The Apple Watch Ultra is a rugged smartwatch designed for extreme sports and outdoor exploration, but which band is best paired with the new device? For years, the Apple Watch was a top option for health and fitness tracking in the smartwatch space. It has a pretty wide collection of sensors and tight integration with the Apple ecosystem. But for most serious athletes, the Apple Watch lagged behind dedicated sports watches. Power users craved a bigger display, more durable build, and longer battery life — and often looked to other brands to meet their needs. Apple finally addressed these concerns with the Apple Watch Ultra, which sits at the top of the Apple Watch lineup.
So, what's new with the Apple Watch Ultra? At its core, the rugged smartwatch is similar to previous iterations of the Apple Watch. For this reason, it feels familiar, but the Apple Watch Ultra is improved in ways that matter to serious athletes. It has a larger 49mm case and an Action Button for quick access during strenuous workouts and activities. Additionally, it meets military-grade durability standards and is water-resistant to the point of being a recreational dive computer. To use the Apple Watch Ultra to its full potential, the right band is required, and Apple designed three new bands for use with the flagship smartwatch.
The three new bands for the Apple Watch Ultra — the Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band — are all catered to different types of outdoor activities. The Trail Loop is very similar to the Sport Loop, but it's notably thinner and lighter. In fact, Apple claims the Trail Loop is the thinnest Apple Watch band to date. It's flexible enough to fit securely but also comfortably, and there's a new pull tab for quick adjustments. As a thin, light, and comfortable strap, the Trail Loop is the perfect choice for runners and cyclists.
Ocean & Alpine Bands Feature All-New Designs
The Ocean and Alpine bands feature completely new designs. The Ocean Band is a flexible and rubbery band that has a tubular design, which Apple says helps to provide a secure fit. It's made for water sports, and fits securely over a wetsuit or rashguard. The band is molded through a flexible type of synthetic rubber, but locks in place using a titanium buckle. As the name suggests, the Ocean band is best for extreme water sports, swimming, and recreational diving.
The Alpine Loop is arguably the most eye-catching of the three new bands, and that's due to its two-layer design. The band is created through a continuous weaving process, which is completed without any stitching required. The top loop on the band is used to adjust the Apple Watch Ultra, while a titanium G-hook fastener secures it in place. The Alpine Loop is visually appealing, and is a great option for climbers and hikers. Apple's Trail, Ocean, and Alpine bands are all excellent pairings for the Apple Watch Ultra, but the best choice ultimately comes down to the wearer's specific use cases.
Source: Apple