cheap Whoop 5 straps – are the fakes as good?

Cheap Whoop 5.0 / MG straps – are the fakes as good?

Let’s dive into some strap details and places where you can buy cheap replacement /extra Whoop straps for between $5 and $30.

You know they’re not going to be as good, but do they look the same, feel the same, attach in the same way? For that matter, might they be the exact same straps from the same factory? Let’s see if they really are as good.

Lots of Amazon links are at the end.

Background

As a Whoop 4 owner, I was very annoyed when Whoop 5 was released. The strap mechanism is ever-so-slightly different, meaning that my fairly substantial collection of old straps became useless overnight.

Here’s what I hoped for

I initially hoped that I could buy several of the new fast link sliders that would fit the new 5.0 pod. Then, I sneakily planned to thread the old material through it, and voila, all my old straps would instantly work on Whoop 5.0.

Nope. The rotating metal clasp is about 0.5mm narrower—oddly, just enough to ensure the old strap can’t fit. I’d need a new hook as well.

China Factory Top Tip: One of you needs to make ten packs of Whoop 5 conversion kits, which comprise both ends that attach to the Whoop 5 pod. The end of the clasp needs to be a tad wider.

A Fake Whoop 5.0 Strap Analysis

Typically, if you count the Whoop as a 10/10, the fakes rate as 9/10. They are good but not quite as good under close scrutiny. Oh, and they’re not branded with the WHOOP name.

The Strap Material

Materials will vary between bands and brands. With the one shown in the image, there is virtually no difference. They feel and look the same. They stretch by the same degree; in this case, even the subtle pattern weave is very similar.

Only on extremely close inspection is there a tiny difference in the weave, with the Whoop’s weave being tighter and smoother.

Both are the same length, width and thickness

The Fast-Link Slider

The slider is a small piece of shaped, cast metal.

 

 

There is perhaps too much friction, sliding it onto the Whoop body. This one is made from aluminium, so it’s light and will easily wear to fit quite quickly.

The sliders on many of Whoop’s branded straps are coated or anodised and look and feel superior.

Then again, I’m sure Whoop’s unfinished aluminium will feel the same as my fake here.

The Hook

The hooked end is permanently bonded by compression to the strap. The hook’s precise shape is important for it to fit the clasp and stay on, and it also needs to be relatively easily undone when removing Whoop.

The most obvious difference is that the fake is not WHOOP-branded, i.e., missing the etched name. That might be a vital detail to some, but not to me! And as you’re considering buying a fake, I’m guessing you’re not too fussed either!

The details of the bonding method look identical. The length and width of the hook metal are identical, but the shape of the hooked end is subtly different. Being fair to the fake, my numerous Whoop 4 straps all had subtly different hooks—all worked. The point here is that there are probably slight, inherent production variations.

If I try to bend the hook forcibly with both hands, there is a tiny amount of give. Not so with the genuine hook.

The Clasp

The clasp is the most crucial piece. It forms an integral part of the overall visual aesthetics, and it needs to retain its shape to ensure its pins fit inside the Whoop and stay there, whilst also letting it rotate when intentionally removing the Whoop.

The clasp is in the shape of three sides of a square, a weak point of the original design. The fake appears to be able to be bent a similar amount to the original, but I didn’t push it too much, as I do want to use the strap some more!

When the pins are inserted into each side of the pod there is minimal additional play, which won’t be a problem. The fake strap doesn’t quite clip on as snugly as the original, but again, that will be okay.

It closes shut in just the same way.

Take Out: Are Fake Whoop 5 / MG Straps as Good as the Originals?

A: Yes.

Apart from the WHOOP branding on the hook, they look identical from a metre away. Even closer up, you’ll be hard-pressed to spot any difference, and in use, they are highly similar.

The quality may vary between styles and the brands that copy Whoop, so go with a cheaper strap at first. If that brand delivers, you risk a more expensive one later.

Purchasing Options

Here are a few options for you. Other than Amazon, the links are all unaffiliated. Fill your boots! There are some interesting format options here, and a generic link!

• Generic Amazon Whoop 5 Band Search: UK, USA, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Australia.
• Silicone Sports Loop: Europe and UK, USA (£12/$25)
• Superknit : Europe and UK (£10-£20), USA (c$20)
• Magnetic Fastener: Europe and UK, (£20), USA ($20)
• Biceps Band: Europe and UK (£25), USA ($20)
• Apple Watch and Whoop Combo: Europe and UK (£25), USA (£$25)
• The Fresh Strap Company