My go-to Apple Watch Ultra band sports an American flag and a Velcro-style fastener that makes it easy to take on and off. And thanks to a sizzlin’ summertime deal on Amazon, you can grab one for less than $10.
The manufacturer’s name is Hehighti. (Never heard of ’em before buying on Amazon.) And the product’s ridiculous full name is “Rugged Nylon Band for Apple Watch Ultra Band 49mm 45mm 44mm 42mm,Soft Sport Loop Adjustable Wristbands Replacement Strap for Apple Watch Band iWatch Ultra Series 9/8/7/SE/6/5/4/3/2/1,USA Flag Army Green.”
But don’t let that Amazon SEO garbage, or the fact that the band’s not made in America, keep you from jumping on this patriotic deal.
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American flag Apple Watch Ultra band
I’ve tried dozens of Apple Watch bands over the years: gorgeous leather ones, supple and sporty silicone ones, high-end metal ones, etc. You name it, I’ve probably slapped it on my wrist. That world of options, and Apple’s ingenious system for swapping out bands on its smartwatches, creates an incredible array of choices for customizing your Apple Watch for every occasion.
Every type of Apple Watch band has its place, whether you’re dressing up your wearable or suiting up to go scuba diving. Between classy outings and particular sorts of adventures, I tend to settle on Apple Watch bands that are easy to put on day in and day out. When I’m groggy in the San Francisco morning fog or emerging from the shower sans spectacles, I don’t like fussing with buckles.
That’s the first reason I love this band. It couldn’t be easier to put it on and take it off. And the raised American flag emblem on the end of the strap keeps it from falling out of the black stainless steel hardware on the other half. That means I don’t feel like I’m going to drop my Apple Watch Ultra on the bathroom’s cold, tiled floor. In that way, it’s a lot like Mifa’s Nylon Sports Leather Apple Watch Band — an EDC favorite in the Cult of Mac Store.
Beefy, bold and easy to take on and off, this waterproof nylon band complements the rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra. And despite its low price, it feels rock solid on your wrist.
- Affordable, comfortable, waterproof and well-built
- Hook-and-loop fastener means no fumbling with buckles
- Black-and-white American flag gets dirty over time
A rugged look with an American flag
The second reason is the band’s beefy look, bolstered by that black-and-white American flag near the end of the fabric hook-and-loop fastener. To me, the hulking Apple Watch Ultra looks better with a broader band. (Hehighti’s band measures a fat 1 inch wide.) I’ve tried thinner, more elegant bands with the Apple Watch Ultra, and it always seems like putting a tuxedo on a wart hog. (For similar offerings, see our list of the best rugged bands for Apple Watch Ultra.)
I like this particular rugged Apple Watch Ultra band so much that I’ve bought two: one in Army green, the other in orange. They’re both affordable at all times, but coupon codes make them even cheaper right now.
While extremely affordable, the bands’ metal hardware seats securely in the Apple Watch Ultra. (These bands also work with regular Apple Watches in 46 mm, 45 mm, 44 mm and 42 mm sizes, according to the product listing.)
The band’s also extremely comfortable, since you can cinch it up exactly as tightly as you like. That makes it easy to ensure your Apple Watch sensors work properly, too. Plus, it’s nylon, so it won’t get damaged if you get it wet while cliff diving (or spilling a beer at your local pub).
The only downside I’ve noticed is that the location of the American flag, right where the band connects to the Apple Watch Ultra, means the fabric takes a beating. You grab the flag patch every time you put the band on or take it off. This can lead to discoloration. Aside from that, the band holds up great to daily wear.
Plenty of color options, at various prices (all extremely affordable)
Photo: Lewis Wallace/Cult of Mac
If you’re worried about that, you can opt for a slightly more expensive version with a black leather American flag (currently $13.99). It likely would hold up better. There’s also a version with a black-and-blue American flag (also $13.99). That one shouldn’t get grubby as quickly as the black-and-white flag.
Aside from the leather flag variants, Hehighti offers this American flag Apple Watch Ultra band in a variety of colors at various prices. If you aren’t feeling patriotic (or aren’t American), you can always go for a version with the motivational phrase “Challenge your limits” instead of the flag.
No matter which option you go for, look for the coupon box. It shows up for some models but not for others. No matter what, you won’t currently pay more than $16.99 for one of these bands.
It’s a great way to show your patriotism on the Fourth of July, Flag Day or any other day. Do I wish it were handcrafted in America? Sure I do. But then it wouldn’t cost less than 10 bucks.
Buy from: Amazon
Beefy, bold and easy to take on and off, this waterproof nylon band complements the rugged design of the Apple Watch Ultra. And despite its low price, it feels rock solid on your wrist.
- Affordable, comfortable, waterproof and well-built
- Hook-and-loop fastener means no fumbling with buckles
- Black-and-white American flag gets dirty over time
Hehighti did not provide Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
