Testing out ear plugs from H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit with H2O Audio Interval

As I mentioned in a previous post, I tested the H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System with an earplug from the H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit. The H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit contains 9 pairs of ear plugs that will fit on all H2O Audio In-Ear Headphones. H2O Audio provides several waterproof cases for smartphones and music players as well as a number of waterproof headphones. The primary reason I wanted to test out some other ear plugs with the H2O Audio Interval is to see if I could get a better fit and waterproof seal using one of the plugs from the Pro Fit Kit.

Just for some background info, the H2O Audio Interval comes with 5 pairs of soft round ear plugs in sizes XS, S, M, L and XL. I used both the L and XL earplugs. I was able to get a good seal, yet there were times when the ear plug would come out of my ear while swimming. I was doing a swim workout with intervals so I was testing how well the earplugs would stay in through some aggressive swimming.

Selection of ear plugs (XL down to XS) that comes with H2O Audio Interval 

Enter the H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit. It has 5 different styles within the 9 pairs of ear plugs. The styles are tree tip (3 layered, longer ear plug), dual tip (2 layered plug, shorter than the tree tip), stepped (narrower at the tip that enters the ear and wider at the base of the plug), memory foam (cylinder shape and as the name implies, it will shape to your ear’s opening and retain the shape) and the soft round (which is more of a standard ear plug; the same style that comes with the H2O Audio Interval). See pictures below of each of the styles.

9 Pairs of Ear Plugs available in the H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit 

I just tried out the large tree tip ear plug the other day. Similar to the shape of a tree, it is narrow at the top for entry into the ear and then the next 2 layers are wider. You definitely get a deeper fit with this ear plug, although not too deep to cause any discomfort or harm to the ear. You should be careful in inserting any of the ear plugs, and if you feel any discomfort you should remove the plug and try another one. I recommend pulling the top of your ear upwards with one hand to extend the opening to your ear while inserting the ear plug with the other hand. With the tree tip, you can sort of turn it back and forth as you insert the plug into your ear. You want to twist and turn the plug into your ear until you feel you have snug and secure fit. Once you feel that, you should be good to go.

Tree Tip Ear Plugs from Pro Fit Kit on the H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System

The tree tip ear plug definitely provided a tighter and more secure waterproof seal into my ear. In the 30 to 40 minutes of my swim workout, one of the plugs came out once, and it was easily re-inserted. Sound quality and overall comfort and effectiveness of the entire H2O Audio Interval was still excellent, and still making a positive impact on my swim workouts!

I would recommend getting the H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit if you plan to use the H2O Audio Interval, and you could also consider the kit for any other use of headphones underwater. For example, H2O Audio has the Audio Amphibx Waterproof Armband Case and the Audio Amphibx Go Soft Case as well as at least 5 different styles of waterproof headphones to accompany those cases.

I may try out the memory foam plugs next, and if so, I’ll be providing an update.

More info on the H2O Audio Pro Fit Case can be found at http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/h2o-audio-pro-fit-kit-9-pairs-of-ear-plugs-h2o-ep9-pfk/.

More info on the H2O Audio Interval can be found at http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/h2o-audio-interval-waterproof-headphone-system-ipod-shuffle-int4-bk/.

More info on the H2O Audio product line can be found at: http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/brands/H2O-Audio.html.

H2O Audio Pro Fit Kit in crush proof plastic box with removable foam inserts. 

Tree Tip Plugs

Memory Foam Plugs

Dual Tip Plugs

Stepped Plugs

Soft Round Plugs

Still going strong with the h2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System

I have been using the h2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System with the iPod Shuffle for several weeks now. It has definitely brought about a whole new attitude towards my swim workouts. The one aspect of my running and biking workouts that I’ve always looked forward to is the ability to listen to music or listen to audio books while working out. It’s a great way to enjoy the workout; a great way to make the workout go quickly. Extending my enjoyment of music or audio books to swimming is incredibly valuable to me.

And for those training for Iron Mans or half Iron triathlons, the h2O Audio Interval can be a godsend. The lengthy and grueling workouts can become much shorter with the sound of music. For now, I focus mostly on sprints, but maybe someday I’ll push myself to that level….maybe….

Soon, I will be getting the h2O Audio Pro Fit Kit that contains 9 pairs of ear plugs. I would like to experiment to see what kind of fit I can get with additional choices and so that I can make recommendations for others. The right fit on the ear plug will make all the difference in the world. Stay tuned for more info as I plan to give some feedback on these ear plugs in my next post.

For more info on the h2O Audio Interval:

http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/h2o-audio-interval-waterproof-headphone-system-ipod-shuffle-int4-bk/

To see additional products from H2O Audio, visit http://www.gadgetaccessory.com/brands/H2O-Audio.html.

Swimming with Music - The h2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System

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.

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle - rear view with goggle strap

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle - front view with goggle strap looped through

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle - front view

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle - open case with iPod Shuffle connected

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle - with case open

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System for iPod Shuffle - open case with ear plugs