New Vulcanised Rubber Straps
- Thread starter Daniel Smith
- Start date
GOPENNSTATE!
WIS
I posted this in another thread and just noticed the separate thread here regarding the straps.
The new rubber straps that I ordered arrived in the US today - very impressed at the quality for the price. Nice thickness, pliable, logo buckle - glad I ordered 2 (1 is $15+$10 shipping, 2 were $30+$10 shipping so the first strap is $25 shipped and the added strap only cost an extra $15).
Excellent value on these straps and I was able to use that order number to get a 15% discount when I placed my order for the Batial and the Seafarer II.
Nicely done on the new vulcanized rubber formula Maria - these straps are great!
Pakz
Patriarch WIS
Hey hey hey...
I also ordered one new rubber strap tonight... I already have quite a few of these "IsoFrane" like straps. I also have a genuine IsoFrane... They're really a nice design and when the rubber is supple and thick enough at the same time, it's one of the most comfortable things ever.
So I HAD TO get one. And if the quality is up there, I'll be soooo happy!
The fact that it allowed me to get 15% discount of the joint preoder of a Batial, a SeaFarer II and a Estoril was a (very nice) icing on the cake!
I also ordered one new rubber strap tonight... I already have quite a few of these "IsoFrane" like straps. I also have a genuine IsoFrane... They're really a nice design and when the rubber is supple and thick enough at the same time, it's one of the most comfortable things ever.
So I HAD TO get one. And if the quality is up there, I'll be soooo happy!
The fact that it allowed me to get 15% discount of the joint preoder of a Batial, a SeaFarer II and a Estoril was a (very nice) icing on the cake!
Daniel Smith
WIS
So, my Borealis rubber strap arrived today. It's a huge improvement on the old one. Not 'siliconey' at all - instead, firmly textured but extremely supple.
I own an Isofrane.The Borealis is roughly 95%+ as good, for 20% of the cost. It's a no brainer - buy one.
Now we just need to get enough sold that Maria will do Blue, Brown and Green versions
I own an Isofrane.The Borealis is roughly 95%+ as good, for 20% of the cost. It's a no brainer - buy one.
Now we just need to get enough sold that Maria will do Blue, Brown and Green versions
Yesterday I ordered four straps. Looking forward to their arrival
Glad to know you're pleased with them. Would be appreciated if you helped out spread the word on other watch forums you visit as we really need volume to be able to develop both 20 and 24mm versions.
Rani Haykal
WIS
Got my strap in and mounted it to my Prometheus Poseidon (gray dial).
My quick lil review (no pictures yet....but soon):
Rubber is insanely soft and supple. Does not attract or show dust which is great as I've had problems with that on other rubber straps before. Incredibly pliable. I own an isofrane which is considered to be the hands down king of all rubber dive straps. I, personally, dont care for it. The rubber on the iso is phenomenal and the vanilla scent is pretty awesome. But its a thick strap with no taper and it is a strap meant for either monster wrists or to be used over a dive suit. What I like about the Borealis strap is that it is a more manageable size for my wrist (~7.25") without leaving a huge tail hanging out like my isofrane. Also, it has a little thickness at the lug ends but seems to thin out a bit down the strap. As a personal preference I like thinner rubber straps. I just don't care for massively thick 5mm+ straps (leather or rubber) and this fits the bill perfectly. The buckle holes were also perfect. Tons of them and very thin and closely spaced for perfect micro-adjustments if needed. Also, the included buckle is a massive plus, especially seeing as it is a screw-in buckle.
Of course I will point out the few things I dont care for......The buckle is signed. While I do not mind the signed buckle, I would have preferred an option to choose a standard unsigned buckle. Right now my Prometheus watch has a buckle that reads BOREALIS across the buckle. Not that big of a deal, but still......I'd prefer the rubber strap to be signed on the inner side of the strap. The finish is good but not perfect. I had some little areas around the side that were not perfectly smooth. This is me reaching for something else bad to say about it as it is very minor and barely noticeable. But....it is not the same as an isofrane, but it is also a fraction of the cost. my last nit pick is exactly that....a nit pick. I wish there were small rubber tabs or something that would hold the first keeper in place.
Would I buy another? I'm already waiting for my next payday in a couple of days to purchase 2, possibly 3 more. These are phenomenal straps and I will be replacing the rubber strap on my Sea Dragon, Prometheus Piranha, and maybe my Mille Metri homage with these straps. I can only hope to see a 20 and 24mm version as well as more colors similar to what is offered by Obris Morgan on their straps (aqua, blue, orange, yellow, white, gray, green....aqua and orange being my first two choices).
Great job on the strap Maria and Borealis team.
My quick lil review (no pictures yet....but soon):
Rubber is insanely soft and supple. Does not attract or show dust which is great as I've had problems with that on other rubber straps before. Incredibly pliable. I own an isofrane which is considered to be the hands down king of all rubber dive straps. I, personally, dont care for it. The rubber on the iso is phenomenal and the vanilla scent is pretty awesome. But its a thick strap with no taper and it is a strap meant for either monster wrists or to be used over a dive suit. What I like about the Borealis strap is that it is a more manageable size for my wrist (~7.25") without leaving a huge tail hanging out like my isofrane. Also, it has a little thickness at the lug ends but seems to thin out a bit down the strap. As a personal preference I like thinner rubber straps. I just don't care for massively thick 5mm+ straps (leather or rubber) and this fits the bill perfectly. The buckle holes were also perfect. Tons of them and very thin and closely spaced for perfect micro-adjustments if needed. Also, the included buckle is a massive plus, especially seeing as it is a screw-in buckle.
Of course I will point out the few things I dont care for......The buckle is signed. While I do not mind the signed buckle, I would have preferred an option to choose a standard unsigned buckle. Right now my Prometheus watch has a buckle that reads BOREALIS across the buckle. Not that big of a deal, but still......I'd prefer the rubber strap to be signed on the inner side of the strap. The finish is good but not perfect. I had some little areas around the side that were not perfectly smooth. This is me reaching for something else bad to say about it as it is very minor and barely noticeable. But....it is not the same as an isofrane, but it is also a fraction of the cost. my last nit pick is exactly that....a nit pick. I wish there were small rubber tabs or something that would hold the first keeper in place.
Would I buy another? I'm already waiting for my next payday in a couple of days to purchase 2, possibly 3 more. These are phenomenal straps and I will be replacing the rubber strap on my Sea Dragon, Prometheus Piranha, and maybe my Mille Metri homage with these straps. I can only hope to see a 20 and 24mm version as well as more colors similar to what is offered by Obris Morgan on their straps (aqua, blue, orange, yellow, white, gray, green....aqua and orange being my first two choices).
Great job on the strap Maria and Borealis team.
Thank you for your review and remarks! Also be aware our strap is made of vulcanized rubber unlike some of the competition that uses nitrile rubber.
We decided also not to use vanilla as I believe that a strap should not be scented. As a woman I do not like that extra fragrance on a mans wrist but that is a personal preference.
Our rubber mix took almost a year to develop and should be fairly the same as the top competition.
We decided also not to use vanilla as I believe that a strap should not be scented. As a woman I do not like that extra fragrance on a mans wrist but that is a personal preference.
Our rubber mix took almost a year to develop and should be fairly the same as the top competition.
Thanks! There is a thread discussing it at WUS http://forums.watchuseek.com/f74/new-borealis-vulcanised-rubber-dive-strap-2543754.html so any current holder of one please feel free to add their thoughts about it there so that we can increase awareness as we really need to sell them in high numbers to be profitable and to be able to think of making 24mm and 20mm versions.
mysiak
Apprentice WIS
Received mine, very well made. I like how soft and comfortable this strap is. Just 2 remarks, keepers are designed probably for the old thicker strap, so they are a little bit loose - they could be about 1-2mm shorter. Second - please adjust the shipping costs on the web page to be more in line with the real cost. Not a big deal, but I paid more than double of the actual shipping costs (well, if buying only one strap it could be a big deal). Otherwise perfect experience and I will most probably buy more straps for the rest of my watches.
). Otherwise perfect experience and I will most probably buy more straps for the rest of my watches.I just received my straps today. They are much softer than the previous generation and I like them a lot and they will be mounted in a moment.
Thanks and good to know you're happy with them. Would be great if you could post some photos with the new generation straps we are making.
Also appeal to all that purchased and received them to post in watch forums impressions on them as all help is needed to spread the word. We made a big investment to develop them and selling them almost at cost.
Thank you.
Also appeal to all that purchased and received them to post in watch forums impressions on them as all help is needed to spread the word. We made a big investment to develop them and selling them almost at cost.
Thank you.
Just got one today. WOW, simply amazing. Once you factor in the price it's almost unbeatable. The Hirsch strap next to it feels good too but smells like tire rubber and is around $100. I sincerly hope this strap is a huge success to you guys so we can get colored versions.
the straps are great and one of the bulgarian watch forums now knows about them
Got mine in yesterday aftrr a bit of a wait on customs. First, the rubber feel is amazing. I don't like a watch to move around, so it has to be tight on my wrist. That makes me picky about bands (and the watch head, too). So, I was pleased to find these are more comfortable than any band I own, rubber or other material, on each watch head I tried them on.
I also like how the buckle design really locks in place once it's in place, in the sense you have to really pull at the band to get it apart. Not having much wiggle in the buckle tang, too, is impressive, nevermind for such a cheap band. I expected the buckle, at least, to be thinner and much worse finished than it is.
For the small wristed folks, with 6.75" the circumference where I strap on my watch, I'm on the tightest hole on a watch with a 52mm l2l length. I wish it was feasible to make one for small wristed people, with just three large holes on each side and maybe 1-1.5" less tail on it, but that's the only change I would want to these.
I saw someone here or on WUS post they with the keepers were smaller. Although I can understand why they might be called loose, I haven't found mine to move around.
I also like how the buckle design really locks in place once it's in place, in the sense you have to really pull at the band to get it apart. Not having much wiggle in the buckle tang, too, is impressive, nevermind for such a cheap band. I expected the buckle, at least, to be thinner and much worse finished than it is.
For the small wristed folks, with 6.75" the circumference where I strap on my watch, I'm on the tightest hole on a watch with a 52mm l2l length. I wish it was feasible to make one for small wristed people, with just three large holes on each side and maybe 1-1.5" less tail on it, but that's the only change I would want to these.
I saw someone here or on WUS post they with the keepers were smaller. Although I can understand why they might be called loose, I haven't found mine to move around.
well, people, the straps are so good that i purchased four more for my watch collection
Maria, do you consider producing 20 and 24mm straps?
Yes I do but no funds for it. Factory asks a minimum order of 2000 straps to pay for tooling so we would need to order 4000 straps.
We are selling them almost at cost price so wouldn't be financially sound to go that route and develop new sizes at once.
The more we sell on 22mm the faster we will deploy the other variants and additional colours. Also likely we will increase prices on straps as margins are really thin and hardly provide enough cash flow for investment.
New sizes will happen but slower than we would like to.
We are selling them almost at cost price so wouldn't be financially sound to go that route and develop new sizes at once.
The more we sell on 22mm the faster we will deploy the other variants and additional colours. Also likely we will increase prices on straps as margins are really thin and hardly provide enough cash flow for investment.
New sizes will happen but slower than we would like to.