strength of plastic strap??

[Shizuku]

I wonder how tough the plastic strap is against wear (sweat, weather conditions, environmental conditions). I now have the xlander with the leader strap and i don't have to worry about losing my watch cause of that. the plastic strap or rubber if you like could dry out and tear. All three the models have (in my opinion) that constraint. The stainless steel strap is not completely stainless steel as is the same with the titanium strap.
On the other hand most diving watches come with such a plastic strap, so there must be a reason chosing plastic over leather or metal.
Can someone respond to this?

Regards,

Ernst

	Suunto X-Lander - Click for more info The Suunto X-Lander watch is the combination of an altimeter, barometer, compass and watch - the same features as the award-winning Suunto Vector, but with a mineral crystal glass face, carbon fiber back, and a leather or polyurethane band.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[AltimeterGuy]

The "Plastic" or Elastomer Strap on the Elastomer Observer model is very durable. It has holes in the strap to help dry sweat & water moisture that gets underneath the band. I would find it pretty difficult to abuse & tear this strap. If you did tear this strap, your wrist would have taken some serious abuse that you would be more concerned about.

AltimeterGuy

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Shizuku]

I could agree about abusing the wrist. But i wonder how the strap respond to the 'silent' wear, the one like drying out and something, causing little cracks in the strap.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[AltimeterGuy]

I've had my for 7 months showing no sign of any wear. I've used it everyday since September.....

AltimeterGuy

[Shizuku]

was that thru extensive use or just like wearing jewelry?
It looks like nagging but i'm hating the fact of buying something en then find out that not that usefull due to some 'minor' details. And specially for such a watch: it should be used without any compromise.

[Tyler]

As far as we know, we have not had one return or complaint about the band not holding up; thats thousands of watches in every possible condition - from jewlery to adventure racing to military aircraft carriers, were pretty confident it's holding up without issue.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Shizuku]

If that's the case then I rest mine. I will order a Observer in a week or so.

thanks for all the responses.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

[Shizuku]

This one I can answer myself ....

I used the observer for a 1,5 year now and by coincidence I saw there were cracks on the inside of the strap . Some of them are deep already.
Of course i returned to my retailer and he will discuss it with Suunto. My retailer said that this should not happen with this kind of polymer. So i will wait and see.....

regards,

Ernst

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[treeguy]

I have used my Observer (stainless) for about 6 months now in extensive fieldwork ranging from Virginia to Abaco in the Bahamas to the highlands of Costa Rica. I abuse it, and it shows no signs of wear except for scratches in the stainless steel. I don't think you'll have to worry about the band.

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Shizuku]

Originally posted by treeguy
deleted stuff

I don't think you'll have to worry about the band.

But i do worry: as you could read in my former post my strap has some heavy cracks on the inside....


took a picture of it, but can't get it my post somehow

ernst

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[treeguy]

Sorry, I thought that was someone else's post. I really haven't had trouble with mine. I have used it in very humid climates, and when I am out doing fieldwork (which usually requires alot of chainsawing wearing chaps and things) I sweat quite alot. I also used it in the ocean on my one day off in the Bahamas. I understand your concern, it's alot of money to pay to have something come apart. I can't speak for all, but mine has been used vigorously and I have no complaints at all.

[Krak]

I have had the ti Observer for almost 2 years now. I've gone diving in Africa, mountain biking for 2 seasons, 2 seasons of skiing & 2 seasons of climbing indoors & out. In Canada, where I live the temps fluctuate wildly and so far the strap is still holding strong with no signs of wear. I have a Tag Heuer with a plastic strap that in the past I've had to replace within the aformentioned time period. You should have no problem with the strap!
Enjoy your Observer, It's a great unit, my only complaint is the inability to lock the buttons as they at times inadvertantly get pressed by gloves etc.
krak

	Suunto Observer - Click for more info The shock-resistant Suunto Observer is a tool built for outdoor challenges, but its timeless design makes it wearable in any situation. The Observer is 1/3 smaller in both diameter and width than the first generation Suunto Watches (Vector, Altimax, etc). It also features a chronograph, which previously was only offered in the Navitech but is now discontinued.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Shizuku]

I got my strap replaced for free from my retailer. He discussed it with the distributor. Great!

And if the strap wears that fast again, i guess i have to make myself a "Ernst-proof" strap. I have a estimated timeframe of 1.5 year

I can see it already: 2 customized pieces of aluminium and powdercoated in black that replace the excentric formed pieces of the strap direct attached on both sides of the housing. Than i only have to fill up the standard 18 mm width strap pieces......



Ernst

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Hitach]

My steel strap failed today.
I have worn the watch for 2.5 years and it has been great, I just recently replaced the battery. I have used it on all activities - hiking, kayaking, alpine mountaineering etc...

The strap has many splits on the inside, and one split made it all the way through.

I have asked my Internet retailler if they can swap it out.

Does anyone have a Suunto contact who knows about this issue and will arrange a swap?

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.

[Krak]

About a month after my last post claiming "no problems with my strap" I noticed to my dismay a few little cracks on the inside of the strap. I contacted Suunto with regard to obtaining a new strap without the titanium pieces so that I can transfer the pieces from my old worn strap on to the new one. Thinking it’s redundant to pay for a strap with new Ti when the only thing wearing out is the plastic on the strap. Turns out that Suunto does not supply a blank strap. To me it was analogous to buying a new car because your tires have worn out on your old one. Since they were going to charge me $75 CDN + tax for a new Ti strap I asked that they provide the new strap under warranty. My watch is 3 yrs. old. Apparently my retailer had to do some heavy convincing and negotiating on my behalf to get a warrantied strap but he managed to do it.

Kind of a hassle. For $25 or so I would be willing to purchase the strap without the Ti or stainless pieces and switch them over but so far there are no provisions for that.

However I think it is unrealistic to expect a piece of rubber/elastomer/plastic to last longer than 4 years strapped to your wrist.

Other than that everything else has worked flawlessly. However now that I’ve put that in writing on this forum I won’t be surprised when my watch explodes next month.

	Suunto Visit SuuntoWatches.com to see Suunto's full line of wrist top computers and compasses.

	Suunto Bands - Click for more info The range of Suunto Core Acessory Straps include the six straps as found on the various Suunto Core wristop computer models as well as three additional straps. All straps are compatible with every Core model, allowing you to custom-tailor your Core to your tastes and needs.