We’ve reviewed a few V-MODA on- and over-ear headphones here at Techaeris. Our V-MODA Forza review takes a look at the cheaper set of their recently launched Forza in-ear headphones line which features a 3D custom cap option.
Specifications
The V-MODA Forza In-Ear Headphones have the following features and specifications:
- Type: Bi-aural in-ear type monitor headphones with remote and mic
- Speaker Driver: 5.8mm neodymium dynamic-type
- Certified Hi-Res Audio
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 99dB @1kHz 1mW
- Microphone Sensitivity: -42dB @ 1kHz
- Impedance: 14 Ω
- Cables: Ultra-reinforced, 32″ plug to y-connector, 12.83″ even-length earphone cables
- Plug: 45º, 24k gold-plated, 3.5mm
- Sweat and weather-resistant
- Ultra-reinforce cable
- Weight: 13.5g
What’s in the box
- V-MODA Forza In-Ear Headphones
- 8 pairs of BLISS™ (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) 3.0 fittings in XS, pre-installed S, M and L sizes
- 3 pairs of ActiveFlex™ sport fins
- 1 pair of ActiveFlex™ sport ear hooks
- 2 pairs of RemixRings
- Designed in Italy 3D fabric carrying pouch
- Six-Star Service
- 2-Year Premier Warranty
- 50% Immortal Life Program Replacement
Design
The V-MODA Forza In-Ear Headphones look pretty much like most other in-ear headphones at a glance. The 3.5mm audio plug is angled at a 45º angle to the main cable. Where the left and right cables meet is an inverted v-shaped piece which you can slide up and down to adjust the tightness of the left and right cables if you wish. The in-line 3-button microphone is located about 3″ below the right earbud. The 3-buttons give you the usual volume, skip track, answer/disconnect calls, and play/pause music options which all worked as expected.
The earbuds are rather small and without any fins or ear hooks installed are almost invisible when worn. With or without fins, the V-MODA Forza’s are very light and super comfortable, even when wearing for extended sessions. Try as I might, I was unable to shake them out even without the sport fins, but for an extra level of wearing security, these definitely won’t be falling out of your ears while working out or going on a run with the included sport fins or sport ear hooks. The sport fins are attached to a cap that slides over the ear bud itself, while the sport ear hooks require you to slide it around the wire of the headphones itself to attach them.
Where the V-MODA Forza series in-ear headphones differ from other headphones is the option to purchase 3D printed custom caps. Currently, you can order Steampunk, V-Design, or Lion caps which start at $20 extra for HD Acrylic caps and all the way up to $3,900 for Platinum caps. Other materials available include brass, bronze, 14K gold/rose gold plated, rhodium plated, 14K gold/white gold/rose gold, or sterling silver. While we didn’t get any caps with our review sample, if they fit like the sport fins do, they should fit nice and snug and add that extra level of bling to your headphones.
While the cable is strong, it does twist a little easier for my liking and tangles easily, depending on how you store them. I found the best way to store them was by wrapping them around three of my fingers and storing them in the included pouch.
Another thing to note, when you order them from the V-Moda website, you are given the option to choose between iOS or Android volume control options, our review sample was optimized for Android devices. Our review sample was black but you can order the V-Moda Forza in a black/orange or white color scheme.
Sound
The V-MODA Forza In-Ear Headphones sound fantastic. The range from highs to lows is pretty bang on, and even at full volume bass and treble — as well as everything in between — is clear and crisp. I love some extra bass when I listen to music and I found that the V-MODA Forza’s had the perfect levels. I honestly have no complaints with the sound across any genre of music I tested them with which included classic hip-hop, EDM, rock, classical, and some heavier metal.
One of the features — or lack of — that we’ve been calling out recently here at Techaeris is the lack of independent volume controls on headphones and speakers. Independent volume controls are when the volume buttons on the headphones or speaker control the volume of the headphone/speaker, rather than the smartphone itself. This allows you to fine tune your volume even more by adjusting your smartphone volume then further adjusting the headphone or speaker volume. Unfortunately, the V-MODA Forza In-Ear headphones lack this feature, and as we’ve mentioned before while it’s not the end of the world, it sure is a feature that we like to see.
Call Quality
I was actually surprised with the call quality on these in-ear headphones. I don’t use headphones for calls at all, except during testing, but during our testing, the other party was able to hear me pretty clearly and there weren’t the usual complaints about being too quiet or hard to hear as is prevalent with most headphones due to the placement of the microphone.
Price/Value
The V-Moda Forza In-Ear Headphones without any custom caps will cost you $100USD. As mentioned in the design section, caps cost from $20 to $3,900 depending on the material available. Personally, I’m fine with the value for the base price, although I could probably be tempted by some HD Acrylic caps for an extra $20USD.
You also can’t go wrong with a 2-year warranty and 50% off of replacement for life should you ever, as V-MODA jokes, run over your headphones with a tank (or otherwise destroy them).
Wrap-up
The V-MODA Forza In-Ear Headphones are excellent sounding, light, and comfortable in-ear hybrid sport headphones. The option to order 3D printed custom caps let you customize and add a bit of flair or personal taste to the earbuds as well if you so choose.
[rwp-review id=”0″]*We were sent a sample of the V-Moda Forza In-Ear Headphones for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on March 13, 2017.
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