Has anyone ever asked why are AW bands so expensive

[Ghost31]

I tried going for the knock offs. They all felt different, less comfortable and ended up breaking. Over a few month period of just getting crappy bands I learned you get what you pay for. $50 seems like a lot, but ya know what? The sport band from my series 0 I got at launch when the Apple Watch FIRST came out still looks good. If that’s not quality and totally worth the price I don’t know what is

You think “silicone for $50? Ew god no way”. You need to reframe your mind “a comfortable band that will last me years and years? Worth it”

 

[Mikeeee]

I tried going for the knock offs. They all felt different, less comfortable and ended up breaking. Over a few month period of just getting crappy bands I learned you get what you pay for. $50 seems like a lot, but ya know what? The sport band from my series 0 I got at launch when the Apple Watch FIRST came out still looks good. If that’s not quality and totally worth the price I don’t know what is

You think “silicone for $50? Ew god no way”. You need to reframe your mind “a comfortable band that will last me years and years? Worth it”

I agree the sports band is far superior to the knock offs. It's not silicone though. It's made of fluoroelastomer. In case people want to know more:

"Fluoroelastomer comes from the two words "fluorinated" and "elastomer". The former refers to a chemical process, which either treats or binds a certain material with fluorine, while the latter simply describes elastic polymers (rubber-like material). Fluoroelastomers are famous for their durability and outstanding resistance to heat, oils, solvents, fuels, and ozone – they are often used for fuel-distribution systems or for high-quality lab gloves. It is not a material that will stretch out easily, get damaged by extreme heats, or get deformed by being excessively sweat on. It is also much less prone to induce any allergic reactions than, for example, latex.

Of course, for all its properties, fluoroelastomer is a pretty expensive material, classified as a special purpose polymer, only applied where high chemical protection is required."

https://www.phonearena.com/news/The...roelastomer---here-is-what-this-means_id67029

 

[J.R.3681]

I'd love to be able to try one of Apple's link bracelets for a day or two to see how different they feel from the knockoffs I've bought from Amazon. I just can't imagine how much better it would have to be to make me even consider paying $450 for a BAND.

After many try’s of Apple Watch 3rd party link bracelets, I finally gave up and pulled the trigger on a official Apple Watch link bracelet. I found one 3rd party on amazon that literally looked identical to the original, even with the push to remove links. I was so disappointed that it did not properly seat into the watch. They made it slightly longer, so it sticks out very slightly. I even returned it 3 times and they all were the same. I mean the Apple original bracelet is very very expensive, but it comes down to quality.

 

[xDKP]

After many try’s of Apple Watch 3rd party link bracelets, I finally gave up and pulled the trigger on a official Apple Watch link bracelet. I found one 3rd party on amazon that literally looked identical to the original, even with the push to remove links. I was so disappointed that it did not properly seat into the watch. They made it slightly longer, so it sticks out very slightly. I even returned it 3 times and they all were the same. I mean the Apple original bracelet is very very expensive, but it comes down to quality.

I have tried the same for both my S0 Space Black and current S2 SS - got a great deal on a OEM Apple Link after trying a lot of 3rd party ones and it's just miles ahead - really makes a world of difference

 

[J.R.3681]

I have tried the same for both my S0 Space Black and current S2 SS - got a great deal on a OEM Apple Link after trying a lot of 3rd party ones and it's just miles ahead - really makes a world of difference

Very nice to have a great deal, I had to pay full price. Although I did see some pretty good deals on eBay. I still decided to get it brand new. But I agree totally! Huge difference in quality. The 3rd party may look identical, but nowhere near the same. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

 

[Speechless]

Oh definitely.

I purchased a third party Nike sport band from Amazon for less than $10 and it smelled HORRIBLE and made my skin react weird every time I did something even remotely active. I recently purchased a Series 3 and it came with a Nike band, the difference is noticeable. The third party was VERY thin compared to the thicker official.

I was going to purchase a third party sport loop .. but decided to just buy the official. I'm not a band man by any means, but you get what you pay for.

 

[bobbyclobber49]

I have two Apple bands and two third-party (lower end) bands. I use the Apple bands for daily wear and the the other two for shorter-term, "show" purposes (one metal one leather). I'm guessing neither of the third-party bands will have the staying power of the Apple bands. Fun to have the choice though.