Difference between cheap and expensive Straps

[allez]

Hey guys, I like to make a generall strap question because I have bought for my PAM 2 aftermarket straps from BOB in the "cheaper" region round 35-40 USD
Why there are such similar (looking) straps on the market / forum for that you have to pay twice or more times like others??

Are the more expensive straps THAT better like panatime just for example?

I don´t guess that very fancy straps or so... just the "normal" things like handmade vintage leather straps.

Ok there are sometimes very nice buckles or I don´t know what else but sometimes there are common straps for 100 USD more compared to the also nice and very affordable ones above mentioned

Sorry in advance, I don´t like to bash someones straps/ work, just asking (me) for what I have to pay that more money
Maybe you guys have experience in that topic..I´m new with PAMs and straps

 

[John71]

Got the same question, and what's the best overall alligator / croc strap (price/ quality) and where can I find OEM alligator/ croc straps (read rep straps)... Thanks!

 

[madcatlancelot]

Hi allez, I've had panatime strap long time ago, I can tell from experience that custom handmade straps are way better than the panatime.

I've had great experience with Jose Maria from Spain (cbstraps.blogspot.com, non-dealer), his straps are excellent!

 

[midasmook]

One of the great thing about Pams is the number of different straps that can be worn with them. There are so many good strapmakers out there like Donerix, Zeugma, Wotancraft, Ray, to mention a few of my favourites, the list is long.

 

[torobravo]

Straps are delicate. First you have to like it. Second it should be hand stitched, actually the good photoes sell the strap itself.

You have a plenty of good strap makers here in the forum, just browse and choose.

 

[allez]

thanks madcatlancelot
yeah, CB straps I read few days before in another thread. Maybe another strap for the collection I´m working on at this time
I bought a few days 2 from Bronzy here and very curious..should come these days from US! He got very good reputation.
Will compare with my BOB straps, was nearly same price.

@ midasmook: and the more money is worth?? Donerix about 100$...Zeugma a lot more!!
Thats my question.
These mentioned CB straps from spain look very nice on pics...and partly they kost just a fraction of Zeugma.......:thinking:

 

[midasmook]

Zeugma straps are awesome as are Gunny and loads more. I bought my first straps from Panatime and Bob but once you get the better straps and see how good they are you'll never go back. Buying straps to me is as much of an addiction as buying watches.

 

[allez]

like horsepower on a car! You never like to get back!

Ok, then I maybe know the next birthday present for me in July

 

[midasmook]

:Hold on a minute I never said I was buying you a birthday present.:lol:

 

[allez]

no no mate it' s my wifes turn then....or myself to make a gift to me
But if you got a worn nice one for (near) free i'll donate of course

 

[the_don_robinson]

Hey MADCAT - what strap is that on his site?

Also a side question... what does the 74 mean that i see on some Pam straps?

 

[madcatlancelot]

Hey MADCAT - what strap is that on his site?

Also a side question... what does the 74 mean that i see on some Pam straps?

The strap I have is the "500" strap, vintage style honey brown strap with matching stitching.

 

[allez]

.......
Also a side question... what does the 74 mean that i see on some Pam straps?

maybe 74 was the number of the italian "007" ... frogman

no I think it was stamped on an original strap from the vintage PAM 6152/1..

bye

 

[45acp]

As with most things, the more you pay the better quality you're going to get. Meaning better looking, more durable, more comfortable. I have had the cheap rep straps and straps from panatime, they feel cheap.

As for OEM-style gator straps, I really like www.thewatchboys.com. They are very reasonably priced for the quality you get, and in terms of design they look just like OEM straps.

 

[allez]

thx for your input! In most case you´re right. You´ll get what you pay for! ..but still a little cradle for me to order a 115$ gator strap :lol:
I think I should try a good German vendor because there I have the right to send it (unworn) back within 14 days if I don´t like it...
Will share my experience!

If someone else got further input plz do not hesitate

 

[risdian]

I would suggest you try an oem/gen strap/gator, and compare with the bob/panatime. If you feel they don't justify the cost, then oem is not for you, better stick with bob. I owned several bob and from custom makers, but I think after I got an oem strap, I couldn't go back (except for rep rubber I guess). I don't look for a gen look per se, but I think the quality is in different class. But that's just me.

An oem strap is not always expensive, with a bit of dilligence in checking paneristi, sometime a steal deal would crop up.