Brilliant straps, however not sure they are worth the recent price hike.
Firstly, I cannot abide rubber straps that are sticky and sweaty.
Assuming the above, is it worth me trying an Isofrane strap do you think ? they seem quite expensive for what seems to me to be a slicone strap - which I don't mind wearing on CASIO W800 etc.
Subjective opinions and experiences welcome
B
Sorry people - wrong subforum - don't know how to relocate it.
Brilliant straps, however not sure they are worth the recent price hike.
Isofrane are very good straps, I have a couple and they don't feel sticky or sweaty to me. For a good quality watch it's worth paying the money.
Never handled a real isofrane but heard the Borealis is a decent cheap alternative. Have two on the way.
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Honestly try Borealis first then see if you think anything could really be £100+ better.
Thanks for all your input - I will try a Borealis I think.
B
Picked up a 2nd hand one on SC a couple of weeks ago. Great strap and very comfy. No sweating here. But over £100 new is alot of money.
Got a Crafter Blue coming next week. Will see how that goes against the Isofrane.
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OP what size and colour are you looking in the Isofrane? I love the straps but it's already been said that due to the thickness of the strap it does need a fairly beefy watch.
OP picked one up from SC with DLC clasp. Looks and feels great on my Aero Nighmission. Little tricky to get on and off - but that’s a bonus as no skally-wagag will be able to pull it off your wrist
Obris Morgan also do a very good £20 alternative. I've got two.
I have an isofrane, an obris Morgan and a Borealis; all in the same style. I also have an omega version. Omega seem to have produced a thinner and slightly more pliable strap. I'd like to find a cheaper equivalent of the omega one as the obris and Borealis are 80-90% isofranes for 20% cost.
Of all that have been suggested I'd buy Borealis without a moments hesitation as the best value for money. I'd say it's as good as an original Isofrane (albeit with no vanilla scent!), and mine was £23.00 delivered instead of well north of £100.
For the record (as with Steve) I own 3 ISOfrane-type straps - ISOfrane, Borealis and Cousins own-brand - so my opinion is based on experience of all those three. I've never tried the Obris Morgan, though...
Simon
OP, what width and colour are you looking for?
Something to be aware of is the different spacing of the holes on some of these variations. Wider spacing can make it harder to get a good fit. Here's a photo from somewhere.
ISOfrane/Borealis/Obris Morgan
I've never owned a Borealis but it does look like a very close match to the Isofrane (which I have owned and would recommend despite the price).
Borealis is new to me. Where can you purchase them from?
I’ve owned two in my time and can say that they’re nice but not worth the money by any stretch of the imagination. I complained about the first one because the buckle was so sharp it marked my then baby daughter.
Try Borealis or Obris Morgan.
the cousins versions are reasonable too, and £4.50! i was quite impressed, i was expecting soft lint magnets but they are quite stiff yet supple and comfy.
ktmog6uk
marchingontogether!
Out of curiositeit, anyone compare Cousins to Borealis?
My Borealis arrived yesterday, quite comfortable and doesn’t seem to attract lint. Smaller holes vs Obris so easier to fine tune the size.
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I've had Isofrane, Cuda, Timefactor's, Obris Morgan and I'm currently using the £4.50 Cousin's version.
Tbh, for £4.50 it's a no brainer. They seem reasonably well made, do not attract lint and they are comfortable.
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Well mine arrived and I’m really impressed, so much so I’ve ordered a 22mm as well just in case. So I’ll have a 20mm and a 22mm both in black. Here it is. All the way from sunny Portugal.
I think you can only get theirs direct
https://www.borealiswatch.com/store/watch-straps/
no big holes for me..so never want those though they're much cheaper.
Have three Isofrane and love them.
My second Borealis arrived today, perfect match for the PRS18q. These straps are very comfortable despite being quite thick.
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Borealis are great VFM but the keepers on the 22mm version are too big/loose (ironically the opposite issue that some have with Isofranes).
Does anyone know what thickness each of the different versions are?
I received my Obris version last week and fitted it to the Doxa and while I like its natural rubber it's a touch too thick.
I'd also like more holes for a better fit, although the OM isn't uncomfortable, just not perfect.
Just to add, I was looking for an Isofrane style and bought a Borealis based upon comments here. Have been wearing for a week and absolutely love it. Very well made, comfortable to wear even in this heat, and looks really good. Cost is much more appropriate than Isofrane (where price I feel is far too high now), plus ships from EU so no issues with duty etc.
Crafter Blue just fitted. Good fit and feels supple. Defo smell of rubber compared to Isofrane. Will comment more after i have worn it for a bit.
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I’m not sure why but when using a rubber strap I prefer it to be a straight end rather than the sculpted style to the watch case as with the Crafter Blue above. Dunno why but I prefer to see the gap. Totally opposite opinion with a bracelet, prefer fitted end links opposed to straight end links. Makes no sense I know.
Last edited by oiljam; 20th July 2018 at 20:29. Reason: spelling
I only have one complaint about Crafter Blue straps, the very cheesy 'PROFESSIONAL' on the keeper
Any 18mm straps in this style?
I'd like to buy a 20mm green Borealis but the site only shows a 22mm. 😶 Also are there any suppliers in Europe?
The cousins version arrived yesterday and I am very pleased with it... at £4.50 it is a steal
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