V-MODA Forza Metallo review: Ultra lightweight, fantastic sounding, metal in-ear headphones

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TA-ratings-95We previously reviewed the V-MODA Forza in-ear headphones and now we’re taking a look at the V-MODA Forza Metallo version. Our V-MODA Forza Metallo review takes a look at their more expensive, recently launched Forza in-ear headphones line which features a 3D custom cap option. On that note, as these are very similar to the V-MODA Forza in-ear headphones, I’ll just be discussing the differences, so you may want to catch up first by reading our previous review.

Specifications

The V-MODA Forza Metallo 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
  • DiamondBack ultra-reinforced cable
  • Weight: 14g

What’s in the box

  • V-MODA Forza Metallo 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
  • Luxury “V” Pouch: Exotic vegan leather pouch designed in Italy
  • Six-Star Service
  • 2-Year Premier Warranty
  • 50% Immortal Life Program Replacement
V-MODA-Forza-Metallo-review-02
What’s in the box…

Design

Again, if you haven’t read our V-MODA Forza review, you should as the Forza Metallo earphones are nearly identical. The only real difference between those and the V-MODA Forza Metallo is the fact that the Metallos feature metal earbuds. Despite using metal, it only adds 0.5g to the total weight, keeping them nice and light.

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Even though the Forza Metallo are constructed from metal, they are only 0.5g heavier than the Forza.

While the Forza Metallos aren’t marketed as being “optimized for sport” on the box, they are sweat and weather-resistant. We did receive some of the acrylic caps to test with the Forza Metallos, and they fit nice and snug like the sport fins do. On that note, however, the Metallos look much nicer without the acrylic caps, although I’m sure they look great with brass, bronze, gold plated, or any of the other finishes available for the caps.

The cable used with the V-MODA Forza Metallos is a bit different that that on the Forza earbuds in that it has an extra crisscrossing “wire” going around it. I found that with this crisscrossing, the cord straightened out a bit easier and tangled less than the cord on the cheaper Forza earbuds. The carrying case that’s included with the Forza Metallos is a bit more “premium” than the sport bag version included with the Forzas. The vegan leather “V-pouch” looks nicer, but it is quite a bit smaller and I found it much more difficult to stuff the earbuds into it as opposed to the sport bag.

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Being constructed from premium materials, the included bag also sports a more premium look.

Our review sample came in gunblack but you can order the V-Moda Forza Metallos in a rose gold option as well, and there are iOS and Android specific versions due to the volume control options.

Sound

The V-MODA Forza Metallo In-Ear Headphones sound just as fantastic as the V-MODA Forzas, but there’s no surprise there as they use the same drivers and have the same frequency range. 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 Metallos 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.

V-MODA-Forza-Metallo-review-08
Don’t let the small size fool you, these are fantastic sounding earbuds.

One thing I mentioned in the V-MODA Forza review which may have caused some confusion is that the Forza series lack independent volume controls. While you can control the volume from the headphone remote unit, it directly controls the volume on your smartphone. Independent volume controls refer to control units on headphones that have a separate volume range than the device you are listening to, allowing you to independently control two volume ranges in order to fine tune your listening volume further.

Call Quality

Like the V-MODA Forzas, 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 Metallo In-Ear Headphones without any custom caps will cost you $130USD, which is $30 more than the V-MODA Forzas. Personally, I think the Forza Metallos look classier than the Forzas but it’ll be up to you to decide if metal earbuds are worth the added cost — especially considering everything else is pretty much identical between the two models. As mentioned in the design section, caps cost from $20 to $3,900 depending on the material available.

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 Metallo In-Ear Headphones are excellent sounding, light, well designed, and comfortable in-ear headphones. The option to order 3D printed custom caps lets you customize and add a bit of flair or personal taste to the earbuds as well if you so choose. Either way, the V-MODA Forza Metallo In-Ear Headphones deserve a Top Pick of 2017 Award here at Techaeris.

*We were sent a sample of the V-Moda Forza Metallo In-Ear Headphones for the purposes of this review.
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