Ariel Reviews and Compares 5 Tropic Straps from 5 Brands

No video

Ariel Reviews and Compares 5 Tropic Straps from 5 Brands

Рет қаралды 20,644

4 жыл бұрын

Tropic Straps are Iconic.
Tapestry embossed pattern on the front side with little holes and deep tapestry pattern on the back to for comfort and to prevent sweat accumulation, they may be the perfect rubber strap.
As you'd imagine there are many brands making Tropic Straps at different price points.
WWU"s Ariel Javier Reviews and Compares 5 different Tropics from 5 different brands.
All of the reviewed straps can be found at their respective websites.
www.tropicstra...
meraud-watches...
www.ofrei.com
www.uncleseiko...
www.watchgecko...
www.tropicstra...

Пікірлер: 67

@larrybouligny4352 4 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the review, even though I did come in last! I am always listening to fans and critics alike, so thanks for including me on this one. I am super skeptical about the lint test though, as I am not sure dragging a fibrous material over them even makes for a fair testing method. It can show which one is the most textured, but lint magnets tend to be because the material is very "grippy" (I'm looking at you silicone!). Having sold a couple of thousand of my Tropics I can honestly say that not a single person complained about it being a lint magnet. Anyway, reach out to me if you want to review any of my other products. "Uncle Seiko"

@briancarpenter1255 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with Larry from Uncle Seiko. I have had the Uncle Seiko now for at least 6 months and I love this strap. I have not tried any of the other straps that were reviewed but I have had the tropic like strap from cheapest nato straps and it was junk so I will leave it at that. I love the feel and fit and finish of the Uncle Seiko tropic and am a loyal customer of them. Thanks, Brian.

@ph69jbl 4 жыл бұрын

If anything the US is the exact opposite of a lint magnet

@williamtobinjr 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I own the Uncle Seiko tropic strap, and it is NOT a lint magnet in any way, shape or form. In fact, it is quite resistant to picking up debris or dust of ANY kind. I can always depend on this strap on looking clean and classy. The reviewer's assessment on this point is completely inaccurate and without merit 100%. That said, I do have some small issues with the Uncle Seiko. First, the rubber compound--even on his updated version--is too stiff and requires the 'coffee cup' treatment before the strap will conform to the wrist. I have the new original tropic by Synchron, and the compound is a soft, flexible and pliable rubber that easily conforms to the wrist right out of the package. You forget you're wearing it, it's so soft. Second, the Uncle Seiko's vintage style buckle is awful. Regardless of whether or not it's as true to the original as possible, the buckle does not allow the 2 strap layers to lay flat against each other. I swapped it out immediately. Finally, the taper on the Uncle Seiko is minimal. From 20mm at the lugs, the strap only tapers 2mm to 18mm at the buckle. It looks chunky on the wrist. A more dramatic taper of 4 or 5mm down to 16 or 15mm would have given this strap a more vintage, classic look. Nonetheless, Uncle Larry's strap is an absolute STUNNER on the wrist. AND ALWAYS COMPLETELY LINT FREE!!!

@larrybouligny4352 3 жыл бұрын

@@williamtobinjr Thanks Bill! You must have my version 1 of the Tropic. I made them much more supple and for the 22mm version, put on a more robust buckle. Shoot me a message and I will give you 50% off if you would like to try one. uncleseiko@gmail.com

@RodrigoBezares 3 жыл бұрын

@@larrybouligny4352 Any plans on doing these in 21mm uncle Larry?

@Leec_1972 Жыл бұрын

Pretty late I know, but you did the Meraud and WatchGecko straps dirty. You held the Meraud by the short (Buckle) strap and the Tropic by the long side and that made the Tropic look far more flexible. Must have been a little distracted while filming lol. Those Tropics are comparatively expensive although I have two from Wolbrook which at 56 Euro are about 20 USD cheaper. As an aside I have found the Borealis "Iso style" strap superior to the Synchron Isofrane in terms of flexibility comfort and looks. While the Isofrane has a stiff feel and a shiny surface the Borealis is super soft, flexible and has a beautifully consistent matt finish. The keepers on the Isofrane might be a touch better as they are so tight to start with that they need a break-in period but thereafter remain very reliable.

@MrFouzMusic 4 жыл бұрын

Great review ! But you're wrong about the "Uncle Seiko", it is not silicone...

@toolongforyoutoread6 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review! Ultimately, after comparing these straps, I determined that the best for my budget was the WatchGecko, given its flexibility. I have a few points of contention though: 1. The Uncle Seiko was the only one of those straps that had a vintage-style buckle. The buckles on the rest (including the Tropic) are of a more modern (and more practical) design. 2. I'm fairly certain that the Uncle Seiko strap is not silicone. It would probably be far more pliable if it was. I think I've heard that it something like Polyurethane. 3. Both the bend test and the lint test were inconsistent. You were holding the straps a different angles for the bend test and the lint test could have been affected by the order in which you tested the straps, the pressure you used, or the depth of the pattern on the strap. I think the lint test could have been done better if you sprinkled the same amount of lint on each strap instead of rubbing it in.

@dgrantreiter 2 жыл бұрын

Im using a Strap Co. Tropic style. I bought it before doing much research because I was looking for the vintage look and it was 24.00 usd. It is a great copy of the style BUT is almost a hard plastic feel. It's on my Citizen Eco Pro Diver. I will be purchasing a "Tropic" brand strap soon to replace it. Your review seems accurate , thank you and supports my personal thoughts on this subject. I live in SW Florida and between the heat and high humidity perpetual sweating is an issue. So venting and flexibility is important to consider. As for what the real intention is here , diving and water sports in salt water and UV deterioration over time... They should all work well if rinsed off. Thanks Doug R.

@surfitli 4 жыл бұрын

I did not know Tropic was thc company that came up with this design. I got an email from Syncron( who own the Name) that they were going to start selling them. They will also be releasing a 22mm with an 18mm taper. I put one on my Certina DS PH200m, it really fits that watch nicely.

@Chef_Alpo 3 жыл бұрын

Curious how the Nautic and Borealis products match up.

@pierregervois5584 3 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent review. This is actually a model on how all reviews should be made, not only for Tropic straps, but for any product. We have a good selection of comparable products, a thorough analysis, and a fair comparison. Great job!

@donerbe4596 4 жыл бұрын

you need to repeat the flexibility test man. hold all of them from the longer side with keepers or better yet hold the long side only without attaching the buckle because buckle weights may differ.

@cmatz175 11 ай бұрын

That polar explorer II looks amazing on the tropic strap. I have a SLA055 coming in and am wondering if the tropic will be better than the chocolate bar one that comes with the SLA055. Will find out soon.

@rusmatahmed5436 3 жыл бұрын

Really helpful, thanks so much!

@Eramsay121 4 жыл бұрын

Late to the party, but this was a very well-balanced review and it definitely informed my decision. Subbed!

@yankeexpress 4 жыл бұрын

Tropic brand is a very comfortable str

@gride5153 4 жыл бұрын

Great review - thanks

@TimeSpace1 3 жыл бұрын

Curious how the Joseph Bonnie tropic straps compare to the tropic strap branded one

@MolleMolajn 4 жыл бұрын

The Tropic has a way to sharp edge where the strap meets the watch head. Looks goofy whe on the wrist. The vintage ones were a better rounded design.

@zman8340 3 жыл бұрын

That’s proper review. Ordered a tropic today .

@UCZ15 3 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t find a tropic 19mm anywhere so I ended up buying one from YEMA. Hasn’t arrived yet but I’m hoping it fits my Aqua Terra.

@Barteque9 3 жыл бұрын

Long but informative, thank You

@Kozling 4 жыл бұрын

Good video!

@neilba1 4 жыл бұрын

So I can attest to the quality of the WatchGecko (Zuludiver). The quality of the rubber is phenomenal and the way it fits to the wrist is superb....it just frustrates me they didn't do the correct strap shape (squared off) and get the keeper right. Also it doesn't have quite enough curve on the top surface. But....the quality and texture are great and the buckle is too even though I agree it's not the right style. For an Orient or Vostok etc (any watch in this price bracket) the Zuludiver makes a really nice upgrade....really gives these watches a huge lift.

@starkid20 4 жыл бұрын

i have a japan only release grand seiko sbgx337 and am dying to put this on a blue tropic strap. Need a 22mm but man...they are taking a while for that release ;;;;

@LCMNUNES1962 3 жыл бұрын

VERY GOOD TROPIC and BARTON WATCHES BANDs SILICONE

@davebudd1429 Жыл бұрын

great review

@bijanoskouie5323 4 жыл бұрын

Great review Ariel.

@CrisChen 4 жыл бұрын

I have compared 10 different tropics and I like meraud the most.

@watchwabidotcom4942 4 жыл бұрын

Cris Chen curious what your basing your results on?

@TimeSpace1 3 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Joseph Bonnie one yet?

@CrisChen 3 жыл бұрын

@@TimeSpace1 Yes, I have. They are one the better ones.

@TheGeoShocker 4 жыл бұрын

I'm curious about the watch Ariel wore in this video.

@yankeexpress 4 жыл бұрын

Polar GMT

@TheGeoShocker 4 жыл бұрын

@@yankeexpress Thanks, but I meant the black dial watch on his left wrist.

@TheGeoShocker 4 жыл бұрын

Figured it out - it's his new SNR029

@watchwabidotcom4942 4 жыл бұрын

Gorga Naibaho yes, it’s my new Seiko SNR029J.

@BarbellBinks 4 жыл бұрын

So tropic strap cannot fit the seiko fat lugs? Does anyone know of seiko lug alternatives that properly fit the lug holes but with a thinner mid-part?

@tommyinoz2100 3 жыл бұрын

uncle seiko

@Chef_Alpo 3 жыл бұрын

Watch Gecko has spring bars with fat Seiko tips that fit the lug holes but a thin bar section that fits straps with normal sized passages. I use these on my Seikos for regular straps.

@vincentjack735 3 жыл бұрын

That's a beautiful watch you're wearing

@jeeperspeepers8323 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, I have a Rado Captain Captain Cook with 19mm lugs. Would a tropic strap of 20mm be able to fit my watch? Would I have to trim the 20mm to fit. Thank you so much, everyone!

@micheltran7115 4 жыл бұрын

Good question, i would like to know as well for my Omega PO 39.5

@nickjames205 4 жыл бұрын

I just bought a vintage tropic acier strap at an estate sale in great shape 20mm lmk if you're interested

@briancarpenter1255 4 жыл бұрын

Why not just buy a Uncle Seiko in 19mm and no trimming required. They do fit more than just Seiko's. You will probably need to use regular 19mm spring bars instead of the fat bars but I have used them on a variety of watches other than Seiko. Brian

@Chef_Alpo 3 жыл бұрын

You could squeeze it in but it would look a bit bunched up at the center. I also wouldn't recommend cutting into this strap due to the ridge on either side, it looks to me as though you would have to trim away more material than necessary for the fit. I'm also biased against cutting into any strap for that matter, never looks right to me.

@heinrichheuer6510 3 жыл бұрын

Buna is a German Company who created this kind of rubber

@teecee9660 4 жыл бұрын

thx for the review- you never mentioned length or thickness (mil)?

@ElijsDima 4 жыл бұрын

Who is "GinD"?

@beenyroy 3 жыл бұрын

The Tropic strap is actually just over 19mm, and leaves a 1mm gap on a 20mm lug watch. Really disappointing.

@JT-sv8il 3 жыл бұрын

Got 21 guys?

@LCMNUNES1962 3 жыл бұрын

TROPIC STRAPS vs BARTON STRAPs EXCELENT

@WORMGERM 4 жыл бұрын

The bend test was completely flawed. You held them at vastly different angles, at different areas of the strap. Granted they may not have been as flexible but the way the test was taken made it look far worse than it probably is.