WATERPROOF MOBILE PHONE CASE MY TIPS
A waterproof mobile phone case is an accessory that I would say is vital in almost any type of kayaking or even nautical activity. Nowadays, we take our mobile phones everywhere with us. And that doesn’t change when kayaking.
On the other hand, phones cost a lot of money. If we add to that the fact that it is a delicate item when exposed to water, especially salt water, then it seems silly not to protect it.
WATER RUINS EVERYTHING
If there’s one thing I have, it’s years of experience. And in those years I have learned that no electronic device can withstand use in water over time. This is because the watertightness is due to rubber elements that lose effectiveness over time. Especially with heat and/or salt water. And once those rubbers fail in the slightest… well, moisture gets in mercilessly and destroys electronic components.
IPX7 or IPX8 PROTECTION
For use in kayaking, I find it essential that devices have an IPX7 or IPX8 rating, which supports immersion. However, the phones that are sold only support IP68 or IP67, which means that they moderately support immersion in water.
- IPX0: No protection
- IPX1: Protection against dripping water
- IPX2: Protection against dripping water at an inclination of 15 degrees
- IpX3: Protection against spraying.
- IPX4: protection against splashing
- IPX5: protection against water jets
- IPX6: protection against heavy rain
- IPX7: protection against immersion for a certain time
- IPX8: protection against remaining under water
IMPORTANT THAT YOUR PHONE CAN FLOAT
In addition, mobile phones tend to have that habit of not floating. A waterproof mobile phone case can solve this since by accumulating a certain amount of air, it allows buoyancy. Or that it submerges more slowly and does not fall to the bottom like a stone. In any case, when you buy your waterproof case, test in a bucket of water if the air that remains inside the case offers buoyancy.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING a GOOD WATERPROOF MOBILE PHONE CASE
If I have convinced you that you need a waterproof mobile phone case, now I am going to give you some tips so that you choose one that works for you.
TPU IS THE BEST MATERIAL
The material must be of quality. You notice that as soon as you use the case a few times. The material must have the necessary transparency and be flexible. The latter helps to insert and remove the phone, and to be able to use it when it is inside the case. Because when the case is good, the touch screen works better. Normally the construction material is TPU. Much better than the silicone of some old models.
A very important part of waterproof phone cases are the edges since it is the area that suffers the most with use and the one that can break more easily. Another very important part is the closure. The cheapest cases use a zip-type closure combined with Velcro. The closure can also be by folding the edge.
THE CLOSURE IS VERY IMPORTANT
The good phone cases have special closures with plastic pieces that tighten the mouth. In this way, the case opens and closes easily, and with guarantees.
Another important element in a case is a synthetic material cord to hang it around your neck. The most elaborate models have a closure to regulate the length of the cord. To attach the waterproof mobile case to the cord, an aluminum or plastic carabiner is often used. It is important that it is robust and of quality so that the phone does not disappear from our neck.
MY WATERPROOF CASE
In this video you can see my waterproof mobile phone case that I have had for a few years and it works without any problem. Of course, to make it last over time, do as I do, wash it after each use with fresh water.
Although you can take photos and videos with the phone inside the case, I do not recommend it because a lot of quality is lost in terms of image, and more in sound. For all that I recommend an Action Cam or a waterproof camera. Questions, doubts or suggestions, please contact us.