REVIEW – Can you believe it’s been almost 10 years since the Apple Watch was first released? My watch band selection has continued to grow over the years as the band interface has remained unchanged. One other constant is the quality of Nomad’s watch bands. The Rocky Point Band is their newest and for me, it’s their best yet.
What is it?
The Nomad Rocky Point Band is a compression molded band for Apple Watch. It’s made from an extremely durable carbon-based fluoroelastomer called FKM that fits great and paired with titanium hardware to complete the package.
What’s included?
- Nomad Rocky Point Band
- Info Card
Tech specs
Click to expand
Materials
- Compression-molded FKM
- Metal injection molded Grade 5 titanium hardware
- FKM and titanium loops secure excess band
Technical
- Waterproof
- Resists a 5-20 kgf lateral slide-out force when installed in Apple Watch
- 23mm wide at the center of the band
Watch Compatibility
- Apple Watch 49mm, 46mm, 45mm, 44mm, and 42mm (Ultra & Ultra 2, Series 1-10, and SE)
- Band is one size fits most, designed for wrist sizes ranging from 175mm to 225mm
- 100mm length (pin side) and 125mm length (adjustment side)
Design and features
The Rocky Point Band has a rugged look and feel that perfectly fits the Apple Watch Ultra series. The titanium hardware is one of the details that immediately jumps out and it’s a direct match for the natural titanium finish of the watch body. If you opted for the newer version of the Ultra 2 watch in black, the band hardware is also available in Black Titanium. I love how perfectly the tang nests into the buckle. Super clean.
The channels on the underside of the band help to keep air flowing when active as well as preventing from moisture from getting trapped. You can also see the two strap tethers here. The first is a fixed location and is titanium. The second is color matched FKM and can slide to keep extra strap length under control if you have a smaller wrist.
Here are all the stock colors Nomad offers. The top row is all with black hardware, and the natural below that.
Performance
Installing the band hasn’t changed over the years, so you should be good to go. Nomad did manage to tightly tolerance the slide out force so you may need to lightly press on the center nub in the band attachment when sliding in.
As mentioned in the opening statement, the Rocky Point is my favorite to date. It feels substantial, doesn’t irritate when working out and stretches enough to go an extra notch if you really need to lock it down in aggressive scenarios like mountain biking.
In fact, when they launched a limited color (Magma) earlier this week, I bought it on the spot and it arrived 2 days later. I wasn’t even aware how well it matched the Fox suspension fork on my bike.
The only thing to mention is that for my largish wrist, I end up exactly in the middle of the range with 4 adjustments on each side. In that position or for a larger wrist, the FKM strap loop doesn’t like to stay put and ends up kinda moving around. I ended up removing it from the strap and haven’t had any issues. Easy to put back if I need to.
What I like about Nomad’s Rocky Point Apple Watch Band
- Seriously sturdy and durable band
- Comfortable with perfectly color matched hardware to the Apple Watch Ultra
- Great rugged look
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
What more do I need to say? I’ve had this on my watch since it arrived for review. I only removed it to install another color which I bought for myself. It’s been through MTB rides, surf days, paint projects, wrenching and everything in between. Great gift for anyone with an Apple Watch.
Price: $80
Where to buy: Nomad and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Nomad, who did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
