The Best Garmin Charger: It actually stays put/connected

[@Dcrainmaker]

Here's the full set of links: US Amazon: amzn.to/2OuBq9J [Original link sold out, replacement link found] Canada Amazon: amzn.to/35hSars EU/DE Amazon: amzn.to/2r5trIk EU/IT Amazon: amzn.to/35i0GXG UK Amazon: amzn.to/342DVXu Australia Amazon: amzn.to/37oPTgc Nylon iPhone/USB-C/Micro-USB cable: amzn.to/2rZ15Qp

[@dionito70]

Crap, why haven't I watched this video sooner? Ordered! Thanks!

[@ChristianCotterman]

I know it's been a year now, (almost) but I would love to hear if there was any update, problems etc... or if this really is a plug it in and leave it forever item. I have a small stand for my devices, but it has a spot for an Apple watch only. This looks likie it would be a erfect replacement for that small issue.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@ChristianCotterman So far it's been overwhelmingly positive. I can account for roughly 15,000 units being bought through my Amazon links, and I've only heard of I think three complaints. Everyone else seems crazy happy. I use it daily still.

[@floydefisher]

@@Dcrainmaker Just bought one, and your review is spot on. That dongle Garmin packed with their watches is so bad, I can't believe they didn't fire the guy who created it. At least now I know my crystal on my brand-new Instinct will not get scratched. (purchased on Black Friday to replace my now deceased Forerunner 220).

[@henrikjensenniebling3951]

Does it Works with garmin Venus sq2

[@jaysonf356]

i'd give this video 5 stars entirely on the "when my wife has garmin problems... i have garmin problems" sentence. obviously i'm someone that can relate...

[@moquez]

"when my wife has problems... i have problems" :D

[@Alexander5R]

I laughed loud when he said that and kinda was relieved that I am single.

[@qiaozhiwei4547]

@@Alexander5R Good for you, you are very clever !

[@KusoTrevor]

I felt this line in the review. :)

[@steviesavage]

Happy wife, Happy life, basically!

[@corymiller4543]

Way to go Ray! Your video has led to a shortage on U.S. Amazon. I added to cart yesterday, got distracted at work, went back this morning...sold out! The power of the Rainmaker! ;)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...yeah - I never in my life expected as many cables would get bought as did. Apparently y'all like cables! The good news is there's other vendors that appear to have the exact same product, just with a different name. Here's the updated US link: amzn.to/2OuBq9J

[@ToolkiT73UK]

@@Dcrainmaker got a UK link?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@ToolkiT73UK Yup - here ya go!

[@wawanbalik]

"When my Wife has Garmin problems, I have Garmin problems", truer words were never spoken! BTW, I opted to the same charger dock sometime back and never happier. Wish it was me who had tipped DC R about it!

[@sandywilson8169]

Ordered one from the AZ link actually the 2 pack, shipped and received in 4 days.. , (corona - seqself isolated it for 3 days), and tested it out today on my Vivoactive 3,... works great, just as reviewed it clips on easily and charges great,,,, much better option than the original charger cable provided by Garmin.... 2 thumbs up, and 5 stars.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Woot!

[@martalli]

I have been using that kind of charger from Amazon for almost a year now with my Gamrin. It has worked excellently.

[@kilroywashere5443]

Thanks for finding this. Pack of two charger cables and a tiny zip-lock of covers to go over the watch charging port. First charge worked great and restored my wife's watch to function.

[@berry2583]

Ordered a pair immediately! No more flipping my watch on the screen! Thanks for your tip and review!

[@Kevinnovator]

"Some watch just disagreed with me and buzzed"....struck my funny bone. Dude, you're hilarious and informative. I'm subscribing!

[@steviesavage]

This is exactly what I needed - I just bought an Instinct and simply can't believe how such a great watch, can be so let down by such a crap charging cable! I already had a new one sent by Garmin, but even so, it wobbles a little and doesn't always hold the connection. SO weird that they cocked up on such an important aspect!

[@neilcatley9474]

Yes!!! I bought a set of these, gave one to a friend. Perfect for charging during an ultra too.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup indeed! The ultra is a great scenario for it!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

When Garmin first launched the new charging port on the Fenix 5 I actually 3D printed a puck style charger and hacked/soldered an OEM garmin cable to work with it. Use case was that I wanted to re-charge while wearing it during ultra marathons and my mechanical engineering background got the best of me. Glad to see someone has actually productized the idea although it looks a little thick to wear during use! Nice video, how often do you cycle through that bin? No physio trueup on that 310XT in the bin!

[@CineZoneYT]

I was just thinking of printing one! I will have to design a model.

[@JuggernautMTB]

Hallelujah! I can’t tell you how many times I almost launched my Watch across the room after it not charging overnight due to the crap connection of the Garmin cable.

[@Jonilink]

As soon as I saw the cable that came with my vivoactive 3 I bought this off Amazon no regrets 👍

[@ALeafintheWind414]

I have also been using these for a couple of months now. Similar price but from eBay and sent from China somewhere. The connection is so much better, it astounds me why Garmin can't get something so fundamental to just work. As an ultra runner, you can plug it into a USB powerpack and wear the puck under your watch just by loosening the strap a bit. My Fenix 5 lasts around 16 hours, and then I do this for just over an hour and it's back up to 100%. Previously I had to take the watch off and carry it while nursing the dodgy connection for that amount of time.

[@MmeDesgranges]

11 Garmin employees watched this.

[@Robert-gw4ro]

12 actually.

[@JRsReviews]

I looked at these and bought them. Work well in the main for most of the watches I have. Nice intro

[@Dcrainmaker]

Active JR Thanks! First time doing stop motion. Lots of things to make it smoother next time...but when I was somehow at the 2hr marker for a 3.5s clip...I realized I should probably move on. But next time I can do it in 10 mins.

[@JRsReviews]

DC Rainmaker I did wonder what you was doing with the camera rig when I watched your Instagram story today! Audio is great too!

[@JadenFeddock]

Battery anxiety is very real!! 😬 I personally like the alligator-clip style like on the Suuntos... thanks for the tips!

[@BreeCrutch]

Going on 3 years for mine, still works!

[@dirkbodschard3961]

Saw the clip, clicked the link, ordered, tried, works fine, thanks Ray!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Awesome, great to hear!

[@MrFalcman]

At the prices Garmin charges for their watches, they ought to have wireless charging built in.

[@Alexander5R]

More surprising, the rubber band on my Fenix 6X is shit, literally the worse I have had on a wearable/watch. Can't believe it at more than $900 bucks. A nice Garmin band is $100 USD or more.

[@funnyberries4017]

I agree! My first watch was a first gem moto360 and that had the best charger. It was a stand that turned the watch into a bedside clock. It was great.

[@simonreilly213]

Except they’re pretty reasonably charged for their functionality compared to many other watch companies

[@wtf_usa5597]

OMG thank you! I was loosing my MIND!!! 🙏 (Used your link below so you get the credit.. THANK YOU!!)

[@OldLadyAngler]

Purchased via your link. Thank you bud!

[@peterevans5062]

You have just solved my problem. All my charging cables were not working properly, and was considering replacing my Fenix 6. Not anymore!

[@pquirk99]

Thank you so much for this. I took delivery of my new charging cable/puck a few days ago and I love it! I also like the plastic plugs that protect the socket from sweat.

[@raftriuk]

top advice as always - ordered from UK Amazon while listening 2 for £7.99 and a dust cover!

[@victor1963]

Thanks for this. These arrived from Amazon yesterday. They’re great!!

[@ihillis]

Amazing. Ordered, received, charged vivoactive 3, works flawlessly.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Woot!

[@majicafilms]

Been using these for a few months now. Love them, so much better than the Garmin lead.

[@RichardsWorld]

I usually don't wear a watch when I sleep, but since my Fenix 5 monitors my sleep I wear it almost 24 hours a day. In the last few months trying to charge it is quite a challenge. It helps to clean the contacts of the watch with a dry toothbrush. But looking at it very closely I can seen the actual gold of one of the pins of the watch is worn out.

[@ayowser01]

Contact garmin. That's a well known issue. It's covered under warranty.

[@tvguyau]

Just got a amazing deal here in Australia for a 945. Was looking to get a spare charger or two and this may be the perfect thing.Thanks for letting us know about it

[@MWDAdventures]

Are these still good today or is there better? We need a new update video.

[@integrito3323]

Just bought one for my Garmin S60 Approach on your recommendation! Let see how it performs when it arrives! Liked and subscribed! Will keep you posted!

[@rossfripp4503]

I see an old Forerunner 205 (or 305, I can't tell) in there....retro gold!

[@Enoch-Root]

I live in China, quickly searched for this and have bought one for just over $2 USD. The charging cable continually gives me issues, even though it physically connects it often doesn't charge. Today it was showing the charging indicator, but after a few hours hadn't charged 1%. Cleaning the contacts fixed it, but I tend to have to do this every time I charge. There's one pin which seems to always get oxidized or something and needs a little scratch in order to make contact.

[@CreRay]

Ordered one today. Thanks for the review!

[@FreeGoeland]

Thanks. Had problems constantly with the original cable... With the one you advise, it is perfect: charging and connected right away! 👍👏😊

[@unclestumpy2429]

I just got my first Garmin yesterday, the Vivoactive 4 and within a couple hours I told my wife I hated that cord.

[@ernestns]

I had a finicky official Garmin charging cable, and after inspecting it closely, I discovered that one of the prongs had snapped off, this has resolved my issue. I also noticed that the male connector on the watch has two small nubs designed to fit into the cable's female adapter, likely to create that secure click or snap when connected. If you're experiencing a similar issue, could try very gently squeezing the female adapter on the cable with a needle-nose plier, that could help the cable grip the watch more securely again.

[@Razzle077]

Hi Ray, The metal surround of the charge tip has catches on it to secure the watch & charger together. I find that by giving the charger tip a gentle squeeze (with some pliers) fixes the problem. Try that idea for a simple DIY solution :)

[@spinnekopje]

I have done that a few times now and works great. Also make sure the contacts are clean before you want to charge. I do remember a video where Ray was also swirling around a watch with the garmin cable, so I'm not sure other cables won't have the same problem over time.

[@fringefilms]

Thank you so much @Sir_Millsy. Using these same chargers, my watch kept popping out of the charger. A light squeeze has fixed it for now.

[@ChrisUK70]

Thanks Ray, unfortunately in the UK no longer available but there are some similar that come up on Amazon that look the same. Waiting now 3 hours for my Epix 2 Pro to charge because of the fricking loose cable connection!

[@tinkerkellita]

This is life changing lol omg! Can I thank you profusely for also including a Canadian link? I seriously love you right now.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It helps when you have a Canadian wife. :) Thanks for watching!

[@tinkerkellita]

@@Dcrainmaker omgosh amazing! I definitely shared this and you on social media today! I am upgrading my vivoactive 3 and am very grateful for all your Garmin reviews!

[@osm1959]

Great review and good piece of information ...I love that you can spin around with the cable while charging :)

[@chriswright9096]

I've had a bad experience with third-party Garmin charging cables cheap off Amazon. Haven't tried the one DCrainmaker is suggesting though. The Polar M200 had a great charging and data transfer system (basically using a standard USB). It wasn't a bad watch for its day (I got rid of mine because the display was kinda small compared with modern offerings and it took an age to acquire GPS on a cloudy day). Love colored cables (I hate looking into my laptop bag and seeing a mass of black wires - takes an age to find the one I need).

[@brentcgp]

Got this exact charger a while back, the Garmin ones have not been used since... and the Wife also uses it, so I better get another!

[@michaelrbodner]

Late to the party here. Absolutely hate the stock charging cable, so thank you for this!!

[@LurkeSkywalker]

The problem with my fenix 5 cable is that the pins on the cable side are spring loaded but after a while, because of sweat I guess, they get stuck inside. Hence they don't make contact anymore. By pushing them with a toothpick I am usually able to un-stuck them and let the spring push them out. So, overtime I guess this charger solution will suffer the same issue because I guess its pins are spring loaded as well. But like Neil Catley suggests, these are great to charge while wearing the watch during ultras.

[@michaelseeman6002]

Amazon sells little rubbery plugs that seem to help keep salt out of contacts. Dirt cheap.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@michaelseeman6002 Yup indeed, here's an exact set of rubber Garmin condoms combined with one charging puck: amzn.to/342CqZm

[@michaelseeman6002]

Actually one of the charging pucks on Amazon comes with the port plugs included.

[@Sneaker_Net]

Thank you! I just ordered it. Fingers crossed.

[@danielrussell9416]

The charging puck for Garmin is the best charger that I have used yet. Always have a spare, I find that the little black clips break on the charger. This is for both Garmin and after-market chargers. Do not waste your money on buying a replacement Garmin charger. I do wish Garmin would go back to the clip style charger like the Forerunner 35 had. That worked well.

[@minervali631]

My fr645 has that clip on style charger. After a year of use no problem so far. Happy days😁

[@TriStruggleBus]

Ordered immediately. This is brilliant!!!

[@stevemarsh12]

Bought a Garmin Fenix 6 as an upgrade from the 3 based on your reviews and just bought two of these bad boys again based on your reviews! Have to say a huge thanks Ray as I simply wont buy anything tech wise for sports until i've checked your review on it to make sure I fully understand its capability and whether its worth the outlay. #trustinray

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@cyberciro]

So it works well also on Garmin Fenix 6? Planning to get one soon, on Amazon the Fenix 6 model is not mentioned. Thanks!

[@stevemarsh12]

@@cyberciro yep they work perfect on the fenix 6

[@massi888]

thank you for the review, always nice to watch

[@kpi5153]

I use this charger too, since December 2019 for my Forerunner 945 and i can confirm every comment !

[@grobbosixtyone]

Mine has just started failing on my 945. Did yours still snap into the watch okay but not actually charge the watch?

[@bengrimmerson4365]

You could use a 1/2 inch PET braided cable sleeve to manage several little cables. Like $7 on amazon.

[@bodyemcal]

What i love about an s10 and active 2... you can juat charge the watch on the back of the phone while the phone charges

[@GarethDix]

I love my Fenix 5x plus over the Apple Watch I used to have... but the charging cable is such a pain in the arse in comparison. The amount of times I’ve woken up thinking I’ve charged it but the connection wasn’t stable enough. Kind wish native Union would release some type of solution for this as their cables are so good and have a lifetime warranty

[@steffpeeters]

Cables I order at Amazon, non-Garmin originals, tend to work two or three times and after that they just don’t charge anymore… 😂

[@averyp7336]

Thank you, finally a great solution. Already sold out on Amazon USA, bought it in Canada. Sorry :)

[@kekkonenprkl]

Late comment, but how do you like the Polar Vantage style cable? Sure you can't spin the watch with it, but it stays on really well still. And the connection points are easy to keep clean from dirt and sweat. And can't really break or bend anything accidentally.

[@GokuRunner]

Mine stopped working for any of my devices. Are you finding the same issue?

[@seatea1136]

I have the same issue. After 3 months of daily use the first one stopped charging the watch and just now after 4 months of purchase the second one also stopped working. Charging via the Garmin cable still works. Does anyone have any idea how to revive this or where the problem is?

[@KentHambrock]

Qi would likely be the wireless standard to go for. It's a fairly mature standard at this point, cheap to implement, and super well supported by manufacturers and 3rd party chargers. All of this was true 5 years ago, though, so I'm not sure why these watches aren't wireless chargable currently.

[@ela6762]

Thanks for your excellent video. Does this cable work for the Venu 1 and Venu 2 round watch?

[@phila3884]

I'm about to order- skeptical because whether it's on a puck or at the end of a cable shouldn't matter much-it' the same connector. It may be the watch side in my case. I'm on my 3rd cable set and they all seem to lose contact, even with cleaning. Edit: looks like they're out of stock.

[@bharathrv1]

What type (power rating?) of wall mount charger is best for charging garmin watches and to protect its battery getting damaged by fast chargers.

[@doc_johnholliday9642]

Thanks for this video. Found it while searching for a charger because I’m pissed right now trying to charge my approach s40

[@pedallinwithparedes]

Using this model and for over 5 months out of the 6 months of it's usage I have to clamp down on the part that makes contact with my Garmin Vivoactive in hopes of getting some charge. Garmin should have had this bullet proof through their R&D/Engineer departments.

[@nimagholipour]

Hi. Thanks for reviewing. So phone charger like iPhone 20 w charger, won't damage the watch? Right?

[@alankhadartsev205]

Great charger! Thanks! Alternatively will check on AliExpress.

[@cameronbloomfield6212]

Great video Ray

[@iberiksoderblom]

The old clip type connector had the advantage, that you could charge while running. In long races, like 24H +, I use my garmin and charge during run. They should add a type USB c chargeport and a contactless charging instead of this !

[@benchandler3220]

This is a game changer! Thanks

[@jeremygray8272]

Since you have so many watches. Can you send me a 6x to lighten your collection. lol What do you think about when to charge the watch. I have the 5x. Garmin said i should take it to dead before charging.. Doesnt sound right. So when do you charge your watches ? certain percentage ?

[@ianclaridge]

Any follow-up on these (I'd expect the new cable to be good after the first week, my others have all been, so wondered if they eventually have the same issue as all the others).?. Also, do they work as a data cable (none of mine currentlly will connect my fenix 5 to my laptop)? Am going to order a couple of these anyway so many thanks for the steer, I just thought the additional info might be useful to your audience?

[@adamw7594]

When will thay upgrade to a magnetic version? I have one like this and it but it's sort of having the same problem, I'm not sure if it's gonna stay in.

[@bahorized]

Nice action box!

[@CaffHCloudlow]

Had to order the puck. Hope it works. The combined issue of Garmin's software updates the last 6 months making my Vivo 3 almost useless (that seems to be rectified somewhat now) and the cable being so finicky I've been pretty dissatisfied with Garmin. what's with them stuffing up eTrex as well?! My Fitbit before this died because sweat got in it! Expected more from Garmin even though it's not a high end model

[@karldenton]

What’s the diameter please ? I’m wondering if it’s the same size of the Apple Watch charger. Thanks

[@PhilRamRuns]

using a similar one from aliexpress totally happy with it.

[@shocker14369]

Will charger work with the Garmin vivamove 3 watch?

[@jjfsilva76]

Hey there! Found same in AliExpress for less than 2€ :)

[@italianrelic]

This should fit the tactix delta correct?

[@GarethFreshwater]

Got really excited, possible stocking present aaaaaand I have a 645 and the wife has a 35. Still good stuff though :)

[@xero237]

Is this charger compatible with the FR 645?

[@GarethFreshwater]

​@@xero237 I'm afraid not. As the 645 has the alligator clip style charger and not that magnet type thing.

[@mkenyon7429]

My new Fenix 7 Pro Solar Ed. Came with USB C cable. Buuuut. My computer does not have C and the adapter I had only charges. So I had to buy a cable. Wish I had seen this charger puck earlier. May have to order the pair for my cable connection. 😂

[@spinal_cord]

Is this design magnetic, or does it just clip the same as the oem charger?

[@AaronGoodTimes]

My decade old mouse has a cable with a woven nylon casing that I just can't let go of.

[@vamvra5498]

A ridiculous amount of watches!

[@Dcrainmaker]

And that's only one box!

[@boocibal]

Now I noticed the box labeled Garmin Wearables :))))

[@mikedelta987]

@@Dcrainmaker That would be cool if you donated to a local high school track team or something. I'd thumbs up that video. =)

[@argem6913]

Hi, does it work in Marge Captain?

[@davepratt9909]

I have a 6 port USB block on the "gear shelf" 4 of them are different cables for my Garmin devices. Yeah, I wish they found a way that worked and stuck with it.

[@Roszalief]

I have one of these. After first happy use it is now behaving the same as the original cable. 😕

[@LAnonHubbard]

Is wireless charging inefficient compared to wire? If so that'd be a big consideration for me. I'm a 735XT user and both kids are 235 users so currently happy with the clip style.

[@hensola]

Will this work with the Epix (Gen 2)?

[@BhavaSindh]

Nice tipp! Have the same issue und ordered it from Amazon Germany

[@ssmtb]

Thanks for the tip! Ps. Any idea if this is compatible with Venu2 & FR255? Cheers! 🍻

[@helenrobinson8963]

Could this be used to charge whilst wearing a garmin 945?

[@ryanjones7666]

That table wobbling is stressing me out 😬

[@mako91]

What is diameter of the charger? Will it fits to Apple compatiable charging docks/figures?

[@chrisbenson15]

2:03 that is a garmin fenex 6, does that watch have maps and musics?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup!

[@chrisbenson15]

@@Dcrainmaker oh ok

[@Javiercav]

I find your reviews to be the best and more detailed and unbiased, Can you Test/Review some Amazfit/Xiaomi smartwatches? apparently they have a very good price/features ratio, but they are little reviews from a more scientific and sport oriented channel like yours. I know that you are focused on more high-end and main brands, but outside of USA /Europe those ones are a bit expensive for normal users, and alternative brands are more popular.

[@gareth2933]

Is there a version like this for a fenix 3 hr ?