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Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: treason on March 16, 2015, 07:04:31 AM

Title: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: treason on March 16, 2015, 07:04:31 AM
Hey guys!

Just wondering if a rubber or bracelet strap would be better for swimming and just general sweaty stuff like working out? Not a big fan of sport watches\G shocks although they mostly come in rubber so I'm guessing that's saying something? However I never had good experiences with dirt and rubber straps...and I much prefer the look of a bracelet haha

Also curios what non G Shock\Sport watches fans would wear for these activities?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: swleong on March 16, 2015, 07:34:35 AM
I feel that wearing G-Shock for swimming is uncomfortable (they are big and not aerodynamic) even though they are more than capable on handling it.

For working out, i never wear any watches at all, just look at the wall clock in gym for time.

My G-shock will be used for activities where reaching for my phone to tell time is inconvenient, such as cycling, ATV, white water rafting etc.

Generally, rubber is a much better material for all sort of sports, unless you don't mind the scratches and dings on the steel bracelet. And rubber is quite easy to take care of too.
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: jefnando on March 16, 2015, 10:09:32 AM
And there are natos and zulus...
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: treason on March 16, 2015, 11:18:20 AM
I like Gshocks for what they are but not so much on my wrist hahaha
I guess we can just wash the rubber straps to clean?

Natos and Zulus are nice but cant imagine them being drenched in sweat  :D
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: JeepWH on March 16, 2015, 03:52:48 PM
If you dont mind the weight and movement, bracelet is ok. Plus you can clean it easily.

Rubber is ok too, for those who wants a better fit and less movement around.

Nato Zulu, once sweat gets in, the smell is like  :Praying:
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: meoramri on March 16, 2015, 04:47:23 PM
I personally prefer bracelet. Although it does mean the likelihood of 'damage' is much higher, this is what sports watches are designed for anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: meoramri on March 16, 2015, 04:50:57 PM
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/16/a33300da8b42eec6b1037e116417f96d.jpg) battle damage with pride....


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Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: Everdying on March 16, 2015, 08:09:44 PM
i use a gshock rangeman, simply cos of its one-press direct to stopwatch function to easier time intervals.

on a budget, and for something sleeker...i would choose a timex ironman or a seiko prospex runners also cos both have a nice big start/stop stopwatch right smack middle bottom of it.

btw, dont u have anything with a bracelet?
try getting it wet, then see how much it slides around on your wrist...
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: Friedrice on March 16, 2015, 10:07:31 PM
Both are good options for swimming but I prefer the feel of bracelet.
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: Timeless on March 17, 2015, 06:07:23 AM
Prefer rubber, my frogman beat all outdoor activities due to the absorption of material instead of bracelet as it always easy to get scratch
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: jacky8888 on March 17, 2015, 08:15:01 AM
i prefer rubber too...

just wash it if dirty...
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: treason on March 17, 2015, 11:24:49 AM
Thanks guys for the feedback!

Everdying, I do, good idea!..however the ultimate test would be to swim in them i think but I've got none that Im willing to swim in now haha

I've ordered the Seiko SKX009 anyways in rubber so lets see! Going to Redang soon so would be the ultimate test there haha
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: Everdying on March 17, 2015, 11:46:37 AM
also another thing when working out.
if your wrist is the kind that expands alot when hot, then obviously one with a bracelet would start getting pretty uncomfortable.
rubber u can just move it to the next notch.
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: treason on March 17, 2015, 02:00:17 PM
Thanks! Makes sense..I suppose the most practical thing would be to not wear a watch..but wheres the fun in that right!   :Laughing_on_floor:

Swatch makes some cute divers too for cheap!
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: D'Andy on March 17, 2015, 02:33:20 PM
If the rubber that you had in mind was the Z22 on the SKX009, you would most probably be feeling that it was rather uncomfortable and stiff. An Isofrane may not be economical as it would cost half of the value of the SKX009, so I would opine that the best bet is to get yourself a Nato and it should be a comfortable wear. Here was my SKX009J1 with an orange Zulu 5-ringer to give you an example.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VKUOOcUzh_I/U74BhdMbkoI/AAAAAAAADs4/bu-kl4HgJ7M/s1600/20140709_204703.jpg)
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: treason on March 18, 2015, 06:34:22 AM
Ah yes- I read about soaking the rubber strap in hot water too!

Nato in the water seems abit strange to me to be honest haha...I can somehow imagine coming out of the water and having a wet strap on my wrist haha
Title: Re: Rubber vs bracelet for swimming\exercising
Post by: chrisyen on March 19, 2015, 07:55:58 AM
Cant compare just like that  - rubber vs bracelet

because, there are many types of rubber strap for watches, personally i like rubber strap, but not all rubber strap

1. hard rubber strap - feeling plasticky ! like those with G shock. i didnt like it but its acceptable - durable and affordable

2. thick silicon rubber - affordable & soft. it serve the function but can be better

3. natural rubber - comfort, not lasting... still affordable

4. vulcanized/other improved rubber - pricey, fragant if you wish, fine, comfort

bracelet can be very comfort as well, depend on design and buckle, just its heavier!