Eco Extreme Waterproof Speaker Case Review

These days many people use a relatively expensive iPhone or iPod to hold their music. If you’re playing at beach, hiking in the mountains, swimming in your pool, camping in the desert, working in your garage, or laboring at a construction site, you might not want your expensive electronics at risk of damage from water, sand, dirt, grease, or shock. GeekAlerts looks into one solution in this Eco Extreme Waterproof Speaker Case Review.

The Eco Extreme from Grace Digital Audio is what they call a “rugged all terrain speaker case.” With a very solid plastic and rubber construction, this speaker case does indeed feel extremely rugged. Apart from the sturdy armor offered by the rubberized protective coating, the industrial design is also very attractive. While the review model Grace Digital Audio sent us was in their Cobalt Blue color, there are a range of other colors available including Jet Black, Petal Pink, Lime Green, Orange Peel, and Lemon Zest.

The Eco Extreme speaker case is powered by 3 AA batteries. While I would have preferred an integrated rechargeable battery, at least you get long battery life of up to 30 hours at moderate volume levels.

It is really simple to use. After you pop in your batteries, just plug in the headphone jack and slide your music player into the slot. Since it works through a standard headphone plug (3.5mm or 1/8″), it works with just about any portable MP3 player including the Apple iPhone, iPod, Motorola Droid, and Blackberry. Set your device to play your tunes (you can’t access your MP3 players controls once you close it up) and then latch it closed. There is a volume control in front to adjust the volume or turn it off.

With a 3″ full range speaker, the Eco Extreme is able to offer louder and fuller sound than the tiny built-in speakers of the iPhone. However, this case is more about being rugged and waterproof and less about audiophile sound quality. If you don’t need the all terrain protection, there are other speaker cases that offer crisper sound, better frequency response, and more power.

The Eco Extreme includes a detachable carabiner, so you can easily clip it on to any loop. This way you can attach it to your backpack to listen to music as you hike, or hang it up to play tunes in your tent or around the campfire.

Yet what makes the Grace EcoExtreme really special is that it is waterproof. A rubber seal and dual safety latches assure it stays tightly closed and waterproof. I couldn’t just their word for it though, so I broke out the sophisticated fluid test equipment in the Geekoplex labs (i.e. put it in my kitchen sink.) It actually worked perfectly, without a drop of water getting inside even after being sprayed all around and totally submerged.

It was turned on and jamming tunes throughout the testing too. When the speaker would get filled with water, the sound quality and volume would drop precipitously. However, after picking it up and shaking out the water, it would resume playing normally.

Also worth noting is that there is ample room inside the case for more than just an iPhone. You can fit in cash, credit cards, and keys, to keep them safe, clean, and dry while at the beach, pool, or campsite.

Grace Eco Extreme

• Waterproof case with built-in speaker
• High impact shock resistant design withstands drops, falls and spills
• 3” full range forward firing speaker
• Detachable carabiner clip allows easy transportation while leaving your hands free
• Up to 30hrs Battery Life at average volume levels (Uses 3 AA batteries)
• Industrial design includes a platform to vertically stand your case while open or closed
• Spacious internal storage compartment can hold your keys, MP3 Player, credit cards, drivers license and cash, while keeping it all safe from sand, sun, and water
• Uniquely designed exterior pressure release valve ensures your case is water tight but always easy to open at low and high altitudes
• Designed to play open or closed to play upright or onside

The Eco Extreme waterproof case works with every mp3 player and cell phone including the iPhone, iPod Touch, Motorola Droid and Blackberry. Built with a rugged, rubberized protective body, this is a great choice for anyone on the go who wants to take their music with them. It provides extreme durability, rugged housing and dynamic sound – performance that will get your heart rate up!

If you need a waterproof speaker case for an iPhone, iPod, or other portable MP3 player, we can highly recommend the Grace Eco Extreme. It is easy to use, waterproof, rugged, and reasonably priced.

Order the Grace Eco Extreme Waterproof Speaker Case for $49.99 direct from GraceDigitalAudio.com. It is also available for $39.99 with free shipping at Newegg.com and for $39.99 with free shipping at Amazon.com.