My search for the ultimate Apple Watch Ultra strap is over

March 5, 2023

`My search for the ultimate Apple Watch Ultra strap is over`

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Home Tech Wearables Smart Watches

My search for the ultimate Apple Watch Ultra strap is over

It’s been a long search, but I’ve finally found a rugged, high-quality third-party strap for the Apple Watch.

Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Contributing Writer on

Reviewed by Alyson Windsor

Apple Straps (and two spare strap keepers with the Union flag) by Zulu Alpha Straps

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The Apple Watch Ultra has become my second-favorite gadget, behind my iPhone 14 Pro Max. But I’ve never been happy with the straps. The Alpine Loop, Ocean Band and Trail Loop all have their pros and cons.

So, I’ve been on the search for a third-party strap.

Also: The ultimate use of your Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button

There are a lot of third-party straps out there — and an awful lot of clones of Apple’s own bands — and most of them are, to put it kindly, pretty awful. I’ve gone through a couple of dozen for testing and none of them have come close to the quality or performance of the bands offered by Apple.

But that’s all changed.

Prior to switching to the Apple Watch, my go-to bands for wristwatches have been the UK-based Zulu Alpha Straps. This company produces some of the best straps on the market, and are chosen and trusted by the military, police, first responders, and those who spend a lot of time in the outdoors.

Also: The best Apple Watch for you: Series 8, Ultra, SE, and more compared

Problem is that the company didn’t offer a band for the Apple Watch.

Until now.

Apple Strap by Zulu Alpha Straps

View now at Zulualphastraps

The Apple Strap is handmade from tubular bonded polyester webbing, which is more abrasion-resistant than nylon. The straps are kitted out with metal connectors to attach onto the Apple Watch sewn into each end.

These Apple Watch connectors are the best I've seen on a third-party strap — These Apple Watch connectors are the best I’ve seen on a third-party strap

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The Apple Watch connectors fit perfectly

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The strap is 1.2mm thick and 22mm wide, and long enough for the biggest of forearms (or wrapping over a wetsuit). The stitching on the band is second to none — strong, secure, and absolutely flawless.

Flawless stitching

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Securing the two ends is a tri-glide buckle. It’s easy to use, fastens down snugly, and holds the watch in place perfectly.

The tri-glide buckle is super secure

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

The tri-glide buckle is also infinitely adjustable, so you can get a perfect fit every time.

Oh, and it’s comfortable. Very comfortable!

This is a very comfortable strap!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Zulu Alpha Straps makes the Apple Strap for all Apple Watches (there are straps for the 38/40/41mm Apple Watch and the latger 42/44/45/49mm Apple Watches) in a variety of colors and with black and stainless steel fittings.

Prices range from $73 to $85, depending on the design on the strap.

Review: Apple Watch Ultra: Tougher than a Tough Mudder

The company ships worldwide, and the company will even make you straps in custom lengths at your request.

I’m pleased that my search for a rugged, robust, comfortable webbing strap with an adjustable buckle for the Apple Watch Ultra is over. This is a strap that will no doubt outlast the Apple Watch Ultra itself.

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