I‘ve bought some $20 straps that felt of a higher quality than a $99 Apple strap.I prefer quality and therefore I buy genuine Apple bands. I tried quite some knockoffs and they absolutely suck in comparison.
I guess Nomad also is worth the money but that‘s about it for me - I prefer Apple though.
Plus, it’s kind of strange, wearing an 800$ watch and then cheap out on the accessories, for me that’s watering down the whole experience.
If you think I judge just by their pricing, you‘re wrong 😉I‘ve bought some $20 straps that felt of a higher quality than a $99 Apple strap.
I’m not getting fooled by assuming Apple’s high strap prices equate to higher quality.
Apple uses fluoroelastomer sports straps, while virtually all 3rd party bands are silicon & plastic. That alone is enough reason enough to stick to the official straps. All 3rd party silicon straps get nasty with time, and don’t feel anywhere as smooth on your wrist. It’s night and day.
But Apple could definitely use some better color options. They’re all kinda…boring.
If you think I judge just by their pricing, you‘re wrong 😉
If you or anyone else doesn’t want to buy the original bands, hey that’s perfectly OK and it‘s also perfectly fine if you don’t agree with my approach of getting myself the Apple ones.
Best example for me are their (Apple's) iPhone cases, the quality took quite a dive over the last couple of years and therefore I don’t buy them anymore. I found a small german company which makes excellent leather cases with MagSafe support that are actually worth their price…. so my money goes there instead.
Plus, it’s kind of strange, wearing an 800$ watch and then cheap out on the accessories, for me that’s watering down the whole experience.
You are correct about the sport bands, but also makes solo loops and those bands are silicone. I only buy sport bands from because fluoroelastomer is just better. But I won’t pay $50 for silicone. My 3rd party solo loops aren’t nasty. They aren’t even showing signs of wear and I wear them the most.
I wear sport loops the most also. Have you tried Armillawear? I really like mine from there. I barely feel it on my wrist and it's holding up great.
Armilla Wear I Official Site I Apple Watch Bands
Shop the latest selection of affordable Apple Watch Bands starting at just $7.00! Get free shipping on orders over $25 and find the perfect band to complement your style. Upgrade your Apple Watch today at Armilla Wear.www.armillawear.com
Where do you buy them from?I've got 50 bands and all are Apple ones. When I first got my watch I tried a few cheap third-party ones but they were pretty awful. However, I've never bought one at full retail price. Always either old stock or second-hand. Never paid more than £20 for a sport band or sport loop, sometimes half that. Most I've paid is £60 for the stainless steel bracelet.