Charge 5 strap connector

[JenTalaber]

I have had a Charge 5 for couple of years but the battery was failing. I bought a new Charge 5 but have a problem with the straps. As I am allergic to silicone I have to buy replacements straps from Amazon and I have found that the connectors on the newer 5s are different to the old 5s and very few of the straps will click into place. I have attached photos; the black strap fits the old 5, the pink one the new 5. Problem is that the sellers do not know this and so don't always show photos of the connectors and it is pot luck!

[EstuardoFitbit]

Hey there @JenTalaber, welcome to the Fitbit Community. 

I'm truly sorry to hear this and I can understand your frustration.

Could you clarify if the pink band in the picture, is the original band included with the device?

Please note that unauthorized retailers may sell non-original designs or replicas based on different models.

[JenTalaber]

Both bands are after-market as I am allergic to Fitbit's silicone bands
included with the device. The black band connected to my old Charge 5,
about two years old or so, and the pink one connected to my new Charge 5,
about six weeks old. You can see that the connector on the pink band (new
Charge 5) is totally different to the black band (old Charge 5) and I'm
wondering why there is not a distinction made between the two (say Mark I
and Mark II) so both consumer and after-market production companies can be
aware of the difference. I am lucky to have found one band that fits, but
cannot seem to find another and very few of the sellers put pictures of the
inside of the connector for reference. Probably because they are not aware
the two are different.

Look forward to hearing from you as I am puzzled by the need for the
difference!

Regards
Jen Talaber

[EstuardoFitbit]

Hello there @JenTalaber, thanks for being back in the community. 

I can totally understand your frustration about this matter. I don't actually have an answer for your questions. 

I'm not sure these changes are something officially made by Fitbit since you are getting the products through unauthorized resellers. I can only advise buying original products through official resellers. 

Fitbit has not only silicon bands but also woven and leather bands. 

[JenTalaber]

Okay, I take your point. Just seemed odd that the after-market strap I had
on my old Charge 5 did not fit the new Charge 5.

Jen Talaber

[EstuardoFitbit]

@JenTalaber Thanks for your comprehension, I'm not trying to argue with you, I just want to understand lol!

Will the aftermarket band for your new Charge 5 fit your old Charge 5?

Also, try using the band that came with your new Charge 5 on both devices - it should be compatible with both.

[JenTalaber]

Okay, so now I am really confused! The old aftermarket band does fit the
old Charge 5, but not the new Charge 5. The silicone band that came with
the new Charge 5 FITS BOTH!

Since buying the new Charge 5 I have tried five different bands; only ONE
fitted.

Guess it's just trial and error then.

Thanks for your help with this. If you ever do come across an explanation
perhaps you could let me know!

Jen Talaber

[EstuardoFitbit]

@JenTalaber Thanks for sharing your findings!

While I'm glad the device itself hasn't changed, compatibility issues with bands can be frustrating. I can only think that the resellers use different molds for manufacturing, leading to inconsistencies.

Try asking the vendor for a picture of the connector before ordering, I think that might help.