Trail Loop v. Sport Loop

[ufgatorvet]

I have always preferred the feel of the sport loop bands. I have never owned (or even seen in real life) the trail loop bands.

It looks like they have titanium connectors v. plastic. Is that what makes the trail loop bands $50 more expensive?

Although subjective, are they subjectively worth $50 more?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Markakett]

You don’t mention which watch you’re using but here’s some pictures of both on an AW1. The Trail Loop fits the lug openings better but I don’t find it an issue. The Trail Loop is softer feeling but again not a huge issue. One thing I’ve noticed is the Trail Loop looks more “fuzzy/ratty” than my Sport Loop even though it’s probably 5+ years older and has been worn a lot more. If the Trail Loop had not come with the watch I don’t think I would have bought it as an add on. Hope that helps.

 

[PatrickNSF]

One thing I noticed when I had my AWU 2 was that I often lost HR readings when running with the trail loop. I had better luck with a sport loop.

I think the issue for me was that because the trail loop has large lugs on both sides I don’t think I wasn’t getting as snug of a fit as I did with a regular sport loop. I ended up using an external HR strap most of the time. YMMV

 

[Markakett]

Yep, I have the same issue. I use a Nike Sport Band for running and go one lug tighter than normal for the run. I use the Sport Loop for weights, I like a little flex for that.

 

[ukms]

I think the newer Nike Sport loops work better with the Ultra models as the fabric is looped both ends in the lugs (same as trail loop) whereas with the regular sport loop the fabric is only looped one end, on the other end the fabric is molded directly into the plastic lug. Just my opinion.

 

[the future]

The fabric on the Trail Loop is a lot finer and smoother, making the band thinner and the "loop bulge" a lot less pronounced. Together with the metal lugs, for me it is a way more classy and refined strap than the Sport Loops. YMMV.

 

[ukms]

The fabric on the Trail Loop is a lot finer and smoother, making the band thinner and the "loop bulge" a lot less pronounced. Together with the metal lugs, for me it is a way more classy and refined strap than the Sport Loops. YMMV.

Have you looked at the Nike sport loops ? …. Subtle difference to the regular sport loops as i mentioned above ….. work well for casual wear.

 

[the future]

Have you looked at the Nike sport loops ? …. Subtle difference to the regular sport loops as i mentioned above ….. work well for casual wear.

The new Nike Sport Loops are a little better because they‘re more symmetrical, but the fabric is the same as before and the plastic lugs look cheaper than those on the Trail Loops. But a lot of people like the Sport Loops just the way they are. I just think the Trail Loops are a clear step up on the same design principle.

 

[DSTOFEL]

You don’t mention which watch you’re using but here’s some pictures of both on an AW1. The Trail Loop fits the lug openings better but I don’t find it an issue. The Trail Loop is softer feeling but again not a huge issue. One thing I’ve noticed is the Trail Loop looks more “fuzzy/ratty” than my Sport Loop even though it’s probably 5+ years older and has been worn a lot more. If the Trail Loop had not come with the watch I don’t think I would have bought it as an add on. Hope that helps.

One thing I’ve noticed is the Trail Loop looks more “fuzzy/ratty” than my Sport Loop even though it’s probably 5+ years older and has been worn a lot more.

The same for me! Just got the Ultra 2 a month ago with the trail loop. Love the combo…but…wonder about the durability of the trail loop! Already turning “fuzzy” where the Velcro closes. I never had this with any of my sport loops.

I wonder if the trail loops are made of this fine woven “carbon neutral” fabric the other fine woven disasters (e.g., fine woven iPhone cases) were made from!

Very comfortable band…just hope it holds up!