Using wristbands as a promotional tool has been a very popular trend for decades. It’s initial popularity dates back to 2004 when the yellow Livestrong bands were worn to raise awareness for cancer. Since then, a great amount of organizations started using these types of bands to promote various causes.

When choosing what type of wristband to use for your event or cause, it is important to look into what would be the most beneficial for you or your organization. We want to show you the main difference between custom elastic bands vs. rubber wristbands and help you find out which one is better.

OVERVIEW

Rubber Wristbands

Rubber wristbands are one of many popular promotional accessories. Introduced in the early 2000s, these became known because of the Livestrong movement. These bands are primarily made out of silicone. They are non-stretchable bands that are solely meant to be worn on the wrist. They are mainly referred to as “silicone bands”, “rubber wristbands”, and “baller bracelets”.

Custom Elastic Bands

Elastic bands are made from a series of rubber wrapped in either polyester or cotton. They are usually flat and are tied or sewn together to form one band. These bands have been around for decades and are popularly used as hair ties. However, the rise of custom elastic bands have promoted the use of these as giveaways at events and as statement pieces for several causes.

HOW THEY STACK UP

Custom Elastic Bands

Pros:

Elastic bands in general have a long shelf life. Since they are very flexible and stretchy, they are not easily damaged by various outside forces such as the weather. They are very durable and rarely break. However, if they ever come untied, they can be easily fixed by either tying both sides together or having it sewn.

Cons:

It is possible that they can be overstretched and lose elasticity, but this rare. This only occurs after a long period of time or when the person using it stretches it past its limit on a daily basis.

Rubber Wristbands

Pros:

Like the elastic bands, they have a long shelf life. Their semi-flexibility allows it to maintain its shape without it being too rigid.

Cons:

These bands, depending on its make, can easily be affected by the weather–they may become susceptible to shrinking. They are also prone to discoloration over time. They easily snap in half. Although they can be fixed by either melting the two ends back together or using a heavy duty adhesive. However, it can take more time and money to get that done. Additionally, the outcome of these two solutions will affect the look of the band itself--ruining the custom design.

Custom Elastic Bands

Pros:

It is very easy to have elastic bands customized. The designs you may want to put can be quite complex–within reason (please see this link on Elastic Band Co.’s design tips.) There are various patterns that you can do on custom elastic bands such as repeating and non-repeating designs. Moreover, these bands capture more detail.

Cons:

Depending on how clear communication is between the manufacturer and the client regarding the design, it may take longer to produce your ideal custom design.

Rubber Wristbands

Pros:

It is also easy to customize this type of band. The designs are usually very simple. Words and simple images on the band may be embossed or debossed.

Cons:

There is limited creative freedom when it comes to customizing this type of band as complex designs may not adhere on the rubber as well as it does on elastic.

Custom Elastic Bands

Pros:

Custom elastic bands are sustainable because they have more functional uses over silicone bands. More than using custom elastic bands as decorative accessories, they are also great hair ties and bands that help hold various items together. Some other uses are bundling products together, serving as business cards and venue entrance bracelets, as well as marketing tools for your business/cause.

Cons:

These are non-biodegradable. However, they can be used for many other purposes. The repurposing of these bands make it sustainable.

Rubber Wristbands

Pros:

These bands are long lasting and can be worn for years to come.

Cons:

These are non-biodegradable and, depending on make, can contain dangerous chemicals such as lead. They are not multifunctional and have no other use than being a wristband. It is possible that they could just end up gathering dust on someone’s dresser. 

Custom Elastic Bands

Pros:

The amount of time it takes to manufacture these items is quick. At Elastic Band Co., we guarantee you 5-10 days and it is at your door. More importantly, all our custom elastic bands are made with quality materials and manufactured in the US. We have also the option for rush orders, in case you need your custom elastic bands in fewer than 5 business days.

Cons:

Generally, many vendors that produce custom elastic bands outsource from China and other overseas countries. In fact, many of our competitors currently outsource their custom elastic bands from China. They are not in control of the manufacturing and cannot monitor the quality of the products. This is also the reason why it takes around 6 weeks to deliver the product.

What sets Elastic Band Co. apart is that it is the largest, and one of the only, manufacturers in the United States for custom elastic bands. We do not outsource and are in complete control of the quality of our products.

Rubber Wristbands

Pros:

The amount of time it takes to manufacture these items is also quick. Depending on the quantity, you could get them on an average of 10 days (not including shipping).

Cons:

Most vendors of custom rubber wristbands do not reveal where they manufacture their bands. So there is a big chance that they get their supplies from overseas countries–many of which have precarious labor conditions. Since many of the rubber wristbands are produced overseas, shipping time can take an additional 10-15 business days.

Additionally, many silicone products produced in countries such as China could possibly be exposed to lead which could be detrimental to your health. Usually, with products made out of silicone, the higher the quantity, the higher the chance of poor quality output.

Custom Elastic Bands

Pros:

They are extremely cost efficient. The more bands you get, the lower the costs. At Elastic Band Co., a minimum order 20-49 pieces only costs 2.50 dollars each, and that is inclusive of design services. Here are our custom elastic band prices.

Cons:

The elastic bands have a minimum quantity of 20 pieces. Let’s be real though, will you really just buy one?

Rubber Wristbands

Pros:

They are not as cost efficient as custom elastic bands, but wholesale (around 400+ minimum) prices are commonly low.

Cons:

They have higher price points than custom elastic bands. To buy good quality rubber wristbands, on average, comes at 4 dollars a piece for 20 pieces. Moreover, rubber wristbands have a higher minimum order, and usually comes with a setup fee. Pretty steep, don’t you think?

OVERALL:

Given all of the factors mentioned above, it’s safe to say that the future of all promotional wristbands are elastic. With more flexibility in terms of design and sustainability as well as the cheaper prices, it is safe to say that going elastic is the right choice for you. So, when it comes to choosing giveaways for your next event, marketing tools for your organization, or items to help spread your cause, who are you going to call? None other than Elastic Band Co. We are the best at producing custom elastic bands in the United States. What are you waiting for? Order custom elastic bands now!