Seeing as not everybody chooses to have speakers wired up in their cockpit (or to use them in crowded waters if they have), music loving sailors are usually restricted to portable players. And knowing what happens when water mixes with electricity, the last thing you want to do with your expensive MP3 player is get it wet, so it is worth investing in a waterproof cover. We took three market leading cases and put them through their paces to see which offered the best protection. Here is how we got on:
Total scores are rounded up or down to the closest whole number.
Aquapac MP3 player case
Reliability - Submersible up to 5 meters, the Aquapac MP3 player case kept its contents completely dry as well as protecting it from dust and sand. Even when the case was agitated while underwater, still nothing seeped in. Though it did float while empty, it sunk to the bottom of the testing tank when it was filled with a 30GB video iPod. 7/10
Usability - The case was the easiest to open of the three, only requiring thumb movement to rotate the locks, but it was quite difficult to actually get the iPod in. It's a snug fit and requires some wiggling to get it inside the case. Once in, it is also a bit tricky to put the mini-jack into the headphone socket, though it was very easy to remove from the case. Due to the design the sides of the iPod screen were obscured which would be irritating if you were watching a film. You are able to use the buttons to navigate the MP3 player through the case. However it isn't always that responsive, especially when completely submerged, and requires you to push the buttons more than once. 6/10
Durability - The smallest of the three cases, it can be screwed up small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The material is very malleable and is happy to be manipulated into any shape. The locking mechanism can be removed from the case, so you aren't in danger of ripping the fabric if you pull on it too hard. With a small layer of foam concealed in the back of the cover, it doesn't really offer much protection to the player if dropped or knocked. 7/10
Design - Only available in black, there is little branding on the case. It is a very simple, inoffensive design. It is very light weight and easy to carry either with the neck cord or the karabiner. 6/10
Value - Supplied with a neckcord, karabiner and desiccant to absorb condensation in humid conditions the Aquapac MP3 player case cost £30, though you can pay an extra £10 to have a ZipPac pouch and belt included. This offers you the ability to wear it as a belt or across the torso. 6/10
Total - 6/10
For more details visit www.aquapac.net
Otterbox iPod case
Reliability - Only submersible to 1 meter, again kept its contents completely dry and protected from dust and sand. I was surprised to see that it floated even when filled with a 30GB video iPod as it is hard and heavier than the others. 8/10
Usability - The case is quite stiff to open and requires some force. However unlike the other two it is evident if you haven't closed it properly and so are less likely to have a leak coming through the fastening. As the Otterbox iPod case can be completely opened, it was really easy to put an MP3 player in and plug in the mini-jack. When within the case the buttons are as easy to use and as responsive as when outside. As it is made specifically for iPods, the screen is perfectly visible through the transparent casing. Unfortunately they don't make other models for different brands of MP3 players. 8/10
Durability - It is a hard case and so cannot be manipulated at all. This does mean it offers the best protection to your MP3 player if it dropped, but also raises the question that the case could crack and let water in. After dropping it from various heights (not exceeding 3 meters), it did not break and I was also able to stand on it without doing any damage. Thought the hinge feels quite strong, there is a bit of flex in it when open, but seems fairly solid when it is closed. Because of its solid plastic construction the screen could get scratched and it could impair the vision of the screen. 7/10
Design - As the case is completely transparent, you can see your iPod through the case, so it looks like an armoured iPod. Fastening can be attached to the back via a sliding clip that can be changed depending on your needs. It's quite big and chunky. As well as being the heaviest of the test group it was the least comfortable to wear. When not in use it can't be folded down like the others, so it would take up more room in your luggage. 5/10
Value - The Otterbox iPod case retails at £54.99, however this does include a pair of H2O Audio Series waterproof headphones and clip. For £64.99 you also get a neoprene arm band for as a more secure attachment. 5/10
Total - 7/10
For more details visit www.otterbox.com
Over-Board Pro-Sport MP3 case
Reliability - Submersible to 6 meters, this case has the ability to go the furthest down beneath the water. Like the previous two it kept the contents completely dry and protected from dust and sand. It didn't leak when folded into more obscure positions underwater. The inflated design keeps your MP3 player bobbing on top of the water and would be easily visible, if you purchased the white version, against a watery background. 8/10
Usability - With a sliding lock, the Over-Board Pro-Sport MP3 case is a similar set up to the Aquapac offering, though it is a little stiffer. Though it was a tight fit to slide an MP3 player in, it is ergonomic to the shape of an iPod so it wasn't difficult to get it in, though the mini-jack was a bit of a pain. It is easy to navigate the device, with commands only failing occasionally, and the screen isn't obscured at all. 7/10
Durability - As it is made of thick plastic it can be curved into a multitude of shapes. The inflated design means it can't be folded to quite as small a size as the Aquapac, but it offers greater protection if banged about. As it isn't overfilled with air, it seems unlikely that the inflated sections would pop if they landed on something sharp, but rather adapt to the shape of the object. Similarly to the Aquapac, the locking device can be removed from the plastic casing to avoid ripping it. 8/10
Design - Available in black and white (to suit the colour of your MP3 player), the Over-Board Pro-Sport MP3 case is the most stylish of the three. Fastenings can either be slid through a loop on the back or clipped on to the top, making it the most versatile. You could slip it on to your own belt if you didn't want to use the neck lanyard or armband provided. 8/10
Value - At only £24.99 it's a steal. This includes safety break neck lanyard and neoprene velcro sports arm strap. 9/10
Total - 8/10
For more details visit www.over-board.co.uk
Final Verdict
Though all fairly similarly matched, the Over-Board Pro-Sport MP3 case stole the show. Not only does it offer your MP3 player protection from water and sand, but it also offers a little padding if it is dropped. With a good range of accessories and impressive durability, the price is probably its best feature. And if you fancy getting your hands on one, why not enter the December caption competition on the MainSail forum? It will make a great stocking filler, and the winner will receive the case in time for Christmas.
