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spaceballl

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Nov 2, 2003
2,942
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San Francisco, CA
Hey there! Subject says it all... Tomorrow I'm ordering my first ultra. I'll use it primarily for running. Which band is best? Thanks!!
 
I'm a fan of the Alpine Loop, it's very comfortable and secure for running, durable and washable. But I've heard a lot of positive comments about the Trail Loop for running, just some negativity about the velcro not wearing well after a year or so.
 
I bought mine for running, thinking the Alpine loop would be good. Hated it. Swapped it out for the Nike Sport Loop from my series 4. Still great to this day.
 
My preference for running is either a Trail Loop or a Sport Loop, as they offer the most flexibility in fit. The Alpine Loop is also really comfortable and works well if the fabric loops happen to be in exactly the right place for you. I will say that my Alpine Loops get taken on more runs after I got a Polar H10 heart rate tracker and became less dependent on tightening my watch band for runs. For my small wrists, the Ocean Band is probably the least comfortable to run with.
 
Yes titanium band is by far the best. Fits perfectly, waterproof, doesn’t get soggy, is extremely comfortable, allows for breathing, doesn’t degrade, doesn’t add plastic to the environment. It’s the way to go and well worth the $100 premium. All the ultra people i know have ordered one after seeing mine if they didnt have one already.
 
I've been using the Trail Loop for 2 years and it's not bad. Another option is using the sport band that came with my Series 8, being silicone is quite easy to clean.
 
I have all four types but prefer the ocean band for almost everything, including running. In fairness, it’s not quite as comfortable as the sports loop but the ocean band just keeps me from switching out and/or washing it as much. All of them are comfortable. I would probably say the alpine band is the least useful for running unless it fits your wrist just right. YMMV.
 
I've been wearing AWs since S3 and have worn every type of band Apple ever made and quite a few third-party bands. By far the most comfortable band I've ever worn is Apple's titanium Milanese Loop. It's infinitely adjustable, breathes very well, never pinches hair, looks great and is a snap to clean. It's not a bargain at $200, but it's only an additional $100 if you buy it with an Ultra.

It's also returnable, so you can buy and try it for <14 days. I thought I might continue to swap bands from time to time but I haven't taken this off the watch since I bought it, except to rinse and brush it clean with an old toothbrush and some dish soap under a faucet.
 
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I have used the Alpine loop almost exclusively for my running. I find it comfy and if I leave it on in the shower it washes and dries really quickly. I have some 'original' sports loops which I've tried and while they are slightly thicker and more flexible they do soak up sweat a little more.

Most of my running is trail running so the alpine loop gives me almost a guarantee that it won't release it it catches on a bush or something.

I'm sure you'll be happy with what ever you have gone for and will buy another strap pretty quick for variety ;)
 
I've been wearing AWs since S3 and have worn every type of band Apple ever made and quite a few third-party bands. By far the most comfortable band I've ever worn is Apple's titanium Milanese Loop. It's infinitely adjustable, breathes very well, never pinches hair, looks great and is a snap to clean. It's not a bargain at $200, but it's only an additional $100 if you buy it with an Ultra.

It's also returnable, so you can buy and try it for <14 days. I thought I might continue to swap bands from time to time but I haven't taken this off the watch since I bought it, except to rinse and brush it clean with an old toothbrush and some dish soap under a faucet.
100% agree. Plus it is waterproof and yet never feels wet because the water just dries right off and can be wiped off.
 
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