"ID Band specialises in high quality customised silicone wristbands for emergency and medical purposes 100% high-quality grade silicon, non-transferable, non-stretch and tamper evident. Our commitment also extends into the lifespan and safety aspect of the wristband; sterilisable, 100% hypo-allergenic, easy to wear with soft, rounded pliable edges that and less likely to catch on foreign objects." ID Band website.
The concept is similar to that of road ID, of which I have two. Why two, you ask? The reason is that I have the shoe ID designed specially for shoes, and I have more than one pair of running shoes. Why did I not order the wrist ID, I don't know. But the ID band is similar to the wrist ID.
The immediate advantage of the ID band over the shoe ID is apparent. I don't need multiple shoe IDs, and I don't have to bother with transfering my shoe IDs everytime I use a differen pair of running shoes. The second advantage is also clear. The shoe ID cannot be used on cycling or tri shoes.
A fairer comparison would be between the wrist ID and the ID band. Two factors weigh in favor of ID band - comfort and cost. The wrist ID is a metal piece attached to a velcro band. Over long distances, it could prove uncomfortable. I would certainly want to apply some petroleum jelly on the band when I run a marathon with it. But washing the wrist ID nylon band after the run may be a tad troublesome.
The ID band, in contrast, is softer and elastic. So it should be more comfortable (I can only validate this after a long run. But I wore the ID band for two hours for this morning's bike session, and hardly noticed it was there.) And it would be easier to wash off any petroleium jelly from the ID band.
Cost. The ID band costs SGD 18.80 (not including a 10% discount for SGrunners). The wrist ID costs USD 19.99 (or SGD 30.20). 'Nuff said.
The one advantage the wrist ID has over ID band is the two 3M reflective strips to enhance visibility in the dark. As far as I can tell, the ID band is non reflective.
Another advantage is that the road ID have an interactive feature which allows one to call a toll free number or go to a website to find out about the user. But that works only in the US. So moot point for us folks in SIN.
What else do I like about the ID band?
I can use it for running, cycling and swimming. I can even wear it all the time as a fashion statement ala Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG wristband!
I like bright colors for visibility and the yellow color I chose did not disappoint.
I can't wear it on the ankles. So I won't have the problem that a friend had when he wore an ankle ID for the Aviva 70.3... marshalls kept asking him why he had two timing chips!
I like the variety in terms of colors and sizes. Even kids can use the ID bands.
I like the allergy symbol to highlight allergies, of course.
Last but not least, I forgot to mention the obvious. Why do I need the ID band? As my good friend said, if something happens to me when I am out there on the run, they'll know who to contact! Morbid thoughts. But this is the same reason why people buy insurance.
I buy insurance, so why not ID band? Two words: Risk aversion.
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