Twelve South ActionSleeve 2
Tackle Apple Watch workout worries
$39.99 (about £29) FROM Twelve South, twelvesouth.com FEATURES Velcro strap, polyurethane fabric, plastic Watch shell, Digital Crown access
There are some activities where having an Apple Watch on your wrist is potentially a recipe for disaster – think boxing or physical labour. Twelve South says it has the solution with its ActionSleeve 2, a band that hoists your Watch (minus straps) up onto your arm and protects it in a plastic sheath.
We tried the ActionSleeve 2 during our regular weights session. Workout tracking was good, with metrics like average heart rate and calories burned in line with what we normally see. Having the Watch high up messed with its stand tracking, though, and it gave us points even when we were sitting.
As for comfort, the ActionSleeve 2 uses nonallergenic polyurethane to prevent rubbing and irritation. During a workout we felt its presence more than a standard Watch strap, but it was not a problem. It became a little uncomfortable after the workout and needed some adjustment, and you’ll know it’s there if you wear it all day. We also felt a little nervous removing the Watch, as this involves pressing quite hard on its face to remove it from the sleeve.
If you often remove your Watch to prevent it getting damaged, the ActionSleeve 2 is a good solution that means you can continue tracking your activity. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than a smashed Apple Watch. Alex Blake