5 / Fenix 6 6S 6X / Venu Sq Music, 2 Pack 3.3 Ft USB Charging Cable Stand Station Date Syn for Fenix 5 5S 5X / Forerunner 935 Smart Watch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L3TQP9B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_R0235JGTKK3VQJJ0JGWP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Amazon, like 20 bucks and by far my favorite Watch band for any Garmin watch I’ve owned.
Abanen Hook and Loop Quick Dry Watch Band for Fenix 7X / Fenix 6X / Fenix 5X, 26mm Woven Nylon Ultralight Sport Wristband Strap for Garmin Fenix 6X Pro/Sapphire,Fenix 5X Plus,Enduro https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X44NTDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RGN2N1E8WRQ1AB5WYZHT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've been using these for a while so I can change colors whenever I want. They've been great - zero issues in over a year. Notocity
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YWHZDK5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the one I use. Used it for my Fenix originally. link Keep in mind though, once you remove the old instinct bands take out the bars that hold the band in place (thin pieces of metal) and put them back in the watch, that way you can slide in the nylon band.
This is probably the most popular option in the Garmin community. It will fit and it’s excellent.
I'm a Fenix guy so not sure if these would work with the Venu 2, but I've used a version of this band on my old Fenix 5x, my current 6x, and my Instinct Solar (appropriate size of course) and have had no issues with them. They were the only ones I could find at the time that didn't have an ugly black plastic piece on top of the quick release; i.e. they look like they're all leather and the quick release part is hidden on the bottom.
One thing to consider is going one generation older. The Fenix 6 is still an awesome watch and does everything you want. It's deeply discounted in places because the 7/Epix just came out. Especially if you don't care about music/maps you could get a Fenix 6 base model pretty cheaply.
Amazon Fenix 6 Example or you could go used: Swappa Fenix 6
I'm sure you could get something cheaper, but Garmin's pretty savvy about upselling -- mostly you get what you pay for so it pays to set a realistic budget and then just buy the top watch that fits in that budget.
Hey all !
So while I'm waiting for my Fenix 6s Sapphire to arrive, I've started looking for a suede / leather band. I'm gonna be using a silicone band for everyday use and fitness activities and I want to find a suede one for more formal occasions / a night out / etc.
One that I really like is the "QuickFit 20 Watch Band Shale Gray Suede Leather" which is really expensive, but might be worth to buy if I find it on sale, sooner or later. (Photos on the 1st post)
https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Quickfit-Watch-Suede-Leather/dp/B07WZXL41Y
- Does anyone have this band and can confirm that it's length is exactly the same as the original Fenix 6s silicone band? I'm asking because I have read some comments on Amazon saying that it is too short.
Any other suggestions for a good looking - formal Fenix 6s / 5s / 7s Suede Quickfit 20mm band, either a Garmin one or a 3rd party one?
Fits up to 8.7" wrists. Mine are only 6.75", but I ordered these in both 22mm and 26mm. Incredible quality and feel for the $.
Case/bezel protector:
MWOOT 3PCS Case Cover Compatible with Garmin Forerunner 245 (Music), Shockproof Silicone Protective Case for Garmin FR 245 (2019) Smartwatch Protection Black Blue Clear https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07T652ZPZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HSZPA7G0FNP5GZCK8BKH
Screen protector:
KIMILAR 4-Pack Screen Protector compatible with Garmin Forerunner 245 / Garmin Vivoactive 3, Anti-scratch Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Vivoactive 3, Forerunner 245 & 245 Music https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RP16B6W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_9Z50NQE5DYZAB3B3Z4MP
These are actually fantastic:
Abanen Hook and Loop Quick Dry Watch Band for Fenix 6/Fenix 5, 22mm Woven Nylon Ultralight Sport Wristband Strap for Garmin Fenix 6 Pro/Sapphire,Instinct,Fenix 5/5 Plus,Quatix 6/5 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09G68LMB3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_W11WE0CBZBKGN12SJ83K
Abanen Hook and Loop Quick Dry 20mm Watch Band for Fenix 6S / Fenix 5S / Descent Mk2S, Woven Nylon Ultralight Sport Wristband Strap for Garmin Fenix 6S Pro/Sapphire,Fenix 5S Plus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FHNGDR8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_X8XPYJV2TT91YW91P238?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If it helps, that looks like the grey from these guys:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z7ZFQGP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
I purchased this band in red and the quality was excellent (looks identical to the garmin bands). No connection to them other than I was pleased.
Keep an eye out on the Amazon page as well. It is out of stock rn but I figure they have more pull than REI does in getting stuff.
Hey just as an FYI I found the Fenix 7 watches on Amazon. Here is the link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NML711L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1. They only have the 7X sapphire solar available. All the rest are sold out. I just grabbed a sapphire solar X and applied all my gift cards lol.
Regarding charging it while wearing it: sandwhich one of these chargers between the watch and my wrist to charge my watch while running. Pro tip: you can even take one apart, hot glue some cables down and get the charger to only have half the stack height too.
I have used an Amazifit Bip combined with the Notify app: everything stays on the phone, no server needed.
I had the same issue and purchased this for my Venu 2S.
Morsey 22mm Soft Nylon Watch Bands Compatible for Samsung Galaxy Watch 46mm/Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 45mm/Gear S3 Frontier/Classic, Sport Strap Wristband Replacement Bracelet for Women Men (black) by Morsey-US Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FY52SR1/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_65KZ7GFTNPPVEP8P0N8A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Works great and is super comfortable.
Thanks! It makes perfect sense to me. I’m of the same opinion! I can easily remove the scratches off using this: Brushed Titanium Refinishing Pad for Watches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015ESCNXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R18JGD350T93ERW0H4KV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
But, with DLC coating - SOL.
Cheapest option for the bike : Magene Speed/Cadence sensor.
Watch will still track steps fine even if you don't swing your arms. The vibration from each foot strike should still trigger a step. Distance will be off, but you can calibrate watch distance to treadmill distance after a run to improve accuracy.
What kind of bike do you have? Garmin has a speed/cadence sensor combo you might be able to use on your indoor bike. They won't work on my peloton bike+ so I just sync those workouts to garmin don't dont record on my watch.
Cheaper on Amazon.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/641221/pn/010-12845-00
Garmin Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2 Bundle, Bike Sensors to Monitor Speed and Pedaling Cadence https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PG9MJ79/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6029BT72BVYDMHM6GM8N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
> It would be nice if we could log body fat % to our profiles to increase accuracy of metrics.
If you're on Android try this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kochka.android.weightlogger&hl=en_US&gl=US you can manually log your data including your fat and muscles
>Training load: You won't get any of that with Vivo/Venu watches, only with Forerunner/Fenix. However you can sync your Garmin Connect data to Runalyze for free (donation option available) to get athlete focused training advice that's even outperforming Garmin's offers in some aspects.
In fact both Runalyze and Tredict would not only provide you with the access to own analysis but they would give you the access to Garmin's data fields for Recovery time, Training Effect and Anaerobic Training effect which are hidden from the watch and Garmin Connect but still written to .fit files.
Problem solved. I replaced the soft strap only with a new one. Now readings are on point. Garmin Replacement Soft Strap for Heart Rate Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BI9X1OO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8YG6WK56G66NPF18D3DD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got the SPGUARD 6-pack from Amazon. Helpful YouTube video with instructions. I applied the screen protector with no bubbles. It works well, hardly noticeable, and doesn’t affect the touchscreen. I would like to eventually try a glass one though. Sorry about this ugly URL: https://www.amazon.com/HATALKIN-Compatible-Protectors-Smartwatch-LiQuidSkin/dp/B07XKH5GLD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=venu+screen+protector&qid=1616896487&sprefix=venu+screen&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUX...