When you are searching for ways to accessorize your Apple mobile device — iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods — Nomad is one the best places to look. This company has a well-deserved reputation for producing premium, third party accessories with high end components and smart design. Nomad has been on a roll of late, with a growing number of new releases, including the rather stunning Base One Max MagSafe charger I reviewed in April. The latest release for the company is the new Sport Slim Band for Apple Watch. I’ve been trying one out for the past week and here’s why you might want to pick up a Sport Slim Band for yourself.
Like The Sport Band, But Slimmer
The name really says it all in this case. Nomad does a great job with waterproof Apple Watch bands that are aimed at active wearers. The original Sport Band was designed to withstand an active lifestyle, including being worn during workouts. It includes features like ventilation channels on the inner band, allowing air and water through. It is lightweight, yet very durable. It uses the classic pin and tuck closure system for easy on and off. It is also available in multiple colors. Basically, the Nomad Sport band has been a go-to for those who want a sporty, rugged Apple Watch band that is comfortable to wear and that would also look smart enough for everyday wear.
If there was a knock against it, the original Sport Band was obviously a rugged band. A little chunky and a little aggressively sculpted. It did its job well, but some Apple Watch owners are looking for a waterproof band that is a little more casual-looking for everyday use.
The Sport Slim Band uses the same approach, but it’s thinner and lighter. The band itself is made of compression-molded FKM and it’s equipped with a stainless steel closure pin. It still has those inner grooves for ventilation, but the exterior of the strap has been smoothed out. Nomad says its maintains the same durability as the larger Sport Band despite its sleeker design.
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The Nomad Sport Slim Band is available for all Apple Watch versions.
Brad Moon
Hands on With the Nomad Sport Slim Band
The Sport Slim Band slips on easily and locks securely into place, Nomad uses high quality hardware and the band is rated to withstand 5-20 kgf lateral slide-out force. It’s not going to accidentally come loose. The closure pin also holds securely. Nomad says the band is “one size fits most,” which is 125mm to 175mm. My wrists are actually 190mm and it still fits with a bit of excess band to tuck in.
The fluorocarbon rubber band is very flexible and comfortable to wear, even when sweating. I recently spent an afternoon on a very hot day moving a load of fieldstone from one side of my back yard to the other and the Nomad band wasn’t at all aggravating. Cleaning it after was a matter of running it under the tap. The Sport Slim Band doesn’t look outwardly rugged, so the band works just as well for casual use. My review sample was in Sage (a light green) which was a welcome change from the usual black for rugged bands. The finish was nicely matte.
Pricing and Availability
On the Base One Max MagSafe charger.
Brad Moon
The Nomad Sport Slim Band has an MSRP of $59.95 although at time of publication it was being offered at a limited time $10 “Drop-A-Palooza” discount. This band is compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch and offered in 40mm/41mm and 44mm/45mm sizes. I tested with a 44mm Apple Watch Series 4. The band is offered in four color options: Sage, Glacier Blue, Bone, and Black.
Disclosure: Nomad provided a Sport Slim Band for evaluation purposes but had no input into this review.