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Nomad, known for its lineup of accessories created for Apple devices, today debuted a new Apple Watch band called the Sport Band Slim. It is an iteration on the Sport Band that Nomad also sells, but as the name suggests, it has an updated aesthetic.

nomad-sport-slim.jpg

Priced at $60, the Sport Band Slim is made from an FKM fluoroelastomer rubber that is 100 percent waterproof. It includes interior ventilation channels to keep it dry and cool when worn, and it features a custom stainless steel closure pin with a pin-and-tuck mechanism.

The Sport Band Slim comes in four colors that include Glacier Blue, Sage, Bone, and Black, and it is designed to for the Apple Watch series 7, Apple Watch SE, and all other older Apple Watch models.

The new Apple Watch band is available today from the Nomad website, and there is a promotion right now that drops the price to $50.95.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Nomad. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Nomad Launches New Sport Band Slim for Apple Watch
 
I think there’s certainly a market for upscale bands; I’ve found several of the cheap ones on Amazon to be disappointing. Whether the style matches your taste or not is of course subjective, and Apple’s definitely looks the cleanest.

That said, I stopped wearing my original Sport Band as I found it not breathable enough. From that perspective, I like the design of this one. Still probably wouldn’t buy it without a sale, as I have other breathable bands in the meantime.
 
Nice band but there are soooo many bands available on amazon or even alibaba that are as nice at more than half the price.

What does this brand bring to the table?
 
Why would anyone wear a band that makes it look more tacky and ugly?
I almost bought one just now, but backed out when I saw that the only shipping option to my country would raise the price by more than 25%.

Reasons why someone would buy this band?

1. It's flouroelastomer (synthetic rubber), rather than silicone. To the best of my knowledge, only Apple uses flouroelastomer for their bands, which is why "authentic" bands are so much better than the cheap silicone knock-offs you can get on Amazon (or better yet, AliExpress).

2. Unique colors, including black, which Apple (for some asinine reason) hasn't sold for years. ? I still have my OG black sport band from the first Apple Watch in 2015, but it's looking a little naff...

3. Design. Maybe some people like the design?
 
Nice band but there are soooo many bands available on amazon or even alibaba that are as nice at more than half the price.

What does this brand bring to the table?
Those cheap bands are, without exception, made of silicone. This band is made of flouroelastomer, like Apple's own sport bands and Nike sport bands. That alone justifies the price (sort of. Apparently flouroelastomer is significantly more expensive than silicone and is harder to work with, which is why no one uses it. But it feels much better than silicone, and wears slightly better, which is why Apple uses it).
 
The amount of hate on here for Nomad products is pretty astounding...
That's because this is treated like a news story... It's an ad – hence the hate (I actually like the look of the band though). If Nomad + Macrumors just had an annoying little picture or ad placed outside of the news line, then I guarantee you there'd be far less vitriol. But if you're going to charge 5x what other similar products go for on Amazon, then you need to be able to withstand the heat.
 
I have the grey sport band and absolutely love it - you really can tell the difference in quality.

BUT, and a big but, I now have the S7 in midnight, which as we know is not actually black and more a mix of navy and black.

This watch strap won’t be suitable for it, they should’ve made a Midnight style version cos I won’t spend this money on something that isn’t perfect.

Bone will cover S7’s Starlight colour I think.
 
Those cheap bands are, without exception, made of silicone. This band is made of flouroelastomer, like Apple's own sport bands and Nike sport bands. That alone justifies the price (sort of. Apparently flouroelastomer is significantly more expensive than silicone and is harder to work with, which is why no one uses it. But it feels much better than silicone, and wears slightly better, which is why Apple uses it).
Got it.

I suppose everyone has different needs and values. I've personally always felt the 3rd silicone bands were very comfortable aside from the heavy-duty setup I wear for gym workouts which are still fairly comfortable.

I think Nomad has a nice product and I'm sure they're quality but buying their more expensive bands is like buying the more expensive name-brand bottled water to me. I guess I'm not their target market although they seem to be doing pretty well.
 
That's because this is treated like a news story... It's an ad – hence the hate (I actually like the look of the band though). If Nomad + Macrumors just had an annoying little picture or ad placed outside of the news line, then I guarantee you there'd be far less vitriol. But if you're going to charge 5x what other similar products go for on Amazon, then you need to be able to withstand the heat.
My first thought was "How is this news?". I was expecting some crazy innovation but...
 
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