Quality and longevity: Solo Loop vs. Sport Band

[bedtime]

I have started buying more watch bands lately. While I'm loving the solo loop, I'm a bit wary of how you need to stretch it to put them on/off. I would imagine this means somewhat quicker wear and tear compared to Sport Band. These two bands have similar rubbery material which I really like.

I'm really conflicted whether I should keep investing on solo loop or should start switching to sport band. I don't really like the bump on the sport band.

 

[tygurr]

I find the bump on sports band to be minimal, and works very well for me personally. On the other hand, I haven't tried a solo loop so can't comment on that.

How often are you buying a solo loop?

 

[Snørrbjørg]

Sport band will get sticky and uncomfortable after a while.
Solo loop will stretch and for some even snap in two parts.

Solo loop is my choice, its more comfortable.

 

[Jerry10284]

My solo loop snapped after 6 months apple refused to do anything and just told me to buy a new one.
Sports band will last you many years .
Solo loop is softer but after a while it gets shinny and sticky

 

[Snide]

My solo loop snapped after 6 months apple refused to do anything and just told me to buy a new one.
Sports band will last you many years .
Solo loop is softer but after a while it gets shinny and sticky

Wow! I use sport bands almost exclusively (currently have 6), and have recently been doing open water swims. I tighten the band down one notch from normal to ensure accurate heart rate readings. Needless to say, having a band snap would ruin my day. I’ve never tried the solo loops, and looks like I never will. 💩

 

[bedtime]

I find the bump on sports band to be minimal, and works very well for me personally. On the other hand, I haven't tried a solo loop so can't comment on that.

How often are you buying a solo loop?

Not that often, but I have three so far and I really like how comfy it is.

Sport band will get sticky and uncomfortable after a while.
Solo loop will stretch and for some even snap in two parts.

Solo loop is my choice, its more comfortable.

Yep I agree how comfy solo loop is. I just don't want it to snap while wearing it and drop my watch onto the concrete. :x

My solo loop snapped after 6 months apple refused to do anything and just told me to buy a new one.
Sports band will last you many years .
Solo loop is softer but after a while it gets shinny and sticky

Mhm this is one of my biggest concern too (rip or snap). Considering both Solo and Sport are priced the same, I think I would get more value out of the sport band.

 

[tygurr]

Not that often, but I have three so far and I really like how comfy it is.

Feels like there will have to be some compromise whichever way you choose!

Either:

Solo loop - comfier, but at risk of snapping/stretching and constantly having the doubt in your mind.

Sports band - slightly less comfy, more secure and less chance of breaking giving you more peace of mind.

 

[James.K.Polk]

I just got back into Apple Watch after selling my whole collection in the fall. For my “starter” band with new purchase, I went with Solo Loop. Hadn’t seen the information about snapping, and I believe it happens to some, but I’ve also seen some great durability/wear tests.

Right now, I only have the one band, and it’s giving me good enough HRM recordings on my outdoor runs, but realistically I’ll probably add a Sports Band to rotate in and out eventually!

 

[perezr10]

Sport band will get sticky and uncomfortable after a while.

I have not found the Apple sport bands to ever get sticky. The aftermarket ones yes. But my launch day 2015 genuine Apple white band still feels great.

 

[ssledoux]

Not that often, but I have three so far and I really like how comfy it is.


Yep I agree how comfy solo loop is. I just don't want it to snap while wearing it and drop my watch onto the concrete. :x


Mhm this is one of my biggest concern too (rip or snap). Considering both Solo and Sport are priced the same, I think I would get more value out of the sport band.

I think the snapping issue would be when stretching it to put it on. Once it’s on, I wouldn’t think it would be at risk of snapping in two during wear. I could be wrong about this, but I own a couple of them, and don’t see why that would happen.

The solo loop is a super comfortable band, and I love the lack of bulk. The sport loop has always bothered me because of the big bump where it loops over (I find it looks extra bulky on my wrist).

That being said, I know I won’t enjoy my solo loops during the summer when it’s hot because they start to feel too snug, and they don’t breathe. I don’t like the sport bands in summer either, for the same reason, but I do live where it’s hot with 1000% humidity most of the time. ;-p