Solo loop broke in half!

[bricktop_at]

It amazes me how blinkered some people can be when it comes to their favoured brand, I tell it how it is, if you choose to ignore an honest report about an Apple product then that is of course your choice, but please do not make assumptions about how I treat my possessions.

Personally I don’t doubt what you tell us, but I highly suspect that you treat your band „nicely“.

And yeah, there are some cases like yours I‘ve read about, but there are also cases like this with other band types… and those seem to be very rare overall.

 

[techtechtech]

Personally I don’t doubt what you tell us, but I highly suspect that you treat your band „nicely“.

And yeah, there are some cases like yours I‘ve read about, but there are also cases like this with other band types… and those seem to be very rare overall.

You suspect correctly, I treat my possessions with respect and my Apple watch is no different. Neither the watch nor band has ever seen water or any other liquid, never caught the band on anything, it has been babied you might say.

In the last 14 months two out of three Solo Loops myself and family own have torn, all dark blue, all Apple direct purchases. If number three fails the same way then it is going to be just a bit more than bad luck, I'd say two out of three is already pretty convincing.

Fact of the matter is that even if all the Solo Loops sold were failing, do you think it would make news headlines, I doubt it, a handful of owners will take to forums like this, sure. Owners will either accept it, buy a new one or maybe replace it under warranty if they are lucky.

If Apple and other companies can sell products they know have defects and still make money, you can bet they will continue to sell that product, unless enough people complain or they have some legal action.

Maybe at this time it isn't possible to produce a rubber/silicone hybrid strap like this, one which can withstand being stretched multiple times without failing. Could be that customers have been used as Guinea pigs with this product, as is often the case with many brands. If it turns out to be a known defect then surely it would have shown up in testing, I would hope these products are tested to destruction but maybe that is me dreaming, we will never know.

 

[andyw715]

I would think that if this was a systemic issue (given the nature of this forum) there would be more than 52 posts in almost a year on the subject.

 

[perezr10]

Sorry to hear that, hope your wife can get a replacement under warranty, yours lasted better than mine but still poor for what should be a good quality product. As has been mentioned on this thread already, if you were unlucky and the Solo Loop failed causing the watch to fall on to hard flooring, the failure could cost a lot more than just a strap.

I don’t think it’s bad luck. Also, as the bands age, there will probably be a lot more complaints regarding this issue. It’s early yet.

 

[Danfango]

Interesting. Looking at the clean ends of the breaks, this could be a manufacturing defect. They look injection moulded so it's possible that there is a seam across it somewhere from two nozzles charging the mould. This could lead to a weak point so catching it on something could cause that to fail.

 

[jav6454]

You suspect correctly, I treat my possessions with respect and my Apple watch is no different. Neither the watch nor band has ever seen water or any other liquid, never caught the band on anything, it has been babied you might say.

In the last 14 months two out of three Solo Loops myself and family own have torn, all dark blue, all Apple direct purchases. If number three fails the same way then it is going to be just a bit more than bad luck, I'd say two out of three is already pretty convincing.

Fact of the matter is that even if all the Solo Loops sold were failing, do you think it would make news headlines, I doubt it, a handful of owners will take to forums like this, sure. Owners will either accept it, buy a new one or maybe replace it under warranty if they are lucky.

If Apple and other companies can sell products they know have defects and still make money, you can bet they will continue to sell that product, unless enough people complain or they have some legal action.

Maybe at this time it isn't possible to produce a rubber/silicone hybrid strap like this, one which can withstand being stretched multiple times without failing. Could be that customers have been used as Guinea pigs with this product, as is often the case with many brands. If it turns out to be a known defect then surely it would have shown up in testing, I would hope these products are tested to destruction but maybe that is me dreaming, we will never know.

I have always thought the Solo loop was too gimmicky to be of use. Your usage just proves it.

In the end, I'd rather stick with tried and trusted sports loop.

 

[Donza]

Another broken Solo Loop. Same story as many others had; started with small tear and then one morning while I was putting the watch on it snapped. Lasted more than a year and it was super comfy to wear, but hesitant to buy another one.

 

[GrandeLatte]

Try Sport Bands. It's the same price.
I not a fan of Solo Loop. I don't like how it's like a rubber band on my wrist and how I cannot adjust sizing during the day for exercising and checking blood oxygen or sleeping.

 

[jav6454]

Try Sport Bands. It's the same price.
I not a fan of Solo Loop. I don't like how it's like a rubber band on my wrist and how I cannot adjust sizing during the day for exercising and checking blood oxygen or sleeping.

Agreed, the Sports Loop is for me a kind of band that should never come off (well, once every 6 months for cleaning perhaps).

 

[TKSX]

Mine showed a small tear after ~ 10 months of use. There were some discoloring on the blue band as well. I took it to the apple store and got a replacement because of the discoloration. Lucky the band didn't rip into 2 as apple will not warranty the band if it has been ripped.

It seems that they don't last any more than 10 months or so.

 

[thedoc46]

Mine purchased in April22 just snapped on me. I'm pretty annoyed. I'm careful with my possessions. Developed a split then snapped when i went to put in on. Went to take it to the local Apple Store and after having to come back after i needed to make an appointment with one of their genius's i was told sorry not covered under warranty, but it took him 45mins to come to that conclusion..... But what they can do is order me a replacement for $49 ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? I said in other words you're doing f.all.

Well all i can do is cancel my apple subs. Starting with their TV, Music and 200gb per month cloud services. Will it make a difference ? of course not.... but it'll make me feel better. F U apple !

 

[Bill813]

I use the braided solo loop and it holds up fine being polyester yarn. The solo loop being rubberized makes me wonder how the ultra ocean bands will hold up on a heavier watch. That said, it uses fluroelastomer found in nike watch bands and my son's AW3 still holds up.

 

[techtechtech]

Mine purchased in April22 just snapped on me. I'm pretty annoyed. I'm careful with my possessions. Developed a split then snapped when i went to put in on. Went to take it to the local Apple Store and after having to come back after i needed to make an appointment with one of their genius's i was told sorry not covered under warranty, but it took him 45mins to come to that conclusion..... But what they can do is order me a replacement for $49 ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? I said in other words you're doing f.all.

Well all i can do is cancel my apple subs. Starting with their TV, Music and 200gb per month cloud services. Will it make a difference ? of course not.... but it'll make me feel better. F U apple !

Sorry to hear this, I would push them some more if you can face it, otherwise, yes, cancel subs and feel better, I would probably do the same. It is disgusting that companies will not own problems like this, fortunately I got one of mine replaced but can't be bothered pursuing the others, can't be trusted anyway, not worth risking the watch.

Hope you get a better outcome if you do have another go.

 

[techtechtech]

I use the braided solo loop and it holds up fine being polyester yarn. The solo loop being rubberized makes me wonder how the ultra ocean bands will hold up on a heavier watch. That said, it uses fluroelastomer found in nike watch bands and my son's AW3 still holds up.

I assume the braided loop has some rubber content woven in to give stretch, maybe not, but the polyester/fabric content potentially prevents total failure.

The Nike and standard bands seem strong, I have a few, never any problems. The Nike bands seem slightly less flexible, so maybe stronger material. Ultra Ocean wants a bullet proof strap for the price 😁

 

[techtechtech]

Another broken Solo Loop. Same story as many others had; started with small tear and then one morning while I was putting the watch on it snapped. Lasted more than a year and it was super comfy to wear, but hesitant to buy another one.
View attachment 2010720

Sorry to hear this, thanks for posting the image, lost faith in them in this household, back to the standard band. Shame, they are comfortable when sized correctly.

 

[techtechtech]

Lost count now but a family members solo loop replacement failed again after around 6 months at a guess. I say it failed, you could see the tear beginning, luckily they spotted it so any unplanned drops could be avoided! excuse the dust in attached images 😄 just pulled it out the drawer for photoshoot 😲

Part of me wanted to get another replacement, honestly, what is the point, decided to accept they are not fit for purpose and will stick to the standard strap. Frustrating since there are obvious comfort benefits of the solo loop for many, would be nice if Apple could swap it for a standard strap, maybe I will try that approach.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Lost count now but a family members solo loop replacement failed again after around 6 months at a guess. I say it failed, you could see the tear beginning, luckily they spotted it so any unplanned drops could be avoided! excuse the dust in attached images 😄 just pulled it out the drawer for photoshoot 😲

Part of me wanted to get another replacement, honestly, what is the point, decided to accept they are not fit for purpose and will stick to the standard strap. Frustrating since there are obvious comfort benefits of the solo loop for many, would be nice if Apple could swap it for a standard strap, maybe I will try that approach.

On my second here and noticed another small tear. Will check when I bought it. If it’s less than 12 months (feels like it is), I’m hoping for a replacement.

 

[techtechtech]

On my second here and noticed another small tear. Will check when I bought it. If it’s less than 12 months (feels like it is), I’m hoping for a replacement.

Sorry to hear, my theory now is that they will potentially all fail at some point, maybe those people who have a more relaxed fit might not, less stress put on those larger sized loops?

Hope you get a replacement, or maybe even an alternative 👍

 

[Apple fanboy]

Sorry to hear, my theory now is that they will potentially all fail at some point, maybe those people who have a more relaxed fit might not, less stress put on those larger sized loops?

Hope you get a replacement, or maybe even an alternative 👍

I think those that have multiple bands might be not seeing the stress due to the lack of usage.
Or maybe it’s just I have bigger hands.

 

[techtechtech]

I think those that have multiple bands might be not seeing the stress due to the lack of usage.
Or maybe it’s just I have bigger hands.

Possibly yes, for correctly sized solo loops it seems like between 5-8 months is the window for potential problems. Like you say, bigger hands will almost certainly increase chance of failure. Interesting point, I wonder if most hand size is relative to wrist size, above my pay grade that one 😄

 

[Apple fanboy]

Possibly yes, for correctly sized solo loops it seems like between 5-8 months is the window for potential problems. Like you say, bigger hands will almost certainly increase chance of failure. Interesting point, I wonder if most hand size is relative to wrist size, above my pay grade that one 😄

Hand and wrist size does not always correspond.
Take it from a retired escapologist!

 

[techtechtech]

Hand and wrist size does not always correspond.
Take it from a retired escapologist!

Excellent reply 😆😁

 

[Night Spring]

Possibly yes, for correctly sized solo loops it seems like between 5-8 months is the window for potential problems. Like you say, bigger hands will almost certainly increase chance of failure. Interesting point, I wonder if most hand size is relative to wrist size, above my pay grade that one 😄

My hands are bigger than my partner's, but his wrists are thicker than mine.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Same thing happened to one of my solo loops, in about the same timeframe (8 months after purchase). I had to upload photos to the Senior Advisor, and they replaced mine for free. Apparently they have "Guidelines" for what is considered accidental damage (not covered) vs a warranty-eligible repair so not EVERY broken band would be covered, but whatever they saw in mine was apparently okay to cover.

FWIW I do have rather large hands, and I prefer my watch tight enough that it doesn't flop around like many people seem to like their watches to do. I also bought a spare Solo Loop for when the current one breaks... it's well out of warranty now, and I really LOVE the solo loop when typing.

 

[techtechtech]

Same thing happened to one of my solo loops, in about the same timeframe (8 months after purchase). I had to upload photos to the Senior Advisor, and they replaced mine for free. Apparently they have "Guidelines" for what is considered accidental damage (not covered) vs a warranty-eligible repair so not EVERY broken band would be covered, but whatever they saw in mine was apparently okay to cover.

FWIW I do have rather large hands, and I prefer my watch tight enough that it doesn't flop around like many people seem to like their watches to do. I also bought a spare Solo Loop for when the current one breaks... it's well out of warranty now, and I really LOVE the solo loop when typing.

Yes, it seems some have had problems getting a replacement under warranty, others not so much. I have had three I think now, sometimes more pressure has been required to get the OK for replacement! Most comfortable when wrist is on the desk and typing, no doubt about that, such a shame you almost need to buy a new one each year due to possible failure.