I’ve worn Apple‘s Milanese Loop band, which is undoubtedly among the best available, on my Apple Watch Series 10 ever since it debuted. However, when Nomad revealed a new glow-in-the-dark Sport Band, I decided it was time for a change. It turned out to be a little difficult to get it to shine, and even though it looks as ridiculous as you may think, I like it for another reason.
Donning the band
I’ll talk about the glow-in-the-dark part later, but Nomad’s Sport Band had to be at least as comfortable as the Milanese Loop for me to consider wearing it. I’m happy to report that it does, and it’s a fascinating substitute for Apple’s Sport Band. The fluoroelastemer rubber feels incredibly robust because of its unexpected thickness. I wouldn’t have to worry about it if I wore it to any sport or activity.
It is fastened to your wrist with a metal pin-and-hole system. Ingeniously, the holes run the full length of the band on both ends, providing lots of adjustment and air flow. Although you must tuck one end of the strap under the other, I’ve found that getting the proper amount of tightness is simple. Although it’s a little chunkier than I like to wear overnight, I doubt it would be uncomfortable, and I’ve never noticed it getting hot or sweaty. The best part was that it met my top requirement for a watch band: it has to be nearly invisible on my wrist during the day.
This is the aspect of Nomad’s Sport Band that has caught my attention more than its color or glow-in-the-dark functionality. The Sport Band from Apple is also quite good, and I also enjoy the Impact Band from Casetify, which is very lightweight and equals it for comfort. What role does the Sport Band by Nomad play? It has a distinct style and looks more robust than the two of them. It also feels a little more sturdy and seems tougher. This is true for any Nomad Sport Band, which comes in a range of colors. However, I’ve been wearing the one that lights in the dark, so tell me about it.
The coolest glow yet from Nomad
This is Nomad’s third glow-in-the-dark Apple Watch band, and it’s a gorgeous Icy Blue color. The ring is really unique; when it’s not glowing, it takes on an almost off-white hue with a faint touch of cool minty blue. Even while glowing, it’s not overtly blue, and as a result, it complements most ensembles. The Nomad Sport Band is the most laid-back of these three outstanding bands because it isn’t as fancy as the Milanese Loop and has a more rough appearance than Apple’s or Casetify’s alternative.
For me, it has required some patience and labor, but the glow-in-the-dark aspect is a lot of fun. For the photoluminescence to be “charged,” the band must receive enough light. In the UK, where I currently reside, it is winter and there isn’t much sunlight. My wrists are nearly always wrapped in multiple layers of clothes due to the cold, therefore my Apple Watch is usually hidden away.
I kept it on the ledge all day to allow the Nomad Sport Band a chance, and when night fell, I was finally able to see it shine. It looks great. It’s bright enough on your wrist for everyone to notice, but not too bright. It has a consistent light without any hotspots or drab areas, and I love how the Icy Blue tone gives it a Tron-like, sci-fi look. I didn’t like the prior lime green version, but this one is great. However, since people will notice, it’s not a band for those who don’t want attention.
Giving the Nomad Sport Band enough sunshine to charge it took some time and effort, but the glow very quickly went away after I put the Watch back on my wrist and put it aside. Given that it is still relatively new and does not currently receive a full day of sunshine, the amount of time it glows may vary as circumstances change. Oh, how wonderful winter is in the UK, but the Nomad Sport Band’s glow-in-the-dark performance definitely made a difference.
Worth purchasing?
As of this writing, Nomad’s website still has some limited edition Icy Blue glow in the dark Sport Bands available. Since the last limited editions have completely sold out, I would advise getting one as soon as possible if you’re interested. It’s also well worth it. Because of Nomad’s attention to detail, which includes making sure the light is constant throughout the band and preventing any additional treatments from compromising the band’s typically high degree of comfort, it’s more than simply a fun luminous watch band.
The limited edition glow-in-the-dark Apple Watch band costs $60, but Nomad is no longer charging for it. The 46mm/49mm version, which fits larger Apple Watch models including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, is still available at Nomad, however the smaller 41mm/42mm version is regrettably sold out. Though I think I’ll save Nomad’s shimmering Icy Blue Sport Band for the summer, when we both have a greater chance of getting some light, it will eventually join my usual rotation of Apple Watch bands.