View single post by Paxman
 Posted: Wed Jul 9th, 2008 10:31 pm
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Paxman



Joined: Sun Apr 23rd, 2006
Location: NorthEastern, Wisconsin USA
Posts: 15957
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 Thought I would grab a Bob and see how it treated me. Struck a great deal with MAC and was able to get three straps on the cheap. Pretty good shipping time from Germany. I know Ian got one and wasn't overly pleased, but I think these are going to get a lot better with a little wear.

Strap One, a Bob Vertigo Calfskin in Brown









This strap gets a solid ***      OK

The floating keeper seems a bit off in color. this may improve over time as the strap gets some WABI going. A touch stiff but I can see it will break in easily.

 

Strap Two, a Bob Vertigo Calfskin in Black









This strap gets a solid *** +      OK +

And this strap too will take some breaking in but as I have worn it now for a couple of hours I can see it has a lot of potential to soften up nicely. I like the distressed look and feel. Both this strap and the brown Vertigo have a nice lining which looks as though it won't sweat stain too badly so these seem ideal for summer.

 

Strap Three, a Bob Marino Barillo in Brandy









This strap gets a solid *** +++      OK +++

Would be a four if not for a little flaw in the leather and the stiffness. This tapers down to 22mm at the buckle and has a bit less brutish look. Very pleased with the color on this strap. This is a bit stiff too but will improve over time. I wouldn't have guessed it but I think this is my favorite out of the three.

All ratings using a modified version of the ISSS which can be found here:

http://www.timetechtalk.com/view_topic.php?id=12252&forum_id=30

These are not high end straps but they are not complete mass produced junk. The relatively inexpensive cost of the straps with a solid look and feel makes these a fairly attractive proposition imho.

 

Thanks for taking a look!yourock.gif