Water proof cases for iPhones
#1
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Water proof cases for iPhones
The Mrs. likes me to have my phone with me when I ride the trails, in case I have an accident or something. But here in florida it's not advisable to be outdoors without a water proof case for your phone. I've already gotten my iPhone 5s wet once, fortunately it dried out and is ok, but I need a good waterproof case, it doesn't need to be one that can be mounted on the bike, I have a Garmin edge 200 for that. So whats a good case?
#2
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I have a Lifeproof case for my IPhone. You can take it underwater to a certain depth and take pics and videos. Personally I haven't tried that out. Like you I live in FL and just wanted something I could carry in my jersey pocket and not worry about sweat or being caught in the rain. The phone has made it through several FL thunderstorms. However, I have worn out the flap at the bottom that opens to the charging port. It is partially my fault so I'm not blaming the product and have asked for another one for Christmas.
Also someone I work with who cycles has one too. He forgot his phone on top of his car and drove away. Didn't realize until he hit 55 mph and heard the phone fly off and hit the ground. Phone survived with the case taking a dent in the corner.
Also someone I work with who cycles has one too. He forgot his phone on top of his car and drove away. Didn't realize until he hit 55 mph and heard the phone fly off and hit the ground. Phone survived with the case taking a dent in the corner.
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I picked up a Blackburn water-proof case for my iPhone at one of the local bike shops and it works great. It has a double seal that keeps out water and is shaped and sized perfectly for an iPhone. I think it cost less than $20. Another less expensive but less durable option are Alokasak bags, which also have double seals. They are essentially glorified ziploc bags with heavier plastic, and you can buy them on-line or at outfitter stores that sell kayaking gear. The Alokasak bags usually are sold in package of 3 for about $10, and each bag will last me about 6 months to a year.
#6
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I use this case: SMART PHONE LOCKER II (IPhone 6, Android Phones) - Electronics | Witz Waterproof Cases and Protective Cases for Canon Cameras, iPhones, and ID's
Fit's in jersey pocket and won't crush if you land on it or drop it.
Fit's in jersey pocket and won't crush if you land on it or drop it.
#7
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Pelican Cases Pelican Products Protective Cases some are Air Tight.
So, include an equalization vent so if you close it at altitude , you can open it at sea level . and the inverse ..
So, include an equalization vent so if you close it at altitude , you can open it at sea level . and the inverse ..
Last edited by fietsbob; 12-10-14 at 11:54 AM.
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Incipio Atlas is a good waterproof case, has a glass screen protector and I found it holds up better than the Lifeproof Fre. But really a Ziploc bag works just as well. When I go riding in the rain my iPhone goes in a Ziploc bag and gets put in the jersey pocket. Never a problem. Condensation might develop in some climates, but I haven't had it happen.
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Life conspires to make me carry two cell phones most waking hours -- two different sets of security and regulatory restrictions, can't get away with just one device, and they need to be readily accessible, including while I'm commuting.
Otterbox Defender and SEIDIO Obex both allow me to commute year-round in Seattle rain with my phones hung out in the open, answer-on-the-first-ring accessibility. No damage if I drop the phone onto concrete at 20 mph, either, at least with the Otterbox, haven't managed to drop the SEIDIO yet in the few years I've been using it. The Obex is also compatible with SEIDIO's handlebar mount system, so I can use the phone for GPS maps when touring, just plug it into my headlight to charge.
Otterbox Defender and SEIDIO Obex both allow me to commute year-round in Seattle rain with my phones hung out in the open, answer-on-the-first-ring accessibility. No damage if I drop the phone onto concrete at 20 mph, either, at least with the Otterbox, haven't managed to drop the SEIDIO yet in the few years I've been using it. The Obex is also compatible with SEIDIO's handlebar mount system, so I can use the phone for GPS maps when touring, just plug it into my headlight to charge.
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I got this for running and biking in Chicago winter:
Amazon.com: FRIEQ® Universal Waterproof Cell Phone Carrying Cases, For Apple iPhone 6, 5s, 5, Galaxy S5, S4 S3, HTC One, Galaxy Note 3, MP3 Player - IPX8 Certified to 100 Feet: Cell Phones & Accessories
My phone was shutting down from the cold in an exterior pocket, and carrying it in an interior pocket exposed it to sweat. I carry it around my neck under my jacket/coat, I can still use speakerphone and hear notifications, but no headphone port access.
Amazon.com: FRIEQ® Universal Waterproof Cell Phone Carrying Cases, For Apple iPhone 6, 5s, 5, Galaxy S5, S4 S3, HTC One, Galaxy Note 3, MP3 Player - IPX8 Certified to 100 Feet: Cell Phones & Accessories
My phone was shutting down from the cold in an exterior pocket, and carrying it in an interior pocket exposed it to sweat. I carry it around my neck under my jacket/coat, I can still use speakerphone and hear notifications, but no headphone port access.
#14
… I need a good waterproof case, it doesn't need to be one that can be mounted on the bike… So whats a good case?
Life conspires to make me carry two cell phones most waking hours -- and they need to be readily accessible, including while I'm commuting.
I got this for running and biking in Chicago winter:…
My phone was shutting down from the cold in an exterior pocket, and carrying it in an interior pocket exposed it to sweat. I carry it around my neck under my jacket/coat, I can still use speakerphone and hear notifications, but no headphone port access.
My phone was shutting down from the cold in an exterior pocket, and carrying it in an interior pocket exposed it to sweat. I carry it around my neck under my jacket/coat, I can still use speakerphone and hear notifications, but no headphone port access.
On the front is a clear plastic small badge holder for my work ID, needed to gain access through the entrance where I take my bike. On the reverse is larger clear plastic pocket, a perfect fit for the I Phone 6+. Inserted upside down allows easy access to the headphone jack and home button, the speaker is unobstructed, and I can still use the touch screen. Between the badge and IPhone holders is a flat zippered pocket for my power cord.
On the bike I wear it around my neck underneath my innermost jersey, resting on my T-shirt so it is kept warm next my chest, insulated by the outer layers, and protected from sweat by the plastic case and T-shirt. Notifications and sounds from my playlist are easily audible. The weight of the Phone is noticeable, but if I hike up my Lycra cycling shorts or tights, and tuck in my jersey, the shirt supports the weight of the phone. I then wear it all day at work as my ID badgeholder.
So far, I’ve ridden with it down to 19º F. No drenching rain yet, and I have pretty good rainwear, but I likely would not ride in a drenching rain anyways, and a Ziplock bag would provide additional protection. Summer was well over when I got it so those conditions await experience.
So now after I came home from the meeting, I jokingly quote my wife as, “You went to Philadelphia and only brought back that crummy badgeholder?.”
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 12-13-14 at 06:30 AM.
#15
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Lifeproof. They also make a great mount that holds the case real good for the bike's handlebars.
I've hiked 1200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, at least 400 of the Florida Trail, commuted and toured at least 5000 miles around FL, and done many canoe/kayak/snorkelling/beach/river trips with my phone in all kinds of weather including riding for hours through FL's famous summer storms and Appalachian hail picking up tons of underwater footage along the way.
I've replaced the case 2 or 3 times in the past two years but the phone itself is in great shape.
I've hiked 1200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, at least 400 of the Florida Trail, commuted and toured at least 5000 miles around FL, and done many canoe/kayak/snorkelling/beach/river trips with my phone in all kinds of weather including riding for hours through FL's famous summer storms and Appalachian hail picking up tons of underwater footage along the way.
I've replaced the case 2 or 3 times in the past two years but the phone itself is in great shape.
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I will third the LifeProof cases. My wife uses an iPhone, hers has gone swimming inadvertently more times than I care to count. Best one so far was the fish tank... I still haven't quite figured out how she managed that. Told the person she was talking to that they had gone swimming with the fishies....
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#17
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I have otterbox armor case on my iPhone 5S. I did test it one time in downpour while in my jersey pocket on 20mile bike ride(10 miles of in down pour like I never seen before.)
#18
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I have used a couple of waterproof cases as well, but I also use them as my cyclometers - to track route, speed, elevation, cadence and heart rate.
But I realized that often on a 30+ min ride, I will get a phone-overheated warning. Makes sense - running phone, and no ventilation, and not to mention the transparent screen on top acting like a solar heater.
Also I noticed that during foggy/rainy rides, the cases often fog up.
So, I end up leaving an inch or two of the zipper open of my current case. The vents it just enough to circulate the hot air out. And generally phones are water-repellent (not water proof probably) enough to not be bothered with a little bit of moisture entering in. I've had many rainy rides like this. Occasionally I will lose bluetooth when the iPhone gets moist, but the rest still works.
Also, I have oval MOST handlebars - so I had tough time finding a case that worked on my bars. Most regular cases didn't work, but I ended up finding a Taiwanese manufactured case that worked.
But I realized that often on a 30+ min ride, I will get a phone-overheated warning. Makes sense - running phone, and no ventilation, and not to mention the transparent screen on top acting like a solar heater.
Also I noticed that during foggy/rainy rides, the cases often fog up.
So, I end up leaving an inch or two of the zipper open of my current case. The vents it just enough to circulate the hot air out. And generally phones are water-repellent (not water proof probably) enough to not be bothered with a little bit of moisture entering in. I've had many rainy rides like this. Occasionally I will lose bluetooth when the iPhone gets moist, but the rest still works.
Also, I have oval MOST handlebars - so I had tough time finding a case that worked on my bars. Most regular cases didn't work, but I ended up finding a Taiwanese manufactured case that worked.
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Agreed the Ziploc phone protectors work really well. However, if you want to go really high end splurge on a hundred pack of these on Ebay. I get the 4 mil ones and one will last a month or more of riding while in my pocket.
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China imports
Check this place out: Waterproof case for iphone - Buy Cheap Cases & Skins - From Banggood Delivery from China takes about 3 weeks on average. I just had a friend who I showed this site buy a phone cover. He was amazed at the quality and low price. Shipping is included in the price. Most of the cases sold in the US are made in China anyway.
I'm happy with the things I bought from the site. That includes an ultra-bright 7 CREE LED bike light costing $39. It is as bright as a car headlight and comes with a rechargeable LiON battery pack and charger. I couldn't find anything like it at an LBS for under $100. A spare 12000 mAh battery pack for the light was $15.
I'm happy with the things I bought from the site. That includes an ultra-bright 7 CREE LED bike light costing $39. It is as bright as a car headlight and comes with a rechargeable LiON battery pack and charger. I couldn't find anything like it at an LBS for under $100. A spare 12000 mAh battery pack for the light was $15.
Last edited by VegasTriker; 12-25-14 at 07:28 AM.
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The key is to get a case that meets Mil std 810F-516 . There are a half dozen or so that meet that requirement for shock test and submersion. Lifeproof is probably the most compact and lightest that meets the requirement. I really like the case. the thumbprint membrane does wear out and that will be where it develops a leak. That's only an issue if you plan on dropping it in the toilet or a fish tank though.
Lifeproof's accesory items though, all suffer from a flawed attachment of the cradle. The cradle latch itself appears to be bombproof. The underlying attachment whether it's a belt clip or a handlebar clamp is really weak and I've had a bar attachment spontaneously explode just from the G forces of hitting RR tracks at about 18mph and a belt clip fail from a minimal snag on a seatbelt. Nothing that a little Seamgrip wouldn't fix, but given the compactness and light weight of the case itself the performance of the accessories is disappointingly poor.
Lifeproof's accesory items though, all suffer from a flawed attachment of the cradle. The cradle latch itself appears to be bombproof. The underlying attachment whether it's a belt clip or a handlebar clamp is really weak and I've had a bar attachment spontaneously explode just from the G forces of hitting RR tracks at about 18mph and a belt clip fail from a minimal snag on a seatbelt. Nothing that a little Seamgrip wouldn't fix, but given the compactness and light weight of the case itself the performance of the accessories is disappointingly poor.
#22
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my kid uses a life proof case, she goes swimming with the phone and takes underwater pictures with it.
#23
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I wanted a case that was water proof, shock proof and user friendly. Hated the LifeProof. Took it back to Walmart where I got it. Got a water proof OtterBox for $30 instead of the usual $90. Then, Modified the back carefully so as to not perforate the case to use the Wahoo handlebar mount that I had from the Wahoo case that I no longer use. The Wahoo case is designed well. But, trying to text with the phone in the box was difficult, and unbearable. Definitely shockproof-or at least it protected my phone. Shattered the screen on the case, but iPhone was fine. And by the way, Wahoo sent me a new case, no problem! The LifeProof case, you can't answer a phone call while you're plugged into the headphone jack using a speaker-lets say while you're at the office and you don't have a Bluetooth speaker. Again an unbearable problem when it happens again and again. The OtterBox is user friendly in all aspects, and I don't have to switch it back and forth from case to bag, thanks to my alteration which is now a good 6 months at this point. Since I use my phone with Cyclemeter and don't have a Garmin or other GPS unit mounting on handlebars was preferred. A zip lock bag would otherwise do the trick.
#24
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The problem with waterproof cases are that they're big bulky and ugly. If there's going to be ANY chance of rain, i just slip my phone into a LOK-SAK bag, which is approved by the national diving association for upto 60 meters.
You can still use the touch screen, and best part, its still a sleek, slim iPhone in its Apple case, once i'm done.
You can still use the touch screen, and best part, its still a sleek, slim iPhone in its Apple case, once i'm done.
#25
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I use the Taktik Extreme for my 5s. This one has high impact plastic for the bezels sandwiching a honeycomb elastomer bumper. The earlier model I had for my 4s had aluminum bezels. Water resistance was secondary to me. I spend a fair amount of time in factories and construction sites and breakage prevention was more important to me. Being in a foreign country 5000-8000 miles from home with a broken phone is something I really want to prevent.
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