Hands-On With Delugs Delcro Straps — The Smartwatch Strap Makes A Move Toward Luxury
Last year, I bought a digital sports watch to keep track of my running and rowing sessions. Since I’m very much an amateur athlete, I went with a Coros Pace 3, an entry-level exercise tracker. I got it on a Velcro strap because I heard it helps with adjustability, and honestly, it’s very comfortable and secure. Recently, Delugs introduced a very similar strap called the Delcro, and it’s available in no fewer than 20 colors. I tried them on a few of my watches and will tell you whether I like them as much as the strap on my sports tracker.
On the Delugs website, you can find the development story of the Delcro straps. In it, Ken, the founder of Delugs, admits that the inspiration did indeed come from the sportier fabric straps on smartwatches. However, he wanted to make a version more suitable to wear with higher-end watches. That’s how the Delcro straps came about. And yes, these straps do indeed feature a hook-and-loop fastening system. This is often referred to as Velcro, but that’s a trademarked brand of products. That’s why Ken prefers to refer to these as hook-and-loop or Delcro straps (a combination of Velcro and the Delugs brand name). All right, let’s examine the straps before us today.
The Delugs Delcro Straps
If, unlike me, you’re unfamiliar with this kind of strap, let me tell you about it. Each strap is one piece of elasticated nylon. One side consists almost entirely of loops and has five patches of hooks at the end. The other side of the Delcro strap is very soft because this is the part that rests against the skin. You’ll also find the Delugs brand name here. At one end of the strap, there’s a plastic end piece or stopper; on the other, the fabric has been folded over and stitched onto itself. Inside that hem, there’s a quick-release spring bar.
As mentioned, you can choose between 20 different color options, including many plain and two-tone versions. But you can also opt for more daring styles like the Alpine and Desert Camo or Woodland Tri-Weave designs. For now, Delugs offers only one size, which should fit wrists with a 13.5–20cm circumference. These straps also only come in a 20mm width currently, but I’m sure Delugs will expand its range sooner or later.
Easy installation
To install the strap, you first attach the spring bar inside the hem between the lugs. In the Delugs instruction video, they attach it to the lugs on the 12 o’clock side. However, I prefer to install it the other way around. That way, the cleaner side of the strap (without the loops) faces the outside world. I think that results in a nicer look, and I also find it easier to put on my wrist that way. But this might be very personal, of course.
Then, you lead the strap underneath the watch and hold it in between the opposite lugs. Next, you take the spare quick-release spring bar included in the package and fix it in between the lugs. Finally, you pull the strap out so you can put your arm through and attach the strap using the hooks and loops. My explanation might make it sound complicated, but it’s very easy to install.
Delcro straps on my watches
I got to try the Tri-Weave one on my MoonSwatch Mission to Saturn, the Alpine Camo on my Seiko SPB317, and the Desert Camo on my Omega Speedmaster. When installed, the Delcro straps remind me of how a NATO strap looks on a watch. They feel more utilitarian and sportier than your average leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, especially with the camo prints. Regarding the MoonSwatch, I think the Delcro strap utterly demolishes the original Velcro strap it comes with. The Delcro straps are much softer and more flexible. In addition, they offer the same lightweight construction, and, based on my experience with the Coros strap, the hook-and-loop (Velcro) is much less prone to fraying.
However, due to their lightweight and flexible construction, I feel the Delcro straps don’t work as well on heavier stainless steel watches. Both the SPB317 and the Speedmaster felt a bit top-heavy on my wrist when wearing them with the Delcro straps. Yes, you can indeed fully adjust the strap to make it snugger, and that’s fine if the watch is light like my Coros Pace 3 or the MoonSwatch. But when the watch is made out of a heavier material, it will simply move around a bit more on your wrist, and it becomes less comfortable.
In addition, the stopper on the Delcro straps is made of plastic. On one hand, it won’t scratch your watch, but on the other, it’s not the best look with stainless steel.
Final words
To conclude, I like these straps. Many different colors are available, so I’m sure you’ll be able to find one that matches your watch(es) and/or your outfits. They’re easy to install, and putting them on the wrist is a breeze. I also feel the hook-and-loop system is very secure. You won’t have to be afraid of the strap end catching onto something and the watch falling off of your wrist. Finally, the hook-and-loop system also seems very durable and like it won’t start fraying any time soon, unlike some other Velcro(-like) options on straps from Tudor and Omega × Swatch, for example.
Also, in terms of wearability, I think these straps are very comfortable. They’re soft and flexible and, unlike NATO straps, don’t add more bulk underneath your watch. As I already mentioned, I think they work very well with lighter watches like the MoonSwatch. However, with heavier watches, I feel the Delcro straps are a bit too light and flexible. Maybe this is a very personal opinion, but it’s certainly something to keep in mind when looking into these straps. Also, the white strap on my Coros Pace 3 has become quite dirty. Of course, it has to endure quite some sweat during my exercises, but it’s another thing to keep in mind with fabric straps in general.
Each Delugs Delcro strap costs €47. For more information about them (including instructions), check out the company’s official website. Let me know in the comments below what you think of these straps.
