JBL UA Sport Wireless Train review: Nicely designed rugged training headphones

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TA-ratings-93There are headphones aimed at just about every user out there and the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train are no different. These headphones are aimed directly at those who spend a lot of time in the gym. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. Still, the company sent the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train to me for review. While I can’t speak too much to intensive workouts, I can sure speak to sound, design, and a variety of other factors.

If the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train look familiar to you, well, they probably are. A few weeks ago UA (Under Armour) announced a pair of headphones in collaboration with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Those headphones were designed with JBL and are being marketed specifically for The Rock and UA. These headphones are essentially the exact same headphones but without the “Brahma Bull” logo and $50USD cheaper. So read on for the full review of the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train headphones.

Specifications

The JBL UA Sport Wireless Train headphones have the following features and specifications:

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  • Speaker drivers: JBL 40mm dynamic
  • Impedance: 32Ω
  • Frequency response: 16–20,000Hz
  • Bluetooth version and profiles: 4.1, A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.5, HFP v1.6, HSP v1.2
  • Bluetooth transmitted frequency and power: 2.402GHz – 2.48GHz, <4dBm
  • Battery type: rechargeable lithium-ion (3.7V, 610mAh)
  • Battery life: up to 16 hours
  • Battery charge time: Speed Charge

What’s In The Box

  • JBL UA Sport Wireless Train over-ear headphones
  • Hardshell carrying case
  • Carabiner
  • AUX cable
  • MicroUSB cable for charging
  • Manuals and Documentation
JBL UA Sport Wireless Train
What’s in the box?

Design

For me to say that the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train are a sight to beholden is an understatement. These are certainly some of the most unique looking headphones I’ve ever used. The reason for has a lot to do with Dwayne Johnson’s input on the design. That’s right, these headphones are pretty much identical to the Project Rock branded headphones on Under Armour’s website.

Most everything is constructed of high end hard and soft-touch plastics. The internal adjustment band is made of metal. The ear cups are very padded, probably the most padding I’ve seen on a pair of on-ears. The headband also has an average amount of padding but it’s the ear cup padding that’s interesting. It’s sort of a mesh material covering the foam. Most likely designed this way to allow the pads to breathe when you’re sweating on them. Oh, and they’re also removable if you want to air them out further.

JBL UA Sport Wireless Train
Under Armour’s special fabric is in use on these headphones.

Featuring two of Under Armour’s unique fabric technologies, UA Sport Wireless Train is no-doubt built for the gym. UA SuperVent lines the outer ear cushions and delivers true breathability in a light, durable, fast-drying fabric that is removable and hand washable. The Under Armour grip material completely lines the inner headband and ear cushions, providing a soft feel and maximum stability.

The headphones are pliable and have movement to them but their clamping power is above average. What I mean is, these things are snug on your head. This was done on purpose as Dwayne Johnson wanted these to stay put during intense workouts. I can say that they do exactly that but your ears may get uncomfortable after prolonged use. Depending on how well you take to tight headphones. The ear cups are also articulating so they pivot to try and increase comfort.

Both sides of the headphones have JBL and UA branding as does the headband. The left ear cup only houses the MicroUSB port for charging. Really JBL, no USB-C? Well, at least they have “Speed Charging.”

The right ear cup is where all of the controls are. And oh my what controls! These controls are oversized as requested by The Rock himself. They allow for easier manipulation and control. There’s nothing worse than fumbling with “candy ass” baby controls.

Along the side of the right ear cup is the AUX port, Bluetooth LED indicator, power/BT button, volume up/down, track fwd/rev, and play/pause/calls buttons. The “Multifunction Talk-Thru” button is also here and it’s the UA logo. The Talk-Thru button brings the music down allowing you to hear others talk to you without removing your headphones.

JBL UA Sport Wireless Train
The controls.

These headphones are also designed to be sweated on. The AUX and MicroUSB port both have covers over them to prevent moisture from getting in. The build material feels like it’s easy to maintain. The carrying case even has vents to allow air to pass through so your headphones will dry faster.

Overall, the headphones are actually pretty comfortable. The clamping force is much higher than other headphones I’ve used and that’s by design. You may or may not like that. The oversized design of the controls is actually a plus for working out. They make it much easier to manipulate and find. The design is rugged and well done.

Ease of Use

At this point, I think the majority of people understand and know how to connect Bluetooth devices. At least the majority of people who are in the market for headphones like these. Super simple to get these going in under 2-minutes. Overall, it’s just a matter of putting them into pairing mode and finding them in your Bluetooth settings.

Sound

Bass lovers, these are for you. That’s not to say the bass is the only thing the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train has to offer. The sound is actually really nice with mids and highs represented well. But it’s the bass that’s the star here. It’s a little more than I generally like. But we also have to look at the application these are being used in. I feel having a good low-end is going to help those who are working out. That booming feel gives the feel of energy and pushes some to higher performance.

That being said. These sound good, they’re not going to please everyone but I think the target audience is going to really enjoy the sound here.

Overall, these favor the bass by a high margin but it doesn’t muddy out the rest of the frequencies but I do think because of that, there is a little loss of clarity in some music.

JBL UA Sport Train 8
A very nice hard shell case is included.

Reception/Call Quality

Bluetooth reception is standard and I was able to get up to 50 feet from source before experiencing drops. Call quality is also good, though I can’t imagine taking calls on these, I am sure someone will.

Battery Life

JBL says these should get you up to 16-hours of battery life and also have speed charging. Speed charging will get you one hour of battery life in a 5-minute charge. I was able to get slightly over 15-hours of battery life. I never hit the 16-hour mark but battery life will vary depending on signal strength and volume so your results may be different.

Price/Value

Priced at $199.95USD the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train headphones are priced competitively. The main competition are the Project Rock branded headphones from UA themselves. From what I can tell, these are basically the same headphones except The Rock’s version is $50USD more. I think the value is here if you’re looking for headphones that can handle sweat and an intense workout.

Wrap Up

Rugged design, oversized controls, nice padding on the ear cups, and workout-friendly make these ones to check out for some buyers. The tight fit, bulky design and price may turn others off.

*We received a sample of the JBL UA Sport Wireless Train for the purposes of this review.
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