Review: Marware Sportsuit Convertible For The 5th Gen iPod

Marware’s Sportsuit Convertible Case is targeted towards gym goers and casual sports enthusiasts. After using the case for a couple of weeks, I can say this is one of the best iPod cases I have ever used.

Marware specializes in cases and accessories for using your iPod in the gym or in other casual sports activities and incorporates features for easy everyday use. The Marware Sportsuit Convertible for the iPod 5th Generation has exceeded my expectations in ease of use and functionality.

Overview
Marware’s Sportsuit Convertible includes their flagship Neoprene case
Armband, side-opening protective lid, and removable clip. To add or remove any of the case accessories, Marware has created an easy solution called the Multidapt® clip system. This system allows any case that supports Multidapt® interchangeability with the armband, spring clips, and other accessories depending on the model, such as the side-opening lid. Adding an accessory is easy, just slide it on the back until you hear a clicking sound; to remove, the center hole that holds the accessory must be pushed down and slid out which can be easily done with the end of your earphone plug. A flexible and thin plastic film protects the screen and Scroll Wheel. Also, a 30 day trial is included for podfitness.com, courtesy of Marware. 

Testing The Case
Since the Sportsuit Convertible is aimed at casual sports enthusiasts or gym goers, this case was perfect for my needs. I decided to test it not only at the gym but also on my daily bike route to school. First I should mention the included clip, although great, is a huge hassle to remove or attach. The bottom end is curved, making it difficult to slide on, as the sides have to be pinched to create a bump. With that aside, the clip was not heavily used and is more for people who will use their iPods when jogging or walking, because the clip does not feel firmly secure on the waist.

The first test was during my daily bike route, which is about 3 miles. I used the Armband and side flip lid due to the clip’s questionable reliability. First, putting the Armband too tight caused it to come loose after the first few yards, but after giving it some slack, it stayed on without falling off or coming loose again.
After taking the Armband off at the end of my route, the inside was damp with sweat even though the band was comfortably fitted.

My last trial was to test how well it would fare at the gym. I first spent thirty minutes on the treadmill and ditched the Armband for the belt clip, equipping it on the right of my waist towards the middle. I jogged for the majority of the thirty minutes, but even though the clip held up and supported the iPod, it still felt loose. While it may hold up in other activities, the loose feeling isn’t all that reassuring to me, whether or not it will clip onto my waist for bike riding. I did weights for about 10 minutes and came across a problem many may have with armbands. When I put the Armband on, my arm muscles were not fully contracted so while lifting and bending my arm in different positions it caused the band to come loose. Putting on the Armband after flexing my arm helped immensely and it did not come off.

Other Thoughts:
I should also mention my favorite aspect of the bundle. The side-opening protective lid is very handy when used with the Armband or clip for two reasons. One, the pocket on the outer case is useful for storing my second earphone bud when bike riding because City Laws require one ear free when using a bike (I store the left bud because I can see the cars on my right when riding with traffic but need to hear the upcoming cars in the left lane.) The pocket is also big enough to store the standard Apple earphones when rolled up and still has room to spare. The second reason is obvious and almost a necessity for iPod cases: the hard shell. After arriving at school I toss my iPod in my backpack, and even though my huge math text book and 5 subject notebooks are propped against the iPod, the lid has protected it so far.

Getting the iPod into the case may be tricky for some as the case is very narrow, and for good reason; the iPod enters in through the bottom and the case will grip to your iPod, preventing it from falling out. The plastic film covering the Scroll Wheel isn’t noticeable when scrolling through menus or playing games, so whatever scroll response you get now, you’ll get the same with this case.

Conclusion:
Overall the Marware Sportsuit Convertible has left me satisfied. Marware’s Multidapt® system allows for additional accessories which can be used on a majority of supported cases. My main gripe comes down once again to the clip: when used while walking or running it served its purpose, but removing it or putting it on was a huge hassle and outweighed the benefits of it.

I give the Marware Sportsuit Convertible a 4 out of 5.