Experiences with non Apple third party Braided loop bands straps for Apple Watch - Amazon Multi Packs / Ali Express/ China vendors etc?

[crashnburn]

Experiences with good non Apple third party Braided loop bands straps for Apple Watch - Amazon Multi Packs / Ali Express/ China vendors etc?

I am likely getting a used/ refurb older one - Gen 4 to try and see if an apple watch really adds VALUE for me or just a gadget ego kick.

So paying 100$ for a strap is no go

I've tried some cheaper fitness bands / watches before but never really felt like a MUST HAVE, vs a Nice to have.

 

[crashnburn]

Your post came up after.. figured I'd have you chime in/ or join in if still looking.

@NJRonbo

Sorry, I just don't feel like paying $100 for an Apple Branded Braided Solo Loop

Looking at third-party options but have no idea the quality of what I am browsing.

Here is what I am looking at currently...

This item is unavailable - Etsy

Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

www.etsy.com

Anyone have any experience with a quality braided solo loop? Please provide link. Thanks

 

[mavis]

For leather bands, the quality difference is pretty substantial. I own a couple of leather link bands from Apple, and a "real" leather loop as well. I've tried AliExpress bands of the same style (different colors) and the magnets are invariably weaker, plus the leather is noticeably stiffer and less supple.

For the stretchy bands (braided loop and silicone loop) the only really problems have been scratchy braids and slightly insecure attachment points.

As for sport bands, I can't stand silicone knock-offs (Apple uses flouroelastomer for their bands, which has a more substantial feel IMO and is less likely to attract/catch lint, than silicone). BUT the silicone bands are like $2 on AliExpress, vs $50 from Apple. So you have to decide whether it's worth it, to you. Personally, I stick with genuine bands.

 

[Dobbel]

The Aliexpress bands of all sorts are just fine.
And if you do nit like a particular one just throw it away…..just a few dollar…..

 

[ValhallaOutcast]

For leather bands, the quality difference is pretty substantial. I own a couple of leather link bands from Apple, and a "real" leather loop as well. I've tried AliExpress bands of the same style (different colors) and the magnets are invariably weaker, plus the leather is noticeably stiffer and less supple.

For the stretchy bands (braided loop and silicone loop) the only really problems have been scratchy braids and slightly insecure attachment points.

As for sport bands, I can't stand silicone knock-offs (Apple uses flouroelastomer for their bands, which has a more substantial feel IMO and is less likely to attract/catch lint, than silicone). BUT the silicone bands are like $2 on AliExpress, vs $50 from Apple. So you have to decide whether it's worth it, to you. Personally, I stick with genuine bands.

thats my worry as bad as $50 is for a band, its is pretty good quality the sports band IMO is comfy doesnt attract dust or lint, doent stick to my arm hairs etc

I dont want to play a fame of buying a bunch of 5-10 dollar ones of amazon to not like them and be right back to buying Apple brand

I guess I just have to be selective since buying every colour would add up

 

[Mark Stone]

I buy alternate/replacement nylon loop bands for my series 5, 44mm, from an Ebay seller: https://www.ebay.com/itm/124838143959 . They’re usually about $6 and they’re very good quality, although a little stiffer (not as soft) as the $49 Apple bands. But they’re still very comfy and secure. Fwiw.

EDIT: I’ve made 4 or 5 purchases from this seller

 

[sputnikBA]

I felt the same way about the cost of the Apple ones and over time bought multiple cheap third party braided loops. Every single one of them all snapped at the attachment point.

As a result, I’ve decided to give in and just go with an official one next time. Can anyone who has an official braided solo loop speak on the longevity/build quality of the attachment points?

 

[bricktop_at]

As a result, I’ve decided to give in and just go with an official one next time. Can anyone who has an official braided solo loop speak on the longevity/build quality of the attachment points?

I own four (so far) the oldest for about a year now. Still looks and feels like new like the other three.

If I feel it‘s necessary, I simply put them in a small clothing bag and in the washing machine - try that with one of those cheap as chips ones ;-)

 

[sputnikBA]

Tbh I just need to know how sturdy the connector is - the cheapo ones always feel fine at first but eventually snap putting them on or taking them off. as a long as the Apple one are much more robust I’ve decided I’ll be happy to just pay more for one I can trust.

 

[PaladinGuy]

Personally, I believe that the quality is just very bad on most cheap, third-party bands. You pay more for Apple bands, but the fit and quality is just night and day better. The connectors are often one of the weakest parts of any cheap band. Next is the material. It’s more likely to break, usually isn’t made to the exact dimensions, and just feels cheap.

My personal opinion is that I’d far rather have a few quality bands than a ton of cheap bands. In the long run, I think it’s better for your wallet and the earth.