Currently using a Sport Loop on my Series 6 and thinking about buying a braided loop. Could anyone who’s tried both give me their opinion on which one they prefer?
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Sport Loop vs Braided Solo Loop?
- Thread starter Elektrofone
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Braided loop is nice but pricey and has issues. The connectors don’t always fit right so you’ll possibly have silver sticking out top/bottom and they never fill the slot entirely with the nylon. There are definitely gaps on both edges. Also the sizing is tricky and apparently if you snag it on something it could get destroyed easily.
That being said I picked up a couple on eBay and they are very nice. Personally I wouldn’t pay the $99 from Apple with the current issues.
That being said I picked up a couple on eBay and they are very nice. Personally I wouldn’t pay the $99 from Apple with the current issues.
Other than the aforementioned issues, IMO, the Braided Solo Loop is the most comfortable band Apple has made. I thought the watch “disappeared” with the silicone Solo Loop, well, it feels non-existent with the braided.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Have you ever tried the Sport Loop? That's what I'm using now and wondering if it's a noticeable upgrade.
I use the sport loupe in all situations except when working out. The silicone band doesn't absorb sweat so I prefer it in those situations because the loupe stays damp for a couple hours after your done. I tried on the braided loupe at the Apple store when I purchased my watch and loved it. I've tried three different 3rd party versions and none of them came close to the Apple versions comfort and quality. Just sucks it's so expensive as if I would of ordered the watch fitted with the braided loupe it would of only costed $50 more than the sport band/ sport loupe...
The braided solo is amazing definitely agree that it feels like the watch disappears. Quality is a1 and it sparkles under light.
Have both. Braided is way better by far. I bought two sizes. One for daily wear and one for sleep. Best for comfort.
Before the Braided Solo Loop, the Sports Loop was the most comfortable band, in my opinion. The braided is very soft and breathes very well. Outside of new band itch the first few days, the braided has been the best band I have ever used.
Only negative on the braided is that it holds water easily/takes time to dry
Maybe I'm being pedantic but the braided loop still costs $100. It's not $50 more. You were paying $50 for the other band that came with your watch.
The problem is that Apple doesn't let you buy the watch without a band. If they did then I wouldn't need to get another band when I upgrade if I don't want to. But the bands still cost what they cost. Apple just forces you to choose one.
I suppose that’s a logical way to look at the purchase price breakdown but it seems less painful than paying $100 when ordering the band after you purchase the watch.. I’m just hoping to pick one up 40%-50% off like the sport band I got last week from the Apple store on Amazon
Braided loop is the best Apple watch band I've used, so comfortable and breathable, it's incredible. I've had many other bands, sport, Nike, leather, link, etc.. and the braided loop is the best.
$99 seems steep but the quality, fit and finish is worth it IMO.
$99 seems steep but the quality, fit and finish is worth it IMO.
So you exercise with your braided loop without issue? I’ve ordered one to try because my solo loop got shiny and lost a lot of the coating in just one month.
I’m hoping that the braided loop won’t get nasty and that it can be cleaned without fraying.
I haven't exercised that much but I've been wearing it daily for the past 3 weeks and still looks brand new.
I wouldn't wear a braided loop during exercise. You can gently hand wash it afterwards but, I don't think said bands were really made for exercising with (re: washing a lot). That is why the Solo loop and sports loop is for, in my opinion.
The braided loop may not look, and more importantly fit correctly after repeated washings.
Just got my braided solo loop yesterday. My first impressions are very good. It’s extremely comfortable and is easier to put on and take off than the silicone solo loop.
I’m waiting a couple days to send back my silicone solo loop, just to be sure, as I’m only keeping one of them. I just keep looking at how worn my silicone solo loop already looks after only a month. That alone keeps making me hesitant to stick with the silicone solo loop. I fear that all of them will quickly degrade. That was my fear from the start, since plain silicone sports bands from eBay and Amazon do the same. I think flourolastomer (spelling?) is much more durable.
I’m waiting a couple days to send back my silicone solo loop, just to be sure, as I’m only keeping one of them. I just keep looking at how worn my silicone solo loop already looks after only a month. That alone keeps making me hesitant to stick with the silicone solo loop. I fear that all of them will quickly degrade. That was my fear from the start, since plain silicone sports bands from eBay and Amazon do the same. I think flourolastomer (spelling?) is much more durable.
I am also thinking to buy a braided solo loop strap. When I measure my wrist, apple advises me to buy the number 6. But some people say I should buy one size smaller. I also check the products in Aliexpress and the issue with apple's original strap. What is your wrist size and which number did you buy?
Mine is 6 inches. I got a size 4, one size down from the size that fits me for the solo loop.
I’ve exercised with it for a week and more doing HIIT everyday. I totally just forgot it was an elegant band as it was just so comfortable. When I finally realized, I gave it a sniff and it hasn’t really absorbed any sweat smells. I do noticed the inside coloring of the blue braid a little lighter, but I’m sure I can wash it off if I wanted to. And plus it’s on the inside so not like anyone will ever notice unless I pinpoint it out. I wouldn’t recommend it for intense workouts, but I also wouldn’t say you can’t work out in them vs leather bands.
Sport loops are the most comfortable bands to workout in. I can adjust the fit however I want and the nylon material doesn’t absorb any sweats at all.
In my opinion the Braided Loop looks and feels VERY nice. Pricey, yes. But you have to consider if it's worth spending that money. In my case I'm very happy with it. I got the Product RED watch and I'm telling you is not easy to match it with many bands. The Product Red Braided Loop is THE BEST MATCH for my watch and I paid the price happily. It looks amazing, it's comfortable and it's a deeper/darker shade of red than the Sport band/loop.
Now.. the Sport Loop. I just purchased my first one. The material is so soft and feels so nice I want to eat it! I find it even a bit more comfortable that the Braided, except for one tiny detail. It doesn't 'breathe'. Today after a 30 minute workout the part of my wrist beneath the band was super wet and sweaty! Not a deal breaker but noticeable enough.