RoadID vs 1BandID

So my blog has given away a few RoadIDs, and Pharmie and I both have one. Recently, my blog gave away some 1BandIDs (Pharmie and I ALSO both have one), and I mentioned how 1BandID differed from RoadID. Here's a bit from my 1BandID giveaway post:

When I first got an e-mail from Joe at 1BandID, I almost brushed it off. "Oh, another 'RoadID-like' product... is that really necessary?..." I thought.

But I read further. I actually read this part out loud to Pharmie because he made a good point - especially in this second paragraph:

I surely don’t need to give you the hard pitch about training with ID and helping your readers understand that too. However as you probably know, in the past the only things available were separately worn bracelets and dog tags. [...]

I've had other ID bracelets but too often I would forget to put them on before heading out for a run (once is too often). And then it dawned on me – why not design ID differently so it could securely attach and display ID on your watch, GPS or HR monitor wristband...so the wearer doesn't have to think about another thing before he or she heads out the door...so it's unforgettable.

That actually makes a lot of sense. A LOT. Pharmie and I both agreed that it IS different than a RoadID, and that the 1BandID idea of attaching to something you'll ALWAYS be using when you're out is great!

So, as I was doing that review / giveaway for 1BandID, someone from RoadID contacted me to remind me that they had a similar product that is NOT a bracelet like their "normal" RoadID:

A "normal" RoadID

RoadID has a "ShoeID," and they wanted to send me one to compare to the 1BandID.

1BandID that can fasten to gear you use on workouts

Photos of my 1BandID and ShoeID by RoadID:

My yellow 1BandID and my ShoeID from RoadID


Both "closed"


Both "open"

So I thought it would be appropriate to rate these different, popular IDs against each other. I'll use red text when RoadID wins, and blue text when 1BandID wins.


LEGIBILITY: They are both easy to read. They both offer up to 6 lines of text. But the RoadID is slightly clearer. The edges of the letters are a bit sharper, and it appears to be slightly higher contrast. +1 for RoadID.

DURABILITY (of the metal ID): 1BandID has a metal tag that is thicker than the RoadID. When I zoomed into this next image in Photoshop (the full-size version), I used the "ruler" tool and it told me the RoadID was 15 pixels thick and the 1BandID was 21 pixels. That means the metal in 1BandID is roughly 40% thicker. I imagine this would hold up better to abuse. +1 for 1BandID.

DURABILITY (of the engraving): A gentle swipe of your finger will tell you that the 1BandID has a "deeper" engraving. The RoadID DOES appear to be engraved, but it's very shallow. The 1BandID is cut deeper, and I bet this will hold up better over time. +1 for 1BandID.


DURABILITY (of the strap): I see no big difference. The RoadID is just a durable strap of velcro, and the 1BandID is velcro attached to a strong cloth band. However, the RoadID seems to be a little more rugged. This is a close call, but I'm giving +1 to RoadID.


EASE OF WEAR (on a shoe): 1BandID is shown on their website being very versatile, but the fact is that RoadID goes onto shoelaces much easier. It's what it's meant to do, and it does it well.+1 for RoadID.


EASE OF WEAR (on a watch, HR, or GPS band): 1BandID for sure. RoadID would be scratchy. The 1BandID is softer and meant to be in contact with skin. +1 for 1BandID.


OVERALL VERSATILITY: The ShoeID by RoadID is really meant for just shoes. I could see it being strapped to a bike shoe just fine as well. But the 1BandID has more flexibility. It doesn't attach to laces as easy as a RoadID, but it can attach to more things and still be comfortable because the velcro is attached to a softer piece of durable fabric. So ranking "overall versatility," I'd have to give +1 to 1BandID.

Wearing both the 1BandID on my watch band...


... and my RoadID (ShoeID) for a 12 mile run on Monday.

THOUGHTS ON WEARING THEM BOTH FOR 12 MILES: They're both "invisible" when you wear them as an athlete. I'm not saying they can't be seen... I'm saying that you can't feel that they are there. In fact, I had my 1BandID on my watch for hours afterward, and only realized I still had it on as it caught my eye in the shower. In this category, there's no winner or loser.


FINAL THOUGHTS: The reason I like the ShoeID (by RoadID) and the 1BandID is that you put them on your shoes or watch or GPS or whatever you always use for a workout, and you can FORGET ABOUT IT. It's always there. That's my only complaint about the "standard" RoadID that you wear on your wrist: I'm lazy and I don't always know where I put it last. #FirstWorldProblems

So between the RoadID (ShoeID) and the 1BandID, it's kind of a wash. If you were keeping score, the 1BandID won by 1 point (4 to 3). In my mind, it comes down to how you're going to wear an ID:

- If you only run, and if you always wear the same pair of running shoes, then the RoadID ShoeID is for you. It will always be strapped to your laces. Go with RoadID if you like going with the trusted company that's been around a while.

- If you road bike, mountain bike, run, etc, and you always put on the same watch, GPS, HR monitor, etc, then the 1BandID is for you. It will always be strapped to your watch / GPS band. Go with 1BandID if you like helping out the newer "start up" company.

- If you lie somewhere between those 2 points, then take what I've given you and make the right choice for you. (I'm a good example: I do more than just run, so I want this ID to not just be strapped to my running shoes. BUT, I don't wear a HR monitor or a GPS [I only wear the watch that I wear 24/7], and I don't always want an ID on my watch when I'm not working out.)


BOTTOM LINE: GET AN ID OF SOME SORT! Be safe out there.

Here's 1BandID's website, and you can find them on Facebook.

Here's RoadID's ShoeID, and you can find RoadID on Facebook.