H2O Audio is a company out of San Diego, CA. They specialize in waterproof cases for a variety of music players including the Apple iPod line. I first heard about them through an ad in Transworld Surfing magazine. They showed a product that would allow you to take your iPod Nano in surfing with you. Although I didn't have a Nano I decided to check out their website and see what they had to offer. I was surprised to find they had recently added a case that can accommodate the fifth generation iPod with video. Imagine, access to 20,000 songs while in the ocean. I decided to try it out.
The case itself retails for $89.95 and comes with an armband. Although you can use any standard 3.5mm headphones it is only rated as "water resistant" unless you use the H2O Audio headphones which will cost an additional $39.95. This will make the case water proof up to 10 feet. Additionally, you can also purchase a swim belt which retails for $39.95. This is allows for more freedom of movement when swimming laps.
When the product arrived I was very excited and anxious to try it out. I got the case (with the armband), the headphones, and the swim belt. The first order of business was to thoroughly read the instructions. They make several recommendations, some of which include replacing the rubber seals on an annual basis (which is pretty standard for waterproof items), and of course testing it for leaks before installing the iPod. In order to accommodate the 80GB iPod you need to replace the "rails" that are pre-installed with a second set that comes with it. That was easy enough to do. It even comes with a small screwdriver so you don't have to worry about finding one that fits the screws.
The first step was the waterproof pre-test. I replaced the rails as required, put a small iPod shaped piece of paper in the case, and sealed it up. I attached the waterproof headphones then proceeded to submerge the case in a bowl of water. I flipped it around, pressed all of the buttons and mimicked the use of an actual iPod. Once removing it from the water I dried off the outside of the case and opened it up. I was pleased to find that the paper was completely dry.
After that I put the iPod in the case and proceeded to do an audio test. The sound from the headphones was OK. It certainly wasn't the same quality as the Apple earbuds but you can't submerge Apple's in water. I also tried on the armband and the swim belt. I felt the armband was a going to be a little cumbersome to surf or swim with but would be OK for things like kayaking or biking.
It just so happened that I was headed down to the Shore the next weekend so the first test would be the roughest. The waves were pretty good that day so I strapped on the swim belt, put on some White Zombie and headed out. It was a little strange being able to hear music while out in the ocean. The product performed well. With the swim belt the iPod didn't really get in the way or restrict my movement at all. I did lose sound for a few seconds when I went through the waves on the way out. I think that was because the force of the wave pushed water between the headphones and my ears. The manual did recommend if that happens to use a set of wax earplugs around the base of the headphones to create a better seal. I caught several waves and wiped out on a few (for testing purposes of course). When I returned to the beach I toweled off the case and headed back to the house. When I got back I opened the case and removed the iPod. It was dry as a bone. Test number one was successful. Next stop the pool at the YMCA.
Swimming laps can get quite monotonous. Add some music and it becomes much more tolerable. The H2O Audio case and headphones preformed beautifully. The sound while under water was not as loud as when I was above water but it still sounded great. I had the iPod on my back with the swim belt so in order to change playlists I had to take it off between laps. The cool thing about that was that it floats. The lifeguard was very impressed.
All in all I was very happy with the H20 Audio case and the accessories. As I mentioned the sound was OK but other than that it performed as expected. Most importantly it kept my iPod dry under some intense underwater conditions. I will probably use it most often when swimming but if I want I have the option to take it surfing, kayaking, or just to the beach or somewhere I want to keep it protected from the elements.
