Question about changing bands on the sport watch

[ssledoux]

I'm thinking of picking up an Apple Sport watch off eBay. I have a question about changing the band. Are there 3rd party bands you can put in place of the sport bands? I'm fine with the sport, but those rubbery-type bands wind up feeling like they're sticking to my arm when it's hot (which it almost ALWAYS is in Louisiana). I'd like to just put a third party leather or stainless band in its place.

Is that possible? Has anyone done this, and, if so, what band do you recommend?

 

[sean000]

I'm thinking of picking up an Apple Sport watch off eBay. I have a question about changing the band. Are their 3rd party bands you can put in place of the sport bands? I'm fine with the sport, but those rubbery-type bands wind up feeling like they're sticking to my arm when it's hot (which it almost ALWAYS is in Louisiana). I'd like to just put a third party leather or stainless band in its place.

Is that possible? Has anyone done this, and, if so, what band do you recommend?

It is absolutely possible, and incredibly easy to change bands. I do like the blue Sport band that came with my Apple Watch Sport, but most of the time I wear a brown leather strap from Clockwork Synergy, or a black leather loop knockoff I purchased from Amazon (there are many listed there and most are probably made in the same place).

When you are looking for a leather or nylon strap, it's really just a matter of taste. You could just purchase some adapter lugs and choose from a variety of two-piece bands that are not made exclusively for the Apple Watch. For stainless link bracelets I would browse the reviews.

Head over to the Apple Watch Accessories forum. There is the Great Third Party Strap/Band thread that is pinned at the top, but also plenty of individual threads and reviews about specific types of bands (links, leather, leather loops, etc.).

Sean

 

[ssledoux]

Thanks! I still haven't decided if I'm gonna take the plunge, but if I can get one for what I want to pay, I'm sure I will.

 

[Blueline29]

I have a sport watch and have been using Apple's sport bands and a leather loop, as well as 3rd-party sport bands and a 3rd-party Milanese loop. All are exceptionally easy to swap in and out and all look fantastic with the AWS!

 

[ladytonya]

I've been using the Apple OEM sport band exclusively since buying my watch and have never felt that it's too sweaty and believe me, I sweat! The material of the sport band is amazing if you are still concerned though, you can buy the sport version with the nylon bands now and that should solve your problem if you don't want to spend a ton of third party bands which can honestly be hit or miss.

 

[BarracksSi]

Try wearing it one hole looser.

I wouldn't recommend a leather band if you're getting sweaty -- it'll just age the leather faster, and washing leather isn't usually recommended. Go with nylon or steel if you want to switch bands.

 

[ericwn]

I'm thinking of picking up an Apple Sport watch off eBay. I have a question about changing the band. Are their 3rd party bands you can put in place of the sport bands? I'm fine with the sport, but those rubbery-type bands wind up feeling like they're sticking to my arm when it's hot (which it almost ALWAYS is in Louisiana). I'd like to just put a third party leather or stainless band in its place.

Is that possible? Has anyone done this, and, if so, what band do you recommend?

Swapping bands is one of the really nice things about the watch, I'm surprised you are not aware of this. I recommend to go into an Apple retail store and try some bands on, including the sport band. I have two sport bands and the link band, and the sport bands are very comfortable and super easy to clean.

 

[caligurl]

As all the previous comments said: extremely easy to change the bands!

as far as the actual apple sport bands sticking to you.... not gonna happen! the apple sport bands are AWESOME! I wear mine for working out and they don't stick to me like other plastics so.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Apple is the only watch I have ever owned that band changing required no tools and can be done in under a minute!

 

[convergent]

I am nothing close to being fashion conscious yet I love being able to change bands easily on the Apple Watch. I travel quite a bit for work and even bring a couple of bands in my backpack and change. I like to use the black sports band when doing workouts and traveling, and then the black leather or milanese loop during the day at work. Its simple to change.

I also would say that even though the sports band is "rubbery", it doesn't get sticky and such... it handles sweaty environments quite well.

 

[ssledoux]

Well thanks! I did know the bands could be changed; just wasn't sure how easily. And I did wind up taking the plunge - my watch should arrive in a couple days. I already got my Milanese loop band I ordered on Amazon; now I just need my watch to put it on!

 

[dewski]

FWIW, i just grabbed a space gray sport model for 175 on ebay sans charging cable.....so around 200 in total. I just picked up a couple colored silicon bands from amazon for $12 each. They look good and work well enough.

 

[ssledoux]

I paid $220 for mine and it just arrived in like new condition with all original items and packaging (I got the white/silver aluminum). I was really pleased. I've gotten a Milanese loop and a red leather; both from Amazon for about $12 each. I'm planning to pick up a few more casual bands in different colors as well.

 

[maflynn]

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A few posts were removed. Please do not complain about people creating new threads, MacRumor's is a discussion forum. If there is a duplicate thread, please report it, and the moderation team will manage the report.

 

[Volusia]

From what I have been seeing that is a really great price! I am going today to look at some at Best Buy (they currently have $50 off the Sport version). Will probably wait for the next generation, but may not be able to contain myself....