My AWU Band Odyssey

[newellj]

If case it helps anyone... My wrist is 165mm, for reference. I've now had each of the Ultra bands. Here's my personal opinions on them. Your opinions could be very different, depending on how you use your Ultra, how you dress, your preferences for different band types, and a lot of other individual preferences. As a spoiler, the one I liked best by a big margin was the Trail Loop.

Alpine Loop (Green M)
Things I liked: Dried pretty quickly after workouts. The titanium hardware is Art, at least in metalworking terms: beautifully shaped, exquisitely made and functionally indestructible.
Things I disliked: Sort of fiddly to get on and off. Pulling it tight was a little awkward because the loops catch on the hardware so I sometimes felt like I had to pull it tighter than would be comfortable to get it right. Getting the clip into the loops was a little awkward. When you take it off, you need to exercise a little care to avoid smacking the case and/or display with the clip. I wonder if the clip will eventually fray or cut the loop that it's usually/always clipped into.
Subjective score: 4.5/10

Ocean Band (Midnight)
Things I liked: Surprisingly comfortable. Better airflow than I expected, probably because of the figure-8 profile. Easier to get a comfortable but snug fit than I expected because the material stretches a little. Easy to customize the placement of the keeper. The midnight blue is very attractive (opinion). If you like the look and the bulk and "stickiness" aren't issues, this is a great strap.
Things I disliked: Nearly everything I wore that had long sleeves would catch on the strap because it's a little "sticky" (not quite the right word).
Subjective score: 7/10

Trail Loop: (Black S/M and M/L)
Things I liked: Infinitely adjustable, and very easy and quick to get a comfortable but snug fit. Very breathable. Dries quickly after workouts. I like the way the black with orange pull tag looks (opinion). I'd repeat the comments on the hardware made about the Alpine Loop. I don't know if the hardware is worth a $50 (100%) upcharge compared to the Sport Loops, but it's very reassuring to look at the titanium hardware on the Trail Loop. I don't get the same feeling looking at the molded plastic ends on the Sport Loops.
Things I disliked: Nothing, but read the sizing note below. None of the Apple stores in this area have any Trail Loops to try on for sizing, and none of them can do a return/exchange involving only a watch band, so getting the right size may require returning a watch/band set, which could be annoying and is definitely wasteful.
Subjective score: 9/10
Sizing note: Unexpected issue on sizing. I ordered the S/M Trail Loop based on the sizing information. While technically a very good fit once I got it on my wrist, it was very difficult to get it on and off. Maybe my thumbs are disproportionately large. Both thumbs have fairly significant arthritic pain, so maybe that's part of the problem for me - YMMV. In any case, getting the S/M loop on and off was difficult enough that I ended up returning the S/M for the M/L Trail Loop. The M/L isn't too big and is a lot more comfortable to put on and take off. Interestingly, the M/L Trail Loop opens up to a slightly smaller size than the Sport Loops because of the pull tab. I would guess that most people who are satisfied with the way the Sport Loops fit should order the M/L Trail Loop, not the S/M.

 

[Frankfurt]

I have the S/M trail loop in black/gray and a 170mm wrist. I was undecided which size to get and, as you say, there are not enough around to try them out. I find the S/M size very comfortable: the orange loop sits right at the bottom of my wrist with a snug but not overly tight fit. The material is soft, breathable and easy on the skin (important as I wear the watch 24/7 and only take to off to charge when I get ready in the mornings). For me easily the best choice amongst the Ultra bands.

 

[paapplefan]

Good report! I am still waiting to get my hands on the Trail Loop. I like the Alpine loop more than I thought I would. I can't quite get a perfect fit, however. It's either a little too loose or too tight. I do like the hardware as you noted. I think I'll like the Trail Loop a better.

 

[C7 POWER]

I went with the white ocean band, and do love it. A lot more comfortable than I expected for such a thick band.

 

[Mr.C]

I have the blue/grey Trail Loop and the black/grey on preorder. I definitely prefer them to both the Alpine Loop and Ocean Band. I’m a big fan of the Sport Loops which I use to use with my Series 5 so the Trail Loops are a nice upgrade from them. The pull tab doesn’t bother me and I quite like it. It never catches on anything for me.

 

[parseckadet]

The midnight blue is very attractive (opinion).

Have to echo this here. There's something about the specific shade of the titanium and the blue of the band that works very well together, and it's something that has to be seen in person. If you ignore everything else and look at color combo alone the midnight ocean band is by far the best. Steven Hackett on the Connected podcast said the yellow ocean band looks like a bunch of macaroni noodles wrapped around your wrist and now I can't unsee that.

 

[PatrickNSF]

167mm wrist. Of the three bands, I’ve found the Ocean Band gives me better heart rate readings while running than either the Alpine Loop (med) or the Trail Loop (small). I think the added heft (and absence of lugs) of the Ocean Band helps keep the watch more stable on the wrist. With the Trail Loop especially, the watch/band combo is a bit unbalanced and I get periodic heart rate drops. YMMV

 

[F308gt4]

I’ve also got a 165mm wrist. I don’t like fabric bands at all, so I went with the midnight ocean band. Didn’t think I would like the thickness, and anticipating just using one of my old sport bands instead. Turns out, I absolutely love the fit of the ocean band, and love the way it looks on the watch. So much, that I decided to move out of my comfort zone a little and order the yellow ocean band. Just got it yesterday, so I’m still getting used to the color, but the fit is excellent, as expected.

I had previously ordered the Ink Leather link band, and that works very well on the ultra in more formal settings (I.e. long sleeves and jacket). It fits under the sleeve and makes the Watch look a little more elegant.

I do have a stainless steel link band, which I think looks great on the Ultra. However, I’ve gotten too used to metal bands that have micro adjustments, and so as much as I like the steel band, I don’t think I will wear it much. It could also be a good option for more formal settings.

I have several sport bands, and they are OK. On my small wrist, they seem to stick out a bit more where the band meets the watch (I guess they are not as flexible as the ocean band) and makes for a looser fit. Also, the width of the band is slightly narrower than the ocean band, and so they seem a little too narrow to me on the watch. They are OK, but I much prefer the ocean bands on this watch.

Hope this adds to the OP’s nice observations and helps some people out.

 

[newellj]

Thanks for all the replies. I hope this collection of experiences and opinions can be helpful for others.

One interesting comment I heard in a YouTube video said that the reviewer was really impressed that Apple would put time and money into designing new bands/straps that were designed to work well with the new watch and show it off well. I think that's a good comment, especially since two of the three are really completely new for Apple watches.

167mm wrist. Of the three bands, I’ve found the Ocean Band gives me better heart rate readings while running than either the Alpine Loop (med) or the Trail Loop (small). I think the added heft (and absence of lugs) of the Ocean Band helps keep the watch more stable on the wrist. With the Trail Loop especially, the watch/band combo is a bit unbalanced and I get periodic heart rate drops. YMMV

Interesting point, and that makes a lot of sense. I would think the Alpine loop might be subject to similar issues, although it's probably stiffer than the Trail loop because of all the layers of fabric and all the extra stitching.

I’ve also got a 165mm wrist. I don’t like fabric bands at all, so I went with the midnight ocean band. Didn’t think I would like the thickness, and anticipating just using one of my old sport bands instead. Turns out, I absolutely love the fit of the ocean band, and love the way it looks on the watch. So much, that I decided to move out of my comfort zone a little and order the yellow ocean band. Just got it yesterday, so I’m still getting used to the color, but the fit is excellent, as expected.

I had previously ordered the Ink Leather link band, and that works very well on the ultra in more formal settings (I.e. long sleeves and jacket). It fits under the sleeve and makes the Watch look a little more elegant.

I do have a stainless steel link band, which I think looks great on the Ultra. However, I’ve gotten too used to metal bands that have micro adjustments, and so as much as I like the steel band, I don’t think I will wear it much. It could also be a good option for more formal settings.

I have several sport bands, and they are OK. On my small wrist, they seem to stick out a bit more where the band meets the watch (I guess they are not as flexible as the ocean band) and makes for a looser fit. Also, the width of the band is slightly narrower than the ocean band, and so they seem a little too narrow to me on the watch. They are OK, but I much prefer the ocean bands on this watch.

Hope this adds to the OP’s nice observations and helps some people out.

If the Ocean band were the only choice, I think I'd be happy. I love the midnight blue color - it's similar to the Ink leather color. Both are a very dark blue. The color is subtle and very good looking.

I have the Nomad titanium bracelet and the Nomad sport band-type band (in orange) on order. The titanium bracelet is not supposed to ship until December, and the orange band is supposed to ship in November.

 

[GuruZac]

Thanks for all the replies. I hope this collection of experiences and opinions can be helpful for others.

One interesting comment I heard in a YouTube video said that the reviewer was really impressed that Apple would put time and money into designing new bands/straps that were designed to work well with the new watch and show it off well. I think that's a good comment, especially since two of the three are really completely new for Apple watches.


Interesting point, and that makes a lot of sense. I would think the Alpine loop might be subject to similar issues, although it's probably stiffer than the Trail loop because of all the layers of fabric and all the extra stitching.


If the Ocean band were the only choice, I think I'd be happy. I love the midnight blue color - it's similar to the Ink leather color. Both are a very dark blue. The color is subtle and very good looking.

I have the Nomad titanium bracelet and the Nomad sport band-type band (in orange) on order. The titanium bracelet is not supposed to ship until December, and the orange band is supposed to ship in November.

I too have the Nomad sport band in orange on order…says December for me! I went with the green Alpine loop and really love it. The titanium hardware is very nice and I’ve been pleasantly surprised how good looking the watch is across a wide variety of straps and attire. Looks are subjective of course, but I find the Watch Ultra a work of art.

 

[Stevenyo]

I tried the ocean and alpine before ordering. The store couldn’t find a trail loop somehow, but I wasn’t seriously interested in it.

I know long term I’m going to be using a metal band of some sort as all rubber/cloth type bands I’ve used my whole life cause rashes, so band choice was mostly a formality.

That said, I came in leaning towards ocean as it seemed most unique.

However, I found I could not use the ocean band at all. It was all but impossible to thread the band through the loops, and was just an overall nightmare to use. Still was somewhat interested, as I assumed the alpine would be just as finicky.

Instead, I found the Alpine a pleasure to use and fundamentally quite similar to the Milanese loops I wear on other watches. It’s a little tougher to fasten, unfasten or adjust, sure, but immediately felt comfortable to work with. And the Medium size was perfect for me, i fasten it about in the middle of the band, yet even if it somehow comes undone, it would be hard for the watch to fall off my hand.

Conclusions? Don’t buy an ultra without testing out bands, they’re all fundamentally flawed but which flaws you want to live with might surprise you. I just wish you could buy the ultra without a pack in band.

 

[newellj]

There's a good YouTube video on the three bands (link).

Conclusions? Don’t buy an ultra without testing out bands, they’re all fundamentally flawed but which flaws you want to live with might surprise you. I just wish you could buy the ultra without a pack in band.

Very true, in my opinion. What I found in local stores here, though, is that they didn't have try-on samples of the Trail Loop at all and only had the medium size Alpine Loop, so at least for now the ability to try before you buy is limited.

 

[Shadowbech]

Good report. Out of the Alpine, Trail, and Ocean, I prefer the Trail band. It is very soft, and comfortable to use. I had the S/M, while the band does fit my wrist, it's very cumbersome to take it off and put it on because I'd have to squeeze my hand. My wrist size is roughly 152.4 mm. I exchanged it for the M/L.

Ocean: Meh, not my type,

Alpine: It's okay but don't like hook type.

 

[mansplains]

I just wish you could buy the ultra without a pack in band.

This or the option to use the Ultra in Apple Watch Studio. They made the previous bands compatible, why not give the ability to order together? The change in packaging for the Ultra bands was unnecessary.

 

[papbot]

I’ll have to echo the preference for the trail loop for the Ultra specific bands. The s/m is shorter than the sport loops were so it is a tiny bit more effort to get it over my hand but with my small wrists the fit is better. I do find the 45mm sport loop to be the best choice overall even though it’s not a specific Ultra band. The fabric is very comfortable against the skin and the texture is somewhat grippier than the smooth surface of the trail so the watch doesn’t slide down my arm or wrist as easily. It’s also sized in length between the s/m and m/l trail so getting it on is easier over my hand yet still allows a lot of adjustment on my small wrist.

i also have Nomad bands on order as I’ve used their sport band in the past and it is the best looking and most appropriate looking for this type of watch than anything else I’ve been able to find. However Nomad is a small company and they are selling out of these bands quickly with prolonged delivery times being shown. My previous experience with them is that you’ll need a lot of patience and will probably have had your watch for quite a while before their bands arrive.

 

[dbsmith1]

I found the Alpine Loop to be a complete PITA to use -- fussy to adjust (as the OP noted, the fabric loops get caught in the case connector) and the hook is difficult to engage. Once it's hooked, the chances are that the band is too loose or too tight and you've got to mess with it again!
Using a plain Sport Loop (a 44 I think) was far better than the Alpine Loop. But I've settled on a beige 45mm Braided Solo Loop -- fits/looks great and easy to put on/off.
FWIW I haven't actually worn the AWU for exercise because (from prior experience I know that) the Braided Loop gets soggy from sweat. For workouts I'm switching back to the AW7 with Sport Loop or Nike band. YMMV.
FWIWII - IMHO the AWU marketing ('for extreme' blah blah blah) is a bunch of hype. But discerning readers already knew that...

 

[sjperformance]

Looking at the nomad titanium band as well. If I order now says January 25.

I also saw this one which says delivery for end of December.

Titanium Edition - Apple Watch Ultra Band

Best Titanium bands (straps) for Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra (49 mm). A lightweight yet timeless piece to add to your collection that's perfect to have from business meetings to on-the-go adventures. Designed for the Apple Watch Ultra, made to match and wear as a pair for men and women.

www.sandmarc.com

Wondering if you guys have seen both and why you prefer the Nomad. I noticed nomad gotten great talk about it. I also noticed how they both close differently. It’s seems the sandmarc does have my preference of the clasp design. Wearing an oyster bracelet on my Rolex for the past years have made the more formal look my preference. Like how I can wear that combo pretty much anywhere and with anything.

Any reasons why y’all picked Nomad? Looking to order either asap.

 

[Mr.C]

Looking at the nomad titanium band as well. If I order now says January 25.

I also saw this one which says delivery for end of December.

Titanium Edition - Apple Watch Ultra Band

Best Titanium bands (straps) for Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra (49 mm). A lightweight yet timeless piece to add to your collection that's perfect to have from business meetings to on-the-go adventures. Designed for the Apple Watch Ultra, made to match and wear as a pair for men and women.

www.sandmarc.com

Wondering if you guys have seen both and why you prefer the Nomad. I noticed nomad gotten great talk about it. I also noticed how they both close differently. It’s seems the sandmarc does have my preference of the clasp design. Wearing an oyster bracelet on my Rolex for the past years have made the more formal look my preference. Like how I can wear that combo pretty much anywhere and with anything.

Any reasons why y’all picked Nomad? Looking to order either asap.

Nomad is quite well known and has a pretty good reputation. Their products are very good quality.

 

[sjperformance]

Nomad is quite well known and has a pretty good reputation. Their products are very good quality.

Then what’s what I will order. Thank you.

 

[newellj]

Agree with Mr.C. My experience with Nomad over the years has been good and I've read very positive reviews about the Nomad SS and Ti bracelets, so I'll wait.

 

[PatrickNSF]

Agree with Mr.C. My experience with Nomad over the years has been good and I've read very positive reviews about the Nomad SS and Ti bracelets, so I'll wait.

Curious how you’re faring with the Trail Loop this week. I was able to get decent HR readings during an hour+ run using it yesterday (only one drop, wearing it higher up my wrist and very snug), but I‘m still finding that the Ocean Band works better for me overall (which I never expected, given the additional bulk). I never had to give any thought to how I wore the sports loops with my previous AWs.

My Trail Loop was bundled with the watch so I’m bummed I may be stuck with it, unless I get lucky and can get the Apple Store to swap it for another Ocean Band.

 

[Mr.C]

Curious how you’re faring with the Trail Loop this week. I was able to get decent HR readings during an hour+ run using it yesterday (only one drop, wearing it higher up my wrist and very snug), but I‘m still finding that the Ocean Band works better for me overall (which I never expected, given the additional bulk). I never had to give any thought to how I wore the sports loops with my previous AWs.

My Trail Loop was bundled with the watch so I’m bummed I may be stuck with it, unless I get lucky and can get the Apple Store to swap it for another Ocean Band.

From my personal experience the Apple Store will not just exchange the band for the Ultra’s unlike the other Watch models. You have to swap the whole watch and obviously within the first 14 days. I don’t see why that would be the case but they told me their systems don’t allow it with the Ultra. That said I did read in another at least one person who said they were successful doing it.

 

[newellj]

I'm having great luck with the Trail Loop. I had one workout session where the watch must have lost contact briefly because the Workout app gave me the screen that asks if you've finished and offers three choices that I don't really remember because the answer is always "dismiss" (i.e., no, I'm not done, keep recording). But that used to happen quite a lot with the Nike Sport Bands and Sport Loops and my S7 and prior watches, so I'd say one one of those in ten days or so is doing quite well.

I will admit that I'm looking at the Alpine Loop again, in spite of my complaints, and I'm not sure I can really explain why!

 

[PatrickNSF]

From my personal experience the Apple Store will not just exchange the band for the Ultra’s unlike the other Watch models. You have to swap the whole watch and obviously within the first 14 days. I don’t see why that would be the case but they told me their systems don’t allow it with the Ultra. That said I did read in another at least one person who said they were successful doing it.

Thanks. I’ve got a week to hope that the Ultra bundled with an Ocean Band shows up in stock at my local store. Otherwise I guess I need to figure out whether I want $100 “invested” in a band I’ll likely never wear.

 

[newellj]

From my personal experience the Apple Store will not just exchange the band for the Ultra’s unlike the other Watch models. You have to swap the whole watch and obviously within the first 14 days. I don’t see why that would be the case but they told me their systems don’t allow it with the Ultra. That said I did read in another at least one person who said they were successful doing it.

Yes, I keep reading those posts as well, but in the past three years or so I've tried several times at several different stores in the MA/NH area and not one has been willing to do that. The worst case yet, from the point of view of sustainability and waste, was the most recent. I really couldn't get the S/M Trail Loop over my thumbs and knuckles. I took it back and spent a fair bit of time trying to get the store - which had an AWU with the M/L Trail Loop in stock - to swap the bands and keep the unopened AWU. They said they couldn't because the SKUs and serial numbers can't be separated. I spent some time thinking about whether I could put up with the S/M loop and decided I couldn't, and they cheerfully accepted* the return.

* Weird thing with that return: I'd ordered the AWU/Trail Loop watch last month (like almost everyone else). The store initially said I was out of the return period. I wasn't able to figure out what they thought the purchase date was, but they waived it without any issues when I said that it was a web order and I'd only received it earlier that week. I've never had that happen before...