big intelligence in a small package codon removable sports armband
Overall, the development of mobile phone armbands has gone through three generations. I have used both the first and second generations, including sports waist packs. As depicted in the image, the inconvenience of taking out and putting in the phone, as well as the lack of flexibility in operation, are quite evident. The sports waist pack, although having a larger capacity, also affects running when loaded with many items. Therefore, when Maleroads' third-generation mobile phone armband was launched, it immediately caught my attention, and I quickly purchased this gem. After some time of use, I noticed its design highlights, but also felt some disappointment due to high expectations. Let's get to know this new product through an unboxing.
As a third-generation product, the packaging design is quite thoughtful. The entire packaging is simple and aesthetically pleasing. The words 'Easy to take, easy to snap' on the front of the packaging explain the design highlights of this armband.
From the back of the packaging, you can read more details about the product's features. In the lower right corner, it says 'National unified price: 168 yuan.' However, don't be scared by this. The product is priced at 58 yuan on the official flagship store on Tmall, and with a coupon, it can be purchased for 55 yuan. Of course, this is higher compared to some mainstream brands' first and second-generation armbands, and is roughly the same or slightly higher than sports waist packs. However, as a new generation product, this is acceptable.
From the side of the packaging, you can further read some design highlights of this product, increasing your understanding of it. Packaging is just an outer layer; what really matters is what's inside.
The main components of this armband are three parts: the phone soft case, the high-elasticity armband, and the magnetic buckle.
The magnetic sheet is already attached to the phone soft case when the product leaves the factory. This seems like a gift of a phone soft case to the consumer, but personally, I don't particularly like this design because it inevitably leads to poor compatibility. Currently, this armband supports only a limited number of phone models, mainly some mainstream phones like iPhone 7 and above, Samsung S8, OPPO R11S/SP, Huawei MATE10/P10/V10, Xiaomi 6/NOTE3/MIX2, VIVO X20/P. If you plan to change your phone, you need to consider the future compatibility of the phone with the armband. Moreover, the product does not have separately developed matching phone soft cases, which is an area for improvement.
The elastic armband is made of polyester, which is the same material used in most sports armbands on the market. It has good strength and elasticity, but polyester's moisture absorption is not very good, and wearing it for a long time can cause a stuffy feeling. The brand logo 'Maleroads' is printed on one end of the armband, and it is suitable for arm circumferences of 17-49 cm.
The middle part of the buckle is used to connect with the magnetic sheet on the phone soft case, and the blue button is used to release the buckle from the phone soft case. The actual operation is quite convenient.
For demonstration purposes, I only performed the connection and release operations with the buckle and soft case. During the actual operation, whether connecting or releasing, the process was smooth without any jamming, making it very convenient to operate. This includes operations while wearing it on the arm. When the magnetic sheet on the phone soft case approaches the buckle, the magnetic force will automatically attract and lock the sheet. When releasing, pressing the blue button and taking out the phone does not cause any jamming. Compared to the first and second-generation phone armbands, this is indeed commendable, especially for those who love taking photos, as it is much more convenient.
Without the phone installed, the armband is not very noticeable and can be directly tied to the arm, hiding under the sleeve. The tightness of the armband can be adjusted according to personal needs.
When the phone is installed, it looks a bit odd, especially if you are used to previous armbands or waist packs. You might worry about the phone falling off during running. However, you can rest assured. After multiple tests, with the fastest pace being 4 minutes 30 seconds and the slowest 6 minutes, the phone did not fall off. Moreover, the longer I used it, the more I found it suitable for use in the gym while lifting weights. Whether running or cycling, you tend to carry more items when going out, at least keys. In such cases, this armband is not very useful. However, in the gym, you can store other unnecessary items, allowing you to enjoy the fun of taking photos during your workout.
As a third-generation product, the design is commendable, but after experiencing it, some shortcomings gradually became apparent, which I have to point out.
Advantages:
1. Innovative design, clear selling points, and acceptable price;
2. The magnetic buckle can bear a large load, suitable for intense exercise;
3. Convenient connection and release operations during exercise, easy to take and snap.
Disadvantages:
1. Limited compatible phone models and no replacement soft case accessories;
2. Poor moisture absorption and breathability of polyester material, causing stuffiness when worn for a long time.