Garmin CIRQA – First Photo May Have Surfaced

If Garmin’s recently leaked CIRQA smart wristband is imminent (and it appears to be), then DC Rainmaker likely has one for testing at least two weeks before launch.

Although some leaked details suggested a mid-2026 shipping date, Garmin doesn’t typically list a product by mistake across multiple regional sites unless the launch is near. If that’s the case, we could be looking at mid-February – roughly two to three weeks from now. Given that the Index sleep band launched last January, the timing and release cadence seem reasonable.

A Possible Sighting

I was sent this image from DC Rainmaker’s Instagram Stories by @M.E. (a highly trusted source). The post has now gone, but the caption read “testing all the things tonight” – notably vague phrasing that avoids any mention of bands or wearables. Ray is careful not to inadvertently leak unreleased products.

In the photo, you can see three bands under a tri-suit: two on his right bicep and one on his left. The one on his left looks at the bottom like the WHOOP 5.0, which suggests one of the others could be CIRQA. The band on the right side of the image has an unusual shape – my best guess for the new Garmin.

What This Means

I would make a small bet that CIRQA will be released before Wed 18 Feb, more likely before Wed 11 Feb. This means you may be able to get one on your wrists very soon – or even on your biceps!

Your Take

Am I seeing things, or is that CIRQA hiding in plain sight? Vote in the poll below – I’ll update this post with the results if enough people share their opinions – so far most of you think it isn’t CIRQA.

Is this image the first sighting of Garmin CIRQA – albeit obscured by dcrainmaker’s tri suit? https://t.co/xMbedADtVu

— the5krunner (@the5krunner) January 29, 2026

Context

Like this site, DC Rainmaker has already reviewed the Amazfit Helio band and Polar Loop, so he has directly comparable hardware to benchmark against whatever CIRQA turns out be. He generally prefers testing competing models head-to-head, whereas I tend to test new devices against whatever I consider the current accuracy leader. Both approaches have their merits.

Last Updated on 8 February 2026 by the5krunner

the5krunner

tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.