The Woven Nylon Apple Watch strap is comfortable and fashionable
While we were expecting Apple to introduce new bands for the Apple Watch at Monday’s special media event, the Woven Nylon strap was a bit of a surprise. Yes, we knew a nylon band was more than likely about to hit the market, but what Apple unveiled was a unique take on a classic watch band style.
Another colorful choice
There are seven different color options to select from.
Much like the Sport Band, Apple is offering a number of different colorful options of the Woven Nylon strap for both the 38mm and 42mm watch. Along with a black version, buyers can also select from a gold/red, gold/royal blue, royal blue, pink, pearl, and scuba blue variant. If you already have a watch, each color can be purchased separately for $49.
If you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch, there are now a number of Sport and Apple Watch models that feature the band. Thanks to the $50 price drop for the Sport model, that means you can purchase a watch directly from Apple for as low as $299 for the 38mm version.
More than meets the eye
The strap looks great on my Apple Watch Sport.
My first impression of the band, at least judging from the marketing shots on Apple’s site, wasn’t exactly positive. The wavy look of the band material was a big turn off. But I decided to go ahead and try one out anyway and ordered a black version that landed on my doorstep earlier this week.
I was pleasantly surprised, when I opened the package, to see that the strap really does look different in person. The wavy look of the marketing shots is much more muted, and almost non-existent. It’s not exactly a NATO-type of strap, but it’s definitely close – extremely similar to an inexpensive, third-party option I was previously wearing.
While the front of my strap is a combination of black and gray, the back provides a nice contrast with an off-white tint. I also really like the dark black color that borders the outside of the strap.
The material itself is soft and extremely comfortable. At least for me, the nylon feels better on my wrist than the fluoroelastomer of the Sport Band. The buckle is made with 316L stainless steel.
Just to note, I wouldn’t exactly call the nylon band water resistant. I got caught in a rain and hail storm the day after I received the band, and it took the entire night for the material to completely dry out.
Some differences compared to the Sport Band
The Woven Nylon strap compared to the Sport Band.
Speaking of the other entry-level band, there are a few other differences to emphasize. Thanks to two different strap sizes, the Sport can fit wrists all the way from 140mm to 210mm. The Woven Nylon version can only fit wrists from 125mm to 195mm.
The connectors on the woven nylon band also offer two unique features – they’re made from plastic instead of metal and mimic the color of the band itself. I like the contrasting color look, but it may not be for everyone.
The Sport Band material is also decidedly thicker than the nylon edition.
Wrap-up
The band is extremely comfortable to wear and another winner from Apple.
But overall, I’m pleasantly surprised with the new option. The Woven Nylon band provides a nice contrast to the Sport, and is definitely something I don’t have a problem wearing to work, out on the town, or while just working out. I’m even thinking about purchasing another color soon.
I definitely hope, like with the Sport Band, Apple will offer more colors selections down the line.
To purchase the band for the 38mm or 42mm watch, head to Apple’s site or your local Apple Store.
A retail store may be a better option at this point since many versions offered online aren’t shipping until sometime next month.
