Whoop has launched its new 5.0 Meridian Band, a fitness tracker designed to look more like jewellery than traditional sportswear. The band is available from Whoop for £119 and comes in four different colours: matte black, gold, rose gold and alloy.
Premium materials and design
The premium metal construction swaps the usual sporty silicone look for a Milanese mesh design, with an adjustable, customisable fit. The band is designed to make health tracking feel less like wearing a piece of fitness technology and more like adding another accessory to an everyday look.
The black version is made from titanium with black PVD treatment, giving it a darker finish while retaining the lightweight appearance of the premium metal. The gold version is made from titanium with genuine gold PVD treatment, while the rose gold is made from titanium with genuine gold and copper PVD treatment. The alloy is made from 100% titanium materials.
Care and cleaning instructions
The Meridian comes with the band, hook, clasp and Fast Link slider, designed to make swapping between bands quicker and easier. Because the Meridian is made from premium metal, surface marks may develop over time. Whoop describes this as a natural effect of wearing a softer, high-quality material, so the finish may change slightly with regular use.
To care for the band, shoppers should wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dust, then make a cleaning solution of a few drops of mild soap with water. They should dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution, wipe the band clean, and use a dry cloth to remove excess moisture to ensure it is completely dry.
Alternatives and subscription costs
Another option is the new Google FitBit Air for £84.99 from Argos. This offers a battery life of between three to seven days, has a one-size-fits-all strap, and can track steps, sleep, workouts and heart rate. Amazon currently has a sale bringing the Google FitBit Inspire 3 down to £58.99, from £84.99. It comes in black but other colours are available at different prices. It offers up to 10 days of battery life, is water-resistant, and can track a range of health metrics.
The 5.0 Meridian Band has no direct reviews yet as it is new, but fitness trackers have traditionally been more about function than fashion, with chunky designs and sporty straps. Whoop's new band looks to change that with its stylish design. However, Whoop's health and fitness tracking features require a subscription, so the price of the Meridian band is not the only expense to factor in. The 5.0 Meridian Band is available from Whoop.
