Headphones range from over ear to in ear, and range in size accordingly. There’s no question we like our music, and like to take it wherever we go. Our Scosche SportclipAIR review takes a look at a pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds for those with active lifestyles.
Specifications
The Scosche SportclipAIR earbuds feature the following specifications:
- Bluetooth version: 4.1
- Bluetooth profiles: HEP, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP
- Operating distance: 10m (32′)
- Headset music time: up to 7h
- Headset talk time: up to 7.5h
- Standby time: about 250h
- Headset charging time: about 2h
- Charging input: DC 5.0V/500mA
- Weight: about 14.5g
What’s in the Box
Each package of earbuds includes:
- 1 headset with remote
- 1 microUSB to USB charging cable
- 4 sets soft ear cushions (XS, S, M, L)
- 1 mesh carrying pouch
- 1 instruction manual
Design
The Scosche SportclipAIR wireless earbuds feature a lightweight design, and as with other wireless earbuds consists of two earbuds connected with a single wire. Just below the right earbud you’ll find the remote control/microphone unit which also houses the microUSB charging port. The sport earbuds include shapeable hooks which can be bent to provide a better fit for your ears. The earbud inserts are crafted of antimicrobial silicone (which provide bacterial and mold resistance), and fit on quite snuggly and require a bit of effort to remove should you wish to replace them.
The earbuds feel well crafted, and the shapeable hooks are quite malleable but stay in place once you’ve bent and shaped them to your liking. While the earbuds themselves fit comfortably, I found that the hooks take some getting used to when wearing glasses — which depending on where you use these could be common, especially if you are running or biking outside. That being said, the earbuds stay in place quite well and even when shaking my head they didn’t feel like they were going to fall out. There are also two small clips on the wire which you can use to adjust the length for less slack if you desire.
The remote control has 3 buttons — volume up/track forward, volume down/track back, and the multifunction button. The status LED light sits between the volume down and MFB button. The covered charging port sits on the side just below the MFB button.
The Scoshe SportclipAIR earbuds are also IPX4 rated and are splash/sweat proof. You can purchase the SportclipAIR earbuds in black, blue/grey, or pink/grey combinations.
Ease of Use
The SportclipAIR earbuds were easy to use. Pairing was easy, as was using the remote control unit to skip, pause, or play tracks, adjust volume, and answer or end phone calls. The detailed instruction manual provides extensive charts for everything from audio playback to making a call including 3-way calling and how to use 2 smartphones with the headset. Overall, I didn’t encounter any issues with how easy these earbuds were to use.
Sound
For the most part, the sound delivered by the Scosche SportclipAIR earbuds was fantastic. The dynamic drivers provided a nice range of tones, and decent bass which was clear and crisp even at full volume. I can’t exactly place why but there were a couple songs that sounded a little flat. At first I thought maybe it was the audio file but the same file sounded fine on other headsets. That only happened a couple times though, and other than that the sound on these earbuds is great.
Reception/Call Quality
While answering and hanging up a call was easy, like most wireless earbuds it was a bit of an issue to talk to someone during that call. As the earbuds are designed to be worn with the wire behind your neck, this places the microphone (which is in remote unit) behind your right ear towards the back of your neck. The instructions even indicate to make sure the microphone is in close proximity to your mouth when using it during a call, and I did indeed find that I had to unhook the left earbud and pretty much hold the remote unit towards my mouth on the right side in order for the receiving party to hear me clearly.
Battery Life
Scosche claims the SportclipAIR have a battery life of between 7-7.5h and I was able to get right around that mark on multiple occasions. A bit longer battery life would be nicer, but that should definitely do you for most runs, bike rides, or general listening through the day. Recharging the earbuds took just under 2 hours.
Price/Value
Scosche’s SportclipAIR earbuds are affordably priced at $99.99USD, and even come with a breathable mesh carrying pouch to store them in when not in use. The earbuds are currently on sale on Amazon for just over $60 (depending on colour) which is definitely a very good price for what you get in portability and sound for these headphones.
Wrap-up
If you’re looking for affordable, lightweight, great sounding, sweat proof earbuds for your active lifestyle and want something that hooks over your ears, the Scosche SportclipAIR should definitely be on your list of available options.
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