Isofrane vs. Hirsch Extreme: Who wins?

[tfar]

What is the better strap and why? They are about equal in price with Isofrane being even more expensive.

They are both made of rubber not silicone. As far as I can tell none has metal reenforced holes for the spring bars/screws. Even the rubber strap on my cheap Citizen BN0000-04H has that. The Isofrane doesn't have the typical ripples for elasticity. The Hirsch doesn't have any holes in the upper part for water to flow through. The Isofrane has a screwed buckle, the Hirsch doesn't. But Hirsch comes in a more color choices, yet Iso has two band/buckle styles.

So is there one that is really better? If so for what reason or in what criterion is one better than the other? Is there one that will be more of a useful tool (why?) and one that is more of a fashion statement?

What do you think?

Thanks!

Till

[djh1201]

I'd say Isofrane:

A comparative review of the new ISOfrane strap

[romeo-1]

No brainer for me...IsoFrane by a mile!

[Guido Muldoon]

Of the 150+ straps I own the ISOfrane is by far the best. Though I've never tried the Hirsch, it appears much too bulky for my tastes.

[W. C. Bartlett]

If you did a little research, you would realize how silly this question is. Isofrane has been on some of the best vintage dive watches know especially the ploprof, the Isofrane has a history and is iconic. Its reincarnation is turning out to be as reliable as the original.

My vote goes to Isofrane.

[sunster]

Another vote for Isofrane. Mine arrived by fedex today. Looks great and seems lovely and soft. A delicious vanilla smell off it as well. Now just waiting for my Trimix to arrive

[Spring-Diver]

Isofrane for me



Cheers
Shannon

[HalifaxNS]

Really it has allot to do with style for me, Isofrane it is .

Im patiently waiting for a 22mm to be released, and then the blue version (not sure of the size). A blue 22 would be bad ass on my Bathys.

[Guido Muldoon]

Really it has allot to do with style for me, Isofrane it is .

Im patiently waiting for a 22mm to be released, and then the blue version (not sure of the size). A blue 22 would be bad ass on my Bathys.

I agree re the Bathys. I also can't wait for a 20mm for my Corvus and a 22mm for my 007 among others.

[tfar]

If you did a little research, you would realize how silly this question is. Isofrane has been on some of the best vintage dive watches know especially the ploprof, the Isofrane has a history and is iconic. Its reincarnation is turning out to be as reliable as the original.

My vote goes to Isofrane.

I did and I know that it is a historic model. My concern is with engineering, and functionality, NOT with style and history. For that I like the Iso better, too.

What would make one better than the other in engineering and functionality?

The Iso on Shannon's Tuna makes me want to buy that exact combo just because it's so frickin' gorgeous. Too bad the watch costs 25 times what the strap costs. ;)

Till

[Pallet Spoon]

I'll go against the grain and say it really depends on what watch you are putting it on, and to a lesser degree, your needs. I really think stylistically that it is an apples to elephants comparo. If you name just about any watch, one strap would look appropriate, and the other would not.

For most of the more vintage divers being discussed, the Isofrane would be the clear choice. On a newer more aggressively styled modern diver, the Hirsch looks, feels, and functions very nicely and would have the edge.

Since most of my dive watches match the latter description, I would nearly always choose the Hirsch.

[dbluefish]

Well definitely in the minority but the Isofrane is just plain ugly to me. Now I know history and icon status count for a lot but a strap has to look good in my eyes and it doesn't.

The Hirsch Extreme, of which I have one in 24mm for my O7 has always had great presence.

So no brainer here, Hirsch all the way!

paul

[clouser]

I'll go against the grain and say it really depends on what watch you are putting it on, and to a lesser degree, your needs. I really think stylistically that it is an apples to elephants comparo. If you name just about any watch, one strap would look appropriate, and the other would not.

For most of the more vintage divers being discussed, the Isofrane would be the clear choice. On a newer more aggressively styled modern diver, the Hirsch looks, feels, and functions very nicely and would have the edge.

Since most of my dive watches match the latter description, I would nearly always choose the Hirsch.

I agree. I'd put an isofrane on my 6309 in a heartbeat. I just put a Hirsch Extreme on my ecozilla yesterday, and I think it's perfect for the watch. I think the isofrane would look completely out of place on a zilla.

[supawabb]

As an owner of both.. there are points to each.

If you are wanting a large strap, phenominal quality to go onto a large watch (thick) then go with the Hirsch.

As for comfort and superb looks, the ISOfrane.

I find the ISO to be far more comfortable than the Hirsch, but the Hirsch is definitely a looker and gets alot of attention. Just not as comfortable.

The ISO is also a more supple rubber, feel softer on the wrist.

[swingkid]

Isofrane has been on some of the best vintage dive watches

So has Rolex' Submariner bracelet, it still seemed to be a cheap bracelet until recently! Some might say a 40€ aftermarket Seiko bracelet is of higher quality...
Even in this price range, it's ok to ask this question without getting insulting answers. A lot of people seem to like the Hirsch.
For myself, I have a Hirsch rubber strap (not the Extreme) and think it's not worth the money at all. I haven't handled the Isofrane.

[Cowbiker]

Owned three Extreme, awaiting the Iso 24's in color and other sizes, have to say it's a bit premature to say the new iso's have been fully deployed yet.

Definitely intend to pic up some ISO's and hope the new iterations do justice to their heritage.

Heck, hope they're successful enough to bring back the historic hue of that pale yellow, let alone the requisite navy blue and orange.

Only critisism of the Extreme I have is it is a tad short due to the over stylized shoulders, a long tail make room for a wetsuit and the wavey shoulder cuts the tail short to avoid overlap, also, the polished buckle, seriously, I enjoy my polished divers, but they are in the minority, most are brushed, WTH? Steel wool coming to mine soon.:thanks for making me jack with an 80 dollar strap's buckle...

[rsr911]

ISOfrane all the way

[DEMO111]

My vote... the Isofrane wins. Excellent rubber mold quality, beautiful machined buckle, very flexible yet strong and classic looks.

[tfar]

As an owner of both.. there are points to each.

If you are wanting a large strap, phenominal quality to go onto a large watch (thick) then go with the Hirsch.

As for comfort and superb looks, the ISOfrane.

I find the ISO to be far more comfortable than the Hirsch, but the Hirsch is definitely a looker and gets alot of attention. Just not as comfortable.

The ISO is also a more supple rubber, feel softer on the wrist.

Ah, now that's interesting. I thought about the same thing in regards to matching the watch silhouette and perhaps style.

One thing that could be said on the engineering side is that in principle the Hirsch should be the more robust strap. It is much thicker and the material is not perforated throughout like the Iso.

On a Rolex I'd clearly put an Iso but on an Oris TT1 or perhaps even on a PO, I'd probably go with a Hirsch.

Anybody else have some more insights on engineering and functionality?

Till

[Cali kid]