The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread

[Akrapovic]

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Third party bands arrived (from a random AliExpress reseller - they all sell the same few variants from a couple of factories in China). I didn’t love the first party Ocean band colors, but I’m now tempted to get the real midnight one to compare since the reviews are very positive. Real Ocean Band is described as very light and flexible, with perhaps the most comfort of any bands due to its innovative design that lets more skin breathe and has the flexible tubes to keep it from stiffness.

The third party one is… ok. I don’t know how good the first party ones really are, so this one to me is kind of stiff and the finishes of the metal is just normal steel look. Pretty comfortable, but I wonder if the originals are more flexible since this isn’t that flexible. The orange here isn’t mimicking an official band of course, but it matches the paint of the crown on the Ultra pretty well.

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As for the fake Alpine (on the right) I got to compare, it’s close enough to make it awesome for the price of $5 vs $99. The fabric seems cheaper and shiny, giving it a plastic look compared to the nylon. But I may never have thought that had I not seen Apple’s intended look (on the left). Also, the third party color is not as neon as the first party. Lastly, the metal finish looks less rough, as if it’s paint on some regular non-Titanium (which would make sense at this price).
EDIT: for size, the Alpine fits like Medium-Small compared to real Alpine so be warned, it’s hard to get my hand through as someone who fit Medium Alpine properly.

Overall, I’ll use these. They are as you can expect of third party: 80-90% as good, but 90%+ cheaper. Apple does indeed seem overpriced as usual if I’m honest, even if I admit theirs are best. It’s a diminishing return for the price.

Brilliant write up. Do you have links to these specific purchases?

 

[Southernguy]

View attachment 2096528 View attachment 2096529

Third party bands arrived (from a random AliExpress reseller - they all sell the same few variants from a couple of factories in China). I didn’t love the first party Ocean band colors, but I’m now tempted to get the real midnight one to compare since the reviews are very positive. Real Ocean Band is described as very light and flexible, with perhaps the most comfort of any bands due to its innovative design that lets more skin breathe and has the flexible tubes to keep it from stiffness.

The third party one is… ok. I don’t know how good the first party ones really are, so this one to me is kind of stiff and the finishes of the metal is just normal steel look. Pretty comfortable, but I wonder if the originals are more flexible since this isn’t that flexible. The orange here isn’t mimicking an official band of course, but it matches the paint of the crown on the Ultra pretty well.

View attachment 2096530 View attachment 2096531
As for the fake Alpine (on the right) I got to compare, it’s close enough to make it awesome for the price of $5 vs $99. The fabric seems cheaper and shiny, giving it a plastic look compared to the nylon. But I may never have thought that had I not seen Apple’s intended look (on the left). Also, the third party color is not as neon as the first party. Lastly, the metal finish looks less rough, as if it’s paint on some regular non-Titanium (which would make sense at this price).
EDIT: for size, the Alpine fits like Medium-Small compared to real Alpine so be warned, it’s hard to get my hand through as someone who fit Medium Alpine properly.

Overall, I’ll use these. They are as you can expect of third party: 80-90% as good, but 90%+ cheaper. Apple does indeed seem overpriced as usual if I’m honest, even if I admit theirs are best. It’s a diminishing return for the price.

Thank you for this. Are the alpine loops the same width? The Ali one looks slightly
narrower but I may be wrong.

 

[cannono]

Brilliant write up. Do you have links to these specific purchases?

It was this seller
Hellary strap Store

Hellary strap Store - Amazing products with exclusive discounts on AliExpress

Discover the wide range of products from AliExpress Top Seller Hellary strap Store. Enjoy ✓Free Shipping Worldwide! ✓Limited Time Sale ✓Easy Return.

m.aliexpress.com

Thank you for this. Are the alpine loops the same width? The Ali one looks slightly
narrower but I may be wrong.

Same width but the loops are mildly different… Not terribly so, but it’s easy to tell these apart in person if you’ve owned both. Strangers may never guess.

 

[Southernguy]

So my Ali Express Black/Grey Trail loop and EBay Yellow and Midnight Ocean bands have arrived.

Overall I’m really impressed considering i spent £14 for all three. I’ve already got the Apple white ocean band and Green alpine loop so these additional ones were just additions as spares for hiking days.

The Ali Express trail loop is an extremely good copy. I don’t have an original but from what i’ve seen in the Apple Store and online it’s largely indistinguishable from the original.

The EBay Ocean bands are the same width as the original white one i own and I’m sure they’re not the same material (shiny buckles as opposed to the titanium matt fittings on the original plus the yellow is vibrant (I prefer that) but they will do me for days hiking.

Pic’s below with the White Ocean being an Apple original.

 

[sarc]

So my Ali Express Black/Grey Trail loop and EBay Yellow and Midnight Ocean bands have arrived.

Overall I’m really impressed considering i spent £14 for all three. I’ve already got the Apple white ocean band and Green alpine loop so these additional ones were just additions as spares for hiking days.

The Ali Express trail loop is an extremely good copy. I don’t have an original but from what i’ve seen in the Apple Store and online it’s largely indistinguishable from the original.

The EBay Ocean bands are the same width as the original white one i own and I’m sure they’re not the same material (shiny buckles as opposed to the titanium matt fittings on the original plus the yellow is vibrant (I prefer that) but they will do me for days hiking.

Pic’s below with the White Ocean being an Apple original.

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Can I ask how the additional clip works on the ocean band? Can they be moved?

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

Can I ask how the additional clip works on the ocean band? Can they be moved?

When you get the band from Apple, the clip is not installed. You pull it apart and place it where you need it on the band - through one of the holes on the side. So yes, you can move it wherever you want.

 

[Southernguy]

Can I ask how the additional clip works on the ocean band? Can they be moved?

It’s not like the apple version where the clip separates. There is a gap in the clip tho so you could remove it and thread it through wherever you want.

 

[Phil Holland]

Love this link copy I got here https://infinityloops.co/products/apple-watch-link-bracelet

 

[Nails1]

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Love this link copy I got here https://infinityloops.co/products/apple-watch-link-bracelet

Looks good! How is the quality compared to the real thing?

 

[KO7]

My Nava Bands came in today, shipped from Toronto. Happy with the quality and the price (currently buy 2, get 2 free). Check ‘em out, they have knockoffs of all the different styles of Apple bands, including the new ones.

Nava Bands

Premium Watch Bands for Your Apple Watch | Exclusive designs at affordable prices | Find unique ways to express your personality today.

navabands.com

 

[rstark18]

My Nava Bands came in today, shipped from Toronto. Happy with the quality and the price (currently buy 2, get 2 free). Check ‘em out, they have knockoffs of all the different styles of Apple bands, including the new ones.

Nava Bands

Premium Watch Bands for Your Apple Watch | Exclusive designs at affordable prices | Find unique ways to express your personality today.

navabands.com

Are these “grippy” like all the other knockoffs?

The one thing I really don’t like about every knockoff sport band is the material. They are all a very grippy silicone. That’s where Apples bands have a huge advantage. They are nice and smooth against your skin.

 

[JapanApple]

My Nava Bands came in today, shipped from Toronto. Happy with the quality and the price (currently buy 2, get 2 free). Check ‘em out, they have knockoffs of all the different styles of Apple bands, including the new ones.

Nava Bands

Premium Watch Bands for Your Apple Watch | Exclusive designs at affordable prices | Find unique ways to express your personality today.

navabands.com

I have been seeing the same ones in japan at 100 yen shops. Ali express like

 

[KO7]

Are these “grippy” like all the other knockoffs?

The one thing I really don’t like about every knockoff sport band is the material. They are all a very grippy silicone. That’s where Apples bands have a huge advantage. They are nice and smooth against your skin.

They have a really smooth feel to them actually. Not sure if the usual knockoffs start off that way and then deteriorate rapidly, but these feel fantastic right now. I slapped on the “dark cherry” and wore it for a bit and am really satisfied with how smooth it feels on the skin.

I don’t have a basis for comparison though. Despite owning my Series 4 from new, these are my first “regular” silicone sport bands, genuine or otherwise. Previously only have genuine Nike Sport Bands, genuine sport loops, and some miscellaneous leather ones from 3rd party manufacturers.

I’ve touched and tried on the apple ones in-store here and there over the years, and I have zero qualms about the quality of these ones I received today. I’ll ask my friend tomorrow in person what he thinks of my new silicone sport band; he has some really cheap Ali express ones.

 

[ssledoux]

I picked up a set of 4 solo loops from Amazon for $15 - the Proworthy brand. They feel great, and I actually got a better fit with their smalls than I can get with Apple’s because I’m between a 4 and a 5.

I’m sure they’ll pick up lint and all that good stuff, but so far, I’m really pleased. Great, usable colors in the set also.

 

[Phil Holland]

Looks good! How is the quality compared to the real thing?

Negligible

 

[kevigrif]

So sorry if this has already been covered.

Apparently Apple doesn't sell a Navy Blue Braided Solo Loop, so I'm looking for a decent quality 3rd Party one that ships to the UK.

Any recommendations greatly received!

 

[addamas]

So sorry if this has already been covered.

Apparently Apple doesn't sell a Navy Blue Braided Solo Loop, so I'm looking for a decent quality 3rd Party one that ships to the UK.

Any recommendations greatly received!

AliExpress

my vote goes for URVOI, Atlantic Blue might be the one you are looking for

 

[jjp007]

Anyone have a suggestion for the best, thinnest, softest band for sleeping ? TIA

 

[dmccombs]

Anyone have a suggestion for the best, thinnest, softest band for sleeping ? TIA

I've tried a lot of Apple and 3rd party band, and the these are the lightest and softest I've seen.

ShuYo Compatible with Apple Watch Bands 38mm 40mm 41mm 42mm 44mm 45mm,Adjustable Soft Solo Loop with Buckle Woven Elastic Sport Bands for iWatch Series SE/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1

ShuYo Compatible with Apple Watch Bands 38mm 40mm 41mm 42mm 44mm 45mm,Adjustable Soft Solo Loop with Buckle Woven Elastic Sport Bands for iWatch Series SE/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1

www.amazon.com

 

[GIBBI]

I´m looking for a 3rd Party braided Loop, but every band that I can find on Ali and other platforms doesn´t have the braiding up to the connector which leads to a thinner looking band.

Does anyone know a manufacturer who does it like Apple?

 

[tman1425]

I´m looking for a 3rd Party braided Loop, but every band that I can find on Ali and other platforms doesn´t have the braiding up to the connector which leads to a thinner looking band.

Does anyone know a manufacturer who does it like Apple?

US $13.83 44％ Off | URVOI band for Apple Watch ultra Braided Solo loop series 8 7 6 SE 5 4 3 2 1 stretchable Strap for iWatch Polyester yarn threads

AliExpress

Is that what you’re referring to? I bought a few of these and really like them. The braided part goes all the way to the metal connector just like the original apple ones. The first image on their ad isn’t correct. Watch the video and look at the other pictures or the picture reviews. It’s exactly like apples braided solo loop.

 

[GIBBI]

US $13.83 44％ Off | URVOI band for Apple Watch ultra Braided Solo loop series 8 7 6 SE 5 4 3 2 1 stretchable Strap for iWatch Polyester yarn threads

AliExpress

Is that what you’re referring to? I bought a few of these and really like them. The braided part goes all the way to the metal connector just like the original apple ones. The first image on their ad isn’t correct. Watch the video and look at the other pictures or the picture reviews. It’s exactly like apples braided solo loop.

Thank you, now I just found a different one for 7€!
If that one isn´t good I will buy the URVOI band!

 

[BriceApp]

I just received a trail loop and alpine loop off Amazon that are in my opinion great copies, at least on the trail loop as that is what I have to compare.
The gray/black trail loop is authentic Apple and the blue one is the Amazon copy. The Amazon band is stretchy and soft just like the Apple band. The stitching is very good and the lugs, I know are not titanium, but they are very close on the color match.
The alpine loop is stretchy, has stitching for the g hook and around the lug which is reassuring. I am sure it is a brighter green than Apple’s but looks nice none the less. Also, the lugs are pretty close on the color match.

WKC Alpine Loop Compatible with Apple Watch Band 42mm 44mm 45mm 49mm, Textile Nylon Rugged Alpine Loop with Metal G‑Hook Compatible for Apple Watch Ultra/SE/ Series 8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1 Green Medium https://www.amazon.com/WKC-Alpine-Compatible-Textile-Rugged/dp/B0BDM784Z2

Trail Loop - Nylon Band with a Convenient Pull Tab Compatible with Apple Watch Band 49mm 45mm 44mm 42mm 41mm 40mm 38mm for Apple Watch Ultra iWatch Series SE 8 7 6 5 4 2 3 1 https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Loop-Convenient-Compatible-iWatch/dp/B0BL29BKZV

 

[Kottu]

I was searching for a stand for apple watch at Amazon and I came across one. What interested me was the watch band on the product photo and the the charger. The SS finish on the charger look beautiful and the watch band is even better. Can some one tell me which band it is?

 

[cannono]

I was searching for a stand for apple watch at Amazon and I came across one. What interested me was the watch band on the product photo and the the charger. The SS finish on the charger look beautiful and the watch band is even better. Can some one tell me which band it is?

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Modern Buckle in Saddle Brown