Experience with MP3 Players

Do you use the Swimman waterproof Ipod Shuffle with the H20 Audio headset, or just a regular Iphod Shuffle that is kept waterproof by the headset case? I like the looks of the H2O Audio headset; no strings dangling down anywhere. I had asked for a Swimman for x-mas, but this looks nice. How are you able to get 20% off?

It's not on your list, but the H2O Audio sets are only around 80 bucks. I haven't gotten it yet, but once it arrives, I'll let you know how it works. Natalie Coughlin seems to like it, so it can't be that bad. Oh, I just noticed you don't actually have an mp3 player. They sell a bundle with everything including the iPod Shuffle for 159.99. I could get you a 20% discount that would bring it down to 127.99 though if you wanted it. But, I'll let you know how it works when I get mine.

Actually, H2O Audio makes cases for the iPhone, so you wouldn't have to buy an iPod if you went that way. I know a few people with the H2O audio cases, and none of them have complained about it. I should be getting mine soon, so I'll let you know what my experience is; however, I don't think they would sell that well if they sucked.

I looking to purchase an MP3 player to use while swimming and would appreciate product feedback from the group. I swim in a 25 yrd indoor pool and I am concerned that the earphones on the various styles will not stay in when I do flip turns. I also swim alot of IM and want to make sure I won't have problems with the earphones when I do fly, back, and ***. From a previous post alot of people like the swimman IPOD which sells for around $250. Also in the same thread some people like the Finis SwiMP3 ($140) but I am concerned the Finis unit won't work for me when I swim an IM set due to the bone conduction design of sound transmission. Any comments on this opionion ? And in particular does the swimman IPOD earphones work well when doing flip turns and swimming IM? There are 3 other products that I have seen on the web that I think might work for me and would appreciate any experience any one has had with them. They are: 1. Freestyle Audio Soundwave 2 GB MP3 player ($90). 2. NU Technology 1 GB waterproof MP3 Player ($90) 3. Speedo Aquabeat MP3 1GB player ($140). I've have the Finis SwiMP3 v.1 and the NU Tech systems. Both are fine if you are swimming at a relaxed pace. I think the Finis is more comfortable and has better sound quality. The NU's earpieces are harder to keep in my ears and the sound drops off occasionally. The big advantage for the NU is the larger storage capacity and lower price. Both systems are fine for long slow swims. I used the NU on Saturday for a long easy pace set 15 x 200 back/IM and ear piece fell out occasionally because I brushed my ear with my arm. Neither system works well for speed sets (aka lactic sets) - 6 x 100 on 5 minutes. You can't hear very well with all the splashing. For sprint swimming, I replay rev-up songs to get into the swing of sprint swimming. One other thing about the NU: the electronics are housed in a small case with a interface port that doubles as the earpiece interface and the USB music download and recharge port. To recharge and download, you push the connector into the port. To attach the ear piece, you insert and screwdown the connector so that water can't get in to the case. The first time I used the NU, I forgot to completely screw in the connector and water got in to the case. I thought it was broken, but after drying it out for a few days, I was pleasantly surprised when it started to work again. Normally water and electronics means catastrophic failure, but this time I was lucky.

I don't have the shuffle, I have the nano and the classic, so I have to use the arm or swim bands. I wish I had a shuffle so that I could use the headset, because it looks awesome. You can use a regular iPod. The cases are completely waterproof. I can give a certain number of people 20% discounts per season because they are one of my sponsors.

I don't have the shuffle, I have the nano and the classic, so I have to use the arm or swim bands. I wish I had a shuffle so that I could use the headset, because it looks awesome. You can use a regular iPod. The cases are completely waterproof. I can give a certain number of people 20% discounts per season because they are one of my sponsors. Oh, my mom's still my sponsor :blush: Maybe she'll get me 20% off! Seriously though, I have been trying to decide between a Swimman and now the H2O. I have an Iphone, so whatever I do I am going to have to buy the pod. The drag about the shuffle is you can't see your tracks. When I work out with my team I don't need the tunes, but when I go it alone, I could use the motivation. The H2O is tempting because of the price, but I am afraid of it leaking. The Swimman looks like a better idea, but the headphones look like they would get in the way. I like the looks of the H2O phones. It all looks very expensive... :confused:

I've have the Finis SwiMP3 v.1 and the NU Tech systems. Both are fine if you are swimming at a relaxed pace. I think the Finis is more comfortable and has better sound quality. The Finis SwiMP3 is the one that I prefer; glad somebody else had good experiences with it! I know a few people that didn't like the "feel".

I've had experience with a number of the brands that have been mentioned in this forum. Concerning Rick's question as to whether the Swimman earphones will stay in the ears with flipturns and the various IM strokes, I've had no problems with it. For casual swims, I clip the Swimman waterproof iPod Shuffle onto my suit and run the cord up the center of my back. The headset clips onto your swim goggles so there is no tug on the earbuds no matter how hard you swim. When doing sprints and aggressive flipturns, I clip the Shuffle onto the back of the goggle strap and wind the cord around the strap so that there is no loose cord. In this setup, there is no way for the cord to ever get in the way no matter how aggressive your laps might be. I have encountered various problems with other units mentioned in this forum however. I find that the finis bone conduction units produce a wavering sound as they come in and out of the water. Further, other people in the pool can hear my music as the bone conduction transducers send signals through the water as well as through bone! On occasion, others in the pool would get annoyed with the sound (and possibly my choice of music). As for the H2O models, I have never had any luck with their earbuds staying in my ears. Further, the barbs on their earbuds are rather stiff making them painful to use on a regular basis (I even got swimmers ear from those hard earbuds). Same goes for the FreeStyle earbuds -- real ear canal wreckers. To top it off, my Natalie Coughlin H2O model developed condensation (or leakage?) inside and killed my shuffle. I found that H2O doesn't cover such damage! Really annoying. While the Swimman does cost more, it appears that you get what you pay for in this instance. If you want to enjoy your workouts (and I find that it really helps) without having to deal with big floppy cases or clunky units and earbuds that hurt and keep coming out of your ears, then just get the Swimman and don't go through the learning curve and expense that I had to go through.

I think the SwiMP3 v.2 is the best option out there. I use it every day now, and I do IM sets all the time to mix it up. The new version is not bulky and just slips onto my goggle straps so nothing sticks in my ears (or falls out!). And the sound clarity is certainly the best. I would fear taking my iphone in the pool. I have been searching the SwiMP3 online now for a few people on my holiday list, and I know you can find it for pretty cheap. Overall I give it 5 out of 5 stars. It has certainly increased how long and how many times I workout.

Ever since I heard such a product was out there, I've been longing to try something good. As an ex-runner, my MP3 and my songs weathered me through my workouts. So, of course I've been feeling that need in my swim workouts. After reading lots of posts and making careful considerations I bought a Nu Dolphin 1MB MP3 player on evil bay. After shipping was around $92. I didn't want to spend a lot of money for something that was useless, so I kept my mind on costs and return. After a few swims, here is my experience: Tip: I read a few posts about using some neosporin on the cups of the ear plug, so I tried my first time out. My best advise is to not get them wet or your ears prior to inserting them. Put some neosporin on your fingers and then apply to the ear plugs. To install the ear plugs in deeply, reach with opposite arm and pull the top of the ear upward to open up the ear canal to get it in good and deep. Software: The player interfaces like a stick drive. It's a simple copy and past type of deal. I think it the player plays in order of song saved, not title name. Unfortunately, it seems to take over your USB driver. Don't expect to use any other USB devices at the same time. Don't expect any player thrills like repeat or shuffle. The controls are basic, volume and forward/back. Sound: The plugs / headphone sound quality is good. It does have a heavey emphasis on midrange frequencies. Base is almost non-existant. Yet again, my old trusty running earbuds are not heavey on base (or low frequency tones) either. The sound is consistent throughtout the movements of strokes too...one of my concerns with the vibes Swim player. Controls & Mount: I strapped mine to the back of my head and wound up the extra cord to my goggle straps. This takes some time to get it right. If you have the thin straps like on my tinted Speedos it kind of sucks. The other part that isn't great with this type of install is that once you get it right, you can't swap between goggles if you are a multiple goggle swimmer like me (tinted for days, clear for night / dark conditions). For the controls it can be kind of tough figuring out which button does what on the back of your head. After getting acustomed to the locations relative to your head you can pick up on it, but it is kind of akward. It charges through the USB cable. Fit: If you are good about installing the earplugs and have the cord lengths set right, the fit is good. I do have to admit that I do keep the flip turn pushoffs a little reserved. I've yet to attempt sprints with the player as well. Soungs: I've been trying hard to find the right songs that have the right beat tempo that meet my swim workouts and suggestions are welcome. I've found some meditative mantras that work well, but so does Devo's "Whip it." First time use: Really wierd. Having always been a swimmer, but only a lap swimmer now for the last three years, I've never worn ear plugs. The sounds of the air bubbles and water rushing along were a definite new experience. The sound of my breathing while swimming is a new experience too. Fun: I actually found my self grooving out on a few quick breaks. - I most have looked like a dork, but I enjoyed it. The Nu Dolphin players seems halfway decent for the price. I was leary of spending a couple of hundred dollars for disappointment. Anyhow, just thought I'd share my swim experience...so far so good. I hope this helps any of you out there making the mp3 consideration.