(re comfort)

The F91W has a resin strap. It has some rigidity and springiness to it, but it's not uncomfortable. I prefer it on a NATO strap (but I've kept my F84W on its resin strap, and it's fine).

The A158 and A168 have rolled/folded/stamped steel bracelets. Many complain that it pulls out their wrist hair. I just found it sharp, and lacking fine adjustment (one notch was too tight, the next was too loose). So I put it on an aftermarket solid-link bracelet.

(re backlight)

The F91W and A158 both use module 593, and therefore have the same backlight. It's weak, leaving the right half of the display largely illegible.

The A168 uses module 3298. It has a bright, full-display backlight.

(re steel case)

The F91W, A158, and A168 all have plastic cases.

The A158 and A168 have some kind of metallic coating. That coating will eventually wear off, exposing the plastic underneath.

(personally . . .)

I prefer the A1000. Steel case. Bright, full-display backlight. The included mesh bracelet was pretty good (but I prefer it on an aftermarket solid-link bracelet).

• left: Casio F91W-1 (w/ NATO strap)
• top: Casio A158WEA-9 (w/ aftermarket bracelet)
• right: Casio A1000MA-7EF (w/ aftermarket bracelet)

 

Thanks for the suggestion about the A1000. I will see if a local store has it.

 

Well backlight was one of the main reasons for the switch to the 158. It’s absolutely better vs the small light of the f91 variants.

but, I still like earlier watch best. In “metal” forum, it’s much thinner, and its older movement looks so clear during the day by comparison. The night light is weak, but I think it still works just fine.

comfort is basically the same but I just prefer the older f91 designs. The best part is that there’s hardly any reason not to just get both if one is inclined.

 

Thanks for pointing out the lighting on the F91.

 

Have had all three and got rid of all three.

The F-91W, I'm going to say it so don't hate me guys, in person seems like it's a dollar store throwaway watch. Even on my 6.5" wrist it looked like a really small cheap kids watch. I get it that it has a cult following but for me, it just seemed like $20.- is about $18.- too much for it.

The A158 is more or less just the F-91W in a 'metal' case with bracelet. Better but still 'meh'

The A168 is getting closer to a more mature, grown ups watch. Out of the three this is the one I'd go with. And if the backlight is important to you it's head and shoulders better than the F-91W and A158.

 

+1 for the A168.

Thanks.

 

 

168. Definitely. I send them as gifts to people.

 

I love these Casios for the casual enthusiast, but I find them a bit small and feel cheap for my tastes.

If you want steel and a mesh bracelet then A1000 is the way to go.

 

I love these Casios for the casual enthusiast, but I find them a bit small and feel cheap for my tastes.

If you want steel and a mesh bracelet then A1000 is the way to go.

But then you’re more into the G-Shock square style and losing the sleek body. Shame that there doesn’t seem to be a better middle ground.

 

The F91W is lovely but let’s be honest guys, the backlight stinks. It’s still my choice though.

 

There is F105 too.

 

I've had all 3. Gave away the F91W and the A158. Kept the A168 (and as a coincidence, wore it today). Much better backlight, it is a cool retro Casio that always gets compliments and is effortless to wear, yet has just a little more wrist presence than the other two. Fun fact: I wore my A168 the day I went to my AD to pick up a new Explorer. The SA complimented me on my Casio

 

I got the Casio W-59-1VQ, which is the A158 but in the black resin case. A168 is probably the most different because of the backlight but I imagine they all wear the same.

Love this guy. If it had tough solar and count down timer, I don’t think I’d need anything else.

 

Looks really good on your wrist.

Mine will have some gold color on the dial and buttons.

I also considered the 158 and 168, but finally I decided to stay with the most basic one.

 

Yeah, the Illuminator puts the A168 ahead of the other two, but the bare-bones function set just doesn't do it for me. I understand that Casio do this due to market- and price differentiation but in fact, this makes it all the more cynical and disappointing.

 

Shouldn’t it be possible to machine a thin stainless steel case? I love the case shape but hate how cheap the faux metal looks on these.

 

F91W for me. It’s a no pretense classic.

 

I had the A158 for a while & really enjoyed it. It's got a great look. It's thin, lightweight & comfortable. The backlight is pretty bad though. It would be my pick over the three mentioned though I got rid of mine as the AE-1200 has become my favorite Casio.

 

I'm also learning about this new ABL-100WE with steps tracking and BT connection and from a YT video, it seems to have laps memory as well.

 

Update:

I recently ordered the F91WG-9.

It could be here in a couple of days.

 

Ok so here it is.

Got it for $15 with free shipping.

Even now when it's already on my wrist, I still don't know why I bought it. Maybe for the nostalgia of the F84 that I used to wear when I was a kid.