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Wednesday, June 17 2009 10:33 Written by ATV Escape Staff

I am a music enthusiast, and I would imagine many of you are. No matter where you are around the World, people love music. People are moved by music just as we are moved by ATVs, and we at ATVESCAPE have been looking for a way to combine the two.  Some of you will ask why in the world anyone would want to listen to an IPod while riding an ATV, and experiencing the trail or track? I can say it is not a lack of desire for the “escape” from the everyday, but a desire to combine two things that move me. Like many others, I associate certain moments in life with music. I can tell you which specific song was playing when I was on top of a mountain in the Alpine Loop of Colorado. That mental image comes to mind every time I hear that song and I love it.

The problem is that the outdoors is not exactly “electronic friendly”. Dust is a major problem that breaks electronic devices, as well as water when you are out there in the wild. I have been searching for a good iPod case that would protect my iPod from the elements, particularly dust. I have found some cases which allow you to mount your iPod on your handlebars, but they are still exposed to rain and dust. I went back to the OtterBox company which has impressed me before, and once again I was impressed with the solution they had to offer.   

The OtterBox IPod Armor case is just that: absolute protection. This case really works, and it works great!  My initial reaction to it when I opened the package was “WOW, this case is amazingly well engineered.” The case is drop-proof, dust-proof, waterproof, and scratch proof. It has a thin membrane that covers the touch screen but still allows the screen to work normally. The input jack on the outside of the Armor Case connects to the iPod jack, but is still waterproof. The OtterBox Armor Case completely conceals the iPod to protect it from the outdoors, but still allows almost all of its functionality. A belt-type clip is included in the package, which you could use to attach the Armor Case to your hip or saddle bag, but I would not recommend this. You can buy a Ram Mount for the Armor Case which adapts it to the Ram Mount system. From there you can attach the Armor Case to your handlebars. This is without a doubt the way to go. I also have to commend them for going with the Ram Mount system rather than trying to come up with something on their own. Between the Armor Case and the Ram Mount attaching it to your handlebars you are now ready to add music to your off-road experience without ruining your iPod.

About OtterBox

OtterBox is a company that makes cases for all sorts of applications from mobile phones to waterproof storage cases like we have reviewed before. We have found their cases to be well thought out and effective in providing protection for the items they are designed to protect. OtterBox’s philosophy is protection through innovation, and their product lines do protect technologies such as iPod's, smartphones, PDA's, Tablet PC's, laptops and other devices. I like the last line of their “about us” section on their website which says “We take the idea of a protective case to the next level so customers can find the ideal solution for any work environment or adventure!”  I am impressed by the fact that they have come up with a solution or two which applies to the power sports industry.

Our Thoughts

Simply put, if you want to take your iPod along to listen to while riding, the OtterBox is “the” case to have. The OtterBox Armor Case is just that good, and it really does offer total protection. There are other cases which may look nicer, made out of brushed aluminum, which will work, but they leave your iPod exposed to all the things which could ruin it.  Couple the Armor Case total protection with the ability to mount it to Ram Mount system, there is no better way to go.

For more information and to purchase the OtterBox iPod Armor Case check out their website at http://www.otterbox.com/iPod-cases/iPod-touch-2nd-gen-armor-case/ or call 888.695.8820. To purchase the Ram Mount adapter to secure the case to the Ram Mount system check out the following links. Even though the Ram Mount clip is not associated with the 2^nd Generation iPod Touch it will work. This is the one we tested.

http://www.otterbox.com/iPod-clip-permanent-mount/

http://www.otterbox.com/iPod-clip-mounting-ball/

http://www.otterbox.com/iPod-clip-handlebar-mount/

Specs

Compatibility/Features: Fits the iPod® Touch 2nd Generation only (8GB, 16GB and 32GB models).

• Waterproof to 3 feet (1 meter), dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and drop-proof protection for your iPod
• Touch Screen is covered, yet fully functional
• Impact-absorbing rubber on all sides
• Included belt clip for carrying convenience
• External headphone jack usable with any style headphones with a standard mini stereo plug
• Includes removable neck lanyard

Dimensions (case only): 6.00" x 3.2" x .72"
Weight (case only): 5.6 oz.

MSRP: $49.95

 

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