The gym-friendly headset with a long strap and even longer battery life
"Top notch audio quality with a long lasting battery, but an unfortunate loose fit and hefty price tag."
For
Crystal clear sound
Long lasting battery
Durable design
Against
Loose fitting head strap
Limited volume and bass
Expensive
Plantronics is part of history; the Federal Aviation Agency
selected the lightweight headsets as the standard sole provider for air
traffic controllers in the mid 60's. Neil Armstrong's first words on
the moon were transmitted through a Plantronics headset.
The
company's new product, the $129.99 (about £81.73, AU$149.84) BackBeat
Fit, is specifically designed for the perspiring athletic types out
there, including "sweat proof" P2i coating that protects from any
potential moisture malfunctions.
At 0.8 ounces, its
lightweight and flexible enough to go unnoticed but detailed with a
reflective finish for runners' safety in the night. It also comes with a
threaded case that can be strapped to your arm, holding your iPhone or
smaller Android device in place.
So how does it hold up?
Design
The
electric blue accented headband is rubbery, with one side smooth and
the other grainy. If it weren't for the seemingly vulnerable plastic ear
buds, the whole headset could be tossed around. The durable and
flexible rubber lining is built for rough workouts. The band has a
reflective surface, assuring safety for runners in the dark. Even
if you have a large head to the point where you need a prescription
hat, the device isn't going to fit. The band is lax when wrapped around
the back of your head, enough to create a one-inch gap of space; running
creates a slight bobbing sensation.
Despite the loose
strap, BackBeat Fit's ear buds fit securely and comfortably in place,
with the ear-hooks contorting perfectly around the ears' helix. The
headphone's soft rubber tips look alien in appearance but slip gently in
the ear, fitting without intrusion.
The secured slot for
the microUSB jack is nicely placed in a hidden compartment on the rim
of the right ear bud. There's a slit for your fingernail to pull it up
from its rubber cover.
Sleek buttons on the outside
housing of the ear buds control everything from volume to Bluetooth
pairing. On the outside housing of both ear buds are two buttons: one
large enough to take up the whole surface area, and another tiny
protruding button on top of it. You'll tap the little button on the left
ear bud to up the volume - hold it down to lower it; press the big
surface button on the left ear to pause and play, hit it twice to skip a
song. If you get a call, the large button on the right ear pushed once
picks it up.
The pouch that comes as a holder for the
headset can be inverted inside out and be used as an arm band and soft
case that you can tuck and zip up your iPhone in.
Plantronics also tries to conserve the BackBeat Fit's battery. When
it's out of range of your tablet or phone, it goes through its
"DeepSleep" power-saving hibernation mode. The BackBeat Fit will last
two weeks on standby, with eight hours of listening time and six for
talking.
Audio quality
The maximum volume feels
"safe" - it's good enough for most, but it's limited to those wanting
ear splitting audio. High intensity work outs like running to Electric
Light Orchestra's "Twilight" weren't loud enough to be able to get into
the "zone." There is enough sound bleed to maintain situational
awareness.
Despite limited volume, there are very little
problems pertaining to the quality of sound. Bass, mid and treble
frequencies were all perfectly balanced, giving a full spectrum of rich,
beautiful audio. Those wanting heavier thumps of bass may find that
other headsets deliver more powerfully due to the BackBeat Fits lacking
low-end frequency. Voice call quality is standard; not extremely crystal clear, but audible enough to hear your caller.
Occasionally, if you listen closely, the Bluetooth connectivity may
drop for a fraction of the second. I found that getting really close to
my iPhone caused a bit of confusion with the device, as if it
comprehended that level of proximity to be, at times, unfathomable. The
more frequent you use the device, the less this will happen, and the
more it will become adjusted to the distance.
We liked
There
is no doubt that the BackBeat Fit delivers outstandingly on battery
life, a true reflection of the quality that Plantronics delivers. Even
after two days of being left on standby and occasionally used for music,
I was still able to play music at full volume for eight straight hours.
The full array of audio is beautiful and bursting with a
full spectrum of sound for each track. This makes up for the lack of a
hard-hitting bass and a capped volume.
The very flexible
and rubbery material of the entire headset is incredibly durable and
gentle. The small detailing of the reflective strip that aids in
visibility when its dark out is an appreciated subtle touch.
We disliked
The
constant bobbing of the cord that wraps around the back of your neck
isn't very comfortable. The only thing that secures the headphones was
the over-the-ear hook and buds implanted in your ears themselves.
The
Bluetooth connection disconnected twice randomly; I had to re-sync the
device in my iPhone 4's settings. This may be a result of first time use
or my old phone, but it's recommended to keep your BackBeat Fit close
by (or in the same room) to avoid any potential drops in connectivity.
For some, the button functionality may take some time to learn. It
would be nice to have a more dedicated volume up and volume down button,
versus the singular button for volume control.
Final verdict
The
$129.99 price tag is steep, but shows in the high quality audio output
for songs, the immense battery lifespan and the durable and flexible
material of the headset itself.
This is a Bluetooth
headphone set that is made for the athlete. If you're more focused on
your workout than the potentially annoying bobbing and slack from the
back of a loose band, this may be for you; the secure fitting of the ear
hooks and nestled tips will keep the headset in place otherwise.
Albeit
rather basic, the reversible carrying case that transforms into an
armband phone sleeve is a nice touch of the overall package of the
headset, great for those on the go that need to secure their phones.
The
biggest selling point of the BackBeat Fit seems to be the investment in
the longevity of the product itself; it's definitely a headset that
feels as if it can last for years. It boils down to asking yourself the
following question: are you willing to accept a durable Bluetooth
headset with beautiful sound and super charged battery life despite its
high price point, weak bass and an unwieldy strap?
Even
if you have a large head to the point where you need a prescription
hat, the device isn't going to fit. The band is lax when wrapped around
the back of your head, enough to create a one-inch gap of space; running
creates a slight bobbing sensation.
