Black Sport Loop Review + Photos

[Tapiture]

After 3 long weeks of waiting, my sport loop finally arrived. I’ve been wearing it for the last day and a half, and here are some of my first impressions.

• Super comfy. After having worn my Milanese loop for a few days, when I put the Sport loop on it felt like my wrist was being lightly hugged by soft fabric. After a little bit, the feeling of the Watch altogether slips away. This is totally different from the Milanese loop, whose cold-metal links are always sliding around on my wrist and pulling at my arm hairs. It’s always been hard pulling the Milanese loop off my dresser on cold winter days - this year I’m sure I’ll be gravitating towards the sport loop. Even the silicone of the original sport band can’t compete with this comfort and warmth.

• Fits anyone. Since it’s a loop it can be adjusted to infinitely many sizes to fit any wrist exactly how it should. I have rather small wrists but it fits me perfectly. I have the 42mm version.

• Not entirely versatile. Apple advertises the band as being used during sports, including swimming. On the packaging it even has instructions for using it during swimming workouts. Due to the fabric, however, this band will retain a bit of water and take a while to dry completely. Nobody likes walking around with a perpetual moist feeling on their wrist.

• Pretty good quality. The fabric is very closely-knit and the Velcro is extremely strong. My only complaint is the plastics being used at either end of the band. They just make it feel a bit... cheap. Also, I do have a small concern that some of the fabric may fray and start poking out of the band, but there’s no immediate evidence that will happen.

• Cool design. The black colour moniker would lead you to believe the fabric is black through-and-through, but in fact there are multi-colored threads underneath a layer of black threads. From a distance, all of these colors contribute to an overall textured black colour. However up close, whilst it still looks black, there seems to be another dimension, almost like 3D. It’s a bit trippy, but I like it.

 

[44267547]

Nice review. I'm not sure what to think of these yet. Although I was also hesitant about the nylon bands when they launched, (I own the pearl & black), which are very comfortable and durable. I just don't know how I feel about Velcro in general. I am curious to see Over time how these last.

 

[dfnj123]

Nice review. I'm not sure what to think of these yet. Although I was also hesitant about the nylon bands when they launched, (I own the pearl & black), which are very comfortable and durable. I just don't know how I feel about Velcro in general. I am curious to see Over time how these last.

Was about to make a Woven Nylon vs Sport Loop comment as a response to this review as well!

I think right now I'm finding the Sport Loop to be slightly more comfortable than the Woven Nylon, BUT since the Woven Nylon is overall thinner the WN more versatile to wear (in my opinion). Finding myself wearing the WN more than the SL over the past week or so...

 

[testcard]

Good review. I really like my black sport loop and it’s become my default band for everyday wear.

 

[ZipZap]

I have an Olive and Black. Both have been sidelined by the Nike Platinum/Black band. Equally comfortable, and cool looking on my Space Gray S3.

 

[hotsauce]

I returned mine. Hated that red/multicolored specks. It almost looked burgundy. The Nike Version of the black sport loop is actually black but exclusive to the Nike edition.

 

[Tapiture]

I returned mine. Hated that red/multicolored specks. It almost looked burgundy. The Nike Version of the black sport loop is actually black but exclusive to the Nike edition.

That’s funny cause I saw the Nike version and I didn’t like it as much as this one. Just too boring in my opinion.

 

[techspin]

Nice photos! From my experience with the sport loop, it was ok. I initially thought it was a neat fabric that was form-fitting. But after a while, I realized I was always aware of it, whereas the sport band just disappears because it's so comfortable. Plus the part where it folds over near the watch is super fat looking unless you cinch the band really tight.

 

[hotsauce]

That’s funny cause I saw the Nike version and I didn’t like it as much as this one. Just too boring in my opinion.

Yeah, for me, the only redeeming quality was that the red kind of complimented the red crown. I can see others liking it though.

 

[Dormammu]

Mine arrives tomorrow in the same color!
I look forward to wearing this when I am not exercising ... in which case you’ll find me using my platinum Nike sport band.

 

[Tapiture]

After wearing it for a bit longer I've noticed the side where it loops over has become less fat and more flat against my wrist, which improves the appearence.

 

[techspin]

After wearing it for a bit longer I've noticed the side where it loops over has become less fat and more flat against my wrist, which improves the appearence.

Hmm good to know. I might give it another shot

 

[broadbean]

Don't think Apple intends to have their cheapest bands last a particularly long time. I have a number to swap around with, so I suppose per band won't be worn more than a month per year.

Being hook and loop, you'd think the loop side would wear down over time. As such, if you liked a particular design, buy a couple spare. You never know when Apple might discontinue them.

Would I buy 3rd party? A definite no (more) with the regular Sport Band. The Woven Nylon and (inevitable?) Sport Loop I'm not sure. I'd be happy to give it a go, but where the bands are "fused" to the adapters, I just don't know how secure they'd be.

 

[Mjoshea148]

Dark olive . It's actually the color it says in good light. Very dark green. Got it today and noticed while having lunch outdoors - photo tomorrow. Wanted black except for the red color flecks.

 

[christophermdia]

I have the Neon Yellow and Orange loops ... I bought my sister in law the black, I use these daily ... they by far much more comfortable than any other loop they have ... and i dont have to worry about scratching my mac when im using the palm rests ... always hated that about all the other watches ... it doesnt migrate or move when its on, and even though others have said that it doesnt dry right away, I find that its not like its completely soaked and i dont even feel the water on it ... so for me its a non issue. maybe when its a little colder this will be more annoying but I wont be swimming in the winter anyway.

 

[musicpenguy]

This is by far my favorite color for this style band and looks great with the Gold series 3. I love the little red overtones in the black. I find just patting down the band with a towel dries it really well.

 

[PLamarine]

Late to the party, but I managed to grab an open box Black Sport Loop for $25 shipped. Arrived today, and it is by FAR the most comfortable band I have ever tried (Apple Watch owner since 2015). I had stopped wearing my Apple Watch for a year or so, and recently I was able to get a steal on a Series 5. Love the softness, comfort, and ease of adjustability. This will be my sleep band and might possibly my main wearer.