Rhythm and Blue(tooth).
You might have noticed
our many recent 'January Club' reviews, featuring lots of different
kit to get you active. One thing we found invaluable during our
actual new fitness regimes that inspired the month of features, was a
decent pair of headphones. Music can help to keep you going when
you're pooped, and also to keep your mind from the pain. THE PAIN!
However, everyone will have a preference on the type of headphones
they workout with, and they don't always have to be tiny and expensive. We test the Groov-e Rhythm Bluetooth Headphones.
First up, Groov-e are
not selling these headphones as sports accessories, and there is
nothing in the Rhythm's marketing bumf about it. What do they push is
the fact that they are on-ear headphones with adjustable cans and a
flexible headband, which connect to your music device via Bluetooth.
They are light, relatively compact, and come only in a colour of
which Batman would definitely approve.
Second up, they are
cheap as chips. Right now the Groov-e Rhythm Bluetooth Headphones
could be yours for just £29.99, which, for “full” wireless
headphones, is very good. The Rhythm's overall aesthetic might live
up to that low price, however, as there really isn't much to look at
on them, being encased with smooth black plastic. But the lack of
stylistic flourishes helps to keep the weight down, so when they are
on they are barely noticeable over long periods, and comfortable
enough to stay there for a good long while.
Although the Bluetooth
connection is the main selling point for headphones that are this
cheap, you also have the option to connect via the included 3.5mm
audio cable, making them useful for older music devices, and those
times when you just can't be bothered to hit that Bluetooth button on
your phone (or, you know, if their battery is flat).
So yeah, we found they
were great for running. If we're being honest none of us are huge
fans of in-ear headphones, especially for work-outs and jogs, as they
tend to block out a lot of the ambient sound (which can be dangerous
for street runners) and they have a tendency of falling out. Over the
head, over the ear headphones are, therefore, preferable, and the
Groov-e Rhythm Bluetooth Headphones worked a treat, not just because
they stayed put during a vigorous dash, but because we knew the
average person wouldn't be overly precious about them, with them
costly less than thirty quid.
However, the low price
did show itself in the sound quality. The cans aren't bad at all, and
in quiet conditions with the volume set low to mid, they reproduced a
decent sound with enough clarity and depth of bass to keep you happy.
Crank up the volume and you'll start to get a touch of interference,
and clarity will reduce. Audiophiles looking for their next immersive
pair of 'phones will be disappointed, but the average user on a
budget will find them more than adequete.
So although we weren't
expecting them to, the Groov-e Rhythm Bluetooth Headphones performed
well in active situations and proved to be neat, cheap and versitile.
£29.99
