The shiny Nomad Apple Watch band looks extravagant, but that's not the reason I like it.
The new Nomad Apple Watch band glows in the dark, and while its design is as eye-catching as it appears, after trying it out, I've found that I like it for another reason.
Since I received my Apple Watch Series 10, I have been using it with the Apple Milanese Loop strap, which is one of the best options on the market. However, after Nomad announced a new Sport Band that glows in the dark, I decided it was time for a change. Although activating its glow effect turned out to be a bit tricky, it led me to discover aspects that I genuinely appreciate about this strap.
First of all, before considering using Nomad's Sport Band, I needed to ensure that its comfort was close to that of the Milanese Loop. I’m pleased to say that it does quite well and presents an interesting alternative to Apple’s Sport Band. The fluoroelastomer rubber material is surprisingly thick and seems quite durable. I can use it for any activity without worrying about its resilience.
The strap secures to the wrist using a pin and metal hole system, which is clever since the holes extend along both ends, allowing for good air circulation and excellent adjustability. Although you need to tuck the end of the strap underneath the other, I found it easy to adjust the desired level of tightness. I've never noticed it heating up or making me sweat, and while it is a bit bulkier than I prefer to wear at night, I don't think it causes discomfort. Best of all, it meets my primary priority for any watch strap: to be almost unnoticed on the wrist during the day. This is what attracted me most to Nomad's Sport Band, beyond its color or the glow-in-the-dark function.
Apple's Sport Band is equally excellent, and I also really enjoy the Impact Band by Casetify, which offers comparable comfort and is quite lightweight. Where does Nomad's Sport Band stand? It seems to be sturdier and has a feeling of superior durability compared to both. Its more robust appearance gives it its own style.
Nomad has launched its third glow-in-the-dark strap, now in an appealing Icy Blue color. When not glowing, the band takes on an almost white tone with a slight minty blue hue, which makes it truly special. It’s not an overwhelming blue, even when glowing, and it fits well with most outfits. The design of Nomad's Sport Band is more casual than the Milanese Loop and more robust than the alternatives from Apple and Casetify.
The glowing function is fun, although it has required some effort and patience to achieve. For the strap to "charge" its photoluminescence, it needs to absorb sufficient light. In the current winter season in the UK, where I reside, the sun isn’t very frequent. Due to the cold, I generally wear several layers of clothing, which means my Apple Watch remains hidden most of the time.
To give it the best chance, I left Nomad's Sport Band on the windowsill for an entire day, and I finally saw it glow as night fell. The result is impressive. It’s not overly bright, but just enough for everyone around you to notice it. Its glow is consistent, without hot spots or dull patches, and the Icy Blue hue gives it a sci-fi look that I love. The previous version in lime green wasn’t to my liking, but this one is perfect. It’s not a strap for those who prefer to go unnoticed.
While I need a lot of sunlight to maintain the glow, once the strap is hidden back on my wrist, the glow fades quickly. However, this is understandable since I haven’t exposed the band to sunlight all day.
At the time of writing, some versions of the limited edition Icy Blue are still available on Nomad's website. Given that previous versions have sold out completely, it would be advisable to get one soon. It’s worth it, not just for being a glowing strap but also for the attention to detail that Nomad offers, ensuring that the glow is consistent throughout the band without sacrificing its usual comfort. Plus, Nomad doesn’t charge extra for the limited edition, and its price is $60.
Unfortunately, the smaller 41 mm and 42 mm versions are sold out, but the 46 mm/49 mm can still be purchased, which is compatible with the larger Apple Watch models and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Without a doubt, Nomad's Icy Blue Sport Band will become one of my regular strap choices, but I will probably reserve it for the summer months when both the strap and I have more opportunities to enjoy the sun.
