Hello gents,
just today I received a nice package from HK, containing one of the new Obris Morgan 'isofrane' style straps. I only heard of Obris not too long ago and when I saw them offering a 'ladder' rubber strap for $20 incl. shipping I could not resist and ordered an orange one.
I have had a blue isofrane in the past, but I sold it again because I simply did not find it comfortable enough. It was always a little stiff and pushing onto the side of my arm in a way that would just not feel good for me. It was indeed soft and flexible but just not for me. I will compare the Obris strap to what I remember from the isofrane.
The Obris Morgan strap has the classic style we are used to, the openings towards the watch are somewhat bigger - I think I saw somebody here post a comparison picture with an isofrane, confirming this.
The strap is soft and flexible, similar to what I remember the isofrane to be like. It has two simple rubber keepers. Before I could attach the strap I had to assemble the hardware which was delivered in a separate bag. The hardware is relatively simple and uses a springbar. The metal is thinner than the isofrane but I expect it to be up to the task.The holes for the springbars easily take a fat bar without too much work.
The inside of the strap shows both the Obris logo and the link to their webpage, on the outside there are no markings. Further it has a pattern to allow breathability similar to what is found on the iso. The casting is not as good and especially on the inside openings grates can be found. I do not find this terrible, but the edges seem to be a little sharper than I remember the iso to be, but then again it is still soft rubber. The biggest letdown is the smell. Obris sells it as a vanilla scented rubber strap - all I can smell is burned rubber. Maybe this will go away after a little bit, I certainly would not advertise it as such.
Bottom lime. I think for $20 shipped it is a good strap, especially when one wants to test the isofrane style and does not want to spend $120 for an original. The price difference can be felt in the hardware, the manufacturing gratings and in the 'burned' smell. Another note is that it seems to be sized a little larger, on my 6.5" wrist I am on the last hole and it still is a little loose. On the iso I had one or two holes before the end. If you like a tight fit I recommend to get it if you are above a 6.75"-7" wrist.
UPDATE: I have worn the strap now for about 5 days straight and have nothing to complain about. I had the strap in my drawer for about 2 days and it lost almost all of the smell. Only a light smell of vanilla and rubber remains. I have a BC natural rubber strap and that smells a lot stronger - but also a slightly nicer vanilla odor. At this price you cannot really go wrong.
the orange is a little darker than my pictures would make you think.
just today I received a nice package from HK, containing one of the new Obris Morgan 'isofrane' style straps. I only heard of Obris not too long ago and when I saw them offering a 'ladder' rubber strap for $20 incl. shipping I could not resist and ordered an orange one.
I have had a blue isofrane in the past, but I sold it again because I simply did not find it comfortable enough. It was always a little stiff and pushing onto the side of my arm in a way that would just not feel good for me. It was indeed soft and flexible but just not for me. I will compare the Obris strap to what I remember from the isofrane.
The Obris Morgan strap has the classic style we are used to, the openings towards the watch are somewhat bigger - I think I saw somebody here post a comparison picture with an isofrane, confirming this.
The strap is soft and flexible, similar to what I remember the isofrane to be like. It has two simple rubber keepers. Before I could attach the strap I had to assemble the hardware which was delivered in a separate bag. The hardware is relatively simple and uses a springbar. The metal is thinner than the isofrane but I expect it to be up to the task.The holes for the springbars easily take a fat bar without too much work.
The inside of the strap shows both the Obris logo and the link to their webpage, on the outside there are no markings. Further it has a pattern to allow breathability similar to what is found on the iso. The casting is not as good and especially on the inside openings grates can be found. I do not find this terrible, but the edges seem to be a little sharper than I remember the iso to be, but then again it is still soft rubber. The biggest letdown is the smell. Obris sells it as a vanilla scented rubber strap - all I can smell is burned rubber. Maybe this will go away after a little bit, I certainly would not advertise it as such.
Bottom lime. I think for $20 shipped it is a good strap, especially when one wants to test the isofrane style and does not want to spend $120 for an original. The price difference can be felt in the hardware, the manufacturing gratings and in the 'burned' smell. Another note is that it seems to be sized a little larger, on my 6.5" wrist I am on the last hole and it still is a little loose. On the iso I had one or two holes before the end. If you like a tight fit I recommend to get it if you are above a 6.75"-7" wrist.
UPDATE: I have worn the strap now for about 5 days straight and have nothing to complain about. I had the strap in my drawer for about 2 days and it lost almost all of the smell. Only a light smell of vanilla and rubber remains. I have a BC natural rubber strap and that smells a lot stronger - but also a slightly nicer vanilla odor. At this price you cannot really go wrong.
the orange is a little darker than my pictures would make you think.