Phoenix Admiralty vs. Maratac NATO on 14060M

[Hansch99]

I just though I'd do a head-to-head review of a couple kinds of NATOs since I have both handy, and since I wanted an excuse to post photos of my watch. I recently have been trying my 14060M on NATOs to give it a different look and to save my bracelet (for what?! Silly, I know). I've had a Maratac NATO for some time, and it suits the Sub nicely, but I'd always wanted to get one in the true admiralty color. I got the Maratac from Broadarrow, and the Phoenix from Corvus. Both had great service.

Now for the pros and cons.

Maratac

Pros:
Robust, brushed hardware
Sewed seams, which I perceive to be very strong
Holes placed closely together allows you to really dial in the fit
Very robust nylon wears strong
Brother of the strap made to DOD specs
Dries nicely and doesn't stretch while wet
The nylon weave tightens at the edges, which makes me think it'll resist fraying over the long term better
Great value at $11

Cons:
Doesn't come in the true admiralty color
Nylon has a shine to it that I don't like as much
Heat sealing around the holes leaves some rough edges that can irritate skin and catch on loose-weaved clothes like sweaters, fleeces

Phoenix

Pros:
COLOR--it's amazing how hard it is to find an admiralty NATO
As far as I can tell, it's the same strap Rolex UK supplies
Made to MOD specs
Nylon has a matte finish that looks great, almost like canvas
Very stiff wearing nylon is comfortable but strong
Won't stretch while wet, and dries quickly

Cons:
Holes drilled a little farther apart than I'd like, so a perfect fit is more hit-or-miss
The hardware, while seemingly adequate, seems a little cheap
The keeper-to-keeper distance is short, so a watch much longer than a Sub might not fit
The length is a little short--I have a 7.25" wrist, and I can't tuck the strap back behind the second keeper
Price--$22 is a little steep

In the end, I'd probably want to take a few elements from both straps to make the ultimate NATO. However, my first priority is that beautiful admiralty grey, so the Phoenix is on my wrist for the foreseeable future. Also, I don't see myself wearing another Maratac unless the holes are finished a little more nicely and won't catch on my clothes.

An interesting side note: I found both straps pretty difficult to fit through the space between the case and springbar. You really have to thread the strap through carefully and kind of yank it through...not the most convenient!

Now, some photos: