Many people are opting to give a soundtrack to their sailing by taking their music players aboard. But as everyone knows; water and electricity aren't a very good mix. If you want to hear all the best tunes on the waves you are going to need to invest in waterproof headphones.
We pitted three of the leading sets of waterproof headphones against each other to see which one would become a MainSail recommend product. Here's how we got on:
Total scores are rounded up or down to the closest whole number.
Aquapac 100% Waterproof Headphones
Reliability - Suitable of be submerged down to depths as large as 3 meters (10'), the Aquapac 100% Waterproof Headphones maintained a steady performance throughout a day's sailing. Though the sound quality leaves a bit to be desired, with treble and bass booster needing to reduce the tinny effect, they didn't deteriorate any further with use. Once the levels have been adjusted and the volume turned right up (as they also tended to be quite quiet), I was able to listen to my heart's content… Well, that is until my battery power ran out prematurely due to the heightened volume. 5/10
Usability - The in-ear design is easy to use; all you have to do to fit the Aquapac headphones is slide them into position to create an airtight seal. This stops water getting between your eardrum and the speakers helping to maintain the sound quality. Though they did slide out a couple of times during more vigorous tasks, it was relatively rare and only mildly irritating. 7/10
Durability - Their flexible design allows the Aquapac 100% Waterproof Headphones freedom of movement in all directions. They can be screwed up to fit in a fisted hand along with being light weight making them very easy to transport. They are supplied with a Headphone Buoy. The high-density EVA foam keyring acts as a float if they are dropped into water. It also works as a cord-winder for when your headphones are not in use avoiding tangling of wires. A spare pair of silicone earbuds is also included. 8/10
Design - They don't have any particularly innovative design features, but do the job nether the less. They could be improved upon by using a different type of wire, as every time they move it slightly distorts the music. 6/10
Value - Retailing at £30, they are the most expensive set in the group test. As you can pick up a normal pair of headphones for a couple of quid with better sound quality, this seems a little expensive. 4/10
Total - 6/10
For more details visit www.aquapacwaterproofheadphones.com
H2O Audio Headphones
Reliability - Also submersible down to 3 meters (10'), the H2O Audio Headphones offered brilliant sound quality consistently and didn't fail to impress. They performed much better that some top end non-waterproof counterparts. Every beat of every track was crystal clear. 9/10
Usability - Though the design includes some quite interesting new features; it is quite difficult (especially if you have long hair) to insert the headphones into the right position so you can hear the sound properly. After a lot of trial and error, you get the hang of it and it becomes second nature. Expect a few funny looks from passers by when you're experimenting though! 6/10
Durability - The ridged frame might lead you to believe that it could be easily cracked or snapped, but in fact it is very malleable. It can bend and twist within reason, but if you think you may be in danger of cracking the headband, you can remove the ear clips and just have loose speakers. Removing the headband can also prove useful if you are wearing a hood. With the headband in place, they are big enough to fit into a jacket pocket or small bag, but if you want them to be as small as the other two sets; you will need tot remove it. 8/10
Design - The design has some really interesting features; my favourite of which is the coiled cable. Not only does this eliminate tangles, but it also keeps the wire out of harm's way. All-in-all they come across as having very good workmanship. 8/10
Value - At £25 they are not much cheaper than Aquapac, but they do offer superior sound quality and so I do feel that this pricing is justified. 7/10
Total - 8/10
For more details visit h2oaudio.com
OverBoard 100% Waterproof Headphones
Reliability - You could be forgiven for thinking that these are the same as the Aquapac pair. As with the aforementioned, the OverBoard 100% Waterproof Headphones maintained a steady performance throughout, but the MP3 player's levels did need adjusting to obtain the required effect. Again this led to the battery power being seriously reduced due to heightened volume. 5/10
Usability - Again like Aquapac, the OverBoard headphones' in-ear design is easily inserted into your ear, and though they do occasionally pop out, it doesn't cause too much of a problem. 7/10
Durability - They can easily be collected together and fit into even the smallest pockets on a typical pair of jeans. Though they do employ the same design as Aquapac, the OverBoard 100% Waterproof Headphones are not supplied with accessories to keep them safe while not in use, leaving them more vulnerable than their counterparts. 7/10
Design - Their 'bog standard' design also has the problem of being able to hear the wires moving while you wear them. 6/10
Value - Value is the only area of the test where OverBoard shine over the competition. At £19.99 they are the cheapest in our test. However it is still a bit expensive considering the unimpressive sound quality. 6/10
Total - 6/10
For more details visit www.over-board.co.uk
Final Verdict
With superior sound quality and innovative design, there really could only be one winner. Though Aquapac and OverBoard were very similarly matched, neither quite lived up to what H2O audio had to offer.
