I just got a package from Aliexpress with a variety of AW Nike knockoffs to compare to the OEM one I bought at the Apple Store.
(I use them on my Garmin watch by simply removing the AW connector)
$12 for FOUR of them in various colors.
The neon yellow one is identical save for no Nike branding and different velcro color (feels the same and grips the same though). The other difference was a metal vs very hard plastic AW attachment.
I actually like the knockoff more, for my usages, as it's got just ever so slightly more band length which works better on my specific wrist circumference.
Additionally, the lesser quality AW attachment is also better for me as I can just snip them off with strong scissors. 🤣
I wish I'd been more patient and not spent $50 on an OEM one 😬. Oh well. It's good to have one for comparison and confirm the knockoff quality I guess. The color difference on the OEM one is due to swimming/pool usage so far (which I expect will destroy all of these, color wise, which is part of why I want knockoffs also).
If you're wondering, rightly so, "why" the AW bands at all?
It's because the versions of this band style for Garmin/other brands is a different design with more material usually. I like the stitched end on one side and less band material overall and/or no built in "pins" that some of these have.
I think even the knockoffs are higher quality as they are trying to cater to an Apple user.
Here's a listing link if interested in buying some for your specific watch/size/need (they have them all).
(I use them on my Garmin watch by simply removing the AW connector)
$12 for FOUR of them in various colors.
The neon yellow one is identical save for no Nike branding and different velcro color (feels the same and grips the same though). The other difference was a metal vs very hard plastic AW attachment.
I actually like the knockoff more, for my usages, as it's got just ever so slightly more band length which works better on my specific wrist circumference.
Additionally, the lesser quality AW attachment is also better for me as I can just snip them off with strong scissors. 🤣
I wish I'd been more patient and not spent $50 on an OEM one 😬. Oh well. It's good to have one for comparison and confirm the knockoff quality I guess. The color difference on the OEM one is due to swimming/pool usage so far (which I expect will destroy all of these, color wise, which is part of why I want knockoffs also).
If you're wondering, rightly so, "why" the AW bands at all?
It's because the versions of this band style for Garmin/other brands is a different design with more material usually. I like the stitched end on one side and less band material overall and/or no built in "pins" that some of these have.
I think even the knockoffs are higher quality as they are trying to cater to an Apple user.
Here's a listing link if interested in buying some for your specific watch/size/need (they have them all).