Been an Apple Watch owner since Series 0 and never been a fan of the fabric straps. I cycle and paddleboard in a hot climate and used the sport band for many years, but switched to the solo loop for the past couple years and love it. Doesn’t absorb moisture and easy to clean. For these reasons I ordered Ultra with the ocean band, but expect to continue using the solo loop.
I'm the opposite, much prefer the fabric straps. For some reason the solo loop just didnt agree with my skin. It seemed to cause irritation and smelled really bad after a few hours even if I wasnt working out. I bought a cheap fabric strap on amazon and it doesnt smell and is much more comfortable.
I absolutely love the sport loops. I have the he stainless mesh band that matches my stainless graphite watch, but I’d rather wear the various nylon sport loops I have. I also have some silicone sport bands, but I rarely wear those.
I own the Alpine Loop. One thing you should consider, which you actually did in your video, is when you pull the band to expand it, the hook slaps against your watch body. It will create little marks in the body of the watch if you keep doing that. In fact, it might have marked it. I have seen multiple users with marks there from pulling the band wide open like that.
I've been telling everyone this as well! It would have been a no brainer for me to do the ocean in the international orange color. Would look great. I end up picking up both! Maybe that's their intention.
I’m a runner , a light one ;) 5km 3 times a week. For many years I was using a Nike rubber strap with an Apple Watch 3. My initial thinking is to get the Ultra with the rubber band(ocean) because I sweat a lot. I may need a daily use strap(trail or Alpine) and a runner strap(ocean).
I read that it irritates skin, is that true for you? Do you experience itch or redness (even slightly)? Also im going with white, i dont think itll easily stain yellow
I ended up paying an extra $49 and I bought the same Apple/Nike watchband that I’ve had on my old Apple/Nike series 3 Apple Watch. I like that the best, I like how it looks on the Ultra, and I put the orange Alpine that came with the watch in my drawer. So I’m wearing the Ultra with a black Nike band.
The alpine loop is what I ordered: feels like something an astronaut would wear cause it's not going to accidentally let go, ever. It's also cool you get a sort of "micro" adjustment because you set the loop-position at the top of the watch and then the hook end stretches a little bit so you can move it +1 loop more if you want it completely snug. 16cm wrist, medium was perfect to have the hook be on the thumb-side of my wrist so it's not in the way using a keyboard.
First video I've seen on your channel. I'm impressed with the review, well done, you mentioned little things that to me are important (e.g., web fabric bands soak into jeans).. coming from the stainless steel bands I have never experienced that before. Subscribed.
Prefer the Ocean Band so that I can clean it from time to time, the fabric ones just seem like they would start getting a bit nasty after a few workouts.
Thanks for the surfing warning on the trail loop band, I wanted a comfortable band and one which I would be able to surf on, so I went for the ocean one
Thanks for this info. I was so happy to see this detailed review on the bands. I had already ordered the trail loop and glad to hear you thought it was the most comfortable.
Funny that you mentioned loosing the trail loop while surfing. The other weekend I was out with my series 7 and the sport loop and it came off just as you mentioned. I was lucky enough to catch it in my hand.
Just picked up my Apple Ultra Watch with the yellow Ocean band. Love the band. Hated the fact I had to spend $50 extra for the extension to add length.
2:59 thank you for including your wrist size! I have an Ultra on order but was worried about my wrist being too small and/or the Ultra being too big. We have the same size wrists and I don’t think the Watch looks too big on you. 🎉
For the alpine loop, he wears it on the second to tightest position. Seems like a medium would've been a better fit. If that band stretches over time he'll be on the last loop for workouts, that's carrying "a lot" of extra material for no reason.
@@phxees good point. I thought about getting a large band to keep the buckle away from the inside of my wrist. Ended up getting a medium. I think the buckle will still be out of the way.
Agree ! I ordered an alpine M size as I have 17cm as well, but was close to change while watching this video. At the end, with your answers I’ll keep my M size, thanks
Great video... Can't wait to go pick mine today... Went with the Alpine Loop but my 1st choice was Trail Loop but seem to be impossible to get now (or wait a few weeks).
I had to opt for the Alpine Loop too at this rate; the Trail Loop definitely is the most popular choice, and I’m seeing back orders as far as November!! 💀
@@mtlcub Nope! I ordered from my carrier, and they’re not even offering it unless you wanna wait a very long time. And it’s the same for Apple’s website too.
Thanks for this video!! I bought one for my dad’s birthday. The best thing I learned is that people can use other bands! This is great news because the bands you showed are $99, my dad wants a band made by The Beatles, Abbey Road or Yellow Submarine. He’s gonna be thrilled. ✌🏻
T-Mobile sent me the medium alpine loop, I couldn’t choose L. M is a pain to take of my wrist… good to see that L actually works better. Might get one of those, bit expensive though.
Maybe you should have gone for the medium alpine loop. Unless you'll wear it over a very thick jacket. Then it's good to have some extra band to work with
I have two examples of the Alpine and the Trail, I like those a lot. The Ocean Band I don't like -- but I got the watch with it, and it's good for swimming since it rapidly dries.
Thanks again. My reality is I ordered the Trail Loop with the watch but it is soaking wet after a trail run so I needed to order another band and chose the Ocean Band which I love and I'm finding that I'm wearing that 90% of the time.
I saw these yesterday for the first time in Apple Store. Orange Alpine loop and especially Yellow Ocean band was FAR FAR brighter than I imagined. I really liked the Green Alpine loop and how that fit and Midnight Ocean band. Both very comfortable. The trail loops..eh, they were ok. BUT...I am very glad the watch will work with my older bands.
I bought mine with the ocean band and immediately swapped it out for my UAG sports band, when I go swimming ill slap the ocean band on. Great video, quick tip any watch you wear goes below your wrist bone not above it. 😉
Picked up one of each style for mine, I love the look of the alpine loop, but it’s uncomfortable and hard to fasten. The trail loop is super comfortable and lightweight, but my absolute favourite for looks, practicality and comfort is the ocean band.
@@Ahhh1 it’s pretty comfortable, certainly softer than most rubber straps I’ve tried. Does tend to snag on clothes though as the rubber material is pretty grippy.
Thank you. I know it sounds crazy but I was riding the struggle bus trying to get that second loop on the ocean band? the instructions on the box aren't as clear as the instructions you provided in this video! Thanks so much!!
Be aware that the extention ocean band in reality doesnt add 50 mm but rather around 100 mm… I had to return mine sadly and was left with standard band thats almost too small for my wrist 😢
I think the bands are neat, and I have a collection of real and off-brand options that are like these. But when we get into 100+ dollars range for ocean, I went with an apple watch band adapter set and a strapcode miltat hexad bracelet, looks really cool to me and I've never seen anyone wearing it.
the only watch ive been wearing for the past 15 years has been a seiko skx 007 with various different nato straps. Ive been interested to get an apple watch but the battery has always been an issue for me. I pre ordered this one and should get it in about a week
I got the alpine loop in green and I HATE it- it’s annoying to adjust and doesn’t fit well for me. I installed my Nike Sport band with the holes - I will probably try the trail loop because it seems like the better option for me.
I really like the way you do things. I’m not an athlete any more at my age and with some heart problems, so I don’t really go to those channels. But yours is too interesting to miss.
I originally ordered the orange alpine loop but then I changed to the black trail loop. Now I’m regretting my choice a little bit, especially because the original order would’ve been here already 😅
I want the Ultra for my hikes. Because the standard watch battery is trash for any workout longer than 30 minutes and still getting through the day. But also, my series 5 looses GPS connection all the time, and the workout tracker thinks I haven't been moving for 5 minutes, so it chimes at me. I love the orange, and it matches the watch. But I can't wear it in uniform, and I can imagine it'll get crazy sweat rings.
I purchased the ultra with the green alpine loop. I didn’t like how the ocean band felt and the other fabric band wasn’t available yet. Thank you for this review as well as all your other ones. Be well.
Thank you for your opinions. Whenever you mention prices in your other videos could you please display them in different currencies, especially the main ones like US dollars, Euros and £ Sterling, as you’ve got viewers from around the world. Thank you.
This is exactly the review I’ve been waiting for! I do a lot of surfing and Apples marketing would certainly suggest ocean band is the best for that but I don’t think it’s actually going to be as secure as the Alpine band.
This wasn’t shown in the video, but that separate link/clasp can be ran through both halves of the band once on your wrist to make it almost impossible to come off without first removing that link. Alpine and Ocean are definitely my favorite of the bunch.
I have the Blue Ocean band and the Trail Loop dark grey... The Trail Loop is very comfortable but I prefer to wear my Watch Ultra with the Ocean Band. It has a better look I reckon.
For me I was good with the large, but the medium would give me a bit more play in terms of loops. If I were to order one today, I'd do medium for my wrist.
Been an Apple Watch owner since Series 0 and never been a fan of the fabric straps. I cycle and paddleboard in a hot climate and used the sport band for many years, but switched to the solo loop for the past couple years and love it. Doesn’t absorb moisture and easy to clean. For these reasons I ordered Ultra with the ocean band, but expect to continue using the solo loop.
Same here! Ordered midnight ocean loop
Which solo loop, braided or silicone
@@skyhawk21 No fabric, so silicone.
I'm the opposite, much prefer the fabric straps. For some reason the solo loop just didnt agree with my skin. It seemed to cause irritation and smelled really bad after a few hours even if I wasnt working out. I bought a cheap fabric strap on amazon and it doesnt smell and is much more comfortable.
I absolutely love the sport loops. I have the he stainless mesh band that matches my stainless graphite watch, but I’d rather wear the various nylon sport loops I have. I also have some silicone sport bands, but I rarely wear those.
I own the Alpine Loop. One thing you should consider, which you actually did in your video, is when you pull the band to expand it, the hook slaps against your watch body. It will create little marks in the body of the watch if you keep doing that. In fact, it might have marked it. I have seen multiple users with marks there from pulling the band wide open like that.
I saw another video that warned about this so I hold the metal portion in my palm when I size it. No problems yet.
The Ocean Band in that orange colour would have been the category-killer ... just ordered the white one.
Totally agree. Love the orange color!
I've been telling everyone this as well! It would have been a no brainer for me to do the ocean in the international orange color. Would look great. I end up picking up both! Maybe that's their intention.
Check out Nomad- they have a great rubber/silicone Watch strap in the same orange color!
I’m a runner , a light one ;) 5km 3 times a week. For many years I was using a Nike rubber strap with an Apple Watch 3. My initial thinking is to get the Ultra with the rubber band(ocean) because I sweat a lot. I may need a daily use strap(trail or Alpine) and a runner strap(ocean).
The ocean band was also shown that you can use the the clip to tie the end of the other side of the loop. For an extra locking support
Nice, good tip!
@@Dcrainmaker great review!! Question, what size Alpine loop band did you order?
thanks I was wondering what stops it coming off. Waves can be rough and I can imagine a simple and coming loose and ....no.....!
Ocean loop is what I been using and I do a lot of trail running and mountain biking and wouldn’t want anything else. Very happy with it
Does it get sweaty and dirty?
@@annalau3487 it does but cleans off quick
@@chaotictattoo cool, thank you.
I read that it irritates skin, is that true for you? Do you experience itch or redness (even slightly)? Also im going with white, i dont think itll easily stain yellow
@@Ahhh1 I don't get any irritation at all. Seems to be fine
I ended up paying an extra $49 and I bought the same Apple/Nike watchband that I’ve had on my old Apple/Nike series 3 Apple Watch. I like that the best, I like how it looks on the Ultra, and I put the orange Alpine that came with the watch in my drawer. So I’m wearing the Ultra with a black Nike band.
Still rocking my Nike bands with the Ultra. Looks great with it
The alpine loop is what I ordered: feels like something an astronaut would wear cause it's not going to accidentally let go, ever. It's also cool you get a sort of "micro" adjustment because you set the loop-position at the top of the watch and then the hook end stretches a little bit so you can move it +1 loop more if you want it completely snug. 16cm wrist, medium was perfect to have the hook be on the thumb-side of my wrist so it's not in the way using a keyboard.
I wish I chose the green one I like the orange but easy get dirty
Is it comfortable? Does it smell or itch? Its the best looking but im going for comfort
@@Ahhh1 all fabric straps need to be thrown in a wash every so often.
@@someusername121 yeah agree agree
@@dontaylor4464 that’s the only problem with certain colors, dirt shows up easier. Fortunately they can be washed.
I have the orange Alpine loop and it is great. Just gets dirty really fast. Going to try the dive versions next
First video I've seen on your channel. I'm impressed with the review, well done, you mentioned little things that to me are important (e.g., web fabric bands soak into jeans).. coming from the stainless steel bands I have never experienced that before. Subscribed.
Thanks Tony! And welcome!
Rainmaker and Marques are the best reviewers that I’ve found on TH-cam.
Love to watch tan on both wrists 😂 dedication to testing
🤷🏼♂️
😂
Prefer the Ocean Band so that I can clean it from time to time, the fabric ones just seem like they would start getting a bit nasty after a few workouts.
Have the Trail loop in black/orange, coming from dailying the sport loop and it’s amazing.
Sold my previous bands!!
Thanks for the surfing warning on the trail loop band, I wanted a comfortable band and one which I would be able to surf on, so I went for the ocean one
Good call!
Thanks for this info. I was so happy to see this detailed review on the bands. I had already ordered the trail loop and glad to hear you thought it was the most comfortable.
Which color of the trail loop you have ordered? I am still swinging between the blue one and the black one
@@star95 the black/gray one.
Funny that you mentioned loosing the trail loop while surfing. The other weekend I was out with my series 7 and the sport loop and it came off just as you mentioned. I was lucky enough to catch it in my hand.
Yikes!!! Good catch!
Just picked up my Apple Ultra Watch with the yellow Ocean band. Love the band. Hated the fact I had to spend $50 extra for the extension to add length.
Yep same here it’s no good for people with large wrists without the extension loop
Thanks for the info I had no clue about the extension straps for the ocean band
2:59 thank you for including your wrist size! I have an Ultra on order but was worried about my wrist being too small and/or the Ultra being too big. We have the same size wrists and I don’t think the Watch looks too big on you. 🎉
For the alpine loop, he wears it on the second to tightest position. Seems like a medium would've been a better fit. If that band stretches over time he'll be on the last loop for workouts, that's carrying "a lot" of extra material for no reason.
@@phxees good point. I thought about getting a large band to keep the buckle away from the inside of my wrist. Ended up getting a medium. I think the buckle will still be out of the way.
Agree ! I ordered an alpine M size as I have 17cm as well, but was close to change while watching this video. At the end, with your answers I’ll keep my M size, thanks
@@gillesgodar9354 What about Loop Trail Size? I'm debating between S/M or M/L for 17cm wrist size
@@ChristopherKose Hi Christopher, is the buckle still out of the way? I am facing the same decision :)
Which band would you recommend for a firefighter? Respectfully
Just what I needed! Short and sweet
Lol. I’m happy that I am not the only one with the odd Apple Watch tan line. Great video. Thank you!
Great video... Can't wait to go pick mine today...
Went with the Alpine Loop but my 1st choice was Trail Loop but seem to be impossible to get now (or wait a few weeks).
Cheers, enjoy it!
I had to opt for the Alpine Loop too at this rate; the Trail Loop definitely is the most popular choice, and I’m seeing back orders as far as November!! 💀
Same!
@@KrishnaO I don't even think stores received some Trail loop one....
@@mtlcub Nope! I ordered from my carrier, and they’re not even offering it unless you wanna wait a very long time. And it’s the same for Apple’s website too.
Alpine Loop FTW! But we need a black Alpine Loop!!!
i just picked up mines with the starlight alpine loop and it looks really nice i would say looks better in person than in video/photos.
Thanks! The video for the comparison of the different band options. I like it very much!
Thank you! Very useful video to help decide on the strap for one!
Really good video! I appreciate that you didn’t overdo it with cuts and music, etc.
Thanks for this video!! I bought one for my dad’s birthday. The best thing I learned is that people can use other bands! This is great news because the bands you showed are $99, my dad wants a band made by The Beatles, Abbey Road or Yellow Submarine. He’s gonna be thrilled. ✌🏻
I just ordered an Ultra with the green alpine loop, I’m excited!
Thanks for actually clarifying 44m and 42mm bands work! Pretty much everyone specifically says 45mm so I assumed that meant others did not
T-Mobile sent me the medium alpine loop, I couldn’t choose L. M is a pain to take of my wrist… good to see that L actually works better. Might get one of those, bit expensive though.
What size wrist you have , hope mine fits right
18cm, but I think the size of your hand matters too. The band fits well around my wrist, but I can hardly get it over my hand.
Maybe you should have gone for the medium alpine loop. Unless you'll wear it over a very thick jacket. Then it's good to have some extra band to work with
Bands with magnets 🧲 like Milanese loops will mess with your compass 🧭 on this watch.
I can’t find that trail loop ANYWHERE in stock 😢
NOMAD makes great bands. They just released bands for the Ultra
7:17 I think you missed cutting in The Girl's wrist shots here.
Excellent practical info.
I was surprised you did not talk about the elasticity nature of each band and how it impacted the ware-ability - of each band.
I have two examples of the Alpine and the Trail, I like those a lot. The Ocean Band I don't like -- but I got the watch with it, and it's good for swimming since it rapidly dries.
Thanks again. My reality is I ordered the Trail Loop with the watch but it is soaking wet after a trail run so I needed to order another band and chose the Ocean Band which I love and I'm finding that I'm wearing that 90% of the time.
Excellent video DC Rainmaker! Just purchased the Trail Loop😉
Concise and to the point. Thank you.
Alpine and trail band more for casual not suitable for wet activities, i think i will go for ocean band its versatile for every occasion
I saw these yesterday for the first time in Apple Store. Orange Alpine loop and especially Yellow Ocean band was FAR FAR brighter than I imagined. I really liked the Green Alpine loop and how that fit and Midnight Ocean band. Both very comfortable. The trail loops..eh, they were ok. BUT...I am very glad the watch will work with my older bands.
@@darma8159 they should have more color options. Fortunately the 44 and 45 mm work with the Ultra.
Love these dedicated videos. Great presentation. Love the alpine more however. Brilliant 👍
Quick tip u should look for stishes on the alpine loop if u dont find one that means its glued if it glued be carefull of it😊
Would you recommend the Alpine strap for CrossFit-style training? Can it take lots of sweat and dirt, also is it easy to wash?
I bought mine with the ocean band and immediately swapped it out for my UAG sports band, when I go swimming ill slap the ocean band on. Great video, quick tip any watch you wear goes below your wrist bone not above it. 😉
How did you get the black trail loop band? It’s on back order till December!?
I ordered within an hour of launch.
Thank you so much for the information of the size I have not idea about that
The Extension for the Ocean Band says it adds 50mm, but it actually adds closer to 125mm. Picked up this morning.
Nice, good to know!
Great review! Different approach there. 💪🏽
Thanks!!!
Super useful! Thanks.
Picked up one of each style for mine, I love the look of the alpine loop, but it’s uncomfortable and hard to fasten. The trail loop is super comfortable and lightweight, but my absolute favourite for looks, practicality and comfort is the ocean band.
Do you own all 3? How comfortable is the ocean loop? Does it irritate your skin? Im considering ocean loop for me
@@Ahhh1 it’s pretty comfortable, certainly softer than most rubber straps I’ve tried. Does tend to snag on clothes though as the rubber material is pretty grippy.
@@cmdrflint9115 oh thats nice to hear, might just grab that
I’m debating should I get the ocean band as well how does it feel to sleep with it on?
Great video! You answered a lot of my concerns for the bands.
Fantastic comparison!
Thank you. I know it sounds crazy but I was riding the struggle bus trying to get that second loop on the ocean band? the instructions on the box aren't as clear as the instructions you provided in this video! Thanks so much!!
Yeah, it confused me as well the first time!
Alpine loop is difficult to 'buckle', I tried that in the store. I like the ocean band the best. Have to the trail loop.
Saved this video and went with the black/gray trail loop as my band in the box. Great fit, comfort & soft
I got the green alpine loop getting mine next month can’t wait 😝
Be aware that the extention ocean band in reality doesnt add 50 mm but rather around 100 mm… I had to return mine sadly and was left with standard band thats almost too small for my wrist 😢
I’m not a fan of fabric bands, which is why I chose the ocean band.
Just what I was looking for information on types & usage of the bands
Ah yes was looking for someone with the ultra and the bands to see how they all looked! Perfect
I just squeeze dry my fabric bands with a towel instead of using my pants, although I used to wonder about that mark till I figured it out!
I think the bands are neat, and I have a collection of real and off-brand options that are like these. But when we get into 100+ dollars range for ocean, I went with an apple watch band adapter set and a strapcode miltat hexad bracelet, looks really cool to me and I've never seen anyone wearing it.
the only watch ive been wearing for the past 15 years has been a seiko skx 007 with various different nato straps. Ive been interested to get an apple watch but the battery has always been an issue for me. I pre ordered this one and should get it in about a week
I have been hoping someone was going to talk about the bands and boom! Great breakdown and b roll.
Wearing my new Apple Watch Ultra on the yellow ocean band. It's extremely comfortable!
I got the alpine loop in green and I HATE it- it’s annoying to adjust and doesn’t fit well for me. I installed my Nike Sport band with the holes - I will probably try the trail loop because it seems like the better option for me.
Been using my series 4 Nike version, same strap and only been using that strap. It ain’t bad, so I figure if I upgrade I’d go for the ocean band
Great review and info as always. Your stuff is GOLD!
Really very nice explanation👍
Thanks man
I got the ocean band, but it’s ridges bury into your skin at night so I swapped it for my Apple Watch SE basic band that is more comfortable
I really like the way you do things. I’m not an athlete any more at my age and with some heart problems, so I don’t really go to those channels. But yours is too interesting to miss.
Got the Ocean loop since today and love it. Sold my Enduro 2 for that
Love how vibrant the ocean yellow band is. Might pick this up for my series 4 😀
I think the Alpine loop looks the best over the other Apple ultra bands as you can wear it anywhere the rest look too cheap I think.
I originally ordered the orange alpine loop but then I changed to the black trail loop. Now I’m regretting my choice a little bit, especially because the original order would’ve been here already 😅
SHow me how you get the yellow band on and tucked through the retainer loop after it is buckled please
Found all the colours on trendystraps! I love to wear this while swimming 🤩
I want the Ultra for my hikes. Because the standard watch battery is trash for any workout longer than 30 minutes and still getting through the day. But also, my series 5 looses GPS connection all the time, and the workout tracker thinks I haven't been moving for 5 minutes, so it chimes at me. I love the orange, and it matches the watch. But I can't wear it in uniform, and I can imagine it'll get crazy sweat rings.
Finally a normal sized man reviewing the Watch and not this tiny men. Best regards from the Dutch.
Great video! Thank you 💪
Thanks for answering my question if the Ultra works with other bands and what type
Thanks for the first and at the present time only awesome review of the Apple Ultra watchbands!
I purchased the ultra with the green alpine loop. I didn’t like how the ocean band felt and the other fabric band wasn’t available yet. Thank you for this review as well as all your other ones. Be well.
Thanks!
I have the alpine loop and ocean and just slightly prefer the ocean.
Thank you for your opinions. Whenever you mention prices in your other videos could you please display them in different currencies, especially the main ones like US dollars, Euros and £ Sterling, as you’ve got viewers from around the world. Thank you.
This is exactly the review I’ve been waiting for!
I do a lot of surfing and Apples marketing would certainly suggest ocean band is the best for that but I don’t think it’s actually going to be as secure as the Alpine band.
This wasn’t shown in the video, but that separate link/clasp can be ran through both halves of the band once on your wrist to make it almost impossible to come off without first removing that link. Alpine and Ocean are definitely my favorite of the bunch.
@@Andrew_t_moran I thought that as well but trying it out in the store I don't think it is actually possible
@@Andrew_t_moran how is this done ?
Just picked up midnight ocean band ultra Apple Watch.
I have the Blue Ocean band and the Trail Loop dark grey...
The Trail Loop is very comfortable but I prefer to wear my Watch Ultra with the Ocean Band. It has a better look I reckon.
Do you think you can use the alpin one at pool? 🏊🏼♂️
Apple Watch Ultra videos have all been amazing. New Sub!
Thanks!!!
Is the ocean band wider than the others?
Fantastic information, thank you so much
Great video! You addressed all my curiosities. Thanks!
So glad you posted. I ordered the Medium for my 177mm wrist. Was that the right choice? Or have you enjoyed the Large more?
For me I was good with the large, but the medium would give me a bit more play in terms of loops. If I were to order one today, I'd do medium for my wrist.
@@Dcrainmaker okay great. Thanks!
@@Dcrainmaker and off topic - any idea when Garmin may add morning report to F7/E2?
@fit gear hunter is medium is good for your wrist size getting in or out of hand and how many loops you are left with
@@MrParasbakshi yes! 176mm wrist. I have ~8-10 loops left. Thanks for asking