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I got a watch for me and one for my husband. Since his is kind of a surprise, it was too much to fuss with trying to figure out a 9-SKU sizing system. I ended up just getting sport loops for both of us.
 
The only thing that would make me hesitate on both the Solo Loop and the Braided version would be resale.

Currently I seem to be upgrading the Apple Watch every year so resale is important to me.

With these bands coming in so many different sizes, this may make it more difficult for me to sell the Watch and/or may reduce the price accordingly.

Perhaps this is playing into other people”s thoughts as well?
Might be true, though, I don’t think I would ever wear that sort of band that someone else wore first anyway. Ew. I think most people would buy a new band when buying a used Apple Watch. Unless it’s a stainless steel band of course.
 
I like the look of the Braided Solo Loop better and I suspect it will be more comfortable in my hot climate (one of the reasons I prefer the Sport Loop to the Sport Band). In any event I ordered the braided band in Atlantic Blue and I'll get it Friday!
I ordered the Braided Solo Loop in Blue but I really want Red. If the size I ordered in Blue doesn’t work, I will order the Red Braided Loop in October. If I love the blue one a lot I’ll order the Red also. I like my watches not too tight and I was between two sizes, so I went up to the bigger size. Not upgrading my S5 watch so I’m splurging on bands. But, I’m also ordering the Big iPhone 12 in October too.
 
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A rare wife indeed. Hubby better not try and upgrade you any time soon. :D
My thoughts exactly. I want to actually try it. Also, living in Denver temps here range fro -15F to 105F throughout the year. I often wear my watch tighter in the winter. This is why I would lean toward the braided loop overall, as the fabric bands (woven nylon and sport loop) are more comfortable when they are worn tighter.
Our Apple Stores are still closed here in California, so I ordered the blue braided solo loop to try on. Hope it fits ok! I taped the measuring printout to my wrist and wore it around for awhile to check size.
 
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Our Apple Stores are still closed here in California, so I ordered the blue braided solo loop to try on. Hope it fits ok! I taped the measuring printout to my wrist and wore it around for awhile to check size.
I have a 3 week wait on the blue braid, unless something changes. I didn’t order it right away. For $100, it better be fabulous. Lol
 
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I ordered the Braided Solo Loop in Blue but I really want Red. If the size I ordered in Blue doesn’t work, I will order the Red Braided Loop in October. If I love the blue one a lot I’ll order the Red also. I like my watches not too tight and I was between two sizes, so I went up to the bigger size. Not upgrading my S5 watch so I’m splurging on bands. But, I’m also ordering the Big iPhone 12 in October too.
That’s my strategy too. (Including whatever phone has the best camera.)

If I like the blue then I’ll order the Pink Punch. If it doesn’t fit it’s no big deal to return it.

I am much more into my bands now that I change them more frequently (exercise, warm climate, COVID). My Watch is my all time favorite piece of tech and the bands make it even more enjoyable.
 
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My problems with them are:

1. Likely little to no resale value. With all the varying sizes it will be a hard sell on the secondary market. Which isn't super important if I don't plan on selling them, but still.

2. The Solo Loop just looks cheap. I'd have to feel one in person first, but any silicone band I've had paled in comparison to the fluoroelastomer.

3. I am intrigued by the braided loops, but not for $99!! That's the price of a Milanese loop! I may have bought the Red one for $49, but IMO it's priced way too high for a band that does not look expensive.

I'll probably go to the Apple Store this weekend (they are open here) and try them on in person if they are allowing that, just to actually see what they are like.
 
I already have quite a selection of arm bands, so i wanted the braided black loop, however, as that put the delivery of the watch into late october i went for the silicone instead for the watch and the braided one as additional item. Yes, the price is kinda high (€95 iirc), but it looks really cool. Hope the paper measurement worked.
 
The braided loop looks fantastic imo, but that sure is a steep price.

For daily wear I prefer a sport band though because I go cycling on my breaks while WFH and I live in a hot climate so I sweat. My fear for the sport loop is that it will either feel too snug or too loose.
 
I'll probably go to the Apple Store this weekend (they are open here) and try them on in person if they are allowing that, just to actually see what they are like.
Apple stores near me require an appointment due to COVID. You can only go in to pick up an online order, attend a support appointment, or a scheduled shopping session. And it seems like they blacked out all available appointments starting Friday, I guess due to them being busy with new watches and iPads.
 
I watched the presentation yesterday and went immediately to order. I currently have a Series 3 with Sport Band. I thought the Solo Loop even in silicon would be a popular choice but it seems that it's not based on the posts of orders placed. What's not to like about the Solo Loop?
Another factor in orders placed was shipping estimates. I waffled for a minute and a watch paired with the blue braided solo loop quickly had a shipping estimate 3 weeks later than getting a different band, so I switched (Was going to be out of town the week of estimated delivery and... well, I’m impatient like many :p ). I did order one separately and may have it Friday, we’ll see.
 
The only thing that would make me hesitate on both the Solo Loop and the Braided version would be resale.

Currently I seem to be upgrading the Apple Watch every year so resale is important to me.

With these bands coming in so many different sizes, this may make it more difficult for me to sell the Watch and/or may reduce the price accordingly.

Perhaps this is playing into other people”s thoughts as well?
The vast majority of people will have sizes 5-7 of those bands. I printed out the tool and compared it to the holes on my 40mm Hermes band. 1-4 are way smaller than the first hole, and 12 is about the entire length of the band.
 
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I ended up getting a spare Solo Loop for delivery on the 19th and the Braided Loop with my SBTi watch (25th-29th). I’m not honestly sold on either, but I’d like to give them a try. I’m a huge fan of the Sport Band so the Sport Loop could be killer. Could be. Same goes for the Braided.
 
Apple stores near me require an appointment due to COVID. You can only go in to pick up an online order, attend a support appointment, or a scheduled shopping session. And it seems like they blacked out all available appointments starting Friday, I guess due to them being busy with new watches and iPads.
Oh, thanks for the heads up on that! I didn’t realize you had to make an appointment to browse. I haven’t had any reason to go for a long time.
 
I ordered the braided solo loop in blue. I ordered it separately since the ship time for the blue watch and braided loop was already in November by the time I ordered.
 
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