Steve O.
I have several BluShark straps. The AlphaShark ones are my preference. I have others, but these are my preferred model from BluShark. There is one other brand and model that I like out there, it is nearly identical to the AlphaShark, but less glossy on some patterns. The weave, texture, and pattern align with my tastes. I like their brushed hardware and I like the 1.4mm thickness. The Sharkskin is my latest purchase. It is a nice color combination. This NATO is neither a "Slim" or "Fine grain seatbelt" finish. I do not care for either of those features. I also have an AlphaShark Bond in silver and black. it is a little glossy, but it isn't attention grabbing. It is my favorite silver and black bond NATO.
The NATO has several benefits that are often overlooked.
1) In contrast to one of the other reviews of this SharkSkin, the 1.4mm thickness is ideal for those that do not like wearing their watch in a manner that the crown digs into the top of your hand. His opinion is just that, an opinion. My opinion is that the 2.8mm combined thickness changes the angle that the watch sits, just enough. You will not feel the crown poking your hand, or a restriction of any movement when you bend your wrist back. It raises the watch up, changing the angle to something comfortable. This is a personal preference. I realize my specific watch sits high to begin with due to the caseback design, but my hand still needs the extra 2.8mm. I do not care for "Slim" NATO straps because of their patterns, but they still provide this advantage.
2) If you do not want to draw attention to your watch, wear a standard green field watch colored watch strap. I use a NATO, but any dull forest green field watch colored strap work. I wear this watch every day at work with a green NATO. Only one person has noticed my watch, since I bought it last year. Which is what I hoped would happen.
3) If you want to draw attention to it, buy pretty much any noticeable color or pattern that draws attention. I wear the SharkSkin color, and all my other colors when I'm not at work, and trying to dress up a little. This is why I like NATOs, like BluShark, there are tons of patterns to choose from! People will notice your interesting patterns and colors, most of them will be men. Women generally only notice your watch (and strap) if it compliments your fashion choice, or contrasts it badly. If you wear a luxury brand and happen to find a woman that actually notices your fancy watch brand and model, you probably do not want to date them. If they notice your ubiquitous brand of watch, they just like watches, and lucky you! My wife could care less what watch I wear.
4) If you only wear NATOs, get intentionally curved spring bars! I cannot believe it took me 4 years to finally try them! I will only use straight ones on my bracelets, which will pretty much never see my wrist.
BluShark, would you please source some curved spring bars and sell them on your website? Well made ones are hard to find. Typically they are just the normal length, bent carefully. This has two issues. The weak part is over extended in the holes, and not quite perpendicular to the hole, which means they can slip out more. One of your competitors used to make and sell them, but they recently shutdown. It's an opportunity!
Thank you BluShark for another great strap, and an opportunity to share my pointless thoughts!
Ian F.
This is a challenging review to write because the AlphaShark strap is soft, well stitched, well made, and everything that it's advertised to be. However, I'm disappointed with mine and ultimately don't see myself ever using this strap.
I'd recommend anyone considering a purchase to really think about the 1.4mm thickness of the strap. That's a minimum of 2.8mm between your watch case and wrist, which means your watches will sit incredibly high and folding the tail into the keepers practically guarantees you'll have issues with it and a long sleeve shirt.
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