Gadget Protection for the Outdoors: January 2012

I have been competing in triathlons consistently for about 7 consecutive years. So, of course, I need to swim as part of my workout routine. I must say that swimming is my favorite of the 3 disciplines (swim, bike, run) involved in triathlons, but like anything that you continue to do over and over, and for long durations at a time, it can get a little boring or monotonous. So to spice things up, I decided to try out the h2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System, which is designed for the iPod Shuffle 4^th Gen.

I picked up the iPod Shuffle knowing that I was going to start using this headphone system. I have to say, the Shuffle is a slick little device. Amazing that something that tiny and simple can provide all that music and functionality. After getting the Shuffle and the headphone system, I was excited to use the two in tandem.

The h2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System is also a sexy little device. It’s a simple waterproof case that fits the Shuffle in perfectly, along with the iPod audio output connection. The case closes easily, yet you can sense the strength of the waterproof seal. On the outside of the case, 2 headphone cables, that are just the right length to reach your ears, but not too long, extend from either side. The front of the case has 5 buttons, which essentially mirror the functionality of the iPod Shuffle buttons – Play/Pause in the center; increase volume at the top; decrease volume at the bottom; previous song to the left; next song to the right - Simple.

The instructions do recommend to test the device by submerging in water (you can use a bucket) and see if any bubbles exit the case and then also check the inside of the case to see if any water penetrated it. Also, you should spend a few minutes testing out the different sizes of earplugs to ensure the best fit. H2O provides 5 different sizes of earplugs for the end of the headphones. Essentially, you want to find a size that can allow for a slight penetration into your ear (not going too far), but also enabling a strong seal between the earplug and the opening to your ear. You will thank yourself for spending this time once you’re in the pool. After it passed my water test and I found the right earplugs, it was time to test it out in the pool. By this point, I was excited to see how this would work.

Before getting to the pool, I put the Shuffle inside the case and turned the power on and in shuffle mode, but in a paused state. I also inserted my goggles’ strap inside the two small goggle strap arms to either side of the case. It is a simple process. Once in the pool, I put my goggles on with the back of the case on the back of my head. I also wrapped the headphone cord around my goggle straps a couple times to keep the straps out of the way and to help secure the fit into my ear. It may seem like this would be an awkward device to have connected to your head while swimming, however, it is small and light and you eventually barely notice it.

Now ready to go, I felt the device buttons with my hand (and it’s easy to locate the buttons by just feeling for them) and hit the play button. I had some Beastie Boys cued up and I tentatively submerged myself and pushed off the wall. It was somewhat of a surreal experience, hearing the music underwater as I began swimming. But as I got past the initial tentativeness, I gained comfort with the hearing the music while I swam. Of course, on my first flip turn, I was worried that something would fall off or pop out, but to my satisfaction, everything stayed intact and Sabotage continued to play. I must admit, I really liked having the music keep me company while in the water. It really worked well. As I swam more, and swam more aggressively, I really did not notice having it on my head, and it did not impede my stroke at all. Getting back to the earplugs, you definitely want to spend the time upfront trying to get the right fit, as this will most likely be your biggest challenge, although not a real tough challenge to overcome.

After the workout, and after I changed into dry clothes, I dried off the outside of the case and tentatively opened it hoping to see a dry iPod Shuffle. Sure enough, there it was: my green, sexy little, but dry, iPod Shuffle. I’m hooked. I can’t wait to go swimming again with my h2O Interval.

The only downside is having a tough time hearing the person in the next lane, trying to talk to you in between sets….that is, if you want to talk to the person in the next lane. And oh yeah, as I got into some Violent Femmes during my sets, what lap was I on???

For more information on the H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System, visit http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/h2o-audio-interval-waterproof-headphone-system-ipod-shuffle-int4-bk/.

For more information on H2O Audio products, visit http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/brands/H2O-Audio.html.