Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread
- Thread starter appleboyy
- WikiPost WikiPost
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
Received my Olive nylon Monowear strap. It is "fine" but nothing special. Considering returning due to cost.
The Olive color is ok. Wish a little darker, but not bad. The adapters are black not space gray, but the finish is similar to the watch. I don't have a problem with the color on the adapter. The adapter fit is good with no play once on. But they don't go on as smooth as with Apple original or even other adapters.
I do like the black clasp/hardware.
But it really seems no different than any other nylon "NATO" style band you can pick up for $8, $12, $20. Of course that is without adapters, but we all know what those cost. So at $60 I feel very, VERY overpriced. At $20-$25 I'd think a nice band to add to your collection. At $60 you can get a truly unique leather or even metal band. So I would not recommend due to cost.
I'll post pics tonight.
The Olive color is ok. Wish a little darker, but not bad. The adapters are black not space gray, but the finish is similar to the watch. I don't have a problem with the color on the adapter. The adapter fit is good with no play once on. But they don't go on as smooth as with Apple original or even other adapters.
I do like the black clasp/hardware.
But it really seems no different than any other nylon "NATO" style band you can pick up for $8, $12, $20. Of course that is without adapters, but we all know what those cost. So at $60 I feel very, VERY overpriced. At $20-$25 I'd think a nice band to add to your collection. At $60 you can get a truly unique leather or even metal band. So I would not recommend due to cost.
I'll post pics tonight.
Picked up a well reviewed Milanese/Mesh knock-off, pretty cool, seems to be held together nicely at the adapter/band vs those ones with the loops that were coming undone. It feels substantial, the adapters aren't too bad, just a bit of a gap between the watch and band, not a deal breaker for the price. The clasp is a little finicky and it takes a few tries to fully "snap" it securely closed. As far as I can tell there is no magnetic-ness to the band.
I got it via Amazon Warehouse as a return listed "like new" for $29. There was only one so I nabbed it as I knew I was getting it quick direct vs waiting from China. Looks like a seller in NY just launched and has them for $24.50 shipped. I can't comment on if he's getting them from China though. You can find him by scrolling to the "4 new" link for other sellers.
Here's the link & pics: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XU8Q0TE?&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
(sorry if these are gigantic)
I got it via Amazon Warehouse as a return listed "like new" for $29. There was only one so I nabbed it as I knew I was getting it quick direct vs waiting from China. Looks like a seller in NY just launched and has them for $24.50 shipped. I can't comment on if he's getting them from China though. You can find him by scrolling to the "4 new" link for other sellers.
Here's the link & pics: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XU8Q0TE?&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
(sorry if these are gigantic)
Last edited:
That's not a bad purchase Mojopin. For a SS mesh band it's not bad looking at all. And since it has a clasp there would be no need for any magnets. Hope the mechanism locks down securely and no chance of accidentally getting caught on something and pulling open. I think it's a nice look and might even try one. For the price with adapters not a bad deal.
Thanks yes, I actually was pleasantly surprised when I got it I was expecting it to be really cheap feeling/looking. My two concerns are the security of the clasp and the strength of the band to adapter connection. I had seen another thread on the OEM Milanese detaching from the adapter as it was glued, I'm guessing this one is the same. I also do make sure when I use the clasp that it's fully locked/hooked in and it's very secure when it is. And oops yes having the clasp cancels out the magnets
Have three bands coming today I believe. The red zulu band with PVD rings, a white carbon fiber and a soft brown vintage Dassari. Will post photos later.
Yep all three arrived but Darn, red band came shipped black so note off to seller. Last week I got the black version from them so really don't need another in same color. Very soft feeling nylon and flexible so willing to wait for the red one; besides doesn't look like I have a choice.
The white carbon fiber and soft brown leather bands I'm very pleased with. Ordered from Strapsco on ebay. The white has a very subtle pattern. It's a thicker band so will take some time to break in but nice quality and nice finished sides. The brown is a med/drk brown (darker than on my computer screen) but flexible, soft and very nice. This is my second Dassari band in this line and I'm very happy with it. Photos tomorrow.
Yep all three arrived but Darn, red band came shipped black so note off to seller. Last week I got the black version from them so really don't need another in same color. Very soft feeling nylon and flexible so willing to wait for the red one; besides doesn't look like I have a choice.
The white carbon fiber and soft brown leather bands I'm very pleased with. Ordered from Strapsco on ebay. The white has a very subtle pattern. It's a thicker band so will take some time to break in but nice quality and nice finished sides. The brown is a med/drk brown (darker than on my computer screen) but flexible, soft and very nice. This is my second Dassari band in this line and I'm very happy with it. Photos tomorrow.
Last edited:
A bamboo storage option from Costco. It comes with 2 different bins. The last one is somewhat flexible in its arrangement options. The white and yellow bands show its a good fit for 4 or 2 bands. The other bin is a perfect fit for 4 lugs when placed top to bottom as the orange and red straps are. This is a 42mm watch so the 38mm lugs are a bit smaller. Anyway, just some options. The red and black bags are zippered from other things I had in the house and store extra lugs, watch cases, and tools.
$15 with $5 off at the register.
http://www.costco.com/Seville-Classics®-Bamboo-Drawer-Organizer---2-Pack.product.100162845.html
I was not able to order the same mesh band as Mojopin. Seemed like others available from link were similar and most looked to be shipped from China from what I could tell. Actually placed an order, then thought the delivery time seemed lengthy and noticed where it was shipping from so canceled before processed. I was however inspired to purchase this one from the UK instead and receive sooner. It comes in 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm widths.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111709323132?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&var=410710554078&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
It was a bit more expensive with shipping but I thought the quality looked nice from the photos. Here's hoping. Long time seller and great feedback at least.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/111709323132?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&var=410710554078&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
It was a bit more expensive with shipping but I thought the quality looked nice from the photos. Here's hoping. Long time seller and great feedback at least.
Last edited:
Pics of Olive Monowear (and my other bands). The blue nylon I picked up a while back is after to the touch and more flexible. Cost was less than $10. Yes, I need adapters for it, but we know that cost. The Monowear also has few holes. I can wear it snug on the smallest setting, and normal one down from that. As I say, not a bad band. But not worth $60.
Last edited:
Where did you get the adapter for your space gray watch? It looks pretty good.Pics of Olive Monowear (and my other bands). The blue nylon I picked up a while back is after to the touch and more flexible. Cost was less than $10. Yes, I need adapters for it, but we know that cost. The Monowear also has few holes. I can wear it snug on the smallest setting, and normal one down from that. As I say, not a bad band. But not worth $60.
Monowear comes w/the adapters. They look good and seem secure but not near as smooth to put on the watch. It's like metal on metal going on.
The red leather band also came w/adapters. The other adapter either came from Amazon or from a British place someone post. I was not that impressed with those, but happy w/the Amazon one's.
I bit. For $25 why not. I've yet to find the exact link I'm looking for.
Groupon has a great deal on Milanese and Link bands today. They're on sale and also have a coupon code "Save10" which gives you another 10 dollars off. This also includes free returns. The sale ends today!
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ipm-stainless-steel-metal-link-bracelet
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-steel-mesh-milanese-loop-band-for-apple-watch
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ipm-luxury-stainless-steel-mesh-apple-watch-strap
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ipm-stainless-steel-metal-link-bracelet
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-steel-mesh-milanese-loop-band-for-apple-watch
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ipm-luxury-stainless-steel-mesh-apple-watch-strap
Last edited:
From freedomclock09
I bought this one vs some other 3 link bands cause I prefer the pin style adapter
Either 1 gold piece from adapter was missing or fell off without me realizing it
What does the gold piece do?
It looks nice. Doesn't have the heft I would like. I also rolled the dice on some very cheap ss bands from China and still waiting...
The ss band "look" is definitely for me but still hunting for the perfect combo
I bought this one vs some other 3 link bands cause I prefer the pin style adapter
Either 1 gold piece from adapter was missing or fell off without me realizing it
What does the gold piece do?
It looks nice. Doesn't have the heft I would like. I also rolled the dice on some very cheap ss bands from China and still waiting...
The ss band "look" is definitely for me but still hunting for the perfect combo
Attachments
Last edited:
I might almost argue that this looks better than Apple's ML. Just because I find the "lip" that's created by the loop to be a bit off putting. Can't beat their magnet though.
Great purchase!
Great purchase!
Picked up a well reviewed Milanese/Mesh knock-off, pretty cool, seems to be held together nicely at the adapter/band vs those ones with the loops that were coming undone. It feels substantial, the adapters aren't too bad, just a bit of a gap between the watch and band, not a deal breaker for the price. The clasp is a little finicky and it takes a few tries to fully "snap" it securely closed. As far as I can tell there is no magnetic-ness to the band.
I got it via Amazon Warehouse as a return listed "like new" for $29. There was only one so I nabbed it as I knew I was getting it quick direct vs waiting from China. Looks like a seller in NY just launched and has them for $24.50 shipped. I can't comment on if he's getting them from China though. You can find him by scrolling to the "4 new" link for other sellers.
Here's the link & pics: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XU8Q0TE?&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
(sorry if these are gigantic)
Sorry I was in a rush and typed the wrong thing. It's "SAVE10" and I think you need to be logged in to use it.
Coupon code not working