I really like swimming…… a lot. I should probably say that I love swimming. I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth. However, in the last year or so I have really come to embrace my inner aquatic being. With a 70.3 triathlon on the schedule, and training in an area of the country that is very cold in the winter, my love of swimming directly translates to hours in the pool. Staring down at that black line lap after lap and hour after hour. A serious case of black line fever is inevitable. But don’t despair. I have found the cure at last.
In the last few weeks, I have been using H2O Audio’s latest version of the Interval water proof MP3 system. This system, I thought to myself, could seriously transform my overall experience in the pool. I am happy to report that it did just that. Now instead of watching the big old lap clock at the edge of the pool, I am happily jamming away, lap after lap to whatever audible nugget suits my fancy that day. The latest version of the Interval works with the 4th generation of the iPod shuffle. Literally the size of a postage stamp. The system consists of a waterproof case with external buttons so you can operate the iPod from the outside. The earphones are integrated, and are completely waterproof.
So, I knew the new Interval system was on it’s way. I headed off to the store to pick up a new iPod shuffle generation 4. My first thought was that I was a little worried about how big the system would be knowing that it was going to be strung through my goggles on the back of my head. All of those worries were eliminated when I saw how big the shuffle was. This thing is literally the size of a large postage stamp. I knew that if the case was going to fit this little gem of technology inside, it was probably pretty small. As I suspected, my first impression upon it’s arrival was how compact it was. In the package I found the waterproof case with integrated headphones, along with several different size ear bud adapters. I would find out soon enough that these adapters are quite important.
I could not wait to load up the shuffle with awesome tunes, and dash off to the pool. I was a little unsure at first how the case would feel on the back of my head. I wasted no time. I strung the Interval through my goggle strap, hit play on the shuffle, and started my swim. First thing I noticed was that the drag on the earbud cords from the water was pulling them out of my ears a bit. No worries. simply looped the cord once around the goggle strap and voila! Problem solved. The next thing I noticed was that the ear buds were not fitting securely in my ear. They would tumble out after a lap or two, and the music was quite muffled. A ha! This is where the different size ear buds come in. I took the system home with me, and played around with the different size ear bud adapters to get a great custom fit. What’s really great is that if one ear canal is a little bigger or smaller than the other, this can be overcome with a different size in each ear. Totally customizable. My next trip to the pool was a total success. Ear buds stayed in. The sound was great considering I was cruising through the water. I can’t imagine doing the amount of pool work that I do with out the Interval system now. It really adds a new level to enjoyment both on hard interval and set sessions, as well as long slow endurance cruises.
Another H2O Audio product that I was able to try, was the hat that works with the Interval system. This is a perfect set up for those rainy running sessions that you simply must get in. The hat is made with a velcro strap on the back that holds the Interval system much like the goggle strap does. Having lost an iPod to a soggy long run, this is a very sweet addition to my running gear. I can’t tell you how many sets of ear buds I have lost to rain and sweat also. No longer. H2O Audio’s earphones are 100% waterproof.
In summary, I highly recommend H2O Audio’s latest Interval system for iPod shuffle generation 4. If you’re looking for an extremely versatile piece of gear for swimming and running, than this is perfect for you. At $99 dollars for the system (iPod is sold separate. I got mine for around $45) it’s tough to beat. The overall quality is very high, and the folks over at H2O Audio have great customer service. I really look forward to many years of rocking out in the pool.
Please check out H2O Audio’s full line of awesome products here: H2O Audio.com
