NATO strap material quality

[bplein]

All,

I posted this in the middle of another thread (which got closed down for other reasons), but it really is a distinct topic.

I've found a few NATO and similar straps to be of high quality material that feels more "cloth-like" and some that are very cheap and plastic-y.

Are there specific brands or recommendations you may all have for strap vendors that have that softer, higher quality fabric feel to them?

The fabric strap that came with my Tudor Black Bay is excellent. The strap itself is not a true NATO style, it's simply a single strap that has fabric loops to hold the spring bars in a fixed location, so it serves the same purpose as a NATO (holding the watch in case a spring bar fails) but lacks the utility of being able to change straps without removing the spring bars.

Anyhow, the point is that the fabric used on Tudor's strap is very much cloth-like in comparison to some cheap NATOs I've purchased. Are there NATO manufacturers that offer this type of higher quality material?

[Jason71]

MARATAC are the best I've found.....and I have owned several hundred NATOs

[bplein]

Thanks, I've heard great things about MARATAC. Can you describe the material? Is it less synthetic feeling and more natural? (Not that natural fibers are going to be great for a diving strap... but synthetics can feel different based on the material and the weave)

[Dan Pierce]

Maratac is certainly high quality but the material feels more synthetic than natural to me. Nato straps are hit/ miss as far as specific material. I've purchased from one source only to find differing feel to the materials depending on color. So no easy answers here.
The Tudor nylon straps by far have the highest quality feel and weave construction.
dP

[subtona]

Agree that the more plastic looking ones are not as appealing....

I would love to see a high quality 100% cotton version made, oiled cotton duck perhaps.

[77T]

For practical purposes, the strength of the nylon and/or polyester thread, plus the tightness of the weave, are both paramount to the "hand" of the finished product.

Another consideration is the thickness of the strap to be sure it will slide under the spring bars.

All good practical NATOs/Zulus are synthetic and the more comfortable natural ones are often leather or poly/cotton.

I prefer the heavy duty 2 ring Maratac™ Zulu "S" series bands that have a stripe woven into the fabric. Less hardware and simple, clean looks.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by subtona

Agree that the more plastic looking ones are not as appealing....

I would love to see a high quality 100% cotton version made, oiled cotton duck perhaps.

I've been looking for something similar for a long time too.

[Johny]

i was pleased to find that the maratacs soften up a little with repeated washing.

[Jason71]

The aspect that is superior regarding the MARATACS is the fact of how well the welded holes hold-up over time. With other straps the holes stretch and tear out with hard and prolonged repeated use. I have a MARATAC NATO that is faded from years of use and the holes are all still nearly perfect.

[Grissom]

I like the ones from Clockwork Synergy. I have even given a few away, and maybe some of the recipients will chime in with their opinions.

Here is a link to their site:

Clockwork Synergy Military/Nato Straps

I also negotiated a 15% discount for TRF members........just us trf15 when prompted for a discount or coupon code (must be lowercase, exactly as shown: trf15)......

Myself, I prefer and only purchase the PREMIUM straps (Both PVD and regular finish)......as they are a bit heavier duty (heat sealed AND stitched and 1.4mm thick).

I have been very happy with these straps, and should you snag one to try, I hope you will feel the same.

Hope this was helpful, and good luck in your search!

Here's a pic of my 5513 sporting one of their Premium Nato Straps....

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by Jason71

The aspect that is superior regarding the MARATACS is the fact of how well the welded holes hold-up over time. With other straps the holes stretch and tear out with hard and prolonged repeated use. I have a MARATAC NATO that is faded from years of use and the holes are all still nearly perfect.

Pic please.

[cajunron]

I agree with the quality of the Maratac NATO bands. They are not exactly the softest, but are definitely the most durable.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Pic please.

I tried to capture just how faded the orange NATO really has become. This is after using this one for approximately 3 years and probably 200+ dives. The other orange MARATAC is brand new and never even on a watch. The gray strap is not MARATAC and it is probably half the age. The holes are nearly pulled all the way through. I realize the MARATAC is a little worn, but the holes have not become enlarged at all AFAIK.

[esspee1200]

maratac is the best i've owned.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by Jason71

I tried to capture just how faded the orange NATO really has become. This is after using this one for approximately 3 years and probably 200+ dives. The other orange MARATAC is brand new and never even on a watch. The gray strap is not MARATAC and it is probably half the age. The holes are nearly pulled all the way through. I realize the MARATAC is a little worn, but the holes have not become enlarged at all AFAIK.