Nomad has launched its latest Apple Watch accessory, the Stratos Band. It combines lightweight and durable titanium with FKM rubber for a breathable, comfortable, and durable watch band, unlike anything else I've tested.
It's hard for accessory makers to come up with something new when it comes to Apple Watch bands. Most of them put out their spin on Apple's Sport Band or, on occasion, shamelessly rip off Apple's other unique designs.
Industry favorite Nomad has a great collection of Apple Watch bands to date, but none of them are all that unique. The leather ones look great, the Sport Bands look a bit more "tough" than Apple's, and the Rugged Bands have stylish metal hardware.
The newly released Stratos Band is the first to break the mold, offering something that I haven't yet seen. It may exist somewhere on the market, but I have yet to come across it before Nomad's launch.
It's a mashup of a sport band and a metal link band, giving users the best of both worlds. I've been wearing it the last few days, and I've been very impressed.
Nomad Stratos Band review: A refreshingly unique design
The band is of two-part construction. There are the metal links, crafted from titanium, and Nomad's signature fluoroelastomer (FKM) rubber to connect them.
Nomad Stratos Band review: The titanium comes in natural or black with three colors of FKM
From the outside, the links are what primarily make up the ID, with only maybe 2mm of the FKM showing through between them. The titanium comes in natural titanium or black, and the FKM comes in Volt, Ultra Orange, or black.
Each of the titanium finishes is matte and perfectly matches the Apple Watch Ultra. They still fit any of the "large" Apple Watch models though, such as the 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 or new 44mm Apple Watch SE 3.
Nomad Stratos Band review: The underside is concave for added comfort
The FKM links have concave channels on the underside, making them nicely breathable on your wrist. Not to mention, they allow the band to have some flexibility.
Finally, the band has a unique clasp mechanism. It is magnetically assisted for proper alignment and can easily be closed or opened one-handed.
Nomad Stratos Band review: Amazing, lightweight comfort
Nomad's new Stratos reminds me a bit of the iconic Speidel Twist-O-Flex band. It doesn't stretch nearly that much and is a two-part design, but it gives off slightly similar vibes.
Nomad Stratos Band review: Wearing the new Nomad band
It's obviously a link band but much more comfortable than any other ones out there. There is no stiff rigidity that normal link bands have.
I've used both Nomad's and Apple's metal link bands for ages, and am a big fan of both. They've been through everything with me, but on occasion, they have caused my wrist to get sore during physical labor or workouts.
Nomad Stratos Band review: A few of Nomad's other bands
The flexible FKM is perfect because you still get the elegant look of a metal link band, but the comfort of a rubber sport band. Compared to steel, titanium is also very light, so it won't weigh you down.
As your wrist moves, the band contours with it. It's able to stretch, flex, curve, and warp as you need it to without undue strain.
Nomad Stratos Band review: The clasp pulls itself together magnetically for easier attachment
The clasp also needs its fair share of praise. Most third-party metal bands I've tested have a typical folding clasp that has a tendency to dig into my wrist.
Nomad Stratos Band review: The clasp is flush with the rest of the band
Nomad was one of the few to develop its own flush-sitting clasp when it launched its original metal bands. It's just as thick as the watch band itself and doesn't press into the underside of my wrist whatsoever.
Nomad Stratos Band review: Removing links is easy
To aid in comfort, the band is adjustable. Links can be removed using the included tool.
Again, when compared to Nomad's other metal bands, these links are much easier to remove. The pins aren't tapered, but instead spring-loaded.
Nomad Stratos Band review: Nomad includes smaller replacement links and extra parts
You use the metal tool to depress a pin through the side of each link. Then you simply pivot the link out and separate them.
You can remove as many links as you need to fit your wrist size. Nomad also includes extra pins in the box if you need spares.
Going above and beyond, Nomad slipped in two additional half-sized links, too. This allows for far more granular sizing than usual with metal link bands.
Nomad Stratos Band review: Premium and worth it
I've always appreciated Nomad's little touches with its product line. The added weight in its wireless chargers, the metal buttons on its leather cases, or the fast data speeds on its USB-C keychain are all fantastic.
The same goes with this new band. The bright color pops are fun, and the comfort can't be beat.
Nomad Stratos Band review: It's easy to love Nomad's new Stratos band
Unlike the Speidal band or other metal bands, this one so far has not pinched any arm hairs or caused any wrist strain. It's adjustable, easy to use, and looks fantastic.
My only complaint is the finish. Personally, my favorite Apple Watch finish right now is the polished titanium.
I think it looks classier than the matte finish on the Apple Watch Ultra and feels more akin to a traditional timepiece. I wish Nomad had made a polished version of the Stratos band to complement it.
Nomad Stratos Band review: I wish it came in a polished version too
The matte titanium doesn't look bad by any means, but maybe down the line I'll get one that matches. To be fair, the brushed aluminum base model and the Apple Watch Ultra are both probably more popular, but that doesn't change what I like.
Nomad Stratos Band review: The Stratos band will fit any of the large Apple Watches, including the Series 11, SE 3, or Ultra
If you too want a premium, well-designed band that looks sleek while also being ultra-comfortable, the Nomad Stratos band is easily at the top of the list.
Nomad Stratos Band review: Pros
- Premium titanium construction
- Flush-fitting, magnetic clasp
- Easy to remove links for resizing
- Flexible for added comfort
- FKM comes in bright, contrasting colors
- Perfectly matches Apple Watch Ultra
Nomad Stratos Band review: Cons
- No polished finish
Nomad Stratos Band rating: 5 out of 5
Where to buy the Nomad Stratos Band
You can pick up the Stratos Band in natural or black titanium with black, volt, or Ultra Orange FKM for $179 directly from Nomad's site.
