Hello everyone, and welcome to another Singaporean review! On this shiok Saturday, I’m taking a look at some new straps from homegrown watch strap label, Straposphere.
I’ve previously reviewed some of Straposphere’s best-selling straps here. If you haven’t already done so, do take a look at the article above!
Without further ado, let’s see if their new straps are any good.
Straposphere – Video Review
If you would like to see some hands-on footage of the straps, do check out the Youtube review below!
1) StrapoBELT 4.0 Adjustable NATO
Let’s start by taking a look at one of the brand’s best selling lines, the StrapoBELT.
The latest addition to the StrapoBELT line, the StrapoBELT 4.0 is a single-pass Herringbone strap with a slightly thicker 1.4mm herringbone weave nylon for increased sturdiness, especially for larger top-heavy watches.
When I reviewed the StrapoBELT 3.0 previously, I mentioned that it was rough to the touch, and thus a tad uncomfortable on the wrist. I’m pleased to report that the StrapoBELT 4.0 is the complete opposite. The StrapoBELT 4.0 has a silky smooth exterior, and feels premium to the touch. I love the new herringbone texture as well, which reminds me of some of my favourite suiting/shirting fabrics.
The hardware is made out of sturdy 316L stainless steel, and signed with the Straposphere logo. The keeper is adjustable, allowing you to get the perfect fit on the wrist. I really appreciated this feature, as most NATO straps come with fixed hardware that results in an imperfect fit.
Overall, I really enjoyed the StrapoBELT 4.0. It feels great to the touch, is extremely comfortable on the wrist, and just looks dope with the Herringbone pattern. The adjustable keeper makes it easy to get a good fit as well. Honestly, I would say that it is probably one of the best NATO straps that I’ve reviewed – and I’ve reviewed quite a few! It comes in a variety of colours as well. If you’re looking for an affordable fabric NATO strap, the StrapoBELT 4.0 is a great option.
Price (after promo code below): $18.90 USD
2) StrapoDENIM
Next, we have the StrapoDENIM.
The StrapoDENIM is Strapophere’s line of denim straps. Denim as a strap material has been growing in popularity lately, with many local strap brands offering their own variant. It’s not difficult to see why this is the case – denim as a material is rugged, and possesses an inherent lovely texture that pops.
I’ve reviewed a few denim straps till date, and I have to say that I found the StrapoDENIM to be the best out of the lot. It feels premium to the touch, and features from visual complexity. It’s softer too – the previous few were rougher, and simply didn’t look as good. In addition, the stitching on the strap is immaculate, without any fraying or loose threads visible.
The lining of the StrapoDENIM is pretty comfortable too, and there’s stitched strap loops for enhanced durability. My only knock is that there isn’t quick-release pins, which would have resulted in easier strap changes for a strap freak like me.
All in all, I really enjoyed the StrapoDENIM. As mentioned earlier, the StrapoDENIM is easily the best denim strap that I’ve reviewed thus far. If you haven’t tried one before, I encourage you to go outside of your comfort zone a little and experiment – the StrapoDENIM really pops on the wrist. It’s pretty sturdy too, and you don’t have to “baby” it like you would with a nice leather strap. The perfect strap for days when I’m more adventurous.
Price (after promo code below): $18.90 USD
3) StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0
Straposphere sells a variety of leather straps as well, with one of the most popular offerings being the StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0.
The StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0 is made from from vegetable tanned cow embossed leather. Straposphere states that its “natural beautiful grains will not fade and lessen with wear & stands well against scratches”.
I love the rugged, vintage aesthetics of the StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0. The strap is designed to be timeless and sleek, and I think it definitely looks the part. It’s a very versatile strap, one that’s equally comfortable with a minimalist fashion watch (such as the Vescari Chestor) as it is on a Laco flieger. There’s a slight pebble grain texture to the strap that I absolutely dig – it reminds me of the leather of a nice, worn-in vintage sofa.
The StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0 is lined with cowhide. I would say that it is decently comfortable. It is definitely better than the rough, cardboard-like texture that can be found on similarly priced leather straps, though in my opinion not as comfortable as the lining of the StrapoDENIM. Once again, there are stitched strap loops for enhanced durability. However, there are still no quick-release pins, which is unfortunate. I would encourage Straposphere to consider integrating quick-release pins in their next iteration of the StrapoLEATHER Italian straps, as it really does make strap changing substantially more convenient.
I really like the vintage look of the StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0. Out of all the straps reviewed in this article, the Italian 2.0 is probably the most versatile as well, and will suit a variety of watch styles. However, it is rather stiff, and even after several wears it has remained so. If you like the structure and rigidity of padded straps, perhaps the StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0 will be your cup of tea. However, I generally prefer my straps to be soft and supple. The Italian 2.0 looks good, but doesn’t feel as good on the wrist.
Price (after promo code below): $18.90 USD
4) StrapoLEATHER Distressed
Last but not least, let’s take a look at the StrapoLEATHER Distressed!
According to the brand, the StrapoLEATHER Distressed “adds a touch of military ruggedness to your favourite tool watches”. After pairing it on my Herve Alvia, I must say that I agree.
I immediately gravitated towards the distressed look of the leather. I’ve reviewed quite a number of leather straps till date, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s a subtle texture, with the distressed look not too ostentatious. There’s a rugged, EDC vibe to the strap that I really like. Furthermore, the side stitching of the StrapoLEATHER Distressed further enhances the robust feel of the strap, and adds a dose of vintage charm as well.
The StrapoLEATHER Distressed is lined with soft sheepskin, and I must say that it is very comfortable on the wrist. It feels great to the touch, and is definitely more supple than the cowhide lining of the StrapoLEATHER Italian 2.0 reviewed above. There’s also the Straposphere brand name emblazoned, which is a nice touch. Like the straps above, the strap loop is stitched for better durability, and there’s an absence of quick-release spring bars.
Ultimately, I really enjoyed the StrapoLEATHER Distressed. It’s supple on the wrist, has a gorgeous distressed texture that oozes a rugged vintage vibe, and even comes with a signed buckle! Despite being the cheapest, the StrapoLEATHER Distressed is undoubtedly my favourite out of all the straps reviewed in this article. I think it’s terrific value for money, and one of the best leather straps you can find at this price point.
Price (after promo code below): $17.10 USD
Conclusion – so Straposphere straps “shiok” or not?
In my opinion, Straposphere has really made a niche for themselves in the affordable watch strap market. All of the straps that I’ve reviewed today are under $20 USD, and for the most part, all of them punches above their price point. The StrapoBELT 4.0 is a fantastic NATO strap, and the StrapoDENIM is one of the best denim straps that I’ve tried. Nevertheless, my pick of the bunch would still have to be the StrapoLEATHER Distressed – I genuinely believe that it is a great value proposition at ~S$23.
For those interested, the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” grants readers 10% off all products from Straposphere! In my opinion, that makes most of Straposphere’s products an absolute steal. If you’re on the fence, I suggest making use of the promo code to order one or two to test drive – it’s not going to break the bank anyway!
Buy Straposphere products on their web-store here.
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wahsoshiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.S.S If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, and on Instagram here!
P.S.S.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
