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D1G1TALR0B0T

macrumors 6502a
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Jul 13, 2008
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I ordered a charcoal braided solo loop for my S6, but it won’t arrive until November. I was just wondering is it suitable for swimming?
 
It's supposed to be. FWIW, I initially ordered a blue braided loop and saw that late Nov date as well... went into my local Apple store to confirm my band size and they had a braided charcoal one in stock (this was just yesterday fwiw)! I went back and forth with that and the black solo band, ultimately decided to get a solo band as the braided felt rather rough in comparison - walked out the store with a new watch, cancelled my online order. If you have an Apple store close by I highly recommend paying them a visit.
 
I ordered a charcoal braided solo loop for my S6, but it won’t arrive until November. I was just wondering is it suitable for swimming?

I ordered a size 5 and 6 blue braided loop with expected delivery mid-end Nov but it shipped yesterday for delivery today so hopefully may be a lot sooner.
 
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I ordered a size 5 and 6 blue braided loop with expected delivery mid-end Nov but it shipped yesterday for delivery today so hopefully may be a lot sooner.

That's great, my order went to preparing to ship earlier today.
 
The Braided Solo Loop (Polyester yarn and silicone) is only sweat and water resistant. It is not listed as swim-proof like the Solo Loop (Silicone rubber) is.

See the overview section of the product pages on apple.com.
 
The Braided Solo Loop (Polyester yarn and silicone) is only sweat and water resistant. It is not listed as swim-proof like the Solo Loop (Silicone rubber) is.

See the overview section of the product pages on apple.com.

That’s interesting, I wonder what the reason is.
 
The Braided Solo Loop (Polyester yarn and silicone) is only sweat and water resistant. It is not listed as swim-proof like the Solo Loop (Silicone rubber) is.

See the overview section of the product pages on apple.com.

Just me but I'm not thinking that's an issue. So the band gets wet. It's going to be rinseable and will dry.

What do you anticipate might be the problem with it? It's polyester and silicone. Polyester's been used in swimwear for a pretty long time.
 
Best test would be to try that out in a swimming pool.
However, I have been recommended a solo loop by an apple store employee if the watch is intended for swimming.
 
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I don't think swimming will damage the braided loop, since it is made from polyester and silicone. However, it might take a while to dry, as it is braided. Personally, I wouldn't swim with a braided loop, because I wouldn't want to walk around with a soggy band on my wrist.
 
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Having both a braided solo loop and the solo loop, I found that the braided solo when exposed to water, gets saturated and remains wet for a long period of time. If you plan on swimming, while it's possible to use the braided solo, I'd much recommend it's non-braided variant instead as it is water resistant.
 
Having both a braided solo loop and the solo loop, I found that the braided solo when exposed to water, gets saturated and remains wet for a long period of time. If you plan on swimming, while it's possible to use the braided solo, I'd much recommend it's non-braided variant instead as it is water resistant.
Interesting

was planning on getting braided loop for normal use and sport band for gym guessing this will make more sense.
 
I have a braided loop, and a sport loop (the fabric one with velcro)

I don't swim with them, but I have showered with both.
between the 2 of those, the braided seems to hold a lot less water,

with the sport, It would leave wet spots on fabric it touched for quite a while.
the braided, I've found a couple damps spots.

although I probably still wouldn't wear long sleeves with the braided for at least a half hour.
the sport, closer to an hour or 2.
 
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I've been swimming with mine since I got it and haven't noticed any problems. I do rinse it off in water (like my goggles and swimsuit) to reduce any residual chlorine.
 
Ok this is my update on braided loop as far water resistance is concerned.
I have washed it under running tap until its soaking wet. Upon wiping my hands whilst dabbing the band with the cloth, I find that most of the water is sucked out almost instantly. I wouldn’t say it dried out completely but its dry to the point that I didn’t feel my wrist wrapped up in a soaked fabric. And within a short time the band was completely dry.
So I am sure swimming with it shouldn’t be a massive problem.
 
I have been using an orange and a green braided solo loop daily in the pool. They are absolutely fine. As others have said they seem to dry very quickly. Even when they are a bit wet I don't think any fabric touching it would get wet. I don't rinse them afterwards but they have no marks on them whatsoever.
 
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I have been using an orange and a green braided solo loop daily in the pool. They are absolutely fine. As others have said they seem to dry very quickly. Even when they are a bit wet I don't think any fabric touching it would get wet. I don't rinse them afterwards but they have no marks on them whatsoever.
Totally agree!
 
It might not damage it, but one might think about a pure polyelastomer - plastic band for swimming, because it would not ruin the the general appearance of the swimmer and the sports band are suitable for it.

I admit, that I sometimes think or act quite straight forward. Don't do it if you are uncertain about something. It avoids personal speculations and makes me focus on the main theme.
 
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I swim using only the sports watchband (the plastic rubber).

I've used the old woven watchbands for swimming twice and all the letters inside the watchband come off (where it says size 42 mm and the other letters 🤪 )

I dont recomend swimming with the velcro either, (the sport loop watchband) because the color fades a little bit, got a lot of sports loops and even using it with only soap or shampoo once in while, they lose the bright color, very different from the rubber ones... those look like new!
 
hi all! So years later I am back here having just bought my first braided solo loop. Feels great and from what I read here it sounds like wearing it as the primary band and doing everything with it is fine, even swimming?
How about showering? I assume the soap / water will do just fine and dry off quickly still as other's have said? Just want to confirm, thanks!
 
It's fine, but I would never shower with the watch on my wrist. First of all, it's a perfect time to charge the watch. Second, Apple says that soaps and detergents/shampoos can damage the water resistance seals on the watch.


What should I avoid while wearing my Apple Watch?

Water-resistance isn't a permanent condition and can diminish over time. Apple Watch can't be rechecked or resealed for water-resistance. The following can affect the water-resistance of your Apple Watch and should be avoided:

Exposing your Apple Watch to soap or soapy water (for example, while showering or bathing)
 
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hi all! So years later I am back here having just bought my first braided solo loop. Feels great and from what I read here it sounds like wearing it as the primary band and doing everything with it is fine, even swimming?
How about showering? I assume the soap / water will do just fine and dry off quickly still as other's have said? Just want to confirm, thanks!
I've worn my AWs (S4/7/U/U2) win the shower for years, never an issue, just make sure you rinse it off after exposing it to soap. I dry the watch off while I dry myself off.
 
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