TimeOut

Monster iSport

 

iSport by Monster Cable.

Not long ago I received a nice gift, a cool set of headphones.  The iSport headphones are in ear style but what makes these really unique is that it is made specifically to be  waterproof.  Yes waterproof!  I have used them for various things over the last 2+ months so let's see how good they are...

First thing you notice is that it comes in a heavy duty box and packaging...

Included in the iSport set is a waterproof pouch (for a cellphone ot mp3 player) that has a headphone adapter to keep things dry.  A full set of eartips and in-ear clips is also found inside the pack.

The earbud itself is a waterproof sealed housing.  Supposedly you can swim, surf, and snorkel with them on!

The instructions manual indicates that they are machine washable so of course I had to test it.  I washed it once ( no detergent and I air dried it instead of putting it into the dryer) and they worked perfectly fine.

The in-line mic can be used with a cellphone or tablet.  I tested the mic function on a iPhone 4S, 5, HTC EVO 3D and the volume rockers functioned fine.  On the tablet side, I used Skype on iPad 1/2/3, iPod Touch, Samsung Galaxy, and A HTC EVO View 4G without any problems. 

As with other Monster brand headsets, they use their flat cable design which is to help resist tangling of the cables.  The cables are made just like the famous Monster Cable speaker wires, 24K plated contacts, Magnetic FluxTube technology and MicroStrand conductors.

The input jack is a right angle design.  There is quite a bit of material to the attachment point of the jack so when you pull on it there isn't any problems with it seperating.  A fellow PuristS had a issue with a set of high end Denon and noted that it was the only weak point on an overall great set of earbuds.

A set of eartips and earclips were already installed but it was easy and quick to change to another set for the perfect fit.

The earclip snaps on and off the earbud housing:

The earbud housing itself is made of plastic which did feel a little cheap but I'm sure the reason for it is to be hygenic and washable.  Another advantage is that the housing is extremely light even with the eartips and earclips attached.

A total of 5 eartips were included.  The smurf blue eartips are actually really soft and comfortable (the best ones IMO are the Paradigm ones).

5 sets of earclips are also included.  I used the 'XS' which is a extra small with the medium eartips.  It does take some getting used to placing the eaarclips in but I found that tilting it forward and then rolling it back into the ear was the best technique to quickly and securely put them in.

Some headsets will get noise from the rubbing of the cables ( like on the Etymotics timeout.watchprosite.com )  ,  it was minimal with the Monster iSports.  A clip is conveniently included if it is a problem:

Overall the headset is great.  While the sound quality is good they are not as great as the Etymotics I have, these are fantastic if you are doing any activity and perspiring.  Monster/Beats headphones are well known in the sound area of bass and these are no exception, if you listen to music that needs it the iSport handles it very well.  I've mountain biked with it and it was used on the treadmill.  It's kinda cool to be able to wash clean by just chucking it into the washer.  The included waterproof pouch is nice for a iPod or ipod Touch but a little too small lengthwise for my large cellphone.  It's been too cold out here in L.A. to swim with them but once the weather gets nice, I'll update on how well it holds up to chlorine and saltwater.  If you are a weekend warrior or work out a lot and need a nice set of headphones, you should definitely take a look at the iSport by Monster.

Big THANK YOU to PuristS 'A' and PuristS 'V' for the gift, it's one of the coolest and most functional things that I have received in a long time, you two are the best!


-MW