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).
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.
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.
