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convergent

macrumors 68040
Original poster
May 6, 2008
3,034
3,083
I'm not usually one to get "knock off" anything... just always felt that its better to buy genuine goods. But on a impulse buy I picked up a JETech Milanese Loop band when Amazon had it on their daily sales. I figured it was worth giving a try for $20. I have thought about the Milanese Loop but wasn't sure I'd like it so was resistant to buy the Apple version. My two bands are Black Classic Leather and Black Sport... on my SS 42mm.

My reasoning was that I'd try the cheapo knock off and if I really liked it then I could get the real one. I've actually been very happy with it so far... and not sure I'll go for spending more. I need to go buy a store and see how the real band feels in comparison, but this one is very comfortable and looks great.
 

Defender2010

Cancelled
Jun 6, 2010
3,131
1,097
I'm not usually one to get "knock off" anything... just always felt that its better to buy genuine goods. But on a impulse buy I picked up a JETech Milanese Loop band when Amazon had it on their daily sales. I figured it was worth giving a try for $20. I have thought about the Milanese Loop but wasn't sure I'd like it so was resistant to buy the Apple version. My two bands are Black Classic Leather and Black Sport... on my SS 42mm.

My reasoning was that I'd try the cheapo knock off and if I really liked it then I could get the real one. I've actually been very happy with it so far... and not sure I'll go for spending more. I need to go buy a store and see how the real band feels in comparison, but this one is very comfortable and looks great.
...and this needed a new thread because?
 

srshaw

macrumors 6502
Aug 13, 2011
410
66
I'm not usually one to get "knock off" anything... just always felt that its better to buy genuine goods. But on a impulse buy I picked up a JETech Milanese Loop band when Amazon had it on their daily sales. I figured it was worth giving a try for $20. I have thought about the Milanese Loop but wasn't sure I'd like it so was resistant to buy the Apple version. My two bands are Black Classic Leather and Black Sport... on my SS 42mm.

My reasoning was that I'd try the cheapo knock off and if I really liked it then I could get the real one. I've actually been very happy with it so far... and not sure I'll go for spending more. I need to go buy a store and see how the real band feels in comparison, but this one is very comfortable and looks great.


I bought exactly the same for my SS, I didn't know how I felt about the Milanese. I have to say I love it, and the genuine version should be arriving later this week. I'll let you know how they compare.
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
I wonder how this compares to the MoKo Milanese band. I'm generally happy with it, but I was looking at this model myself.
 

Qqueenie

macrumors regular
Dec 18, 2015
108
150
Baltimore, MD
I wonder how this compares to the MoKo Milanese band. I'm generally happy with it, but I was looking at this model myself.

I think most third party milanese loops are exactly the same at this point. As in, they are all coming out of the same factory in China.
 

srshaw

macrumors 6502
Aug 13, 2011
410
66
Ok, having compared the jetech and Apple Milanese loops, I would say the jetech is very good, it's quite hard to tell them apart. The most obvious difference is the apple band is a bit thicker, and the magnet on the Apple band doesn't seem to stick to everything. I'm not sure if being thinner actually makes it more comfortable to wear.

I suppose the question is whether the Apple band is worth the extra, for sure nobody else will be able to tell the difference. To be honest I'm not sure it is, but I will be keeping the Apple band. It is easily my favourite, I have a couple of sports bands and one of the original classic leather buckles.
 

Tmelon

macrumors 65816
Feb 26, 2011
1,150
619
The issue I had with 3rd party milanese bands is that they pinched the hair on my arm. I'm not sure what Apple does differently, but I never have that issue with the Apple one.
 
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maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
I think most third party milanese loops are exactly the same at this point. As in, they are all coming out of the same factory in China.
Yeah, I heard that myself, which is why I mostly just stuck with what I have.

I did compare what I have with the Apple one and the differences were not worth spending 150 dollars - at least for me.
 

mchlwise

macrumors member
Jul 8, 2015
59
17
Utah
I think most third party milanese loops are exactly the same at this point. As in, they are all coming out of the same factory in China.

I have a JETech which is my 3rd cheap chinese milanese knock-off.

I thought that the JETech might be a little better because it's a "name brand" knockoff (meaning it at least has a name of a company on it). It actually does seem to be lasting longer and working better than my previous $15 knock-offs.

I think (my theory) is that the rubber gasket that goes around the magnet is what keeps it from sliding. It kind of "latches" into the milanese and provides friction. My previous knock-offs would loosen steadily up and start sliding easier and easier until it was too much of a hassle to wear them since I would have to adjust it all the time. The JETech after about a month is still like it was the first day. Whatever rubber they use hasn't worn down as quick as the other ones did.

They are similar for sure, but I don't think all knock-offs are coming from the same factory.
 

convergent

macrumors 68040
Original poster
May 6, 2008
3,034
3,083
Ok, having compared the jetech and Apple Milanese loops, I would say the jetech is very good, it's quite hard to tell them apart. The most obvious difference is the apple band is a bit thicker, and the magnet on the Apple band doesn't seem to stick to everything. I'm not sure if being thinner actually makes it more comfortable to wear.

I suppose the question is whether the Apple band is worth the extra, for sure nobody else will be able to tell the difference. To be honest I'm not sure it is, but I will be keeping the Apple band. It is easily my favourite, I have a couple of sports bands and one of the original classic leather buckles.

Thanks for the feedback... I'll have to pick one up next time I'm in the Apple Store... never thought I'd like the loop but it is quite nice and classy when I'm dressing up on rare occasions.
 
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