I have not had good luck with Barton's silicone bands, so I bought this with some trepidation.  Sorry I waited so long. I really like the take on the Nato strap these guys do.  The overall length is a bit shorter, and the fixed fabric keeper does a great job of holding the loose end without the bulky fold over of the typical Nato strap. I suppose that makes it slightly less secure than a standard Nato, but I've never broken a buckle, just the spring pins on the watch itself. The other steel loop that holds the inner and outer straps together is formed tighter than the loops used on a traditional Nato, so the band as a whole seems more secure, and the watch doesn't slide around on the strap. The buckle is sturdy and well polished without being bulky. The strap material isn't very soft at first, but it does ease up after some use, and the trade off is that it wears well. So far, this has lasted longer than any other Nato style strap I have tried. The hole for the buckle hasn't stretched out, and the watch stays put without needing adjustment half way through the day. One other note about the material used.. it doesn't seem to get the funky smell other nylon straps get. Not sure why that is, and I can't promise it won't happen to you, but I can say I appreciate it.