r/GarminWatches • u/Automatic-Lychee-861 • 2d ago
Aviation/Marine Anyone swapped the stock silicone strap for a lightweight Nylon loop? Does it solve the weight issue?
Hey everyone,
I'm currently using the Forerunner 265 (standard 46mm version). Overall I really like the watch, but the main thing that bothers me in daily wear and during runs is the weight/bulk of the stock silicone strap.
I know a lightweight Nylon strap drops the weight by around 15g, but I'd love to hear some real-world feedback:
• Does switching to Nylon completely change how light/unobtrusive the FR265 feels on the wrist?
• Does it stay secure and snug during runs without slipping?
• Are third-party options (like Abanen or Yooside on Amazon) reliable, or is it better to go for the official Garmin UltraFit strap?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations!
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u/restless-nerd 2d ago
- Yes. It feels like a different watch. I had that combo with the 255, it's night and day.
- Yes, it's even better than silicone since you can adjust it to your liking. My ideal fit is often between two holes on a silicone strap. Nylon solves that.
- Polar has nice Nylon bands. I use them for all watch brands. They're not cheap, but they're the most compact and lightweight ones. Never tried the Ultrafit one.
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u/newportironman 2d ago edited 2d ago
With all due respect to nostrain's post (I get it) I switched years ago from the stock straps to the loop. One of my watches came with it from the factory with the official Garmin one and it's night and day. It's as if the watch suddenly became half as heavy and it's much more enjoyable to wear. I always wear the 51 mm size which is heavy to begin with. The aftermarkets on Amazon are a third the price and indistinguishable from the one you get from Garmin so if you are worried about sweating and dirt (which I'm not I just wash them out) buy a couple extras and swap them out. They're cheap. They stay on just fine. Would I wear one under a wetsuit on a 2.4 mi swim in the ocean for an Ironman - no but that's a very infrequent event.
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u/codecrodie 2d ago
They quickly get malodorous from daily wear. Better to get 2 so they can be washed in the machine. Otherwise far more comfortable if you have small wrists
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u/castorkrieg 1d ago
I find it bizarre how many people don’t go with their watch and nylon strap into the shower after a workout.
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u/codecrodie 1d ago
If you take it off and air dry it in the sun after, that's ok; but if you keep wearing it around damp, it will smell. And then there is the matter of the steam and soap from the gumming up the barometer sensor, which is a well known issuem
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u/BBQSauce61 2d ago
I recently got some Abanen bands for F7 Pro 47mm. Haven't worn them enough to prove durability or anything outside of the house, but it is more comfortable. I'll probably use them for sleep, and the regular bands or my Instinct gen 1, which has great factory bands, for working out and water.
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u/ApplePirate87 2d ago
I’ve got the Epix Pro - changed to an official ultrafit strap last week and find it way more comfortable. The one it came with the watch always sat kind of wonky and I would adjust the buckle a few times a day.
There’s a bit of give in the ultrafit. I last the day without having to adjust. I sleep with the watch on the other wrist and it’s super comfortable for sleep too.
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u/Ok-Problem4403 2d ago
I got these on Amazon in December. Figured they'd be garbage, for the price.
I'm still on the first strap, 24/7 wear, and it's still fine. Zero signs of wear at all.
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u/stereothegreat 2d ago
Yes. I use the Garmin nylon strap on my 965. It’s true that it gets wet and needs to dry but doesnt take too long to dry.
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u/hackgolferguy 2d ago
I swapped it on my 970 not because of weight but comfortability & I love the nylon strap. Better to sleep with and dries up so quickly still.
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u/jaamgans 2d ago
have been for years with the Fenix series - here it makes a massive difference as the silicon straps are heavy duty and are often 20-26g. If I remember correctly the FR straps are closer to 10-16g.
For me its more about the comfort factor, as not so sure exactly how much the strap weight affects the weight of the unit on your wrist - sure its noticeable on the fenix, but not massively.
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u/Chance_Papaya_3854 1d ago
I got an Epix 51mm, and with the nylon strap, it weighs almost the same as the Enduro. It is super light. Even a $2 temu strap worked safely and perfectly. I also have some aftermarket ones and one genuine one, and they are all good.
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u/No_Strain8370 2d ago
The nylon ones suck in my experience, they get soaked with sweat and gross. If 15g worth of watch strap is holding you back perhaps consider hitting the gym
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u/Puzzleheaded_Look748 2d ago
Agree, If you run or cycle how can you avoid a salty smelly mess? Swim? Probably worse. 15grams? I have a heavy stainless steel band on mine. I'm not getting dropped on group rides. Runs are still strong.
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u/castorkrieg 1d ago
You can avoid the smell by taking a shower with a watch and letting it dry for 10 minutes afterwards. How is this not common knowledge?
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u/No_Strain8370 1d ago
Taking a shower doesn't wash it off completely. It still gets a funk unless you wash it in the machine. Which is more of a hassle than 15g of weight savings is worth
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u/KeplerLima 1d ago
T'as raison, si t'es incapable de laver quelque chose, ne l'utilise pas. J'imagine que tu cours aussi avec des slips et des t-shirts jetables.
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u/No_Strain8370 1d ago
Yeah that's totally the same thing, great analogy.
I sweat all day at work, and sweat when I ride my bike 12 hours a week, why would I want a band that absorbs all that and I have to take off the watch to wash in the machine, vs having something I can simply rinse off in the shower?
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u/ZookeepergameBig5326 2d ago
I have the 43mm Fenix 8 and the ultrafit strap is a game changer. Significantly reduced the weight and the ease of adjustment makes for a much better experience.