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Protrek PRG-80YT Strap Conversion (long post)
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 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"
PRG-80YT on 24mm Hirsch "Extreme" Rubber Dive strap
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
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)
I was initially looking at one of these;
Commando Rubber Strap
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
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