Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band Review: Eye-Catching Graphics on a Carbon Fiber Strap

I’ve never been one to go for colorful watch bands with graphics, but Pitaka’s new line of watch bands for Apple Watch may have changed all that. The Rhapsody version of the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band offers eye-catching graphics and is made from a material that has surprised me in a good way; here’s why.

The Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band is available in two styles, a solid black strap and the Rhapsody pattern I received and will be discussing in this review.

The Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band arrives in simple packaging. In keeping with the company’s PitaCare program, it is entirely recyclable. I love that and wish other companies would make similar environmental commitments.

Inside the box, you get the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band, one additional link, and a link tool. The link tool looks like the small accessory we’ve all come to know as the SIM removal tool.

Pitaka didn’t include additional bells and whistles in the box, but you’ll find everything you need to size the watch band and start wearing it as soon as it arrives.

The graphics on the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band are striking while careful to avoid screaming, “Look at me!!!!!”

The Rhapsody version of the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band offers a color combination and intricacy that will surely make it noticed. Even if it doesn’t, you’ll love looking down at your wrist and seeing something other than a standard black or brown band. Boring!

Mondrian’s artwork inspired the design and reflected the creativity of geometric abstract art. As the company explains,

We wove Fusion Weaving aramid fiber and carbon fiber into lines and blocks, creating order and harmony in the design. Three primary colors of red, yellow, and blue spread along the black and gray fabric, like flowing beats of a rhapsody, adding dynamics and style to your everyday life.

To put it more simply, when combined with the colors Pitaka chose, the 2D graphic design pops and tricks the eye into seeing depth and movement that isn’t there.

As Pitaka noted in the above quote, the band is made from a combination of Aramid and carbon fiber. When you consider that other watch bands are made from leather, steel, titanium, or silicon, the choice to use the combination of these two fibers is a bit unusual. However, you will quickly appreciate what these materials offer once you begin utilizing the watch band.

Pitaka refers to their technology to combine the Aramid and carbon fibers as ChromaCarbon.

ChromaCarbon weaves the two fibers together in a manner that yields a material that is visually striking and impressively durable. We can attest that it is visually striking, and if their case longevity is any indication, the watch strap should hold up well, too.

Each Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band link is made from 1K carbon fiber. As you likely know, carbon fiber is stronger than steel but shockingly light by comparison. The combination of weight and strength make it an ideal material for use in aircraft and racing cars and, as it turns out, Apple Watch bands.

But carbon fiber has one major drawback- it can’t be dyed. That didn’t quite work for Pitaka, who wanted to create something artful. So, while carbon fiber is cool, they needed to find a way to add color and design to their new creation.

That was accomplished by covering the carbon fiber links with colorful aramid fiber. They refer to their proprietary process of combining the two materials as Fusion Weaving. I call it fabulous!

Ultimately, thanks to Fusion Weaving, they created a watch band that is light, strong, and has a colorful, intricate design.

In addition, the band is entirely smooth and won’t absorb heat from your wrist, unlike metal bands. That makes it comfortable to wear all day and, if you so choose, equally comfortable to wear while you sleep. That’s especially great if you are using your Apple Watch to monitor your sleep patterns.

The Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band uses the same attachment mechanism that has been used since the very first Apple Watch was released. As a result, it is compatible with all Apple Watches, including the Series 8-1, SE, and Ultra, which is especially significant because the bands are a bit pricey.

Knowing they have been compatible with all previous watches and will likely remain consistent with new releases for the foreseeable future makes the investment less risky.

Magnetic, No Hassle In Using: The patented magnetic fastener and security lock allow you to keep your Apple Watch firmly in place with a snap and take it down with a single click.

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Another area where Pitaka’s thoughtful attention to detail can be seen is in the clasp; Pitaka chose to employ a magnetic clasp, and I love it.

When you put the two ends of the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band close to one another, the magnets draw them together and align the two sides automatically. A mechanical clasp locks the band closed once they are properly aligned and come into contact with one another.

To release the clasp, you push down the side button. The button’s position guarantees it won’t be accidentally released while, at the same time, making it simple to remove the watch at the end of the day. It’s a small detail but a refinement that you will quickly appreciate.

Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band Features:

• Made from carbon fiber and aramid fiber
• Size: 42/44/45/49mm & 38/40/41mm
• Adjustable watch band bracelet length
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Patented secure magnetic clasp

If I had to list one drawback of the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band, it would be the company’s sizing system. While most link bands require you to remove pins to free links forcefully, Pitaka chose to use spring-loaded pins that need to be depressed on both sides to release the links.

The advantage of this is that the system requires less force than other bands I have sized. At the same time, it took me a bit of trial and error to figure out how to depress both sides simultaneously when freeing links.

Putting the pins back in place on the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band was a challenge too. Only after I sized the band — after much exasperation, I will note — did I see that the company had a video demonstrating the process toward the bottom of the product page.

I highly recommend watching the video if you purchase this band, as it will save you time and frustration. Fortunately, you’ll only need to size the band once, so even if you find it as complicated as I did, it is a case of “one and done.”

Finally, it is worth noting that while carbon fiber is waterproof, Pitaka doesn’t recommend immersing the band in liquid due to the stainless steel pins inside the band. So while you can get it wet, if you swim with your Apple Watch, you will want to invest a few dollars in a band specifically designed for the water.

I love the Rhapsody version of the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band; the design is eye-catching without being obnoxiously loud. The band is also surprisingly light and feels fantastic on the wrist. At $119.00, it is undoubtedly more expensive than many other Apple Watch straps, but those don’t offer the same features or feel. Think of it as an investment in style and comfort. You won’t regret it!

It should be noted that if you’re more interested in a plain black strap, it sells for $99.99 and is on sale for 10% at the time of this writing.

The Rhapsody version of the Pitaka Carbon Fiber Apple Watch Band sells for $119.00; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Clean, refined look; The Rhapsody version has cool graphics; Strong but light; Fits all Apple Watches; Magnetic clasp is easy, convenient, and reliable; Suitable to wear while sleeping

What Needs Improvement: Not designed for swimming; Limited colors and patterns; It’s pricey