Short version: Here we have a pair of earbuds that lets you go under water and still listen to Waters of Nazareth by Justice. The sweat-proof and waterproof design make for a great pair of buds to take to the beach, wear during swim practice, or take anywhere you think may get a little wet.
Features:
- 100% waterproof up to 12 ft.
- 5 sets of Elastomer earplugs (XS-XL)
- Low fluidic drag
- 8mm neodymium drivers
- MSRP: $49.99 (buds), $69.99 (headset w/inline mic)
Pros:
- Solid feel and sturdy construction
- Sounds pretty neat underwater; actually are waterproof
- Fits well in-ear and surprisingly stays in when running
Cons:
- May not fit everyones ears
- No case
- Comes in one color
Full review:
I tend to consider myself among the more active types, and also a tech-type. So it fits that with that combination, you’d probably see me at the gym using an iPhone to log workouts and check proper form with the latest iFitness. For the longest time, it was hard to find a good pair of headphones to take along to the gym; mainly, ones that can make it out of a guaranteed hardcore sweat-filled workout ending with another realm of harsh conditions (steam room and sauna), all while remaining in-ear. Of course, that goes without saying that you wouldn’t dare take any normal pair of headphones into the pool.
When I got sent these headphones to check out, I decided to take them for a swim. And because I’m an iPhone user, I also got ahold of the Amphibx waterproof armband to take into the pool. At first, I was a bit apprehensive to take the sacred iPhone into the water, but since h2o audio has a pretty good reputation for waterproofing gadgets, I went ahead.
I have to say, swimming while listen to any music (especially Boards of Canada) is a real trip. The clarity was very good. A few times though, I ripped the headphones out by overreaching in my stroke, but YMMV with that. Either way, just put them back in and you’re good to go. No clogged sound. Just shake the water out.
The Surge headphones passed, IMO, the most rigorous test; underwater listening and activity.
Next, I wanted to see how well the headphones could stay in during running. Let’s be honest, many headphones have a difficult time staying in when running, but again YMMV depending on your earholes. But, again, I was impressed with how well I barely noticed the headphones. A perfect companion to long-distance runners.
I have used other headphones in the past where I’ve sweated into them, and there wasn’t an issue. And with the Surge headphones, it just means they can take much more abuse. Which is fine.
Conclusion:
I like these guys. I wish that I got the headphones with the mic for only $20 more. But, I enjoy using these everyday during exercise. They aren’t what I use when listening to music at home, but for on the go they work quite well. The Surge 2G headphones offer great bass and sound clarity and are pretty much what you’d expect from a pair of $50 headphones, but with all that water-phobic pretension.
