Why people pay $140 for this strap. - ISOfrane RS Buckle Rubber strap REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
- Discount codes are sometimes available. If I find one I'll post it here. Check out the strap at:
www.isofrane.com/
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The ISOfrane dive strap is legendary for it's comfort and durability, and is quite possibly the best rubber strap I've ever worn. It's also by far the most expensive.
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In a hobby where some people don't bat an eye at dropping thousands of dollars I'm surprised there aren't more of these expensive straps.
I own 2 Isofrane straps for about 10 years and they are worth every penny and still feel like new great straps
Underrated comment.
Same here. I bought 3 of them when they were reissued 10+ years ago and they are all 3 still in great shape. Meanwhile the Seiko straps (DALOA Z22, Marine Master strap and a flat vent strap) that they replaced crumbled while stored in a watch parts box that I have.
I have a black one on my Glycine Combat Sub, and honestly, the thing that for the most part made me spend a 140 € (yes euros) on it was the promise of a rubber strap that would NOT be a magnet for dust and lint that you feel you need to clean twice a day. And its not an empty claim, Isofrane delivered. Plus ofc its comfy and a true icon.
Is that a common problem? I've never had a rubber strap that seemed to attract dust especially quickly.
@@Strideo1 Well maybe that is true for some of the "harder" and slightly inflexible types of rubber straps (which also tend to have more glossy surfaces), but anything approaching silicone levels of softness and comfort has always been a dust and lint magnet for me (prob because it contains silicone). And I have often heard it from others too.
Try fkm rubber does not attract lint and is tough yet flexible.
I'd never pay this much for a strap. For not much more money I got my San Martin 62MAS homage. Which is fantastic.
Try borealis vulcanized rubber straps. It is exactly the same as this one, and it costs 35 bucks. 140 for this is just absurd.
Real MVP right here.
Strange that you should mention "vulcan"... I thought Dave looked kinda like Leonard Nimoy at the end of the video when he was on the mountain :D
I have both. Not absurd.
@@krit5339 The fact that you have both is absurd.
Very aesthetically pleasing. Any good quality rubber strap should require zero break in time, and shouldn't cost cost this much though. The Isofrane has something of a cult status but like most products that achieve this you end up paying a premium for it. It is a good product but there are others that are also made from Italian rubber available for a third of the price. Also pleasantly scented and made in Italy, also with the branding on the inside of the substantial buckle. Not that it takes anything away from the Isofrane which remain incredibly comfortable and practical, not to mention the rugged good looks. The only thing I'm not keen on is that you're limited to 1.8mm spring bars, which seem a little feeble for such a macho design, they should really be updated to accommodate 2.5mm spring bars. Excellent video thanks.
Which other Italian made straps are you referring to if I may ask.
@@kaiser00hans Any made of NBR type rubber, Zuludiver 295 is a particular favourite if it suits the case shape. I've also got a very nice NBR Isofrane style strap, both these are available around £40. Not knocking the Isofrane, just in everyday use I haven't found anything that the NBR copy doesn't do as well and thanks to the varying thickness is perhaps slightly more comfortable. The ZD295 is an outstanding strap if it works with the aesthetic of your watch (MM200/300 or similar) if you like a late 60's look (also works very well with the Turtle or other cushion case as long as the overlap fits the lugs, the ZD295 widens slightly after the lugs) Bonetto Cinturini NBR rubber are definitely worth a look.
These are the best rubber straps I own. Got two and one still has a nice smell after about 3 years ! I’ve had a few copy’s but they didn’t come close.
Good review 👍🏻🇬🇧
Well at least others don't stink with a nauseating synthetic vanilla odor!
Been wearing these for over 10 years, will always wear these
Simply the best, most comfortable strap you can treat yourself to
I own a fair few good natural rubber straps: Hirsch Extreme, Hirsch Pure, Bonetto Cinturini, etc. I also own an Isofrane and several Borealis straps.
The Isofrane is definitely the best one of the bunch. Though if you're worried about the cost, the Borealis is a close second. I do have a caveat to that: Borealis's buckles are not very good in terms of finish. I had some that looked like they were made with an angle grinder and sand paper, some were pretty OK.
The overall finish of the Isofrane is better, and I also really like the smell of them. I do feel like the price of the strap should reflect the watch you put it on. Putting an Isofrane on a 100 dollar Seiko is overkill. If you can afford the Isofrane and want to have the absolute best, that's your choice.
great review DAVE , I had try different straps leather and rubber , and the ISO frame blows away anything under the SUN
for any one out there who is thinking of purshasing one, you will not regret it. GO FOR IT...
well for $140 it should blow everything away, but im just not smart enough to buy a strap for $140. IMO, its ugly anyways.
As far as I understand that strap is priced at $140.
In the actual market, where a many customers are wearing diving watches because of the look, not because of particularly diving, I think they look for a strap that makes the watch more attractive, more fashionable, more of an accessory they can combine and blend in different styles.
I do not see that in that strap; I actually perceive watches going "down" with it, the Aquatico for instance. The roughness of a 3.xx mm strap with abrupt cuts and angles takes away the beauty or softness of the watch.
Regarding quality: yes, depending on the mix of polymers used in plastic molding you get the described quality. Now , What is the purpose of that? If roughness look is the goal, Why Casio don't do that with G-Shocks? ... too expensive. So, no need for an improved material.
My personal opinion: I do not see that product making it.
They've been "making it" since the 60's, but I totally get your point. I'm a firm believer in the right strap/bracelet for the watch, they should be complimentary. The Isofrane design is fine on the right style case but I see them mismatched more often than not. I think it looks ok on the Samurai, not as good as a Hexad bracelet but a viable alternative.
I bought three haha I have three diver watches I absolutely adore and after the first one I wanted the best for the other two too. Superb straps, incredibly comfortable.
Try the Helm version, personally I find it more comfortable possibly down to the varying thickness, something which Isofrane should consider along with proper sized spring bar holes. 1.8mm isn't substantial enough for a heavy dive watch.
@@oktc68 I've seen plenty of people talking great things about the Helm straps. BUT where are we supposed to get them? I searched and found nothing - they don't seem to be available on their website. I never experienced them so I can't talk about the quality, but I sure am curious to try them. I do own a Borealis strap in the same style and they are super super confortable, made of pure rubber without silicone on them and they don't attract any lint. Looks wise they are basically the same as the Isofranes, even on the buckle style (and they also use a screw on the buckle) .And they cost 1/3 of the Isofranes.
Can't disagree about the Isofrane quality but, Helson on bracelet includes a Cuda rubber strap identical to Isofrane. I say identical because I owned and still own a few. The Cuda comes with the Helson in its leather pouch, it is part of the package and of course there's no additional charge. There's nothing wrong with the Isofrane price, it could have been a bit lower just so the low to mid range watch collectors would go for it. After all, once the price goes over 90 bucks, there are some other brands that offer exquisite quality. RubberB/Evererest. Those two might be the only straps I've used and kept looking great after 2 full sea seasons. Of course, the rubber/silicon ain't steel and in time will at least shine at the spots of contact or rubbing.
This strap came standard with my Aquatico Super Charger Pilot One. It's 98 procent the same strap exept no "made in Italy" and the 2nd strapholder is not crooked. -The best strap I've ever owned.
I just received a ARAGON 42 mm Dive Watch with a silicone strap that's great $179 , I can't see paying $100 for a rubber strap ! You should do a review of the watch , incredible watch at that price !
Steeldive uses similar straps on some watches. Costs 60% of this strap - WITH the watch. 🤣
You are funny, and you are right I just bought a watch with this strap for 112 euros, a bronze watch can you believe it?! Steeldive
@@Zzzzalazar Hey just checked out Steeldrive,,, I,m impressed,,and might even pull the trigger...
Is proprietary guys, premium rubber the Crafter Blue is 65.00....
What is the length of these straps pls? (excluding buckle)
@@lipsee100 you will not regret it , I am very pleased with mine, great movement NH 35 from Seiko, sapphire crystal and 200 meters wp
Sorry, I forgot, I would buy this strap for scuba or snorkel use, particularly snorkeling, the materials and design and looks make it worth some extra $$ but if you don't scube / snorkel I don't see paying the $140
I have several Isofrane and it’s sister brand Tropic straps and love them. If I love a watch, I won’t hesitate to order an Isofrane or Tropic strap. Great review of a great strap.
These days most divers utilize dive computers. I am also not a budget watch buyer. I have an Isofrane on both my Doxa and Squale watch. The fit is excellent and very comfortable on the wrist. I definitely believe that these straps are worth the price. I also like sailcloth straps and in my opinion, Artem is the wisest way to spend your money.
Yes, absolutely. If you have a posh watch, then surely you want it on a posh strap. Cheers mate 👍🏻
Edit- looks awesome on your Samurai 😍
Nothing about it is posh
@@primerak the price is!
Looks like a quality product, I think the non tang end diagonal caution looks odd. Can’t get past the price sadly, and it’s a strange choice of product for a budget conscious channel. Interesting but odd none the less
A really high quality strap is great - but Isofrane are very thick at the buckle where the strap overlaps. Not always the most comfortable, especially at a desk. Crafter Blue, Helm, Deep Blue, Borealis all make cheaper versions that are tapered - it would be cool to see some direct comparisons.
Great video, many thanks. Worth every penny and now on my list to buy. Best wishes from London, England
Head to head with Barton Elite Silicone, please. I think the Barton will destroy it at $20.
The Barton is a better looking strap too.
Good review, as usual. Definitely a nice strap, too--but not really sure you make the case for featuring it on a budget-priced watch review channel. Always looking forward to your vids!
I can't find these anywhere in Canada under $200 (plus shipping). I would love a blue one for my San Martin MM300, but I'm going have to keep my eyes open for a good used one.
Sorry but the review felt like an advert sponsored by isoframe.
Which he disclosed it. Probably he would have had some different option if he had to pay for it. Nevertheless, it's a fair review.
@@andrei-cosmin.popa85 Not a fair review then, no?
It seemed fair to me. It's a premium strap. Based on the rest of the comments as well, it seems they're quite high quality products. It makes sense that the primary negative for a premium product is that premium price, which no one has to explain. He mentioned it was expensive and that he probably wouldn't buy one except for one specific watch pairing. He doesn't have to shit on a product he likes just because he got it for free, in some attempt to appear authentic to you, which is actually just less authentic in reality.
These days, I wouldn't pay more than $30 for a rubber strap. Something like FKM (Fluorine) rubber strap from Ali can be had as low as $8 while Italian natural rubber from the like of Bonetto is around $20-$30.
Yes I just ordered a fkm strap for $25. Though I have payed more for fitted rubber straps as I believe that elevates the look of the watch.
I own 3 of them. A dark grey one and and an orange one for my Planet ocean Chronograph. And a black one for my Rolex Sub. Best rubber straps for tool watches by a landslide. Cool fact: isofrane was an OEM option on the original Omega Ploprof back in the 1970s. If omega used it as a factory option at one point, you know it’s a good strap.
New watch enthusiast here. Still starting off with watches around $100. My only dive watch is thr Casio Duro. The strap would cost nmore than the watch!
Excellent review tho! I liked how you paired up the straps with different watches!
Excellent review. Purchased the blue version after seeing your review.
This is only for the most hardcore of rubber strap fans. Or people that want rubber for their Rolex or something and feel like it has to be expensive. You can get real rubber straps like this for $10 on AliExpress or ~$30 from a western seller. This at $140 is nothing but excessive
And on a Seiko diver you lose the Seiko Fat Spring Bar. The Fat Spring Bar is more important to me than the rubber
Look also at Crafter Blue, really great straps for 50-70€.... I have them on Seiko's an Spinnaker's!....
Well thought out design, high quality materials, but the price is more than I am willing to pay.
Way out of my price range. You can now buy nice alternatives from Borealis and Deep Blue for a 1/4 of the cost and style wise it looks pretty much the same and it also holds the watch to your wrist too.
Insane. That's the cost of the vintage field watch I just bought. And I bought a quality leather strap for it for $13. The Borealis Vulcanized Rubber Strap is comparable and costs $45 only.
When I bought the Omega seamaster 300m 42mm and wanted a rubber strap from Omega they wanted $500 for the strap and buckle
Im sure it's great but I love my Barton rubber straps .Top quality and super comfortable as well as great value .
Looks great, deffo will buy one in the future, looks class on your Samurai. Great vid.
Hi , I've been watching the channel for a while and really enjoy your content. I've just subscribed. I've got a bunch of Citizen watches and 2 Omegas which I've had cars which are cheaper to run! My Planet Ocean eats its OEM straps and for the time being its been on a ZULUDIVER sailcloth, Bond NATO and a nice gray Crocoldile leather. At around £125 here in the UK the Isofrane is around half the price of Omegas's rubber strap so iris's an attractive option, I'm just not sure I like all those holes!
How are you getting on with your Zuludiver sailcloth? I have an excellent Italian rubber vintage style dive strap which I've been very impressed with and also have need of a fairly priced sailcloth or two.
@@oktc68 Hi, the ZULUDIVER Sailcloth is great. Mine is not the padded one which I regret not getting, albeit nothing wrong g with the one I have. Well made, comfortable and rugged. Recommended!
You’re not spending that kind of money because of the materials used or the way it looks because you can find almost identical for so much less, the money is spent on the brand.
Exactly! I can think of at least one of this design that might actually be better as is considerably cheaper. It's thickness reduces towards the end and it makes for a superior fit and comfort. It is also made from premium Italian rubber and (cheekily?) has the branding on the inside of the buckle. Definitely limited to watches with a certain tool look.
Never heard of Aquatico, nice selection. Thanks Dave!
I guess it would be worth it if you were always at or in the ocean. For that price though they should come with spring bars! :-O I do agree that they do seem to look nicer on Seiko watches.
I buy watches that I like not so much on price. So if you love a watch why not? My wife bought me a Seiko samurai and I put a 140$ bracelet on it people call me nuts but I love the watch cuz it's something my wife got me so to spend $100 on a rubber strap for something you love I see nothing wrong with it thanks for the review
OK, this is an old video. I was just looking for a quality rubber strap to replace the original one on my Seiko SPB053, one of the most beautiful diver watches ever made with a blue dial. I was hoping that you going to mention the exact length of the strap.
I bought one pre-owned and got a good discount. Honestly, I'd say it is worth it. I know it's crazy but you pay a lot of money for good rubber tires (some people do) and this reminds me of that. I like this better than the Tropic strap. I ended up selling Tropic after this.
My new Phoibos Bronze Leviathan 45mm has a leather strap that has the exact same buckle design. I have never seen such a wide pin in the buckle and it's the best strap I have. See screw in buckle design and it came in with a similar rubber strap
I could see if it was an exotic leather or something but for a rubber strap it's rediculous. For $140+ sales tax I expect it to come with a happy ending
Payed $16 for rubber strap on Ali, then adjusted it to fit in a glide lock rip-off. Total cost: less than $25. Couldn't be happier.
It's "paid" not payed
@@fakenewsisthenews3542 what is the purpose of your comment?
There was a spelling error, He/She spelled "paid" wrong. It is not "payed" It is "paid". I learned "pay" in 4th grade. Please button up your mental faculties.
@@fakenewsisthenews3542 thank you, captain grammar. You've saved the day
@@fakenewsisthenews3542 Yes I can read but my question was what is the purpose of your comment. Do you just go around correcting people's grammar, do you want to be a teacher, or are you trying to feel smarter and or Superior? There's so much stuff on RUclips and on the internet to comment on yet the comment you choose to make is about somebody else's grammar. You do this in public too?
I actually thought that was a Tudor watch in bronze. That Zelos looks like it was destined to be on that strap!
Oooh the blue one would look great with my Citizen Promaster NY0040 Blue Dial diver!!! (which is also ISO Certified)
Well, $140 is not just north of $100, it is 40% north of $100, so ya, expensive.
I like the looks, but the “features” are a stretch. It is marketed as a true dive watch strap, for diving, yet all of the features surround its comfort level on a bare wrist. I get that many wont use it for diving (just like your Seiko you paired it with) but I sometimes have to laugh at the marketing.
So no, I would not pay that much for a rubber strap. I have purchased much less expensive rubber straps and they do what I need them to do on my wrist, and for the price, I would rather put a watch that I like on my wrist. But personal choice, and as I said, they are nice looking and I am sure they are solid products that are well made.
Nice strap but I wish the end was a little thicker or curved to avoid the gap between the case. I really don't like the gap at all. Many people who buy nice watches with a butterfly clasp and have trouble getting a comfortable size will sometimes get frustrated and opt for a nice rubber instead. Sometimes it's for weight saving. That's when these straps come into play. Straps co have models with a curved or thicker end for a bit cheaper.
The rubber is just FKM. The only rubber that doesn't deteriorate over time, doesn't get sticky, and doesn't attract dust and lint. I do dive and I know the brand. I can say with hand on heart as someone who uses FKM diaphragms in pump design, that these rubber moulded strap cost only a couple of dollars to make. Though I cannot speak for the buckle but I doubt if that's expensive. You will do just as well with FKM straps you can find for $20 to $40.
Helm does a clone of these. Really well made and. Comfortable
Great review, I really like your reviews because I collect watches in the same price range
That strap with the Samurai seems a great natural fit, geometrically. Not sure if I would like it on a turtle, though.
Great review!
Great music!
Dave, I can understand spending $140 on a strap if you've just dropped $1,000 or more on a premium diver (after all, it would just be rude to stick a $20 piece of rubber on it, wouldn't it!🙂). But, for lower priced watches (even those up to say $400-500) I just seems mad, to me!.
I might pay that much unless I could find a similar quality strap at a better price. I want to see how it stood the test of time. My victorinox was a display watch that came with a rubber strap that was already cracked and worn from gentle use.
Budget watch channel placing a 140$ rubber watch strap? I don't know Dave... Your channel, your rules I guess. But then there's your audience. Pick.
On big divers, you need thick strap pins. When the thick pins don't fit the strap, you can lose your watch while diving......gone to the black deep. Sorry this rubber sttap is not worth $100,- Changing a perfect steel bracelet with dive extension on the Samurai for rubber with a thin pin doesn't make sense to me.
Simply put, the price itself is a "feature" of the watch. For pragmatic people, the price has zero justification. People who value nameplates and labels over common sense and value will find the price to be confirmation. of it's "elite product" status.
Emperor's New Clothes syndrome. I appreciate quality and comfort as much as anyone, I always have a watch on so overnight comfort is of particular importance. You certainly don't have to spend £124 (July '22 Amazon) to get a high quality Italian rubber strap. I have an excellent, exceptionally comfortable Zuludiver that cost under £30 and there are excellent copies of the Isofrane design, also made with premium grade Italian rubber for a third of the price. Yes the Isofrane is good, very pliable and extremely comfortable, but I doubt many could tell the difference between it and a good copy after wearing it for awhile. I'm surprised that Isofrane fans haven't lobbied Isofrane to put the branding where "the plebs" can see it. 😉
LOL - the Aquatico I would say has a bit of inspiration from the Borealis Bullshark.
I am sure it looks and feel great but its way way too much for a replacement strap for me....
Great video Dave really hope you're going to keep the blue on and give away the black one...
No spring bars... You gotta be kidding...
Bonetto Cinturini has rubber nato's for 40 bucks that would be a better deal any day of the week
I'm surprised that they still don't make a strap that accepts the Seiko fat spring bars.
yeah same probleme for g-shock .shop ask for 200 euro for strap gpr-b1000 and 120 € for gwg-1000
Maybe on the zelos. That’s all
Check out Obris morgan, great value, and they have the vanilla smell like the Isofrane.
Nice straps. I'd love them at $89.00.
I bought a similar strap from Meranom for one of my Vostoks. It cost about 30 dollars. I'll pass on this one.
Very nice review as always, but I won’t pay $140 for a rubber strap.
The Barton Elite silicone comes with: Quick-release spring bars; Two long-side ends of the strap--a regular length and a shorter length for smaller wrists; Proprietary locking feature so the free end of the strap stays securely in place; Choice of 20 color combinations. And costs only $20. I wouldn't buy the ISO Frame for half its retail price. Good review, nonetheless.
I have a Barton Elite. Just got it haven't even put it on a watch yet. But it is perfect. They are 24 dollars now though.
You missed a trick to wear an Alpinist climbing that mountain lol. As for the strap I have been tempted to try Isophrane, it looks a little bulky does it feel that way on wrist?
It does feel a little bulky. But still really comfortable. I think it works best on a largish watch to balance things out.
wow ! I'll take 2
Awa’ and bile yer heed! No!
‘Just North of $100”.....nearly halfway to $200!
Dislike the oblique end.
Prefer my soft textured Blu Shark...most of my watches cost less than this strap.
Look, those ridges will rapidly cause your skin to conform closely to the shape, so no ‘air gap’
Is it 1st April? This is up there with the Rose Anvil channel spoof deconstruct of Crocs... it’s just a sift polymer and in no way worth $140...
Aye, the man's a bam if he thinks that piece of rubber is worth $140
They have a $110 version that has a less sturdy buckle, I had the prices mixed up in my head when I was doing the review.
@@JusttheWatch Ah, so it’s only $110! Bargain...I’ll have 2 please.
Anyone know the cheapest place in Canada to buy this strap in Royal Blue? TIA.
Get an Uncle Seiko strap, Just as good and over half the price.
No
Check out Vaer as a sub 500$ filed watch. :) fabulous, American Assembly, American Quartz, great lume, sapphire, 2 straps, pro-environment company, screw down crown..... I can keep going. One of the owners answer the more technical questions. :)
Absolutely no,even for a bracelet its too much.
LOL, NOPES 🤣
I would for my $2,000+ watch. For a Seiko 5? Nope.
Fkm rubber/silicone composition for 140$ Ridiculous. Perhaps for a watch bracelet. Then again Not everyone has the disposable income for a Breitling, Rolex, Ap, or Omega..So if you can splurge,
Then go ahead and spend on the best! The rest spend accordingly to what makes sense and still is great.
You should say that "Guys" don't notice the synthetic stink of vanilla after a little while!
What size wrist do you have? Always worried straps won’t fit my 8 inch wrist.
7.5 inch. Should fit yours no problem, unless you're planning on wearing it over a wetsuit, in which case they also sell a dive extension as an accessory.
@@JusttheWatch awesome! Thanks for the reply! And no diving here. Open waters scare the mess outta me. But love the history of isofrane and think it would look great on my Seiko Sumo!
hey dave how you doing?
maybe if this were the best watch strap in the world, really impressed me, and if all my watches had the same strap size i would think about getting one of this. but for now i'm going to pass
A little disappointed to wait a week for a watch strap review 😭
You can buy this exact strap for 35$
Decent strap...
If you own a 3000 bucks diver it makes sense to me
Thanks for your review.
With taxes and shipping for Europe, it is not $140, but $176.80 ...
So, no for me, even for the best rubber strap on the market.
The Borealis seems the best alternative.
No, especially rubber
The only time I would pay $140 for a rubber strap is if it came on a watch with a W.P.R. of 200+ meters.
No way I could justify paying that kind of coin for a strap. Just doesn’t make sense for a $300 dive watch.
Try the Borealis knock-off for less than half the price. I assume the rubber is different, but it’s a damn fine strap (I have three). Very soft, very durable, great looking.
Yeah, if you are buying a Rolex or something then you're not gonna bllink at paying this money for a strap so I understand that it seems crazy but there is that market out there.