I have both an older Finis SwiMP3 unit and an older version of this product, the SwiMP3 Aqua (The newer version of the Aqua is called "Surf," I believe).I'm fairly sure the Aqua and Surf are nearly identical, so I thought people looking at the Surf might be interested in my experience with the Aqua and with the SwiMP3.Of the two, the Aqua is more versatile because its earbuds allow you to listen to music both in and out of water. My comparison of the two:
SwiMP3 Aqua:Music is audible both above and underwater.The earpieces (which insert into the ear canal) are comfortable but do occasionally slip out, especially when swimming.I've found that using a cap of some sort will usually prevent this (I tried a sunbonnet that ties under the chin, and it worked very well for me.)
SwiMP3 (I do have an older unit, and newer models may be better).Music is audible underwater but not above water except in snatches.Music is transmitted through cheekpieces, and these stay in place quite well when the user is swimming, even with vigorous head movements.A cap isn't necessary to anchor the cheekpieces securely but helps.
The fidelity of the music underwater for both units is nothing short of magical.Though the Aqua's playback out of water is perfectly fine, the sound is noticeably richer underwater.Though both units sound terrific underwater, the SwiMP3's cheekpieces deliver even better sound than the Aqua's earbuds.I use both units:the Aqua for water walking and the SwiMP3 for swimming.They really do take all the boredom out of water workouts, and after several uses I can say that they are completely waterproof.
Two slight drawbacks:
Neither unit has a display, so you can't hop around and select songs, though you can advance or back up one track at a time.However, you can use directories to organize your songs when copying them to the unit, and I've had no trouble with the simple drag-and-drop method to what the computer recognizes as a removable drive.
Finis is a small company, so contacting their technical support may take some time.I had what I suspect is a common problem with the Aqua initially:no sound when turned on.The technical support person solved it immediately, but it took several tries to reach her.(When hooking up the earbuds, you must push down AND twist them into the connecting cable.)
Product DescriptionWhether surfing, wakeboarding, or paddling all wave riders will get stoked rocking to their favorite tunes
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FINIS SwiMP3 Surf
I bought this to help me speed up my swim training by allowing me to work my muscles more without running out of breath. It works great, and is really letting my get in better workouts. I have only two minor complaints. It should come with a nose clip, as it is nearly impossible to inhale without getting at least a little water up your nose, I suggest buying one with the snorkel. Also, the plastic of the snorkel becomes pretty soft if exposed to heat, which can cause the snorkel to bend. Make sure you don't leave the snorkel in your car on any warm day, or it will almost definitely be twisted or curved, and is very difficult to get back to its original shape.
