Essential Accessories for Your iPod or iPhone when Training

iPod Essentials:
4 Recommended Products for Your iPod or iPhone

By Mike Martin

In my article on using your iPod for training , I talked about the advantages that you can notice in the convenience and usability of your iPod while training through the use of headphones and cases. In this article, I plan to review a few of my favorite iPod accessories and asses how they have improved my training experience since integrating them into my program.

Earphones
RadTech ProCable Earphones

The Radtech headphones have an integrated mic to answer those important calls while you train!

The RadTech ProCable headphones are an excellent deal at only $24.95 and offer colored metal anodized earbuds, microphone and plug. The earphones feature impressive sound isolation, strong base sound combined with clear mids and highs. The headphones also have an integrated microphone, so if you are using them on an iPhone, you will be able to answer and participate in phone calls without ever leaving your device.

After using the earphones for a few months of cycling, running, and lifting at the gym, I have enjoyed using them. I am not the biggest fan of the asymmetrical layout of the earphone cords, but this is a small gripe, and one that I have learned to live with. The sound quality is impressive, as is the sound isolation. In fact, I have found that the sound isolation may even be a little to severe for safe cycling on the road.

As a whole, I have loved using my ProCable earphones. They come with multiple sized gel tips and have survived my rigorous testing with flying colors. If you are looking for a cheap replacement for Apple’s earbuds, definitely check out the ProCable’s.

Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket
The Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket earphones are Skullcandy’s premium headphone offering, and it is obvious that they have put their full resources into this set of earphones. They feature metal earbuds, plug and cord, a cord extension and multiple sized ear tips. The sound quality is impressive, and I love using them. The packaging and presentation of the earphones is top notch, and at $79.95 , it is obvious that Skullcandy put a lot of effort into making these earphones premium.

The earphones feature a strong base (but not as borderline overpowering as the ProCable’s), and overall extremely good sound quality throughout the range. The metal cable is very tough and gives off the vibe of being very durable. Although it can be a little stiff and hard to handle in certain situations, it is by no means unusable. The earbuds fit great with the smallest size ear tip, and I found that I loved using them, and looked forward to listening to my music on this set of headphones.

However, while I loved using my Full Metal Jackets, they actually failed to last through my testing. I must admit that I took them on a long bike ride which ended in about 1.5 hours of heavy rain, so it was to no surprise when my left earbud ceased working. However, for a “full metal” set of earbuds, I expected them to last a little longer.

Earphone Comparison Table

	RadTech ProCable	Skullcandy Full Metal Jacket
In-Ear Design	Yes	Yes
Metal Earbuds	Yes	Yes
Metal Cable	No	Yes
Colors Available	Yes	No
Integrated Microphone	Yes	Yes (Optional)
Symmetrical Cable Configuration	No	Yes
Variable Length	No	Yes
Survived Testing	Yes	No
Price	$24.95	$79.95

Cases
Otterbox Defender

The Skullcandy FMJ's are a bit pricey but worth the price if you like premium quality sound!

If you are looking for the absolute toughest iPod case on the market, then the Otterbox Defender ( $49.95 ) should be the end of your search. The case is made up of 3 layers of protection. There is an inner hard shell which protects your iPod from drops and bumps, then an outer silicone shell to help absorb shock and make the device a little grippier. Furthermore, the arm band adds another thin silicone layer of protection.

One of my favorite aspects of the Otterbox case is the fact that it completely encompasses the iPod. There is no part of the device left exposed to the outside elements. The headphone and dock port are accessible by thick rubber flaps and the screen is protected through a clear plastic shield integrated into the inner hard shell. The case does add a considerable amount of bulk to the iPod, however, if you are looking for the best way to protect your shiny new iPod, there is no better option than the Otterbox. It gives your device the best protection possible, and no corners were cut in the design of the case.

The screen cover does have a slightly negative effect on the usability of the screen, however. You finger clicks must be much more deliberate and buttons in the corners and edges of the screen can be difficult to reach. Obviously, this case is not going to be the best choice for users who are relying on their iPod or iPhone to type out emails and SMS messages.

Furthermore, the included strap was not one of my favorites. While it held the iPod securely and lived up to its job of holding the device on my arm, it just did not perform these tasks up to the standard of the rest of the case. The armband connects simply by stretchy a third “skin” over the iPod, and the strap as a whole seems like an afterthought.

While running, I often found the weight of the case to overcome the stability of the strap. The iPod felt slightly unsecure on my arm, and I certainly did not forget about the iPod on a long run. While cycling, the added weight of the case was also an issue. Even though I do not enjoy using armbands while cycling, I like to place my iPod in my jersey pockets. Yet, with the Otterbox defender case, my slim and sleek iPod just felt a little to bulky on long rides. On the contrary, the extra protection was a godsend on rainy rides, as I found myself truly trusting the Otterbox’s ability to keep my device safe from the elements.

Despite these small shortcomings, the case is still a winner. It offers excellent protection and an all inclusive shell which will protect your device from almost all in climate conditions.

Marware Sportsuit Convertible

The Marware case is more "pocket-friendly" and less bulky than the Otterware but provides less protection!

Whereas the Otterbox opted for a very over the top and almost overly bulky design philosophy, the Marware case ( $34.99 ) takes on a slightly more minimalist approach. The case is a simple one piece design featuring neoprene and a plastic sheet for the screen protector. The case may not protect quite as well as the Otterbox, however, it maintains the slim feel of the iPod and is much more “pocket-friendly” then the Otterbox.

In addition, the Marware Sportsuit maintains the usability of the iPod’s screen and allows you full functionality of the screen. You definitely notice it’s there, but by no means does it limit the use of the screen to the same degree as the Otterbox.

The strap that comes with the Sportsuit Convertible is a joy to use. It connects very solidly via the Marware “Multidapt” system which can be used to combine clips, arm straps, bicycle mounts and a range of other attachments. As a whole, I found the Marware strap to be extremely comfortable and made of very high quality material. The padding and design on the Marware strap was extraordinary, and overall I found the strap to be very easy and enjoyable to use.

While running, the included strap inspired confidence and the iPod was not heavy enough to constantly remind me of its presence on my arm. The strap stayed where I put it and the padding felt comfortable on my arm. In addition, the case was not too heavy for cycling. However, in rainy conditions, I was not as comfortable as I found myself while using the Otterbox case.

Case Comparison Chart

	Otterbox Defender	Marware Sportsuit Convertible
Screen Protector	Yes	Yes
Hard Inner Shell	Yes	No
Port Protectors	Yes	No
Arm Strap	Yes	Yes
Integrated Accessory Connection Port	No	Yes
Slim Design	No	Yes
Full Screen Functionality	No	Yes
Survived Testing	Yes	Yes
Price	$49.95	$34.99

Final Thoughts
Apple has a clear winner with the iPod device. Not only is it a great choice for entertainment, but for athletes they offer a unique solution to our various training needs. However, they are not perfect. Certain crucial accessories are almost vital to your enjoyment while using your device. Two of these accessories include headphones and cases. After weeks of testing products in both realms, here is my verdict.

The Otterware case offers almost bullet proof protection but is a little bulky with al that armor!

On the headphone side, I love the Skullcandy buds. With an incredible fit and finish and impressive sound quality, they were an attractive choice. I used them everyday for a number of weeks, and under a series of conditions which were probably not the most sensible for a set of headphones, as a result, they failed to survive the testing. However, I am confident that under normal circumstances they would last much longer.

On the other hand, the RadTech ProCable headphones offered awesome sound quality at a great price point. They lacked the fit and finish of the Skullcandy, but for people on a budget offer a very attractive choice.

As far as cases go, the decision is once again, far from an easy one. The Otterbox Defender offers unmatched protection in the form of both a soft and hard shell. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of a thick and heavy design and a sub-par strap.

The Marware case may not offer the same level of protection, but features a better strap and a slimmer design. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference. I have presented you with the facts, and my opinions regarding these accessories, now its time for you to decide which are right for your training program.

That's it for now. Until next time, good luck with your training and remember, VT can always be found on the Virtual Trainer Expert Forum . In addition, be sure and check out the Racer X Virtual Trainer archive section . Your complete one-stop information zone for motocross fitness.

Have a Question? Check Out the Virtual Trainer Expert Forum !

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