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The Cockney Rebel

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 17, 2010
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I’d have to say the braided solo loop.

The silicone solo loops are also very comfortable, but with the braided solo loop, you just forget you’re wearing anything!

Currently I’m wearing my starlight solo. I’ll probably wear my braided solo loops during summer, as they are easier to get on/off when one is clammy.

How about you?
 
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Solo loop. I love the braided solo loops but they get too dirty too quickly and they stretch out. I just don’t think they’re worth the money. My next favorite is the sport loop. My least favorite is the sport band. It’s just too bulky. I wear a size 3 in the solo loops so it really feels huge on my wrist. I say least favorite as if I still don’t wear them all the time.
 
Agree - Braided Solo Loop is so absurdly comfortable. I love mine! I get around the high price by buying mine on the resale market - I’ve gotten them for as low as $12 (though my average is closer to $25).

Runner up is the silicone Solo Loop - it looks and feels so streamlined.

TBH I really don’t like the Sport Loops. They don’t look as polished/professional, and they honestly aren’t all that comfy, especially compared to the Solo Loops. I guess the material is more breathable than the silicone/fluoroelastomer, but that isn’t a big thing for me, and in terms of non-silicone/fluoro options I find the Braided Solo Loop trumps the SpLoo any day of the week.
 
As long as it’s not a wet fabric strap, I’m good. I have a couple of the Nike bands which I use when working out (or sometimes casually); I have the green alpine loop (which I generally don’t work out with - sweat - but I do on occasion); and a titanium one I got from Amazon. I have worn metal watches before and never had comfort concerns, but I had a hunch this one might be a bit “pinchy” being sourced from Amazon. It’s not though, I wear it often and even sleep with it without issue.

I don’t like the feel of the alpine loop when it’s wet, as I mentioned. On occasion I’ll work out with it and I’ll sometimes shower with it afterwards, or perhaps clean it in the sink. It dries out quickly but that’s the closest to uncomfortable of any of my bands.

Overall the Nike is the most comfortable, especially since it’s so good to exercise with, but when not exercising I’m really comfortable with any of them.
 
With my regular AWs I’ve only worn Nike sport bands for 4-5 years, with the Iltra only the ocean band, they’ve been most comfortable for me
 
Got the leather link, best band I have. Comfortable, easy too remove, magnets stay I place and don’t move at all while wearing.

Braided solo loop, but it stretched in less than a year, good idea, waste of money

Wore the nylon sport loop for almost three years straight.
 
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I’d have to say the braided solo loop.

The silicone solo loops are also very comfortable, but with the braided solo loop, you just forget you’re wearing anything!

Currently I’m wearing my starlight solo. I’ll probably wear my braided solo loops during summer, as they are easier to get on/off when one is clammy.

How about you?
I can't stand the silicone bands. I wear the Nike sport loop and find that to be very comfortable.
 
I can't stand the silicone bands. I wear the Nike sport loop and find that to be very comfortable.
Same here.
I hate the silicone / rubbery straps. They cling to my wrist in a way I find uncomfortable.

The Blue Ocean Band that came with the U2 lies in the drawer unused.

My most comfortable strap I own is a cheapo fabric Alpine Loop Strap I bought off Amazon.
 
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I used to switch out straps all the time depending on mood or occasion. But outside of 2 or 3 times, I don't think I've worn anything other than a Nike Sport Loop for the last 3 years. Great for workouts, and comfortable all around.
 
Agreed on the braided solo loop, it’s all I wear even while sleeping. Very comfortable. If it gets dirty I can put it into the washing machine inside a wash bag. On cold days when I’m out walking the watch doesn’t always pick up my heart rate but it will if I push the watch a little bit up my arm to keep it extra snug and it stays in place.
 
Agreed on the braided solo loop, it’s all I wear even while sleeping. Very comfortable. If it gets dirty I can put it into the washing machine inside a wash bag. On cold days when I’m out walking the watch doesn’t always pick up my heart rate but it will if I push the watch a little bit up my arm to keep it extra snug and it stays in place.

For cold days I find gloves help, and keep the watch under a sleeve. Doesn’t fix all issues but it certainly helps.
 
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My braided is very comfortable, but, of course, not adjustable. For overall comfort I would give my trail loop the edge. Being able to adjust at will is nice, especially if you are exercising and your wrist swells up a little. But I am limiting use to dry conditions--in summer it will be a rubber option.
 
Controversial opinion; I think the BSL is one of the least comfortable bands I’ve tried. The edges of the band cuts into my skin when I flex or extend my wrist. Also, I know this is just me/minority, the band gets dirty quick and if you’re working in an environment where you handle bodily fluids and chemicals, and it splashes on the band - cleaning it is a chore as you need to dry it for an hour or so. Unlike the silicone or rubber material where you can rinse and wipe it down to dry it immediately.

The fabric Sports Loop is comfortable but again it soaks up dirt, sweat easily and I don’t think I’ll be comfortable wearing the band to sleep.

I found the Nike Sports Band to be the most comfortable. The holes make it easier for my wrist to ‘breath’ on hotter days or when I’m exercising. The holes are also functional in a way where you can micro adjust your band by using one of the many holes on the band. It’s a total utilitarian band for me and I’ve found no reasons to use other bands.

Currently using the Midnight Sky NSB:

81ac9cc5717960f50b6ac290a785bf66.jpg
 
Always leather or steel.

I’ve tried using the leather loop in 2020. Extremely comfortable but I rinsed it once and let it dry for a day. The next day when I looked at it, there were fungus growing on it. That was $150 down the drain.
 
I’ve tried using the leather loop in 2020. Extremely comfortable but I rinsed it once and let it dry for a day. The next day when I looked at it, there were fungus growing on it. That was $150 down the drain.

That doesn’t sound right. I have various Apple leather loops and links. I usually wash them with washing up liquid and towel dry then blow dry then leave for air drying for half a day. Never have had any issues with fungus or colour fading on any bands, even the midnight leather link looks good as new after nearly 2 years of intermittent use and many washes. Lol.

The leather bands are the best balance of looks and comfort in my opinion.
 
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That doesn’t sound right. I have various Apple leather loops and links. I usually wash them with washing up liquid and towel dry then blow dry then leave for air drying for half a day. Never have had any issues with fungus or colour fading on any bands, even the midnight leather link looks good as new after nearly 2 years of intermittent use and many washes. Lol.

The leather bands are the best balance of looks and comfort in my opinion.

I guess it’s probably the air quality in my room is bad then. The relative humidity in my country is about 70% so probably that’s why it’s more susceptible to fungus.
 
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Controversial opinion; I think the BSL is one of the least comfortable bands I’ve tried. The edges of the band cuts into my skin when I flex or extend my wrist. Also, I know this is just me/minority, the band gets dirty quick and if you’re working in an environment where you handle bodily fluids and chemicals, and it splashes on the band - cleaning it is a chore as you need to dry it for an hour or so. Unlike the silicone or rubber material where you can rinse and wipe it down to dry it immediately.

The fabric Sports Loop is comfortable but again it soaks up dirt, sweat easily and I don’t think I’ll be comfortable wearing the band to sleep.

I found the Nike Sports Band to be the most comfortable. The holes make it easier for my wrist to ‘breath’ on hotter days or when I’m exercising. The holes are also functional in a way where you can micro adjust your band by using one of the many holes on the band. It’s a total utilitarian band for me and I’ve found no reasons to use other bands.

Currently using the Midnight Sky NSB:

81ac9cc5717960f50b6ac290a785bf66.jpg

I feel this so hard. They are comfortable for me but they just get too dirty too quickly. And they stretch out over time. Now I only get 1:1 knock offs from AliExpress. They still get dirty but I’m not nearly as upset about it. I have multiple of my favorites. I rotate them.
 
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Leather link in the winter and Nike Sports Band(s) in the summer or when exercising. Although I accidentally wore my stainless steel link band yesterday on a bike ride (forgot to change bands after I got home from work) and it was surprisingly comfortable as well.
 
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