Quality Zulus?

[Stillhart]

I'm looking to buy a zulu strap or two for my incoming military-style Seiko. I read a review online that warned against the dangers of getting a poor quality one. However it didn't really mention any brands by name (good OR bad). Beyond the review, I've seen some with what looks like cheap thin flat metal and some with what looks like thicker rounded metal bands (which seem more appealing to me).

I've heard the name Maratac bandied about on this forum. Any others that are known for being good quality? Lots of people selling them, it's really hard to distinguish...

[amacman]

I have a couple of the Maratacs and am very happy.

[rx-79g]

A "zulu style" band has the round hardware. The flat stuff is not a zulu. Some striped zulus, including the Maratacs, are made using Nato style nylon, but the good zulus have thick nylon. Look at the pictures and you'll be able to notice the differences after awhile.

If the nylon is thick and the hardware correct, I really haven't come across a bad zulu. The Natos vary a lot more.

[lotsofstufftogo]

I like the Maratac Extreme 4 buckle Zulu straps personally, but Im biased since Ive only tried the Maratac brand. I have another Maratac Zulu on the way for a Seiko diver which Im looking forward to getting. If you want to check out pics of a Zulu on a Seiko take a look at my album.

[Monocrom]

Best Zulu straps are from Maratac. I bought mine through County Comm which has a contract to sell them in America.

Only downside is that C.C. is known for huge shipping rates since they only use UPS. Honestly, not worth it unless you're putting in a bulk order for several items at a time. I've ordered from them 3 times with no issues. But others have not been so lucky. Also, if C.C. makes a mistake with your order (completely their mistake) you can either keep the wrong item or the wrong color of the item; or ship it back and they'll ship you the right one. BTW, you pay the shipping charges to get it corrected.

They do sell excellent Zulu bands. Both the 2 and 4-ring versions (I don't count the buckle itself as a ring). Just know their customer service is not the best if things go wrong.

[lotsofstufftogo]

I also get my Zulus from County Comm but I also like the other stuff they sell. it gives me the chance to order more goodies as well lol.

[Stillhart]

A "zulu style" band has the round hardware. The flat stuff is not a zulu. Some striped zulus, including the Maratacs, are made using Nato style nylon, but the good zulus have thick nylon. Look at the pictures and you'll be able to notice the differences after awhile.

If the nylon is thick and the hardware correct, I really haven't come across a bad zulu. The Natos vary a lot more.

Thanks for all the replys! First, I thought zulu implied 2-ring and NATO was 4-ring. It makes more sense now knowing the zulu style is the rounded ones, which can be purchased in the two- or four-ring styles.

Regarding the two vs four ring, I have tiny wrists (6.5") and I feel like the four ring might be a little busy. Is there any advantage to it besides style?

You mention that the striped ones are usually worse quality? That's good to know. I kind of the like the black and grey "Bond" ones but I could skip it if the solid ones are better quality.

County Comm... $8 shipping is kinda rough. Anyone used Broadarrow?

Again, thanks for all the helpful replys so far. :)

EDIT - Just found this thread: Maratac Zulu compared to International Watchman Zulu (pics) I wonder if IWI still makes them this good...

[Monocrom]

The ones with stripes are just as good as the one-color variations. I've owned both, and saw no difference. Both are good and thick. The Maratac NATO straps are indeed very thin though.

The 4-ring Zulus are for those who prefer the style of the NATO strap, but want it thicker. Personally, I see no advantage over the 2-ring Zulu strap.

Main issue with Zulu straps is that they might be too thick to fit through the lugs of certain watches. Couldn't use a Zulu strap on my Pulsar PXH227 diver, even though I bought one that was the right size (22mm). The strap was just too thick to go through the lugs. This doesn't seem to be a problem for many watch models, but is still something to consider.

[Stillhart]

The ones with stripes are just as good as the one-color variations. I've owned both, and saw no difference. Both are good and thick. The Maratac NATO straps are indeed very thin though.

The 4-ring Zulus are for those who prefer the style of the NATO strap, but want it thicker. Personally, I see no advantage over the 2-ring Zulu strap.

Main issue with Zulu straps is that they might be too thick to fit through the lugs of certain watches. Couldn't use a Zulu strap on my Pulsar PXH227 diver, even though I bought one that was the right size (22mm). The strap was just too thick to go through the lugs. This doesn't seem to be a problem for many watch models, but is still something to consider.

Regarding the stripes, I read a few more (old old) threads that implied that only the Bond one was the thinner NATO strap. The ones with the single stripe seem to be the same thickness.

I've seen pics of the watch I'm getting on a thick zulu (http://forums.watchuseek.com/f71/wri...ml#post4212934) so I'm not too worried about it fitting.

I think, based on the thread I linked last night, I'm gonna try the IWI zulu and see how it goes. I've heard good things about IWI and the price is definitely right.

[Monocrom]

Regarding the stripes, I read a few more (old old) threads that implied that only the Bond one was the thinner NATO strap. The ones with the single stripe seem to be the same thickness.

Can't speak on NATO straps from other companies, or the way it used to be. But the ones from Maratac are thin across the board.