I bought a Sport Loop and I think it’s the ugliest and cheapest feeling OEM type of band...

[frou]

They feel cheap because it's possible to manufacture effectively the same thing, sell it for $1.67, and still make a profit! See AliExpress.

With Apple's greater economy-of-scale, how much does it cost them to manufacture each unit? 50 cents?

 

[supertomtom]

While some of the colour combinations and the weaving looks cheap, some can actually look quite nice, all depends on the colour combination and the woven pattern. The Nike hyper grape is probably one of my favourites.

 

[cannono]

While some of the colour combinations and the weaving looks cheap, some can actually look quite nice, all depends on the colour combination and the woven pattern. The Nike hyper grape is probably one of my favourites.

Looks like a carpet in an arcade or cheap store to me...

 

[supertomtom]

Looks like a carpet in an arcade or cheap store to me...

to each his own.

 

[marmiteturkey]

Thanks. Our work uses the term ‘near miss’ so it’s something I’ve gotten used to saying but I do see what you mean. I always interpreted a near miss as meaning it was a miss but it nearly wasn’t.

A 'near miss' is a 'miss that came near', not 'something that nearly missed'.

 

[AXone1814]

A 'near miss' is a 'miss that came near', not 'something that nearly missed'.

Thank you.

 

[Akrapovic]

Sport loop is brilliant. Comfy and great for exercising in. Infinitely adjustable too.

The rubber sport bands were awful for me. Trapped sweat and when I wore them in bed I ended up with a sweat rash around my wrist. The sport loop doesn't do that.

 

[warburg]

I’m returning what I thought was a midnight blue and a khaki sport band today. They are now making them in a way that part of the obverse and part of the reverse show when they are worn. They’ve become really ugly!

 

[NoBoMac]

The Sport Band traps sweat and has limited adjustment. The Sport Loop breathes, is quick-drying and can be adjusted to meet my needs.

Going to pile on and ditto this.

Recent newcomer to the AW, and have been trying different bands, and have come to the above conclusion.

For me...

The Apple sport band is heavy and gets really sweaty while working out, but does not look bad.

A knock off of the Nike sport band is lighter and not as sweaty as Apple sport band. But does look "cheap".

My knock off sport loop, it's all black, so unless shining a really bright light directly on it, blends in well in normal lighting conditions. And is a lot airier than other options. I'll swap in a leather band if going into public post a gym workout, but otherwise, the SL is the one I keep on 95% of the time (home, running, hiking).

 

[BeatCrazy]

I have probably a dozen OEM sport bands. I’ve avoided the Sport Loops because I assumed they would trap dirt and sweat. With the sport bands, I can wash them thoroughly with soap and water and they’re as good as new. How would the sport loop not get filthy after a while?

 

[cannono]

I have probably a dozen OEM sport bands. I’ve avoided the Sport Loops because I assumed they would trap dirt and sweat. With the sport bands, I can wash them thoroughly with soap and water and they’re as good as new. How would the sport loop not get filthy after a while?

It’s a porous fabric. It does get filthy.

 

[staggerlee41]

They do get dirty, it's a fact. They're as easy to clean as putting in a pocket or a small mesh laundry bag and violà, it's clean again.

 

[RedlegsFan]

I love the sport loops. However, I would never pay Apple's prices for their version. I found a great seller on Amazon that has them for $7 or $8. I compared them while in the Apple Store and I can't tell a difference. What Apple charges in highway robbery.

 

[deeddawg]

I have probably a dozen OEM sport bands. I’ve avoided the Sport Loops because I assumed they would trap dirt and sweat. With the sport bands, I can wash them thoroughly with soap and water and they’re as good as new. How would the sport loop not get filthy after a while?

You can wash them thoroughly with soap and water and they're as good as new.

Seriously - I often just wear my watch into the shower after a run. Rinses all the sweat (and any dirt) right out. Dries off quickly and doesn't retain any moisture to speak of, it's fully dry in short order. No issues with trapping moisture against my skin.

 

[davideotape]

Yeah i was getting annoyed with my light grey band getting dirty but i simply washed it with bathroom soap and water and put it on the window to dry and its all set.

 

[deeddawg]

I love the sport loops. However, I would never pay Apple's prices for their version. I found a great seller on Amazon that has them for $7 or $8. I compared them while in the Apple Store and I can't tell a difference. What Apple charges in highway robbery.

Seller? I've tried a couple aftermarket loops and can definitely tell a difference, mainly in how easily the loop does (not) slide through the lower attachment.

 

[Azathoth123]

You are correct. In a similar vein, why do people and news outlets use the phrase "a near miss" to describe a near collision? A "near miss" is a "hit".

lol, because we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway.