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Can anyone with the largest size solo loop tell me how long it is or how long it gets? I wear my Apple Watch on my arm and want to know if the Solo Loop will be an option for me. I need the band to be about 13” in length when stretched.
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The Apple store I went to yesterday didn’t indicate at all that they were getting a lot of returns over this issue. I even asked. Then I felt kind of stupid thinking this might not be a big issue but just something that appears that way because of Twitter/rumor sites.

Honestly, I wouldn't feel stupid for thinking that at all. I have a feeling many that ordered these types of loops are returning them for the proper sizes. I just cancelled my Watch order as I think I'm going to be in a similar boat for the strap fit so I might as well order it with a traditional band and just order a few of the new styles so I can find the right size, instead of having to return the whole watch.

I also don't necessarily feel Apple stores are always truthful. I was also told that when my MacBook Pro (last gen butterfly) was having keyboard problems even though 5 other people next to me were all sending their MacBooks in for repair for the same problem. Not saying this is the case here, but just sharing JIC.
 
Stretching the SOLO Loop Band over your hand/fist, then thinking it will shrink down to the size of your wrist is absolutely flawed thinking. If that truly is the concept, then Apple will see MANY returns of the SOLO Loop Bands in favor of something that clasps and actually fits as intended, like the "original" Apple Watch Bands. The first time I saw this band, I immediately saw the word "LOSER" flashing before my eyes. Even if the SOLO Loop Band was free, I would not consider it. Does Apple really need yet another product concept failure to deal with? Whoever came up with the idea ought to go to work for Microsoft, that would be a hit in their eyes.
 
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So you don't have to fiddle with buckling it. Could be useful for those with fine motor challenges.

Of the bands sold directly from Apple, the comparable bands don’t use a buckle. They use velcro or a single notch.
The leather uses a buckle and the stainless steel clasp can be an issue if you have fine motor challenges but these new bands are not available in those materials anyway. So its direct competition in terms of materials don’t have buckles anyway
 
“Apple Emphasizes That Solo Loop May Increase in Length Over Time”

and “planned obsolescence” isn’t the first comment out of the gate?
 
From some reviews I’ve heard they are the most comfortable bands made so far. That’s why.

I bought one this past Monday, it really is quite comfortable, so much so that I sometimes forget I‘m wearing my Watch, it’s weird. I have it on a Series 3 too, still waiting on the Series 6 to arrive. I was unsure it would fit since it states on the product page on Apple’s website that it will only work with Series 4 and newer.

For sizing I used a cloth measuring tape and input that measurement into the online sizing guide. I was in between sizes, so I went with the smaller one and it fits great.
 
Ugh, this does not bode too well.

Also, the Sport Band is a piece of art that adds a lot to the Watch aesthetic, imo.
It may look nice but for many users, it isn’t comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as it doesn’t help the skin breath underneath the band, not to mention the band is very thick.

I want a good looking band that holds my watch firmly in place and makes me forget I have the watch on, no matter how long I wear the watch. With the sport band, I always know I have it on.
 
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Poor engineering? More like poor skills at deducing the obvious.

"Stretchy material stretches over time"

Who honestly doesn't realize that's ultimately going to happen?

Yeah, that was the first thing I thought about with these watch bands... They're going to get loose over time. Even my bands with lugs get looser over time. Doesn't help I'm not losing weight but I imagine that's actually helping me in this case (with band looseness). lol.

I still wouldn't mind one. I hate the silver pin under the Sports band when typing on a laptop - same for my Nike band. The Sports Loop is the most comfortable to type in when I do.
 
Yeah, that was the first thing I thought about with these watch bands... They're going to get loose over time. Even my bands with lugs get looser over time. Doesn't help I'm not losing weight but I imagine that's actually helping me in this case (with band looseness). lol.

I still wouldn't mind one. I hate the silver pin under the Sports band when typing on a laptop - same for my Nike band. The Sports Loop is the most comfortable to type in when I do.
Big Mac, did the mrs get her watch today?
 
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Big Mac, did the mrs get her watch today?

Yeeep. Enjoying my LTE (got it to activate on Verizon no problem) and she's really happy with hers. She is noticing the difference in battery life already (40mm). She has a nice leather red band too. :) Thanks for asking. Was really nice to finally open them both today.

Charges a lot faster too! (charging mine now).
 
Yeeep. Enjoying my LTE (got it to activate on Verizon no problem) and she's really happy with hers. She is noticing the difference in battery life already (40mm). She has a nice leather red band too. :) Thanks for asking. Was really nice to finally open them both today.

Charges a lot faster too! (charging mine now).
My first full day with the watch got over 21 hrs of use.

Glad she got her watch and she is happy. :) A happy day in the Mac household.
 
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Apple on Tuesday updated one of its support documents to emphasize that the new silicone rubber Solo Loop for the Apple Watch may increase in length over time, as mentioned in fine print at the bottom of the Solo Loop product page.

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Apple has also updated its printable Solo Loop sizing guide with more specific instructions, as noted by 9to5Mac's Michael Steeber. The guide now advises users to wrap the sizing tool tightly around their wrist where they would typically wear their watch, and to make sure that the tool feels snug and does not slide up or down.

If the arrows on the sizing tool end up pointing to a line between two numbers, the sizing guide now advises users to choose the smaller of the two numbers. The guide has been updated with a few visuals to help customers.


Keep in mind that Apple's notice that the Solo Loop may increase in length over time does not apply to the Braided Solo Loop made with polyester yarn.

Apple says the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop are stretchable, single-piece bands designed for an "ultracomfortable fit," with each available in nine sizes. Choosing the right size is important, as customers who order an Apple Watch with a Solo Loop in the box are required to return the entire device if the band does not fit correctly.

Article Link: Apple Emphasizes That Solo Loop May Increase in Length Over Time, Updates Sizing Guide With More Specific Instructions
It is ludicrous that Apple made a band that is not adjustable. Is it just me? I change to tightness of may band through out the day depending on what I'm doing. Loose for relaxing and tight for exercising.
 
$100 would have been extortion
For real tho. Will hold me back a good while, if forever.
People have given great examples already. One I haven't seen yet would be for situations when you wouldn't want it to accidently fall off. This would be much more secure when swimming or surfing. I don't know if I would wear the loop every day, but definitely would when I'm in the lake or ocean.
It is more comfortable. But it’s also in some ways worse. I’ll list some here:

pros:
1) Very soft and flexible, feels not at all restricting, yet sturdy to the wrist.
2) Very lightweight
3) weirdly elegant

cons:
1) hard to get off when even slightly sweaty. I have the feeling I’m gonna launch it across the room like a rubber band
2) which brings me to sweatiness. It doesn’t breathe well, and is pretty much hermetically sealed to your skin. A Nike perforated version would be better. That recess in the solo loop does nothing.
 
It may look nice but for many users, it isn’t comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as it doesn’t help the skin breath underneath the band, not to mention the band is very thick.

I want a good looking band that holds my watch firmly in place and makes me forget I have the watch on, no matter how long I wear the watch. With the sport band, I always know I have it on.
The watch band that doesn’t sweat and you don’t feel like you have the watch on is woven nylon. Unfortunately Apple discontinued this band. I was able to find them on eBay. My absolute favorite band. I don’t know why they stopped making it. I love the solo loop too but I’ll probably wear it more in the fall/winter than the summer.

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Stretching the SOLO Loop Band over your hand/fist, then thinking it will shrink down to the size of your wrist is absolutely flawed thinking. If that truly is the concept, then Apple will see MANY returns of the SOLO Loop Bands in favor of something that clasps and actually fits as intended, like the "original" Apple Watch Bands. The first time I saw this band, I immediately saw the word "LOSER" flashing before my eyes. Even if the SOLO Loop Band was free, I would not consider it. Does Apple really need yet another product concept failure to deal with? Whoever came up with the idea ought to go to work for Microsoft, that would be a hit in their eyes.
I’ve been wearing the band now for 2 days. I wear it when I sleep. It’s not difficult to get on/off and it fits snug. I had to size down and I think Apple needs a better process in place for size exchanges. But it seems to me the ones knocking this band the most haven’t tried it and have no intention of buying one. If Apple was easily doing exchanges this would be a non-story.
 
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Have you ever used any item that stretches? This is what happens over time.

Anything stretchable may increase in size over time. It’s not poor engineering. It’s lack of magical unicorn-tear based materials.

This comment is showing a poor understanding of engineering and material sciences.

Do you understand the stress/strain relationship? Bringing a material beyond it's elastic limit will begin to plastically deform it (permanently). Every time you put on or take off the loop, if you bring it beyond the elastic limit, even a bit, you're permanently deforming it a bit every time.

Couple that with a lifespan of dynamic load/unload cycles and you've got a material that will have permanent deformation over time that becomes noticeable to the end user.

I am a civil engineer, so I don't really have experience with the mechanical properties of silicone rubber, so if a mech does and wants to correct me, please do.

...and these excuses have what to do with the fact that you have to return the entire watch?

Try again.
 
increase shipping unit number... not bad for apple on paper :D
(as need to return whole unit, not only the band)
 
It is a very stupid idea for something that is worn all day on your body and is stretchable. I can't think of one thing that I own that stretches, that has maintained form.
 
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