Last updated on May 7th, 2018 at 01:49 pm
Today, I’m reviewing the Bodyguardz Trainr Pro armband for iPhone 6/6S/7 .
After buying my Garmin running watch, I thought I would leave my iPhone behind at home while out running. But it turns out that I feel safer if I have my iPhone somewhere on my body in case of an emergency. My winter running clothes offer many pockets for this purpose, but my minimal summer gear doesn’t offer any. In the summer, I find an armband is the only solution for carrying my iPhone.
I was recently sent the Bodyguardz Trainr Pro armband for review. It came in handy as I have been participating in a couple of step challenges in June. One of them was on an iPhone app called “Carrot Reward” which counts steps using the Apple health app. Because of Carrot Rewards, I needed to carry the phone on me at all times. After using the Bodyguardz Trainr Pro armband for several weeks, I’m ready to provide an honest review.
Pros for the Trainr Pro
In the last 5 years, I’ve owned various models of iPhones and had many opportunities to try different styles of armbands. I like that the Trainr Pro comes with a separate phone case that snaps in the armband. It makes this system “easy to transition from everyday use to workout ready in a snap”.
This particular Bodyguardz armband is 10-feet drop rated. It is made of shock absorbing composite that protects your device from impact. (I’m taking their word on this one, I’m not about to test this on my own cell phone.)
I also have to add that the Trainr Pro armband stayed in place very well. I was never afraid it would pop out or that my phone was at risk of breaking at any time. Also, the soft armband stayed securely put in place . I didn’t feel the band sliding down my arm or the velcro coming undone at any point.
Another good thing about the Trainr Pro armband is that it fits the iPhone 6, 6S and 7, which comes in handy if you decide to upgrade your iPhone in the future.
Cons for the Trainr Pro
When it comes to a case or arm band for my iPhone, safety comes first. I didn’t like that the case didn’t offer any kind of screen protection. I would have to buy a screen protector. Also, the Trainr Pro offers absolutely no protection from the rain. This case and armband combo leaves the charger and microphone jacks fully exposed to the elements. Considering I run in the rain occasionally, I am not comfortable using it in inclement weather.
Although I mentioned that the phone stays well in place in the arm band while running, it was very difficult to get the phone case out of the armband if you needed it. If the phone rang while out on a run, I needed to un-velcro the Trainr Pro armband and slide it all the way off to use it. I found this very inconvenient.
Do I recommend it to my readers?
If you are looking for an armband that will stay on your arm securely, then the Bodyguardz definitely performed well on that criteria. However, I wasn’t 100 % pleased with the case and armband as a whole. Now that I have it, yes, I will use it but I wouldn’t recommend that you run out and invest in one for $49.95.
I give Trainr Pro a pass for two main reasons. The first reasons is simply that it took two hands to pop out the phone from the armband. For me that was very inconvenient, especially if I’m out on a run and I get an urgent phone call (this happens a lot when I’m working out during my lunch hour at work). The second reason I give it a pass is because the Trainr Pro doesn’t offer any protection against the elements, that’s a must for me!
- Do you still use an armband? Or do you prefer a stand-alone GPS running watch?
- Do you feel safe running without an iPhone?
- What are some of your key points when you are looking for a phone case or armband?
You’re right about the lack of screen protector, I would be worried about dropping my iPhone during a run and the screen cracks. Thank you for your honest review, Lucie.