It’s a brand new year, resolutions have been made and now it’s time to stick with them! Like most people, dropping those holiday pounds or maintaining that healthy lifestyle is in tall order. So today, we take a good look at a couple of fitness accessories designed for the iPhone – H2O Audio’s Amphibx Fit Waterproof Armband and Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones. Let’s check them out!

Review

As I took up a new interest in distance running, the one thing that always kept me going was taking great music along for the ride. Not only to keep my mind fresh, but also to motivate me on days when I didn’t have that drive to want to run, rather HAVE to run.

I have tried many armbands on many a run and found that, 1) I sweat a lot, and 2) iPods, iPhones, and other electronics don’t really like moisture. Time passes and I find my knees, ankles, and feet just don’t like the work of running as Father Time goes, so it led me to another activity, SWIMMING.

Countless laps in the pool at the gym just isn’t as fun when all you hear is the sloshing of the water (I don’t swim that well). What better way to pass the time in the water than having music around… Did I mention that iPods, iPhones, and most other electronic devices don’t like the water?

Introducing the h2o audio Amphibx armband (for iPhone, and large MP3 players) and its cohort, the TRAX waterproof sweatproof headphones.

Upon opening the package of the Amphibx armband, you get the armband case, a manual, and two different water-sealing rubber grommets to protect the headphone plugs. The armband case is pretty standard for what you’d find in an armband case, an elastic armband with a high-quality plastic enclosure with watertight opening on the back (or inside) where the device is inserted in the case. Within the case you’ll find a headphone plug to plug in your device.

The instructions say that you should check your case for defects and check the water seals of the device by soaking it in water, but they also let you know that they have already done the same testing prior to shipping. Guess what, I’m like a kid with a new toy, open it up and let’s get this show on the road. Needless to say, I didn’t do a water-seal check (do this or not, at your own discretion).

First test, the SHOWER: I still enjoy running, and I’m not the type to let inclement weather slow me down. – Being from California, inclement weather means light rain most of the time with the occasional shocking downpour. But hey, that means more fun playing in the rain, except the hazard of taking your expensive iPhone out there where it’s not safe. – Anyway, the case performed flawlessly. Watertight, the plastic of the case easily transmits your finger gestures without fail. The plastic is thick enough to feel protective, yet pliable enough to be able to push the home button without having to mash the case in. THUMBS UP.

Test TWO, the pool. A little hesitant, but hey, let’s jump in. I’m no Olympic swimmer, so I cannot speak as to what this kind of armband does to the body’s hydrodynamics, but I do know that this case stays on your arm without problem. My sloshing around in the pool (my attempt at swimming) is probably as vigorous as any test a person could do to this case, and it withstood the water (yes, my iPhone is alive and well). THUMBS UP

Next, paired up with the Trax headphones. They work as good as any pair of headphones I’ve used. I’m no audiophile and have never spent over $50 on headphones. Besides, when I’m running outside, the ability to hear some of the environmental sounds isn’t a horrible thing when it comes to safety.

These headphones kept a good seal in the shower and in the pool. The snugfit wire helps to keep a rigid form for those who choose to wear the headphones hooked over their ears.

When water does get on to the headphones (example, falling out in the pool, or when running in the rain) the sound does get muffled a bit, but they do continue to work without a problem (when dry, they function as normal). The muffling could also be due to water getting in my ears and may actually have nothing to do with the headphones.

Things to be aware of with the products:

• The case, when inserting your device into the sleeve, you should (in the case of an iPhone or other device with the headphone jack on top) put the device in halfway to the case first prior to plugging in the device. The cord inside isn’t long enough to plug in while outside of the case. The instructions will tell you to plug the device in first, but you’ll figure out what works best for you.
• The size of the armband that comes with the armband is a bit small. I’m no giant but the armband barely made it around my arm. H2o does sell different sized armstraps, but that’s another $5 to the investment. No big deal, but if you’ve got large arms, think about buying the strap ahead of time, because it’s no fun not being able to use your newest toy right when you get it and when you want to use it.
• The headphones are standard headphones. You won’t be wowed, but you won’t be disappointed either. I do like having the first few inches of the cables from the earbuds having that malleable metal wire there to give you more options. The cable also comes with a shirt clip (BIG PLUS) that you can use to keep the cord from constantly bouncing off your shirt, neck, and arm while you are active.

Recommendation

The H2O audio Amphibx Fit armband case and Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones will make a great addition to your arsenal of gadget accessories! Used properly, these headphones and case allow you to take your music and/or phone running/biking (or any outdoor activity) in the rain (or any humid climates) possible, and swimming as well.

The Amphibx Fit Waterproof Armband for iPhone, Droid & Large MP3 Players is reasonably priced at $59.99 and the Trax Custom Fit Sport Headphones (blue or black) costs $39.99. H2O Audio is offering a $20 discount now if ordered together online at www.h2oaudio.com. You can also find H2O Audio’s product line at Sports Authority, Best Buy and REI.

Photos

Note: A product sample was provided by the manufacturer for use in this article.

Please post your comments, tips, and your own reviews below in the comments area!

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