Knock off Silicone Sport Band's

[mcquick03]

Does anyone know where to buy any good knock off sport bands? Amazon use carry all sorts of them. I was buying the Fantek brand one's for $10 a piece on amazon but they no longer carry them. It's like apple has banned all the knock off sport bands. Any good suggestions?

Thanks

 

[thitiv]

Try searching for "Apple Watch silicone band" on eBay.com or AliExpress.com

 

[kissfan]

I got mine on eBay. Lots of listings out of China.

 

[44267547]

Does anyone know where to buy any good knock off sport bands? Amazon use carry all sorts of them. I was buying the Fantek brand one's for $10 a piece on amazon but they no longer carry them. It's like apple has banned all the knock off sport bands. Any good suggestions?

Thanks

You're correct. It seems Amazon his phased out a lot of third-party silicone bands or the retailer isn't manufacturing them. However, I purchased from 'Eoso' on Amazon and had great experiences with them.

 

[Thai]

Apple Sport bands are made from fluoroelastomer. eBay Sports bands are silicone...very different material and not on the same level for feel, lint-attractability, and durability. I would argue that Sport/Nike bands from Apple are FAR SUPERIOR to anything aftermarket. No debate on this in my mind.

If anything from experience, the 3rd party bands are the ones that are ripping people off...not Apple since Apple does stand behind their quality.

As for the nylon bands...Apple vs. 3rd party, durability will be key here since Apple nylons are more densely packed in from what i read.

As for classic buckles and Hermes replicas, i actually owned several 3rd party leather bands AND one of the Hermes replica. Not even close in terms of leather quality, hardware, and durability. There is some question whether some of the 3rd party leather are even from cow!! If you Google regarding this, then you will be shocked to find where they get leather from to keep prices low (hint: cats and dogs)!!

Milanese is where most 3rd party come closes to Apple Milanese. So, going 3rd party here is a decent option.

For me, i rather spend money ONCE on a quality Apple product rather than spend $$$$ on various 3rd parties that deteriorates in quality. Been there, done that.

 

[SpicySpaceRat]

Apple Sport bands are made from fluoroelastomer. eBay Sports bands are silicone...very different material and not on the same level for feel, lint-attractability, and durability. I would argue that Sport/Nike bands from Apple are FAR SUPERIOR to anything aftermarket. No debate on this in my mind.

If anything from experience, the 3rd party bands are the ones that are ripping people off...not Apple since Apple does stand behind their quality.

As for the nylon bands...Apple vs. 3rd party, durability will be key here since Apple nylons are more densely packed in from what i read.

As for classic buckles and Hermes replicas, i actually owned several 3rd party leather bands AND one of the Hermes replica. Not even close in terms of leather quality, hardware, and durability. There is some question whether some of the 3rd party leather are even from cow!! If you Google regarding this, then you will be shocked to find where they get leather from to keep prices low (hint: cats and dogs)!!

Milanese is where most 3rd party come closes to Apple Milanese. So, going 3rd party here is a decent option.

For me, i rather spend money ONCE on a quality Apple product rather than spend $$$$ on various 3rd parties that deteriorates in quality. Been there, done that.

It depends on what you consider as a quality, it is a very subjective criteria.

You should use silicone bands if your main concern is durability, because it has great attributes for extreme conditions.
But if the feeling is your main concern, than yes maybe the original one is a better option in that case.

We usually produce silicone bands because most of our customers buy them as a replacement, so their main concern is durability. But of course there is also a cost factor, expecting the same "quality" for less money, is a little bit unrealistically.

 

[Thai]

It depends on what you consider as a quality, it is a very subjective criteria.

You should use silicone bands if your main concern is durability, because it has great attributes for extreme conditions.
But if the feeling is your main concern, than yes maybe the original one is a better option in that case.

We usually produce silicone bands because most of our customers buy them as a replacement, so their main concern is durability. But of course there is also a cost factor, expecting the same "quality" for less money, is a little bit unrealistically.

Some would argue that silicone bands crack and rip as they age...vs. fluoroelastomer. Silicone is NOT more durable, certainly not for extreme conditions.

 

[SDColorado]

Some would argue that silicone bands crack and rip as they age...vs. fluoroelastomer. Silicone is NOT more durable, certainly not for extreme conditions.

I don't believe silicone is as resistant to chemicals or heat, stretching or hold its shape as well as flouroelastomer. Which is why flouroelstomer has so many applications for seals, gaskets o-rings and chemical resistant gloves.

 

[CarlJ]

We usually produce silicone bands because most of our customers buy them as a replacement, so their main concern is durability. But of course there is also a cost factor, expecting the same "quality" for less money, is a little bit unrealistically.

This is an interesting thing to hear, given how many people continuously repeat the widely held belief that the real Apple sport bands are an enormous ripoff and surely "only cost pennies to manufacture".

Personally, I'd guess that Apple does make a very substantial profit off the sport bands (that is Apple's way, after all), but that they're actually more expensive to get produced that many people insist. The lower end of the market also hurts itself, collectively (though obviously there's no single controlling entity) by "borrowing" Apple's product photos, so they're showing you the band that they're copying, which is clearly not the one they will send if you purchase; this makes it hard to trust a lot of the products offered.

I'd like to see a market for bands that really are as good as Apple's (using the same materials - fluoroelastomers and such - and having the same tight tolerances on connectors), for lower cost, while doing colors Apple hasn't yet tried. Rather than using "good enough" / inexpensive materials to make a product that is less expensive, yet clearly not as nice.

 

[orbital~debris]

Just posted this on another thread, but seems relevant to re-post here:

Given the amount of news I've heard & articles I've read about generic copycat products originating from Asia having dubious composition / quality control - I'll stick with paying for Apple's products. In some cases, products are known to have been made from toxic substances or incorporated prohibited chemicals. Apple tell you exactly what the product is made from, and adhere to European safety regulations etc.
​

Also, even if the appearance can be matched (or made 'close enough' for some), the other important aspect is how the product feels, and if it continue to be tactile & durable after prolonged use.