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AppleHater

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 9, 2010
788
104
I'm inclined to buying my very first Apple Watch. One thing I haven't decided is whether to get Sport Loop or Sport Band version.

Could someone with either/both band(s), tell me pros and cons of them, please?

Is Sport Loop water proof? It looks like clothes?
 
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Deguello

macrumors 65816
Jun 29, 2008
1,398
1,265
Texas
That’s a good question. It looks like, to me, the loop is basically infinitely adjustable whereas the band might be a little too loose or tight depending on your wrist versus the holes. But the loop doesn’t look especially good.

Maybe the loop for exercise when I want a particular fit and the band for when I don’t care if the watch moves a little more?
 

bodonnell202

macrumors 68030
Jan 5, 2016
2,625
3,475
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Sport Loop! It's way more comfortable than the sport band, once I tried one on I never went back. As far as waterproofing goes you can get it wet but it does absorb some water - just pat it dry with a towel and it dries really fast.

Pros of the Sport Loop:
-Way more comfortable
-Infinitely adjustable (able to adjust it to give accurate heart rate readings during workouts without cutting off circulation)

Cons:
-Less professional looking, you might want to have a different band for when you want to "dress up" your Apple Watch

I tend to wear the sport loop most of the time and have a leather band (not bought from the Apple Store, their pricing is ridiculous) that I use when I want to dress it up (fortunately my workplace is pretty casual). I haven't used my sports band since I bought the sports loop.
 

michaelb5000

macrumors regular
Sep 23, 2015
228
168
I agree the sports loop is more comfortable. It does hold water if you swim, so the sports band is probably better for regularly in and out of water. HR works better with the sports loop as well (I think) because it always fits perfectly.

The sports bands are nice too though and get you fun colors if you want that. There are endless cheap imitation sports bands to pick up cheap if you end up wanting to try that too.
 
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AppleHater

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 9, 2010
788
104
Is it okay to take shower with the loop? Would it smell in a long run eventually?
 

highertechnology

macrumors 6502a
Jul 31, 2009
685
214
The sport loop is the best band there is IMO.

I have many bands; sport loops, leather buckles, milanese loops, etc.

But nothing compares to the sport loop for everyday use.

ETA; I shower with mine occasionally to clean the watch and band as I work out often. Never any issues with velcro, charging, or anything else.
 

CostaMoses

macrumors regular
Feb 4, 2014
153
217
Another vote for sport loop. I've had one since November and it is a world of difference in comfort compared to the sport band. It also does not smell.
 
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puckhead193

macrumors G3
May 25, 2004
9,577
861
NY
sport loop. but you need to give it time to soften up. I tried it on in the store and wasn't a big fan. I bought the black nike one when it was announced and have't taken it off. Its awesome! My only complaint with it, is that yes you can get it wet but it takes some time to dry. So when I go swimming (not laps but marco polo style/relax i throw on the sport band.
 
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Poob Bubes

macrumors 6502a
Apr 16, 2007
544
179
The only downside I’ve found with the loop is that it also absorbs sweat so it will start to smell after awhile unless you occasionally wash it with a mild soap.
 
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actcyclist

macrumors 6502
Jun 10, 2017
333
479
I don't find the sports loop comfortable compared to the band. I think it's because it's so light and the watch is relatively heavy, so it always feels either loose or tight and never right.
 

0970373

Suspended
Mar 15, 2008
2,727
1,412
Another vote for the Sport Loop. It does absorb sweat on your wrists which is what I like about it vs the band which starts to feel slippery & hot. I have multiple bands but it's usually one of my 3 sport loops on a regular day. I have nicer bands for when I am dressing up or going out. They dry pretty quickly so if you wash it, just let it dry overnight while your watch is charging.
 

44267547

Cancelled
Jul 12, 2016
37,642
42,494
Both have their advantages. The Sport Loop is extremely durable, but when wet, it becomes problematic. The sport band, doesn’t allow your wrist to breathe as easy, nearly indestructible with the flueroastamer.
 
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Taki

macrumors regular
Nov 25, 2007
116
178
I like both Sport Band and Loop, but Loop is more comfortable. I wear Loop more often than Band. I put my Sport Loops in laundry net and put in the washer, and it comes out nice and clean.
 

TJ82

macrumors 65816
Mar 8, 2012
1,262
908
Is the loop absorbent? Worried about it needing washed weekly like a heart rate strap. Silicone is great that way, sweat just isn't really an issue for it. I sweat a lot on the indoor trainer, especially come the winter training season so it really needs to be able to deal with that.

Usually use the sport band but also thinking about the loop instead this time round. Not worried overly about it looking professional, I'll use a leather band for work.
 

ukms

macrumors demi-god
Apr 21, 2015
1,137
1,196
Dubai, UAE
I love the loops for everyday wear, they just feel really comfortable. If I go to the gym or circuit training I change it out for a Nike band. Living in a very hot country I find the regular bands get too hot and sweaty for daily wear so the loop works well.
 
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aloecool

macrumors 6502
Mar 30, 2011
261
44
Wow...sounds like I need to give the loop a try. I've been using leather bands 99% of the time since S0, but I think I'll pick up a loop band to wear on the weekends with my S4
 

Tinototem

macrumors regular
Sep 28, 2010
108
82
Sweden
Series 4 might be the first apple watch i own, i have a Apple Watch Nike+ 44m Silver Aluminum Case with Pure Platinum/Black Nike Sport Band on order with a delivery date on the 5th. This will give me time to visits a store and get a more hands on experience before i decide.

But this thread have made me really consider a sport loop band, i think the Cape Cod Blue Sport Loop together with an upcoming iPhone XR Blue could look great.

But i will still use my Nike Sports Band for when i go to the gym and the pool for exercises. The only thing that worries me is swapping the band 6-10 times a weak will cause issues in the long run. Should i be worried?
 

ukms

macrumors demi-god
Apr 21, 2015
1,137
1,196
Dubai, UAE
Series 4 might be the first apple watch i own, i have a Apple Watch Nike+ 44m Silver Aluminum Case with Pure Platinum/Black Nike Sport Band on order with a delivery date on the 5th. This will give me time to visits a store and get a more hands on experience before i decide.

But this thread have made me really consider a sport loop band, i think the Cape Cod Blue Sport Loop together with an upcoming iPhone XR Blue could look great.

But i will still use my Nike Sports Band for when i go to the gym and the pool for exercises. The only thing that worries me is swapping the band 6-10 times a weak will cause issues in the long run. Should i be worried?

I swap my bands/loops at least 5 times a week for gym etc and back again with no issues.
 

Reinke

macrumors newbie
Dec 23, 2012
29
1
This will also be my first AW. Im more interested in the reflective capabilities in the Sport Loop, feeling this could be the deciding factor. Or maybe I should just get both? D:
 

purpleparrotuk

macrumors 65816
Jun 26, 2010
1,058
306
This will also be my first AW. Im more interested in the reflective capabilities in the Sport Loop, feeling this could be the deciding factor. Or maybe I should just get both? D:

I think the loop is only reflective on the Nike models isn’t it?
 
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