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View Full Version : Protrek PRG-80YT Strap Conversion (long post)


Queen6
September 4th, 2009, 17:22
I have been asked this a few times, so here we go:

To convert the PRG-80YT or T to accept a strap you will need to order the following:

1. Both metal end covers (they are slightly different, north & south if you like) if you want black you need the end covers off a PRW-1100BJ-1JF (Japanese release), if you want Titanium PAG/PRG-80L-2V, they are each locked in place by a pair of spring bars.
2. Both black resin end pieces from a PAG/PRG-80L-2V (again they are slightly different, once you remove the spring bars they just "twist off" the watch head)
3. The watch has four spring bars, you will need to replace the smaller two with a slightly longer pair

I sourced parts via Tiktox (UK based), wait time was just over a month. they sell a kit for the PRG-80 that converts the PRG-80T to resin ( Conversion Kit (http://www.tiktox.com/prg801ver-conversion-p-1960.php) PRG-80L-1VDR strap), I ordered the parts for the YT individually.

Strap of your choice, I have used the following on my PRG-80YT;

* Casio Standard resin strap, off a PRG-80-1V, perfect fit.

* 24mm two piece "Zulu" (Maratac from MWR) needs to be modded by notching the strap to 22mm, after good fit.

* Casio Ballistic Nylon strap off a PRW-1100BJ-1JF, perfect fit

* Hirsch 24mm "Extreme" natural rubber dive strap, no modification needed; The rubber is soft, and once warm it is possible to literally squeeze the 24mm strap ends into the PRG`s 22mm adapters/end pieces. Getting the spring bars in takes a little juggling, nothing that a little patience & perseverance won`t solve.

Once you finally get all four spring bars locked in place by the "metal end covers" you will truly understand why its called the "Extreme" :-d

PRG-80YT on 24mm Hirsch "Extreme" Rubber Dive strap
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80YT%20on%20Extreme/DSC00696.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80YT%20on%20Extreme/DSC00698.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80YT%20on%20Extreme/DSC00709.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80YT%20on%20Extreme/DSC00712.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80YT%20on%20Extreme/DSC00714.jpg
The "Extreme" strap fits the PRG-80 perfectly, almost as if it was made to measure for the big Protrek :-!

PRG-80YT on PRW-1100BJ-1JF Ballistic Nylon strap
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80/DSC00357.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/PRG-80/DSC00290.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/Protrek/DSC00100.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/Protrek/DSC00101.jpg
http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w337/Anqi_2004/Protrek/DSC00106.jpg
As you can see by replacing the end pieces & covers the fit of the Casio strap is also perfect :-!

The Hirsch "Extreme" came to me as part of a deal, and the PRG-80YT was the ideal candidate. Would I buy? well I certainly was looking at rubber dive straps late last year, the fit and feel of a natural rubber strap is much better and more suitable for hotter climates. You can pick up silicon rubber straps for $20 upwards.

So why not, if you have a Protrek/Pathfinder and intend to hang on to it, you might as well put the strap of choice on it, and have a more individual look (24mm may need notching) b-)

I was initially looking at one of these;

Commando Rubber Strap
http://www.strappedfortime.com/images/Img1079.jpghttp://www.strappedfortime.com/images/Img1137.jpg

This one retails for $26.95 , from Strapped for Time, and I think would equally work on the PRG-80 (just be careful of the thickness of the strap, the silicon rubber straps will definitely compress). They have a reasonable selection of rubber dive straps, so if you want the look, you don`t necessarily need to break the bank, had the "Extreme" not come my way I would have ordered the 24mm "Commando" dive strap.

The 24mm Hirsch "Extreme" will fit the PRG-80, its a little difficult, and with no alteration to the strap. I guess for a strap at this price point ($80 upwards), it depends on how many other watches it will fit, have at least four, so if I decide to take it off the PRG, it won`t be short of a home ;-)

Best deal to buy, the bay I guess for the "Extreme".

So guy`s how about it, anyone up for modding the venerable PRG-80, or other ABC`s :-!

Q-6

grinning
September 22nd, 2009, 16:03
Does anyone know of a good US based vendor to get the parts for this, other than the Hirsch strap? I considering converting my PAG80t to accept a the standard resin strap but don't want to pay the high shipping cost to get it from the UK.

Thanks!

Grinning

P.S. Just noticed that I replied to the wrong post, I meant to reply to the similar post over in Digital and ABC forum...

Iron monkey
November 2nd, 2009, 19:45
hi,
I just received the conversion kit from tiktox, but the covers comes in grey, how can i get the black ones from japan?

tx

Iron monkey
November 3rd, 2009, 01:41
no one can help?? Queen 6?

Queen6
November 5th, 2009, 12:06
look here guy`s the link for the PRW-1100 black end pieces (http://www.tiktox.com/prw1100bj-covers-p-2533.php) from tiktox

http://www.tiktox.com/thumb/phpThumb.php?src=/images/1100bjends.jpg&w=160

Q-6

G2X
December 28th, 2009, 07:31
Seriously, how did you get that extreme strap on there?! Boil some water and soak it? I can not get this thing on and it's drivin me nuts. Will a watch shop likely be able to do it since the size is off?

G2X
December 28th, 2009, 18:55
FINALLY!...i won the wrestling match and got it in...now I can have someone do the rest! Thanks Q6...