Vanguard Rubber strap for Tudor Black Bay

[kelv_w]

I've decided to try out a new Tudor rubber strap by VanguardStraps. I've never heard of them until I came across an instagram post. Pretty reasonably priced at USD120 compared to RubberB or Everest. Delivery was super quick as they are based in Dubai.

First impression was good, it came in a rather large box with foam padding. I think it's a bit of an overkill for the strap which won't get damaged anyway but still nice to see that care has been taken.
The strap is soft, flexible but yet sturdy. What I really like are the adjustment holes as compared to Rubber B which is spaced further apart. I could get a better fit with the Vanguard.
Material wise, it has a quite a matte finish in comparison to Rubber B's slight sheen. Doubt it attracts dust as any particles are brushed off easily.





Length comparisons. Buckle on the Rubber B looks/feels sturdier but nothing wrong with Vanguard's, although I think they had to go for that option due to the rounded holes?
The tudor width is slightly wider to fit the BlackBay. The Rubber B is for the Subs here.





Looks like there's reinforcement by the look of it.



Installation:
Very easy to fit, of course with the right tools. That said I have no problems installing Rubber B either.
No scratches here as I triples-stack taped with Kapton tape and another layer of masking tape to be sure. With the right technique, there is minimal fiddling to get the spring bar into the lugs. I also used a magnifier whilst guiding the pins in. It's a good fit, snug and secure. Very pleased with it so far.





The way the strap wraps around the wrist reminds me of Rubber B compared to Everest which is much more rounded and would leave a slight gap on smaller wrist?