New Apple Watch Solo Loop & Braided Loop Bands Review: Watch Before Buying!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- The new solo loop and braided solo loop bands were announced alongside the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6 and the event last week. The bands remove the clasp mechanism that we've seen on pretty much every other Apple Watch band up to this point. They fit more like a wristband or a bracelet that just slides on your wrist, and because of this, they require a custom fit. Apple has a sizing guide on their website, but many users have complained about their band sizes being 1-2 sizes too large. In this video, I show you how to get the best estimate for your band size. Then, we take a deeper look at the bands themselves so that you can decide which one is best for you.
Apple Watch Series 6 - amzn.to/3iZLgOU
Apple Watch SE - amzn.to/36c44qu
Background music by Lukrembo
----------
Want to know what gear I use to make my videos? Look no further! (These are Amazon affiliate links, so I get a percentage of your purchase without any additional cost to you. Thank you for the support!)
Check out a full list of all my video gear here: amzn.to/3njfoHQ
Or, if you're looking for individual items:
CAMERA GEAR
Canon 90D - amzn.to/33QB0Cr
Sigma 18-35mm Lens - amzn.to/303bRTP
Vanguard Alta Pro Tripod - amzn.to/32UCBYI
Manfrotto 502 Video Head - amzn.to/3hYSTUu
MICROPHONE GEAR
Rode VideoMic NTG - amzn.to/2RN047A
Microphone Boom Stand - amzn.to/32RrKP5
LIGHTING
Godox SL-60W Light - amzn.to/3iVaEoR
Neewer 36" Softbox - amzn.to/2FRFwZk
Neewer 5-in-1 Reflector - amzn.to/32QCcq2
Dracast Light Stand - amzn.to/3iW9WrI
----------
Feel free to follow me on Instagram and Twitter! @paulandtech
Update: A few people have commented about how I wrapped the measurement tool around the wrist bone, making the measurement larger. I agree that a very tight measurement around the thinner part of the wrist would probably be suitable for most people. Apple's website just says, "Wrap it tightly around your wrist where you typically wear your watch." I typically wear my watch at or slightly below the wrist bone, but the measurement there is still about one size too big 🤷♂️
What is your watch size? 40 or 44?
@@haydarsahin7594 44
I’d say just wrap the tool the tightest possible around the same area where you wear the watch. That worked decently for me. Also, maybe test more than one method. Besides Apple’s printable tool you can measure your wrist woth tape and use the size converter on apple’s website or find one of the comparison images available on several forums online where apple’s solo loop sizing tool is compared vs the sport band associating each hole on the sport band with a size for the solo loop. I used all three methods and got size 4 so that was what I ordered. It fits decently enough to wear, but I prefer a tighter fit so maybe I should have gone one size down to size 3 (smallest available for a 44 mm watch). Nonetheless, the size 4 fits well enough that I can wear it once in a while and don’t need to return it to Apple.
Can u pls provide the link as i m unable to find the print out of the measurement page from apples website
10/02/2023 got series 8 size 9 braided and is also a little big especially after wearing for a few days and/or exercising. Called Apple 25 days later and they are back to no returns for a smaller size unless it’s within the 14day window, AND you still would have to return the entire watch and purchase a new one, since as he said, it’s all considered one unit. Dunno how long the band size exchanges lasted with the series 6 but guessing not long.
great review! i bought the braided strap and just wanted to add for anyone watching that when it gets wet it's not heavy or distracting. it doesn't feel wet like i barely notice it and it dries really quickly without any residue
3 years later but agree. They measured 6 at the apple store by using their wrist measurement and I ended up with size 4 since it was way to loose for my taste. 4 was perfect. Not to tight or loose and actually 2 sizes smaller
your band still ok?
This was a really good in depth video! A lot of important information was given that I wouldn't have thought to consider myself.
Thanks Austin!
So glad I watched this video. I came out to in between a 6 & 7. I dozed all the way down to a 5 and it’s perfect.
So glad I could help!
I did the same thing
Thanks Paul , after watching your review I got the solo band and love it !! That wasn’t on my radar till I saw your video !
I measured 10 and ordered one too. It fit perfectly as I wanted, snug an comfortable. Braided Solo that is.
Yeah, I measured on the low end of a size 7/upper 6. The size 5 although tight at first, stretches out more comfortably over a short time.
just a thought, but maybe the reason why some people had sizing issues was because their print out wasn’t at 100% scale. it might have been somewhere around 105% or 110%. I know printers can be annoying at times and not print pages out EXACTLY at 100% scale. they probably thought “close enough” when they placed their credit card/ID in the size box and then went on to measure their wrist. the size box thing for the card literally needs to be a perfect fit. I noticed this when I printed out my size chart page. I haven’t ordered one just yet, I’m wanting to go in-store to still try on a 6 and see if that’s my size or if I actually do need to go smaller.
Great advice about visiting an actual store to test fit
Well, I measured in the middle of size 9, so based on multiple reviews, I ordered size 8. I’m happy! The size 8 is just right, as I almost don’t even know I’m wearing the watch with my braided loop strap. The other reason I went with a size smaller, is reading that the strap may stretch a little over time.
Sizing tool worked perfectly for me
i think the issue is when you print the tool of the website you must set your printer to 100 percent before printing it off!!! also they have a credit card box attached to the print off so you can easily check that the scale is correct !!! worked fine for me (please note when i went to print mine off my printer set the scale to 93 percent )
When you measured your wrist at size 7 around 3:18, it wasn’t the same part of your wrist where you wear the watch and there’s visible slack in the paper below your wrist, so it’s nowhere near snug enough at that spot anyway.
Am I the only one «Watch before buying»🤣😍
Is it still as easy to plug on charger as original bracelet?
Unfortunately I don’t have an Apple store in my city to go try out the bands so I’ll just have to buy the solo loop or the braided loop on apple’s website based on my wrist measurements and try it on to see if it would fit on my series 5.
What's it like to charge the apple watch with the solo loop?
I've never noticed the difference. You have to set the watch on its side but that's not too big of an issue
Just bought a braided loop from AliExpress will see if it’s good or not
Same😂
Ted Leer tell how it goes when you get it!!!
Rulho M. I will also tell you when I get mine, I ordered 2; the blue and red one
mathieuvideosNL just an update. I don’t own an Apple Watch, mine is a Huawei GT2e, but the straps styles are to similar. I bought the sport ones, the leather/ magnetic loop ones, the ceramic and the stainless steel ones. Prices 3 dollars, 8 dollars, and 13 dollars respectively. All of them are amazing. I get in 15 days to Mexico. The stores where I bought has the same styles for Apple Watch, I think the quality will be the same.
Is it rubberish or fabric on the solo loop? Absorbing water doesn't sounds good as it will get really stinky
Another aspect not mentioned in your video or in the comments so far is the difference in fit between the two. I don't remember if my wrists are in-between sizes, but I tried the two types on in the store before purchase and found that the braided loop fit more comfortably in a size 7, whereas the silicone solo loop was more comfortable in a size 8. The silicone version wasn't comfortable "snug" but the braided loop is.
You're right, I did forget to mention that in the video. The braided loop seems like it's about 1 size bigger than the solo loop.
That’s true I got a braided solo on 6 fitting perfect but my solo loop on 7, cuz I found 6 on the the regular solo loop to be too tight.
Extremely helpful video - I'm purchasing the size 1 so if that is too lose I'm out of luck.
Just got my braided size 1 - I LOVE IT! Fits perfectly and extremely comfortable. I have an extremely small wrist and I can never find bands that fit this is so wonderful!
@@DrCynPizzulli Hey! What’s the size of your wrist?
@@Blank_Space 5 1/2 in
Actually it's 5 1/4 in
Where can I get that pineapple lamp?
Thanks! Ended up buying the braided brand after watching this :)
Thanks for this. I have 9 inch wrists and it says I’m too big for the braided bands but if they are slightly larger should work for my wrist
Just bought one braided loop band today at Apple Store. Love it. But my advice is to get the size 2 or even 3 units lower than the one you get from the measurement in order to have the Apple Watch snug fit.
The sizes are s, m and l. How does that translate?
Great Video!!
Mine said I was an 11 and the 11 braided was fine but the solo loop was too tight and I had to go up a size
Please tell us how big your wrist is in mm, mine is 167,5mm
Could you say anything regarding cleaning the braided loop when it got dirty by stuff like ice cream, mud... does the manual „allow“ washing it?
It's silicone so im pretty sure you can just wash it under the tap?
Great review. I was searching a review on water resistance and drying time on the braided band. I thought that sweat would be an issue when exercising. your points are very helpful and made my decision to go with the braided band. If you get a Series 6 watch the braided loop only cost $50 more then the series 6 with solo loop when you choose that band when ordering.
Glad I could help you make a decision, thanks for watching!
Great review with good insights from both bands, Paul. Thank you very much!
Can i know what size your apple watch is? 40mm or 44mm? Need to buy one but not sure which to buy
Is your case Silver Aluminium?
Thanks, man!
15.3 cm what should i go for, 4 or 5 ?
At the apple store my wrist measurement was 7 but the actual fit (fabric solo loop) was 5
oh I cannot find a size which is 2 size less than 1 ☹️ should I give up the solo loop
For me a snug fit was a no go. For me it just felt uncomfortable so I rather have it slightly lose.
Thank you for the vid! And thank you for marking the X's on your calendar so neatly💯😂
Can we use this band on The SE?
Super thorough review, very helpful! Thanks!
You should get the Milanese loop
Hi Paul, can you please tell your wrist size in Inches or centimeters?
It would help a lot.
How does the measurement tool relate to a regular tape measure? Is a 7 the same as 7 inches around?
1- what's is the link to the size chart? 2- when you pick your watch on their site, where does it show the size? 3- So pick 2 sizes down
what about the sport loop???? have you tried that ??
*Watch* before buying
Nice one
Have you worn the braided one enough to know if it gets stinky from sweat and being wet?
I’m LOVING the SE!
I jus my bought one yesterday and the tool was way off! Says I was an 8 but in actuality I was a 5! I had to go into the Apple store for correct sizing
I am still thinking to buy but really appreciate your review/feedback. Great work. Any idea on the cheaper versions available in the market?
No one discusses hand size. I measured 6.5 using a cloth tape. The Apple tool measured at 6.75, and it recommended 8. I ordered the 5. A few days earlier, my wife’s measurement was 5. We went to the store and the 3 fit. Back to me. My hand takes size large, in gloves. So while the band feels a little snug on my wrist, it’s a struggle to get it off over my hands.
Great video, loved the weighing of the bands
Yep, my solo is a few sizes too big.
They stopped doing black silicone sololoop in england, i’m fuming bc the workers made it out as though they never did a black colour
Hi Paul, since I do not have a printer, would you mind measuring your wrist with a regular measuring tape and tell us here? I think I have your same size, but just want to confirm. Thanks so much!!! Great video!
Thanks really
Hey man i still have the Apple Watch series 3 but i was thinking of updating my Apple Watch too the new Apple Watch series 6 in the new Blue Color
It’s a very nice blue shade. Not too flashy, but still stands out
That’s what made me upgrade was the blue. I was rockin a series 1 still :)
Might be a good idea to upgrade it. Even if you don’t, the solo and solo braided loops are still useable with series 3 and even earlier models, contrary to Apple’s claim of incompatibility. I put the Solo loop on my old OG Apple Watch and it fit just fine both in relation to the clasp and to my wrist size. Apple is lying there. Dirty trick to get a few additional sales of newer watch models to those who fall for it and upgrade just to use one of the new bands.
Hmm thank you for the band review! I will go with braided band 😊
Great review and info on sizing!
Great review Paul. Very helpful indeed. Could you please tell your wrist size so that it will more clear which size will fit me the best.
Hi Paul, do u know if the Apple Watch has to be laid on its side, during charging? Since with the solo loop, the it can’t be laid out flat.
I just tested this with my braided loop band and it can be laid flat but it’s easier to just have it lie on its side
Paul Bradford thanks for ur prompt reply, appreciate it 😊
Where did you get that outlined pineapple light near your laptop in front of your calendar? Name of brand/store? How do you clean the braided loop, can you put it in the washing machine with your laundry? Awesome video.
very very in-depth video, awesome!
Thank you, glad you liked it!
So what size should I get if the measure tool says a size 11
I suggest 9
Why was this recommended to me AFTER i ordered the watch and the strap this morning
At least you know what to expect! Returns should be relatively easy if you find the band is too large
So my wristband of our a 15
I’m thinking to buy the watch in blue 44mm cellular. I definitely wanna try it for the 1st time as I have heard highly about it (except maybe the battery life). I’ll pair it with my old iPhone 7 & the use the watch as a standalone device with my main number in it (will switch off the phone probably after pairing the watch once).
Question for you: Will the watch last me at-least 1 day in cellular mode at all times (connected to my AirPods)? I may talk on calls for an hour or 2 & workout for another 1.5 hrs, logging in my workouts via a 3rd party app and listen to music all directly via the watch. Will the battery keep up for atleast a day? Please reply as I’m planning to replace my iPhone with the Apple Watch (I want to simplify my life & I already have a iPad so rest of the things like emails, RUclips will be done via that.
I've never used the cellular watch before. I can normally get through 2 days of use with my Watch on a single charge, so I would think it would be able to get through 1 day of heavy use but I can't be sure.
@@PaulBradfordTech thanks for replying.
I’ll keep it at-least for 3 yr and that’s why I wanna be sure before purchasing a $600 watch (taxes in India are high & so the price).
@@parthoomphy7214 damn i bet u have a apple watch 9 now since u said u will keep it atleast for 3 yrs.
@@Shretoy1 Actually I bought the watch Ultra as I missed Always on display and battery was short for me on the normal watch
Has the braided loop stretched at all?
I feel that after a couple of months mine has stretched, so I just ordered another a size down, from 5 to 4.
I wish I had a local apple store
Brilliant video, thank you for making it 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Great review. Nice job. Thanks for the information. The braided bands are $119 in Canada.
They’re about $2500 MXP, taxes included, in Mexico (which converts to roughly $120 US dollars).
That’s absurb for a band.
@@ChristinaMagma Meh. Cost per wear.
Hi! Thanks for sharing your very useful advices, I measured my wrist too, I am a 7, but went for the 5, it’s a perfect fit maybe even borderline tight, but I know it will get slightly looser with time, I would say, measure your wrist and go two sizes down to have the perfect fit:-)
How long did it take for you to receive your watch, from when you ordered it? They said the blue was on back-order.
My order was expected for late October so I went to the Apple Store and bought it in person
I finally just got mine and I had to exchange the band twice. I’m a 4 and I got the braided band. Hopefully it lasts
Hi, how much is your wrist size? I ordered 4 for wrist 15 cm mesured tightly, hope it will fit. My watch is series 7 41 mm. Thank you
Thank you!
We should get just 1 braided loop for now and soon Chinese attack will make it available for lot cheaper for different color options :D
Exactly. Like AliExpress for 1 dollar.
it's already on aliexpress, i ordered one for 6 dollars, waiting for it to arrive
@@BlendStuffofficial can you comment on here when you get them and like give a review.
@@artgamer431 i hope i remember, it's due to arrive in one month
The measurement tool is useless. I sized a 12 and it nearly feel off. I did this in Dec 2020 so unless it’s changed since then it’s still wrong. Why not just base sizing on an actual measurement in mm?
Then you did it wrong, the only way it “falls off” is if you did a terrible measuring job or you printed it wrong
Excellent review, thankyou! I have one question now that it's been a few months. Do you think the Solo loop will stretch out over time? I do like several bands to choose from depending on what I'm wearing ro doing that day but this one will probably be worn most often for working out.
Same question
Do you think the braided/nylon solo loop or just the normal $50 solo loop would be better for daily exercise/sweat?
I prefer the silicone loop when working out. It's easier to clean and gets dry quickly. I have both of the regular nylon and silicone straps.
The problem with returning the band is that when I did it they insisted that I first return the band before they would send out the new one. I did that last Thursday. The replacement band is scheduled to be delivered to me on OCTOBER 21ST!! I might as well have sent the entire thing back as the watch is useless to me now. Strangely enough, I called about that issue and found out that Apple changed the policy the day I set up my return and now allows you to first receive the new band before sending back the old one. Even though I hadent sent mine back at the time I called they told me that they could not change my return sans so I was stuck with the 21st as the date I’m supposed to receive my new band. 😤😤😤
I’ve ordered my watch with a size 5
Whats your wrist size .. my wrist size is 16 cm is 44 mm watch is suit for me
I need to know too because my wrist is 17cm and I was thinking of buying a size 5 as well.
@Diego Martin man i hope you like it loose... lots of videos are complaining about the measures and to get 1 or 2 measures smaller
I ordered my watch with a band size 2 according to the size guide measurement of my wrist, but it arrives late October. So I talked to a specialist and he/she changed it to size 1 but in my order it still appears size 2 so hopefully whatever size I receive it’s the perfect one for me because there’s no size 0 🥴
I measured a size 2 as well, so I'm hoping the size 1 would fit me well. If I do get a new Apple Watch, I'm definitely going to go and try it on in the apple store first. I want to be 100% sure!
Are you a Oompa Loompa?
Small wrist club.
yeez so skinny
Makes no sense why it can't be adjustable. I got a 7 and it's too loose needing atleast a 6
Are u using the 40mm or 44mm? Thank you
He's Using 44mm
Most, of not all Apple Stores are closed.
Really $99 for a band, but looks amazing 😍
If you like the look and don’t bother for the brand, you can get them on AliExpress for less than 3 or 4 dollars. 😉
I would go to a store but I would have to drive like 2-3 hours 🙃
Same as me. My closest apple store is about 65 miles away (about 100 km).
Did anyone try measuring their wrist and put that into the website. It gives you a number telling you the recommended size?
I wonder if the size of the watch matters on what size band you get? A band that is too big for a 44mm watch may be okay for a 40mm?
Can't be the case because the 44mm bands don't fit on the 40mm watch.
If I am a size 6 in the solo loop and fits very snug, would a size 6 in the braided solo loop feel the same size or bigger/looser so i should go with a Size 5 braided solo loop for a snug fit?
I wear the same size band in both the braided and silicone solo loop
You should go for a 5 in. Braided as it looser than the regular even if thei’re the same size number
What about the fact that frequently when you print a page it gets slightly resized so can be smaller than the actual size and would therefore suggest a slightly oversized band.
Apple has an outline of a credit card on the page designed to make sure that it prints out accurately. You can see it on the bottom left corner of the page at 2:50
Paul Bradford Thanks. I spotted that 5 min after I posted. 🤦🏼
Why is the braided solo loop £99 in the UK? Shouldn’t it be cheaper?
Save ink and paper I’d rather go directly to apple size up there! Much worth it
So I hate the silicone band. But I got the solo loop and I love it. I could change my mind when summer comes around again. I’m thinking about the braided solo loop for that reason but I’m not to excited about the available colors and if I’m going to drop 100 bucks I’d like it to be something I like.
all their bands are cheap except for the Hermes. hands down the best
My wrist size is 16 cm ... is 44 mm iwatch suit for me
I've got roughly 16cm (something like 15.8), and i went with the 44mm and I'm happy with it. If you prefer elegance over readability go with the 40mm, it's smaller and fits best on the wrist. If you prefer readability and the option to watch at it from afar, then go with the 44mm. The bigger one is on the edge between nice and too big for a 16cm wrist, but i find the smaller one too small
My wrist size is about 15 cm (one of the smallest sizes for bands that fit the 44 mm watch case) and the 44 mm still looks fine on it, perhaps because being a guy my hands are still pretty big despite my small wrists.
There’s another option where you put your wrist size in cm and gives you the size
What’s your wrist measurement in cm/inches. That would info would be helpful
They have that but people doesn’t use it