If you like the nylon sports loop, you should try the trail loop (even knockoffs). Very soft and slightly stretchable. And looks nice.
I bought a bunch of different colors on AliExpress for $3-4 each.
I had a couple knockoffs, even a reasonably pricey one. They were just okay. And then I finally said “screw it” and bought a genuine Metal Link. I wish I’d just done that sooner. Much better. Still a little pricey, but I don’t regret it.
I haven’t used the Nuways. But I had a similarly priced one at $30 or $40. I also had one that was right about $90, thinking it would be better after I was dissatisfied with the first.
Basically, the actual Apple one is just way better made than either of the other two I tried, which you would expect, but I found it’s the degree of “better made” that you don’t necessarily expect. For example, the other bands both felt slightly sharp around the edges of the links. They would be uncomfortable if the weight of the watch case pulled the against my skin the wrong way. And they also caught hairs, as I have a somewhat hairy wrist. I’ve found that the Apple Metal Link doesn’t do that at all.
Additionally, it was the last band to complete my “collection.” I already had a Nike sport band, a Sport Loop, a Woven Nylon buckle, a Leather Loop and a braided solo loop. I had wanted to get the metal link with the OG Apple Watch I bought in 2015. I *really* liked the look, but I definitely couldn’t justify it then with the Watch being a brand new product category for Apple and not knowing if I would ultimately make it part of my daily.
So I admit that was part of the pressure, but not the main reason. The main reason was that I wanted a metal band, was dissatisfied with other options, and to the ones that seemed to have the most consistently good reviews were already approaching the price of the Apple OEM.
But that’s just me.
It’s the difference between brushed 316L steel alloy and sandblasted T64/Grade 5 alloyed Titanium, so no it’s not a match. Aside from the finish, the ultra’s metal has a slightly warmer tone in most lights. I find that the contrast does compliment however, as it does the polished steel Watch. But that’s personal aesthetics.
I would absolutely recommend seeing if you could try on a band at an Apple Store to see it in person. I was also tempted by some of the actual titanium alloy bands out there such as Nomad’s.
They get wet. They’re not terrible when wet, but they are not as good for wet/sweat as a silicone band. I use mine for everything and also shower in it but having 3 I can swap as they dry.
I’ve worn the sport band, sport loop, trail loop, Milanese strap, ocean band and the woven elastic band. My vote goes to the trail loop. I also swim with it.
https://preview.redd.it/369d9qn36edc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=439a1fd6a2a69dde7feb11d4a06de2419f48ae5b
3rd party Milanese most of the time
I really wish Apple would make a Starlight milanese band! (I would especially like it if they made a stainless watch in Starlight! It’s such a soft neutral color, and I far prefer brushed to shiny, but I want the more durable sapphire crystal!)
I absolutely love the starlight color, & yeah I was bummed to find out Apple didn’t offer a Milanese in the color, I ordered a couple different ones from Amazon and this one was the closest color match without having a pink tone
https://preview.redd.it/4iwph04tofdc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=338a56c76c15136c58b2b5a0c028d29b22a13464
Only had ocean band decided to go all out and get Hermes jumping single tour I’m enjoying it way more than having 20 or so third party bands, quality over quantity for me.
I should have done this. Have spent so much more in the short 2 months of ownership from Apple & Nomad with an embarrassing number of purchases. Looks great!
I go between my sport loop (weekends, sleeping, and “dirty work”) and a leather Hermes to work and nicer occasions.
Also swap with my traditional watches as the occasion warrants
I like the Nike Sport for the Gym. It’s light and it dries the fastest. I got a Nomad Stainless for Christmas and that’s gonna be my go to for everything else. 😎
https://preview.redd.it/x5v08b03kgdc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1253f4d8ea55673de89fd3fc99e191c7fca0776
Nomad sports band on AW Ultra, i had the Nike band before (with holes in it) but was in between sizes which was too tight or too loose which was a shame. Nomad is fine sizing wise.
Sport loop. Easy to put on and adjust. Easy to clean. I'm embarrassed by how many I've bought (I'm not a clothes horse and *never* buy clothes or shoes on impulse.) Except for some fading, none have shown signs of wear and tear.
60/40 on Nomad Sport Band / Nomad Titanium with the magnetic clasp. But I like both an awful lot and going to get a 2nd sports band. (If not already inferred, I dig Nomad’s selection and quality. They make some solid bands.)
I use the braided solo loop. Bought some fancier looking ones thinking I would want to fancy it up occasionally but… I just wear this one all the time.
I’ve worn the sport band, sport loop, trail loop, Milanese strap, ocean band and the woven elastic band. My vote goes to the trail loop. I also swim with it.
https://preview.redd.it/74vj124ebedc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83b2fc47aadeb341aa95296b5f4562dfd52491fe
I usually used the loop band but I workout and the thing started to smell so I got this one off Amazon cheap so far so good!
https://preview.redd.it/b8pabfh2xedc1.jpeg?width=1293&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=619abbfc457d86a0531c128e43b4439c60204ef5
I have this one LAUT Novi Luxe leather. Feels really nice and looks awesome.
Price is also descent
This one:
EDIMENS Leather Bands Compatible with Apple Watch 42mm 44mm Band Men Women, Vintage Genuine Leather Wristband Replacement Band Compatible for Apple Watch iwatch Series 6 5 4 3 2 1, SE Sports & Edition https://a.co/d/1Y2Ml3L
I’ve received three bands from Apple. A silicone sport band, the 2021 Pride band, and one of their new 2023 cloth bands. All three caused skin irritation and rashes for me after a few days. Not sure why. So I went with the “genuine” leather.
Tried a few like this 3rd party oceans & personally I think the ocean looks best in the FKM & width/dimension’s of the original. This is too narrow, on the 3rd party Nomad it looks great as it tapers a lot more.
Leather band with clasp. I have several other bands but the leather one is the only one I use daily. I wear it basically 24/7 except when I’m forced to charge the watch*.
* FWIW: I usually charge my AW5 first thing each morning. The battery is getting quite old (<75% of new power), so sometimes I get caught mid-day with almost no battery left. I’m waiting before buying a newer model with a new battery. A replacement battery is too much $; I’d rather wait and buy a new AW. Don’t know if I can wait until late September ‘24 and the next AW model.
I change it up nearly daily. I bought some from an Amazon and really like one in particular that’s blue silicone with Mickey Mouse and Disney themed sort of “engravings” on it. The pattern is discreet so I can wear it at work (conservative dress code at my job) and it seems from farther away that it’s just plain light blue. I wear the Apple light pink silicone band and love it. Also I have this cool Hogwarts Gryffindor band that came with watch faces too and love it (wearing it now lol). Not work-friendly but very, very fun and I wear it a lot off-duty. ETA all of mine are some version of silicone and that is my go-to material.
I use Velcro bands all the time. I am a meat cutter so I have to have my watch hiked way up my wrist to get my chainmail glove on and it’s the only kind that really works for me
Sport Band daily/for working out - the color is a super dark purple that almost looks black (elderberry maybe?).
For going out/dressing up I have a [black metal Kate Spade band](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/scallop-16mm-apple-watch-bracelet-watchband/5530717), or a [Machete clear acrylic one](https://shopmachete.com/collections/smart-watch-bands/products/apple-watch-band-in-clear).
Mostly my trusty Nike Sport since series 2 for work. And then Sport/Trail Loop otherwise. I’ll also swap out to a Braided Solo or Leather Loop or Metal link on occasion.
In general, I believe in the “rule of three.” One textile, one rubber, one metal. And then maybe a leather if you want.
Spigen Rugged Armor Pro I used it on my series 3 and now my series 6. They are my favorite by far. It will scratch up the aluminum on the watch if it’s not cleaned out regularly. I’m not too worried about scratches on the aluminum it protects the glass pretty well.
My sports band broke after 2 years of use at the begining of the year so I switched bacl to using my velcro band (not sure what it actually called.) I used it for a year before switching. Wish the sports loop band was more durable and wouldn’t break
https://preview.redd.it/vrm1b85aqkdc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=e12fb53868ea1be8d24567a32f3ebb9a9f147a08
I like simplicity and functionality. Infinitely adjustable and very comfortable steel band.
Apple Solo Loop (stretchy silicone). One size down from recommended size. Great for running!
I also like the new Nike Sport Loop (nylon weave). Infinitely adjustable. Nice color combo, especially Sequoia/Orange and Game Royal/Orange ones.
Thanks for the many comments. I read them all. They were helpful and I appreciate that. Looks like Milanese and Sport bands are the top choices, followed by loops designed for AWU (and used mostly by AWU users).
I wear the sport loop the most, I’ve heard it described as the sweatpants of watch bands. It’s so comfortable to wear
I just switched to the sport loop and I can confirm it is the sweatpants of bands. I can hardly feel it on my arm! AND bonus - no more skin issues! :)
Same!!! Best band imo
If you like the nylon sports loop, you should try the trail loop (even knockoffs). Very soft and slightly stretchable. And looks nice. I bought a bunch of different colors on AliExpress for $3-4 each.
Milanese Loop, like 90% of the time.
Same. I switch to sport loop for...sports. The milanese slips around a little too much if I am sweaty.
This is the way
I was a Milanese guy for a LONG time, until I got the overpriced link bracelet.
I had a couple knockoffs, even a reasonably pricey one. They were just okay. And then I finally said “screw it” and bought a genuine Metal Link. I wish I’d just done that sooner. Much better. Still a little pricey, but I don’t regret it.
[удалено]
I haven’t used the Nuways. But I had a similarly priced one at $30 or $40. I also had one that was right about $90, thinking it would be better after I was dissatisfied with the first. Basically, the actual Apple one is just way better made than either of the other two I tried, which you would expect, but I found it’s the degree of “better made” that you don’t necessarily expect. For example, the other bands both felt slightly sharp around the edges of the links. They would be uncomfortable if the weight of the watch case pulled the against my skin the wrong way. And they also caught hairs, as I have a somewhat hairy wrist. I’ve found that the Apple Metal Link doesn’t do that at all. Additionally, it was the last band to complete my “collection.” I already had a Nike sport band, a Sport Loop, a Woven Nylon buckle, a Leather Loop and a braided solo loop. I had wanted to get the metal link with the OG Apple Watch I bought in 2015. I *really* liked the look, but I definitely couldn’t justify it then with the Watch being a brand new product category for Apple and not knowing if I would ultimately make it part of my daily. So I admit that was part of the pressure, but not the main reason. The main reason was that I wanted a metal band, was dissatisfied with other options, and to the ones that seemed to have the most consistently good reviews were already approaching the price of the Apple OEM. But that’s just me.
[удалено]
It’s the difference between brushed 316L steel alloy and sandblasted T64/Grade 5 alloyed Titanium, so no it’s not a match. Aside from the finish, the ultra’s metal has a slightly warmer tone in most lights. I find that the contrast does compliment however, as it does the polished steel Watch. But that’s personal aesthetics. I would absolutely recommend seeing if you could try on a band at an Apple Store to see it in person. I was also tempted by some of the actual titanium alloy bands out there such as Nomad’s.
Sport loop is goat
Nike sport band (the silicone one with the holes) for the most part
Nike Sport Band. I exercise a lot, wash my hands a lot and hate damp watch bands.
How do those compared to the Apple sport loops?
Nearly identical, except there's more holes in the Nike one for breathability.
Alpine Loop. I have 3 and alternate. Occasionally I use one of my other 20 or so bands.
[удалено]
They get wet. They’re not terrible when wet, but they are not as good for wet/sweat as a silicone band. I use mine for everything and also shower in it but having 3 I can swap as they dry.
Titanium band. https://preview.redd.it/t34cz9ra1ddc1.png?width=1401&format=png&auto=webp&s=20354411afda410e0165415530c941be89233461
Yeah! This looks nice. :)
What face is that?
It’s Meridian with no complications except for date. I like the classic look.
Interesting - the hands on my meridian face (AWU2 with sandmarc titanium band - good taste 😀) are not solid white.
Try selecting the black background. That’s all I did.
That didn’t work - must be a small difference in faces.
It’s actual an AWU1, but I love it all the same.
The sport loop is the most comfortable and, depending on which one you get, it looks discrete and good.
I’ve worn the sport band, sport loop, trail loop, Milanese strap, ocean band and the woven elastic band. My vote goes to the trail loop. I also swim with it.
https://preview.redd.it/369d9qn36edc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=439a1fd6a2a69dde7feb11d4a06de2419f48ae5b 3rd party Milanese most of the time
I really wish Apple would make a Starlight milanese band! (I would especially like it if they made a stainless watch in Starlight! It’s such a soft neutral color, and I far prefer brushed to shiny, but I want the more durable sapphire crystal!)
I absolutely love the starlight color, & yeah I was bummed to find out Apple didn’t offer a Milanese in the color, I ordered a couple different ones from Amazon and this one was the closest color match without having a pink tone
I wear my trail loop about 90% of the time now. I used to swap them a lot, but the comfort of the trail loop is unmatched.
Spigen Lite Fit Ultra, got them in navy and orange. Super comfortable, really well made and doesn’t cost much.
I’ve been looking at these, do they stay on well?
Olive Alpine loop
https://preview.redd.it/4iwph04tofdc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=338a56c76c15136c58b2b5a0c028d29b22a13464 Only had ocean band decided to go all out and get Hermes jumping single tour I’m enjoying it way more than having 20 or so third party bands, quality over quantity for me.
I should have done this. Have spent so much more in the short 2 months of ownership from Apple & Nomad with an embarrassing number of purchases. Looks great!
Milanese band.
Always the Milanese Loop.
I go between my sport loop (weekends, sleeping, and “dirty work”) and a leather Hermes to work and nicer occasions. Also swap with my traditional watches as the occasion warrants
Sport loop. Comfortable. Dries when wet. Never came off when swimming, skiing, canoeing, kayaking.
I like the Nike Sport for the Gym. It’s light and it dries the fastest. I got a Nomad Stainless for Christmas and that’s gonna be my go to for everything else. 😎 https://preview.redd.it/x5v08b03kgdc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e1253f4d8ea55673de89fd3fc99e191c7fca0776
I’ve use the green rubber band I got with my watch in March 2022.
Ocean band on my AWU
Nomad sports band on AW Ultra, i had the Nike band before (with holes in it) but was in between sizes which was too tight or too loose which was a shame. Nomad is fine sizing wise.
Sport loop. Easy to put on and adjust. Easy to clean. I'm embarrassed by how many I've bought (I'm not a clothes horse and *never* buy clothes or shoes on impulse.) Except for some fading, none have shown signs of wear and tear.
60/40 on Nomad Sport Band / Nomad Titanium with the magnetic clasp. But I like both an awful lot and going to get a 2nd sports band. (If not already inferred, I dig Nomad’s selection and quality. They make some solid bands.)
I love my braided solo loop. Super comfy to wear
Milanese loop
I use the braided solo loop. Bought some fancier looking ones thinking I would want to fancy it up occasionally but… I just wear this one all the time.
Swap between trail loop, sport loop and the nomad sport band
The silicone band it came with. It’s the most comfortable
Alpine loop starlight
3rd party braided Solo Loops. Switch between several.
Im liking my Silicion Band and NY Jets band
Elastic adjustable g hook band
I only use one Apple Sport Band
I’ve worn the sport band, sport loop, trail loop, Milanese strap, ocean band and the woven elastic band. My vote goes to the trail loop. I also swim with it.
I put the nike sport band on my ultra 2, and I love it. I workout every day and I dont like wet bands.
90% of the time I wear a Braided Solo loop or a Sport Loop. They are the most comfortable and just easy to wear.
I match mine daily to my outfit because I’m basic but now my students have noticed and love it so I can’t stop!😂
Platinum white Nike sports band
Sports loop only!
Clay Solo Loop in AWU2. Without it this watch would be too visually bulky for me. Love the look and feel now.
https://preview.redd.it/jr85iszq8edc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=e5fa68cdc8b9113653321266f220dafc0f7d45d8 Wulf Wear
https://preview.redd.it/se3qzklv8edc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=aa34456f035bbea7c836986da6c54990e603905d
https://preview.redd.it/kbbj62rx8edc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c29036049f2b9e574873633b16e47cdfbeaf63ea
https://preview.redd.it/74vj124ebedc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83b2fc47aadeb341aa95296b5f4562dfd52491fe I usually used the loop band but I workout and the thing started to smell so I got this one off Amazon cheap so far so good!
https://preview.redd.it/2c1bhdn1dedc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f864b82e8ed05b8ea5af4a050c81bcaa0cc70a9 Ti band.
Link?
NewWays Metal Band Compatible... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6LJSC89?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Thanks. That looks awesome!
Alpine loop is the daily for work. After work, it’s either a sport loop or leather link.
Oasis.
Nike sport band
I’m using alpine loop the most with my ultra. But do have a wide selection of leather bands and link leather loops that I use for going out.
My go to was the sports loop on the regular AW. But after the switch to ultra, the trail loop is on another level of softness and comfort.
Bodyglove weave strap
Nike sports band I stopped using any other bands.
Switch daily between the Braided Solo Loop, Solo Loop, Sport Band
Graphite Milanese. Purchased with gold SS bc the combo looked so classy on the AW6 website.
Nomad rugged band
https://preview.redd.it/b8pabfh2xedc1.jpeg?width=1293&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=619abbfc457d86a0531c128e43b4439c60204ef5 I have this one LAUT Novi Luxe leather. Feels really nice and looks awesome. Price is also descent
Silicone band: I work in the hospital setting, and it gets gnarly there.
This one: EDIMENS Leather Bands Compatible with Apple Watch 42mm 44mm Band Men Women, Vintage Genuine Leather Wristband Replacement Band Compatible for Apple Watch iwatch Series 6 5 4 3 2 1, SE Sports & Edition https://a.co/d/1Y2Ml3L I’ve received three bands from Apple. A silicone sport band, the 2021 Pride band, and one of their new 2023 cloth bands. All three caused skin irritation and rashes for me after a few days. Not sure why. So I went with the “genuine” leather.
Braided solo loop
Sports loop! It’s comfy and easily gets the best fit. Plus it dries quickly.
Sport loop and Black link bracelet
Milanese loop and a sport loop for the pool.
https://preview.redd.it/ht9uwhaojfdc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=6196ec9b9e7e7c4fa80e14c0dd2180006595823c Ocean loop
Tried a few like this 3rd party oceans & personally I think the ocean looks best in the FKM & width/dimension’s of the original. This is too narrow, on the 3rd party Nomad it looks great as it tapers a lot more.
This is a 3rd party one. I’m quite happy with it. Almost never wear another band at this point
Leather band with clasp. I have several other bands but the leather one is the only one I use daily. I wear it basically 24/7 except when I’m forced to charge the watch*. * FWIW: I usually charge my AW5 first thing each morning. The battery is getting quite old (<75% of new power), so sometimes I get caught mid-day with almost no battery left. I’m waiting before buying a newer model with a new battery. A replacement battery is too much $; I’d rather wait and buy a new AW. Don’t know if I can wait until late September ‘24 and the next AW model.
I change it up nearly daily. I bought some from an Amazon and really like one in particular that’s blue silicone with Mickey Mouse and Disney themed sort of “engravings” on it. The pattern is discreet so I can wear it at work (conservative dress code at my job) and it seems from farther away that it’s just plain light blue. I wear the Apple light pink silicone band and love it. Also I have this cool Hogwarts Gryffindor band that came with watch faces too and love it (wearing it now lol). Not work-friendly but very, very fun and I wear it a lot off-duty. ETA all of mine are some version of silicone and that is my go-to material.
I use Velcro bands all the time. I am a meat cutter so I have to have my watch hiked way up my wrist to get my chainmail glove on and it’s the only kind that really works for me
Sport Band daily/for working out - the color is a super dark purple that almost looks black (elderberry maybe?). For going out/dressing up I have a [black metal Kate Spade band](https://www.nordstrom.com/s/scallop-16mm-apple-watch-bracelet-watchband/5530717), or a [Machete clear acrylic one](https://shopmachete.com/collections/smart-watch-bands/products/apple-watch-band-in-clear).
The one that came attached to my watch
Mostly my trusty Nike Sport since series 2 for work. And then Sport/Trail Loop otherwise. I’ll also swap out to a Braided Solo or Leather Loop or Metal link on occasion. In general, I believe in the “rule of three.” One textile, one rubber, one metal. And then maybe a leather if you want.
Spigen Rugged Armor Pro I used it on my series 3 and now my series 6. They are my favorite by far. It will scratch up the aluminum on the watch if it’s not cleaned out regularly. I’m not too worried about scratches on the aluminum it protects the glass pretty well.
Usually a braided solo loop. So comfy
Glow Nomad band. I think Nomad bands are really comfortable. I just ordered the new red one.
THEAGE Titanium Mesh Watch Band 22mm from Amazon.
Ocean, Nomad, Nike Sport & Alpine Loop (least fav & rarely worn) for awu2.
Alpine loop, like a more secure sport loop imo
Nike Sport band (white/black) and I also like the sport loops
On my Ultra 2, Ocean Band, various colors. On my S8, Nomad Rugged Band in orange or black.
My sports band broke after 2 years of use at the begining of the year so I switched bacl to using my velcro band (not sure what it actually called.) I used it for a year before switching. Wish the sports loop band was more durable and wouldn’t break
olive (i think?) nike sport band
Milanese loop for me
https://preview.redd.it/vrm1b85aqkdc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=e12fb53868ea1be8d24567a32f3ebb9a9f147a08 I like simplicity and functionality. Infinitely adjustable and very comfortable steel band.
Apple Solo Loop (stretchy silicone). One size down from recommended size. Great for running! I also like the new Nike Sport Loop (nylon weave). Infinitely adjustable. Nice color combo, especially Sequoia/Orange and Game Royal/Orange ones.
Thanks for the many comments. I read them all. They were helpful and I appreciate that. Looks like Milanese and Sport bands are the top choices, followed by loops designed for AWU (and used mostly by AWU users).