Optrix has designed the $90 Optrix HD case and helmet mount system for your iPhone 4S/4 or iPod Touch so you can use the device’s video recording capabilities to capture the action during your rides.
Tech features:
The Optrix HD case uses high-impact plastic that seals tight enough to deliver water-resistant protection. A .5-millimeter-thick touch-screen membrane allows you to operate your iPhone or iPod Touch while it is in the case. An anti-vibration sled cradles the iPhone or iPod Touch while it is in the case. The kit includes the case, two anti- vibration sleds, curved- and flat-based mounting brackets, 3M adhesive-mounting tape and a quick-release clamp. The mount and case weighed 4.5 ounces (without device). You can contact Optrix at (415) 200-2700.
Field test results:
This was a tough field test, because if we were rating the Optrix HD purely as an iPhone/iPod Touch case, it would easily score three or more stars. The Optrix HD delivers a lot of case for the price when you consider that some phone cases with only cosmetic features sell for almost the same. What drags down its score is its use for mountain biking.
The problems are all due to the combined weight of the case, bracket and your iToy. The helmet—not the lightest we’ve worn—weighed 13.6 ounces. Slap on an iPhone 4S and the Optrix HD and you have added 9.6 ounces. That’s a lot of weight to hide, no matter where you mount it on the helmet. We had to remove the phone and case during fairly short rides because the weight made the helmet so uncomfortable.
The case extends 4 inches above the shell of the helmet; that will create clearance issues. And unlike the smooth surface of the helmet, the Optrix HD’s rectangular shape is going to snag stuff that used to scrape over the shell.
Finally, it’s our opinion that the Optrix HD is just goofy-looking. It is about twice the width of a GoPro, and, let’s face it, even the GoPro is an acquired taste as far as helmet add-ons go.
This review originally appeared in our July 2012 issue. Subscribe to MBA
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