I’m almost 100% sure that the majority of Apple Watch users think about protecting it or adding more straps down the line. There’s plenty of good manufacturers, but Pitaka is one of the unique ones and their products are made from aramid and carbon fibre. Today we will take a look at Air Case and Modern strap, both of them are made from above-mentioned materials.
Air Case
Box contents are scarce, you will get a case and that’s all. It’s made from aramid fibre, and it looks like it’s not the most bendable material. Why? It’s simple, the top right corner of the case is raised higher than the rest. Not only that, but it’s not flat like other parts of it, which is easily visible. Maybe it’s because of the digital crown, but I doubt it.
Cutouts on the right side where Apple Watch has power button, microphone and digital crown are done right. Every part of the device is easily accessible, there are no issues during using the crown or power button, but the latter seems more recessed compared to using an Apple Watch without a case on it.
Forget about protecting your wearable during falling off, I don’t think an Air Case can protect it from cracking the screen. Fortunately enough, it won’t have any issues with scratch protection. That’s something usual, even if it does not wrap fully around Apple Watch housing.
Actually, that’s the best part of it because it’s easier to install on your device and take it off, so it’s more of a bumper than an actual case. Parts near slots for strap are uncommon, you can detach the strap only from one direction, not both.
Pitaka impressed me, I didn’t think there’s any room for improvement when it comes down to Apple Watch cases. Air Case shows that you can get it right, and it’s going to be more user-friendly when installation and taking it off are considered. This should be an example for everyone else, which should be followed by them to some extent.
Modern Strap
I bet the majority of Apple Watch users have more than a strap for their wearable. Carbon fibre is an uncommon build material, but it makes it unique compared to usual bands. Apple doesn’t have something like that, as well as the majority of 3rd party makers.
There are two styles to choose from (Modern and Retro). I got the first of them because for me, it looks better than Retro. That’s subjective, so any of you can like the latter more than the first one.
The bracelet is resizeable, and that’s unfortunately the biggest downside. You can make it smaller or larger, everything depends on wrist width. Unfortunately, resize system is difficult to use at the beginning and changing the size of it can take more than 10 minutes. It would be better if it had a fixed size, but given the used material, I doubt it’s elastic enough to make something similar to Apple’s Sport/Nike Sport Loop. There’s also two additional links, so you can make it longer, if you want.
Both sides of the strap are connected by magnetic clasp, which is another unique characteristic compared to usual Apple Watch bands. Unlocking it is relatively simple, you just press two buttons and lift one part up.
I used Modern strap for a couple of days with my Apple Watch SE. It’s great to wear thanks to its small weight, I didn’t feel it at all. Design and comfort wise, it’s one of the best bands which I used. Carbon fibre will look good with almost every outfit you wear, so it’s versatile, and you don’t have to buy additional straps for your watch.
Where to buy?
Modern/Retro Strap:
Air Case:
