The paradox that is CheapestNatoStraps
TL;DR: Has anyone else found that CheapestNato has mid tier materials, but high tier hardware?
Just today I received 5 straps I ordered in the mail! Four were from CheapestNato (two paratroopers, two leather heritage), one was a NATO from Wristcandy Watch Club, via a pretty nice seller on eBay
Now I've ordered from CNS before and was happy with it. I mean for that cheap of a price, it was pretty nice.
I bought these straps, both to wear, but mainly to scope out their leather offerings. As much as I like CNS, full grain leather for $5.95 on discount seems too good to be true. Despite this, I bought them, because I figured, it's a free buckle, and I can mess around with QR springbars
And idk if I just got unlucky, but boy was I right!
The "leather" straps were so weird. I have no issue with the colour; I think it's great. The buckle is fantastic, even signed, and the springbars seem to be quality.
But the "leather" is so off! Like it feels like foam! (In all fairness, that's still comfier than the fake plastic "alligator" provided with my HMT but still!) And the sides have ZERO finishing. Even on an el cheapo Timex, the sides are burnished, but this strap was more two-faced than Harvey Dent!
Anyways, I just found it so odd how the metal hardware would be top-notch, like solid & durable, with signed logo and everything, but the main strap is generally mid! The same was true on a single-pass nylon.
Can't complain though, I got two sweet buckles for a "Make your own strap or at least try to" project :D
High school student atm - Anything over $100 is a lot - Dials > Movements (after all the dial is what u see) - Would like to learn how to make watch straps & dials on my own Open to talk about most th...
Ive heard the leather is hit or miss.
Personally, im going to file down the widest bit and change the springbars so it fits on my 18mm strap
The only leather strap I purchased from CNS had a quality control fault with the buckle. How do I explain this? Buckles are attached to the strap with a spring bar. The ends of the spring bar are inserted into holes on either side of the buckle. Except not on mine because one of those holes was missing.
The hardware is made by a company that specializes in strap hardware I suspect. They batch buy hardware, and have a strap supplier throw the cheapest material possible on the hardware.
It makes sense from a business perspective. Less well-made hardware from a new supplier would likely be more expensive than just buying what everybody else buys.
They ain't called "Bestest Leather Straps"
I learned to stay away from their leather. Half the time I can’t even get the strap secured to the watch because the springbar openings are so damaged and frayed. I just stick with their nylon and find it to be good for the price.
I have 6 or 7 straps from them. They're remarkably good value if you're not looking for the highest quality.
Here are my latest two straps from them:
I have 6 or 7 straps from them. They're remarkably good value if you're not looking for the highest quality.
Here are my latest two straps from them:
I wholeheartedly agree with this like the nylons are very smooth and soft, or at least they are for me, but I haven’t really felt anything harder. I’m talking about “seatbelt” nylons
I quite like CNS, but I've never bought their leather. I've gotten a couple things that were bad (their old perlons, and their tropic rubber) a few things from them that were 'meh' (like their standard NATOs and their adjustable single pass) and I've gotten stuff from them that's great, like their perlons 2.0 straps and their paratroopers. Plus they have a great selection of lumed straps, which are dope!
They tend to be my go to for paratroopers, nasa straps, perlons, and fun colorful straps. For leather and rubber, I look elsewhere.
I quite like CNS, but I've never bought their leather. I've gotten a couple things that were bad (their old perlons, and their tropic rubber) a few things from them that were 'meh' (like their standard NATOs and their adjustable single pass) and I've gotten stuff from them that's great, like their perlons 2.0 straps and their paratroopers. Plus they have a great selection of lumed straps, which are dope!
They tend to be my go to for paratroopers, nasa straps, perlons, and fun colorful straps. For leather and rubber, I look elsewhere.
Thanks so much! I was looking into their other stuff and agree with most of that you said. I heard they had an AWFUL Perlon & am glad it's changed.
Thanks so much! I was looking into their other stuff and agree with most of that you said. I heard they had an AWFUL Perlon & am glad it's changed.
I just received an order from CNS today and I'm super pleased with the quality. Here's what I got:
Perlon: Still awesome, colors are beautiful. Soft, flexible weave.
Deluxe Straps: The best quality natos I've ever seen. Thick and sturdy, but still pleasant on the skin. Way better than seat belt natos. Colors are nuanced and versatile.
Ribbed Straps: These are very, very good. Almost as nice as the Deluxe. Not as thick as they look, which is a good thing. Great colors and the textures really elevate a solid color.
Paratroopers: Still excellent. Thick, nicely woven, and comfortable.
Moon Straps: These are a new, instant favorite. All the good things about their NASA straps, but fixes the issues the NASA straps had. Thick and stable on the wrist, infinitely adjustable, and comfy. I have a 6' wrist and these wrap all the way around for me. No velcro gaps, no need to shorten.
The hardware is excellent quality across the board. I have to say that CNS has massively stepped up their game over the past couple of years, while keeping prices very fair. The quality for money is insane, especially considering what else is out there. Totally worth supporting them!
I just received an order from CNS today and I'm super pleased with the quality. Here's what I got:
Perlon: Still awesome, colors are beautiful. Soft, flexible weave.
Deluxe Straps: The best quality natos I've ever seen. Thick and sturdy, but still pleasant on the skin. Way better than seat belt natos. Colors are nuanced and versatile.
Ribbed Straps: These are very, very good. Almost as nice as the Deluxe. Not as thick as they look, which is a good thing. Great colors and the textures really elevate a solid color.
Paratroopers: Still excellent. Thick, nicely woven, and comfortable.
Moon Straps: These are a new, instant favorite. All the good things about their NASA straps, but fixes the issues the NASA straps had. Thick and stable on the wrist, infinitely adjustable, and comfy. I have a 6' wrist and these wrap all the way around for me. No velcro gaps, no need to shorten.
The hardware is excellent quality across the board. I have to say that CNS has massively stepped up their game over the past couple of years, while keeping prices very fair. The quality for money is insane, especially considering what else is out there. Totally worth supporting them!
I think thru experience, you found all the best things to get from them.
Their hardware really is incredible and I love the logo too!