Gear Review - iSkin DuoBand

I was thrilled when offered the chance to review the new iSkin DuoBand as many CFB readers have asked if I could recommend an armband for keeping iPods safe and secure during workouts.

The good news is, if you are the owner of an iPod nano (4th or 5th generation), you're in luck. For the rest of us, the search continues.

Having an iTouch, I shipped the iSkin DuoBand I received off to good friend, and Nova Scotia based personal trainer extraordinaire, Heather, PES, NASM, M.Sc., who I knew would put this puppy through some serious testing.

It turns out that Heather is not only a kick-butt personal trainer (did I mention she's responsible for training the Canadian Coast Guard?), but a fabulous reviewer as well!

If you're a nano owner, definitely give this review a once over. For the rest of us, let's hope that the folks over at iSkin come out with options for the rest of us.

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The iSkin DuoBand made to fit Apple's iPod nano claims to have been created to accompany just about any activity that comes to mind.

As an active individual, I was excited when a friend asked me to put the iSkin DuoBand to the test. Breathing life in to the product's claims, the iSkin DuoBand became an extension of my own body.

Over the course of 14 days, the DuoBand accompanied me on my left arm during every workout, during every snowboard hill and terrain park run, during every yoga class, meditation, basketball and soccer shoot around and of course, during every outdoor run. It's also winter here in Canada so environmental exposure and harsh winter elements also had their chance to test the protective components of the DuoBand.

First Impressions

Coming neatly packaged, the DuoBand had a great look in the box. Upon opening it however, my first thoughts were not immediately positive. I had never heard of, seen or knew anything about this product. Up until this point, I have been extremely partial to another armband which "houses" the nano in a sleeve, fastened with a Velcro underpinning strip ensuring a perfect, seamless and worry-free fit.

While initially looking over the iSkin DuoBand and noticing how it seemed as though the iPod needed to be 'clipped' in; I thought no way this was going to hold let alone protect my iPod from damage if it happened to fall (which I was sure I could bank on happening).

Nevertheless, I decided to not only give it a try but temporarily welcome it into my lifestyle.

Bells & Whistles

The iSkin DuoBand comes with a silicone protector which slips over the nano which then creates a perfect fit to the outer faceplate and softer armband. This is where my biggest concern was appeased as I was able to feverishly shake the armband around in the air with the nano encased and fitted on the faceplate. The nano didn't even budge let alone slide or fall out. This not only offered a huge sigh of relief, but created a new outlook and belief in the product.

The transparent silicone sleeve also has convenient openings which allow easy access to the head phone jack and connection ports. There were no issues or difficulties connecting any of the necessary components to the openings while the nano was sleeved.

The sleeve also allows for the iPod screen to be fully visible and creates a window for seamless removal from the sleeve when necessary. Fitting and removing the sleeve from the nano posed zero problems and was really easy to do (even with cold fingers!). The silicone sleeve also protects the iPod click wheel from foreign moisture such as water, sweat, or in this case, rain or snow, from seeping in to the iPod itself causing damage to internal mechanisms.

I had no concerns of snow entering any of these important areas if I happened to fall while snowboarding.

The armband is what sets the iSkin DuoBand in a league above the rest. The DuoBand allows for such a wide range of 'arm fits' as the armband pulls from both sides unlike most other armbands which only allow for a one-sided adjustment.

With other armbands I have disliked fitting them on my bicep as I have always found the Velcro easily breaks down over time and gives way with most movements such as bicep curls, jump rope, kettlebell swings, push ups and pull-ups. This causes the arm band to annoyingly skip off completely. As a result, I have developed a habit of wearing armbands on my forearm. However, as this area is more slender, it is also more difficult to find a good, comfortable fit.

The DuoBand however was able to not only fit comfortably on my forearm without incident, but also quickly adjusted to fit over more bulky outerwear like thick sweatshirts and heavy winter jackets. And, it held just as steadfast in these positions as on a bare, slender forearm.

The Test

As mentioned, the iSkin DuoBand became and extension of my body for more than 14 days and endured heavy and long activity. The DuoBand was put through the wringer, literally. After going through the washing machine and retesting elasticity, durability, and Velcro strength; the iSkin DuoBand held up under brutal testing.

From bear crawling on all fours on a moving treadmill, to free running, to kettlebell swings, walking handstands, snowboard jumps, lands (and falls), to being exposed to outdoor adventure running in snow, wind, sleet and hail to gentle stretching during yoga class; the DuoBand never did disappoint.

In fact, the only recommendations I could think of to improve upon this product would be to offer a brighter coloured silicone sleeve in the off chance one took a hard fall while playing in the snow, to make the iPod easier to find. Either that or attach some sort of beacon light!

For anyone who loves being physically active in any capacity, at any level, the iSkin DuoBand will easily accompany you and meet any workout need you may have - hands down and hands free.

And, like an extension of your own body, you may just find you like how the iSkin DuoBand grows on you.

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For a little added fun, Heather sent me 2 of the workouts she used during the 14 day trial period, along with her playlist. That will be posted on CFB next week, so be certain to check back!

Train hard; stay strong.

Peace.

Susan