This Kindle accessory seriously improved my reading experience (and it’s only $14)

What is the deal?

The Strapsicle silicone band for Kindle is 30% off proper now, and for a restricted time, it is out there for less than $14.

ZDNET’s key takeaways 

• The Strapsicle silicone straps improve the grip choices in your Kindle and supply a safe maintain to forestall drops. 
• At $21, Strapsicle is a simple and inexpensive Kindle accent to make your studying expertise much more comfy. 
• Should you desire extra ergonomic grips or do not just like the look of straps throughout the again of your Kindle, another safety choice could also be finest. 

Should you’re an avid e-reader like me (and even in case you’re new to the Kindle world), you in all probability shortly discovered how uncomfortable it may be to make use of the e-reader. That is not as a result of my Kindle Paperwhite is dangerous, however as a result of it is generally onerous to search out the proper place for optimum studying enjoyment. 

Kindles wouldn’t have built-in assist, making studying in mattress, on the pool, on the seashore, or anyplace much more difficult, particularly in case you wish to learn mendacity down or at odd angles. 

Additionally: Amazon just launched four new Kindles, including a full-color model. Here’s what’s new

And identical to it is fashionable to outfit our smartphones with grips, rings, and different equipment for stability, it is fairly en vogue to do the identical for our different tech, together with Kindles. After one too many instances dropping my Kindle Paperwhite onto my face (that factor does, actually, go away a mark), I lastly caved and was severely out there for a grip system. 

Throughout my journey, I encountered a number of the common accent contenders: conventional grips like PopSockets, circumstances that convert to stands, and huge, clunky holders. However one thing else caught my eye — Strapsicle. 

I stumbled upon them online. Strapsicle is a stability choice created for e-readers just like the Kindle and Kobo to make sure a cushty grip whenever you learn, and a safe maintain to your Kindle whenever you’re not (you realize, like whenever you go to sleep with the gadget in your hand). Strapsicles are easy silicone items that pop over the corners of your gadget and create a strap to deal with your Kindle securely. 

So, the place had this accent been all my life? The reply is that Strapsicle has a big cult following of customers, many derived from BookTok, however the accent hasn’t fairly made it mainstream. However that state of affairs could also be about to alter. Simply this month, the Australian-based model sealed a $250,000 deal on Shark Tank Australia. And as a brand new adopter of Strapsicle, this is why I am a fan for the foreseeable future. 

The Strapsicle matches most e-readers, creates a safe grip, and provides a layer of safety, too. The accent is available in a number of enjoyable colours, together with blush pink (pictured on this article), lilac, sage inexperienced, and extra. The staps are available in 4 sizes: Small, Medium, Giant, and Kindle Oasis, and a helpful dimension chart makes it simple to match the Strapsicle along with your respective e-reader mannequin. 

Since I’ve the Kindle Paperwhite 6.8-inch eleventh Gen 2024 mannequin, I bought the big dimension. Within the field, I obtained two silicone straps labeled “high left” and “high proper”, which made it simple to arrange my Kindle (severely, it took lower than 60 seconds to set them up). 

Additionally: One of the best e-readers I’ve tested is not a Kindle or a ReMarkable

You should use each straps concurrently or select to solely use one strap in your gadget, relying in your choice. I examined each approaches, and I desire having each straps on, particularly because the silicone corners add some safety, too. 

Having a Strapsicle permits me to put my hand wherever I would like on my Kindle with out worrying about safety. This characteristic is why I selected to do this strap mannequin as a substitute of extra typical strategies, like a PopSocket, which might solely be mounted in a single spot. I can flip my Kindle the wrong way up and throughout, and it would not budge. 

PopSocket vs. Strapsicle

Earlier than I begin, let me say that I’m not anti-PopSocket. I loved utilizing a PopSocket on my iPhone all through my teenagers, however as soon as I started working at ZDNET, it grew to become more and more impractical to proceed utilizing one on my telephone. 

I spent plenty of time testing MagSafe accessories, and it grew to become annoying to alter circumstances each time I examined merchandise. I additionally did not love utilizing a PopSocket sufficient to buy a more moderen MagSafe model. All that stated, a PopSocket was nonetheless my first thought when contemplating a grip for my Kindle. 

In accordance with Reddit, PopSockets are widely used by avid readers on their units. They’re an inexpensive and personable choice for including a grip to your Kindle. I do see the enchantment. 

My greatest concern with including a PopSocket to my Kindle was its placement. Ought to I put it within the middle? Off to 1 facet? It seems that some Redditors had the same issues. Whereas some stated they most well-liked a PopSocket for its extra ergonomic grip, others agreed that it was fairly annoying to solely be capable of grip your Kindle from one spot. One Redditor even admitted utilizing two PopSockets on her Kindle to fight this situation. 

Additionally: This viral PopSocket alternative is my new favorite iPhone accessory (and it supports MagSafe)

The location issues, and different adherence points (would it not persist with my case?), in the end pushed me away from the PopSocket choice and in direction of attempting Strapsicle. Plus, whereas primary PopSockets are under $12 on Amazon, some extra intricate and enjoyable designs cost up to $35, which I believe is sort of costly. 

Different Redditors said that they liked the Strapsicle for its added safety, because of its silicone corners, customizable placement (which lets you grip from anyplace in your Kindle), and the truth that it did not pinch their pinky like PopSockets do for some individuals. 

I agree with these people. I expertise no pinching or cramping in my arms utilizing Strapsicle, even for lengthy studying stints, and I really like that I can learn securely from anyplace and at any angle with out fear. Plus, the Strapsicle is simple to scrub and wipe down, and I can take away the accent with out trouble. The Strapsicle, in brief, is phenomenal, and I can not imagine it price me only a smidge greater than $20 as a result of I’d’ve paid far more for one thing that brings this type of performance. 

If I am being choosy (which I’m; it is my job), the criss-cross Strapsicle look might not be for everybody. I do not care an excessive amount of in regards to the again of my Kindle. However in case you are into aesthetically pleasing tech, chances are you’ll need to think about the PopSocket route. 

The straps might additionally match round my case a bit higher. I’ve a easy, versatile, clear case on my Kindle Paperwhite, and whereas the straps match advantageous across the corners, they do have a kind of puckering that forestalls them from laying flush. Nonetheless, I do not thoughts as a result of the straps add padding to my Kindle’s corners and work so nicely. 

Simply take into account that there’s an opportunity that the Strapsicle might not match along with your present case, so that you’d want to purchase a brand new one or go with out. Strapsicle does promote its own clear case to accompany the straps. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

My backside line right here: Strapsicle has created lightning in a bottle in a near-monopolized Kindle accent market. These easy silicone straps are useful, simple to make use of, and inexpensive. At $21, a pair of Strapsicles appears like a significantly better purchase than a singular PopSocket, however to every their very own.

I don’t doubt that Strapsicle will in all probability be on retailer cabinets sooner or later and turn into synonymous with the e-reader expertise. I’ve nothing dangerous to say about this accent as a result of my face is now shielded from my Kindle, which was precisely the issue I wanted to resolve. Props to Strapsicle, and I hope I can get these straps for my iPad sometime.