Review: The iSH2 by H2O Audio

Not long ago, when we ran an informative piece about H2O Audio's new iSH2 waterproof headphones and case for the iPod Shuffle, the folks over at H2O were kind enough to send a set for us to try. Dan Berger, the chief (ok, only) aquaphile here in New Cool Tech Central Command, took the product out for a test drive and reported back:

When this one came in the door, I really wanted to try it out. Good thing no one else in the office swims regularly, or at least will admit to doing it.

I have tried several times to use a similar type of product with radios and could never get decent FM reception in my pool. I also considered getting waterproof housing for my iPod and waterproof headphones, but the cost for both would be fairly high and the set up awkward, given that you have a cord. At first, the iSH2 seemed like it could be the answer to all my aqua-audio problems...until I realized that this product only holds a 2nd Generation Shuffle. It took me a week or so to find a co-worker who had the new Shuffle so I could try the system out.

In the water, things went more smoothly. Once I figured out how to get the system set up and on, it fit well and was comfortable. I usually swim with ear plugs, and this device came with two sets of “Aquatic Silencer Earplugs” — neither of which fit well enough to keep the water out. If you are someone who needs to swim with earplugs, this system may not be for you.

Once the unit is on, it is relatively easy to stop, start, fast-forward or reverse and increase or decrease the volume. However, if you want to change between playing a playlist and playing in shuffle mode, you will need to dry off and open the case.

I wasn’t sure whether it would be comfortable over the long haul or whether it would stay on while doing flip turns. It answered well on both counts though. I swam with it on for about 40 minutes, and, after a few minutes to get used to it, I hardly noticed it.

My only major complaint is that the sound is a bit tinny both in and out of the water, but really, how good can music underwater sound?

Overall, the iSH2's a very solid product, comfortable and able to handle everything I threw at it in the water. Now if New Cool Tech could just review an iPod Shuffle...