Straps, or bands, as Apple may have you call them, can make or break how your Apple Watch feels in your hand. After owning an Apple Watch for over three years and using a variety of bands, I have a favorite type. It’s the Apple Sport Loop. And here’s why.
Lightweight and Breathable Construction
Because the Apple Watch remains tied to my wrist for almost every hour of the day, I need it to weigh less and fade into the back of my mind. So, since I can’t change the weight of the watch case itself—which Apple has managed with the Apple Watch Series 10 we reviewed—I switched to the Sport Loop that weighs a whopping 20 grams less than the silicone Sport Band and I haven’t looked back since.
Then, there’s breathability. As I wore my Apple Watch during weightlifting sessions and long walks, I often found myself loosening the silicone Sport Band to ensure my wrist had a chance to breathe and that there wasn’t too much dirt or grime building up. After swapping over to the Sport Loop, I noticed that I no longer had a wrist that was damp or white with sweat that sat there for a while.
Easier to Wear
I also like the Apple Watch Sport Loop because of its hook-and-loop fastener mechanism. It’s similar to traditional metal link straps—one of the many bands available for Apple Watch—because there’s always a bangle-like loop to shuffle onto your wrist.
In my opinion, this mechanism helps avoid accidental drops. For instance, when you’re trying to put on a pin-and-tuck strap like the Sport Band, your Apple Watch can free fall to the ground because of a misjudgment. It also allows for quick adjustments without the risk of the watch falling off your wrist. Just undo the velcro and move it around to adjust.
More importantly, though, I feel it’s easier to carry than the Sport Band, whether attached to or detached from the Apple Watch case. It’s just a lot more collapsible, and it doesn’t feel criminal to fold the strap into a small package.
With all that being said, I think the Apple Watch Sport Loop is a great option if you’re looking for a workout band due to its lightweight design and breathable build. It should really help your Apple Watch feel lighter on your wrist during daily use.
