Breaking Muscle receives no compensation in exchange for reviews. We received this product for free and did not experience typical customer service. The opinions expressed belong solely to the writer.
The more we train, the finickier we get about everything from our equipment to our clothing. And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s when I go blind mid-workout because the sweat has firmly lodged in my eyes. It’s painful, distracting, and downright dangerous.
So how fun to discover that Saaka has created a line of athletic bands with all different athletes and activities in mind.
Saaka bands come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Saaka bands consist of three layers of fabric. The two outside layers are constructed from poly/Lycra microfiber, while the middle layer is a bamboo fabric. According to Saaka, bamboo absorbs 30% more moisture than cotton and is also naturally anti-microbial.
“[T]hese are much more functional and comfortable than your average band for athletic wear. It’s clear a great deal of thought has been put into their design and into the materials used.”
Each band can be custom fitted due to the Velcro closure. One interesting aspect to Saaka’s Velcro closure is that it is vented. Both sides of the Velcro have holes punched in them, so you don’t end up with a thick section of fabric that doesn’t absorb or doesn’t breathe. Instead, it seems to be just as comfortable in that regard as the rest of the band.
What I Tried
- Headband – I like the idea of a headband that is not a complete circle. I mean, it becomes a complete circle, but it has an adjustable Velcro attachment. While this is handy for sizing, it also means you don’t have to jack up your face and hair just to get your headband on.
- Wristband – These come in small and medium sizes, but both are quite thick in width. This is nice for stopping sweat from sliding down onto your hand and also for using to get the moisture off your face.
- MP Band – “MP” stand for multi-position. The idea behind this band is that you can put it anywhere on your body where you don’t want the sweat to flow. So if your grip is important, then you can put one on your forearm or upper arm. If you really hate shin sweat, then put one just below your knee. Make sure to pay attention to the sizing on this one and keep in mind that not all sizes will fit all parts of your body. I know that sounds like a “duh,” but the Velcro closure isn’t so big that you’ll have a lot of adjustment leeway.
Saaka wristbands are quite thick in width and come in small and medium sizes.
If you think you’ll love these bands, you can also $5.00 by purchasing the Agility Bundle. The bundle comes with two wristbands and a headband, which would normally cost $50.00. You also get a free mesh wash bag that would normally cost you $3.00.
All the bands come in a variety of colors and patterns. Saaka products are also made in the U.S. and they donate 10% of their profits to Sports Charities USA.
My Recommendation
I highly recommend purchasing the mesh wash bag to go along with your bands. The Velcro is big and sturdy on these products, which is great when you’re out exercising, but not so great on your other clothes once everything is in the washer. Saaka also recommends that you air or line dry the products.
“One interesting aspect to Saaka’s Velcro closure is that it is vented. Both sides of the Velcro have holes punched in them, so you don’t end up with a thick section of fabric that doesn’t absorb or doesn’t breathe.”
In general, the Velcro is both the best and worst thing about these bands. It’s great that it’s adjustable, but I found the doubling up of material and the corners sticking up a bit on my wristband to get a bit in the way when I was hiking. And if you turn it so the closure doesn’t brush against your body, then you’re left trying to wipe your forehead on the least soft part of the wristband. This isn’t a problem with the headband and MP band, but was a bit annoying on the wristband.
The Agility Bundle includes one of each band and a mesh bag for $45.00.
Conclusion
All in all, though, these are much more functional and comfortable than your average band for athletic wear. It’s clear a great deal of thought has been put into their design and into the materials used. And really, they’re just ridiculously soft and when it comes to wearing something that’s going to rub and sit on your skin for hours at a time, that counts for a lot.
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