JVC Sports Handfree Earphone HA-EBR80 Review

I have two more earphones pending for review and today I will share with you the JVC ear clip earphone model HA-EBR80 that comes in 4-color namely purple (A), black (B), red (R) and silver (S). The model that was shared with me is the B version and this review is based on the HA-EBR80-B or black model. This earphone cost RM149.90 and can be purchased at all electronic shops carrying JVC products (Radio Shack has them stocked).

The earphone in blister pack

Such fancy description, what is it anyway?

It is a sports clip headphones with 1-button remote & mic for hands-free operation ideal for exercises and fitness activities.  

Sport Remote+Microphone

What it really meant is, It is a sweat-proof earphone that is secured around your ears, with full hands free functionality and it will allow you to talk/answer phone while you are working out. 

Compatible smart phone models. Sorry, Androids not fully included (and I've tested on Xiaomi Mi3)

If your original hand free kit when you purchase your iDevices or Blackberry has been out of service and you are looking for an alternative, but hate Bluetooth devices (as it meant additional battery to charge on daily basis if used heavily), then this could be a good replacement. 

The clip (curve part) can be moved up or down

A quick jump to the features:

• 1-button remote and mic for iPhone / iPod / iPad / BlackBerry
• Sports clip headphones with adjustable clip structure which has five selectable position for secure fit (slide up or down)
• Bass-boosting earpieces
• 4 colour selections
• Powerful 13.5mm neodymium driver unit
• Conversion cable for compatibility of most of smartphones
• 1.2m cord with gold-plated iPhone-compatible slim plug

Real Feel Usage

The unit comes with a one-button remote. It is compatible with most phones except some others (like my Mi3) that asked for more than one button to control media (volume, skip track etc).

One button operation

Minimal issue for me as I have little intention to use this on my Mi3. However, I have reason to use this for my daily conference calls with my other colleagues globally using my previous phone, which is an iPhone 4. It worked wonderfully as how an Apple device should be (minimalist one-button do it all kinda thing-a-gy-mah)

Ready for calls

Comfort wise, the unit was used for no less than 4-hours of call that day when I tested it. The adjustable clip were good, as I am able to adjust the position of the speaker to be directly, or a little bit away on the fly.

clip retracted

clip extended

However, what I found could be better is that the earpiece itself to have more silicon coverage. The existing setup is adequate, and has proven to be OK for extended (4-hours) of calls. It could be my personal preference.

Yeap, minimal

Pros

• Sweat-proof as I used it for walking with my dogs. 
• Tested 1.2m cable is long enough to comfortably stretch between the PC (if used with PC/Laptop) during calls.
• Clips offer good secured grip over the ears. Did not came loose in use (including fast walk)

• Good sound quality for both voice and music
• Sensitive mic - listeners on the other end of my con-calls never had issue hearing me when I speak normally
• Selection of color and black is fine for a more executive look, particularly when you are using it for a con-call requiring Office Communicator
• Or maybe I am just boring (referring to the black above :P)

Cons

• Cable at 1.2m is too long to be used with phone or to be used for sports activity. Not really a con as you can always tie them up or put a cable organiser in between
• Stiffer earpiece/rubber moulding may reduce comfort on longer use for some that may prefer softer feel, or a more fuller silicon pad (no pun intended and don't think otherwise)

Good conference call tools - and for light sports use too

Note: This pair of JVC Earphone is courtesy of JVC Kenwood Malaysia as part of product testing. Retailing at RM149.90 at major electrical and electronic stores, and at Radio Shack Malaysia. Opinion set forth in this write up is not influenced by JVC Kenwood and remain as my personal review opinions only. 

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JVC In-Ear Sports Headphone Review

JVC Kenwood Malaysia recently passed me two sets of headphones for a quick review and to provide feedback as to how it would suit/perform under exercising or sports condition. As some of you know, I do not typically listen to music when I workout, except if it is in a controlled environment where I would not need to look out for traffic or be in the way of traffic. With the hours I've spent on the bike trainer (read : stationery) and the travelling I've been doing (read : gym or staircase at hotel), plus the endless lapping of the pool (25m pool can be a pain when you want to clock in 2000m of swim).

Music, it is a good distraction for those longer than usual hours on something stationery. 

The JVC HA-EBX5-V

I was given this set primary because it is splash proof. Meaning it can withstand water splashes. In laymen term - sweat. 

In nice Violet color

Unboxing
The unit write up came as per below. Straight forward and it's selling points are the sweat-proof and the color coordination with iPod Nano 6th Generation (6G). We all know how basic those iPod headphones were and having them color coordinated may just add a touch of customisation for those that feel it is important enough to do so.

• Splash-proof - ideal for exercise and fitness activities
• Secure-fit in-ear canal headphones with soft rubber ear clip and cushion
• Colour coordination with iPod nano 6G
• Powerful 11mm Neodymium driver unit
• Comfortable fit with 3 sizes of silicone earpieces
• 1.2m colour cord with gold-plated iPhone-compatible slim plug

The unit came in a nice blister pack that are compact and to the point. The back portion of the packing provide all you need to know info such as the frequency response, length of the cable and the sensitivity of the unit. 

All you want and need to know

The unit is a basic earphone with ear-loops that secure behind your ears. Being the "in-ear" type, this meant it is able to fits in nicely with the appropriate sized plugs to ensure good sealing of the unit against the ear canal. There are obvious reasons for this and this help to block out the ambient noise out there so you get to enjoy your music or podcast (as some actually listen to podcast) while exercising in controlled environment.

Bright Violet

Upon removing of the blister pack and pulling it out, you will see the cable tucked in. Unfortunately, this unit does not come with a pouch to hold/store it. Would be a big win if JVC does it. If not a pouch, a cable organiser would be good too. 

Straight forward

Priced at RM99.90 at retail outlet (electronic and electrical stores) and Radio Shack (Malaysia), it is priced just right among the other competitor that offers the same features of being sweat proof. I bought a pair of Sony sports earphone back in the 2006 period and it cost me RM149.90 back then. At this price, almost 8 years later, I would say this JVC is a bargain.

Gold plated

The Jack is a standard 3.5mm dia attachment made "slim" and instead of having a right-angle aka bended jack, it is a straight out configuration and the theme to suit iDevices continue with it being slimmer than usual. No bulk there and I reckon it will fit in nicely with the iDevices I have.

Great finishing

Despite the pricing, the build quality is solid with the driver unit made of quality plastic with shiny surface. The "medium" fitting ear-bud came fitted and out of the box. One of my experience using earphone with loop is how uncomfy it can become if the unit bites behind your ear. So, I could not resist the urge to bend or pull the unit as far as I could to see how flexible and soft it is. I was not disappointed.

I did tell JVC Kenwood Malaysia I will torture the unit didn't I?

I let it go and it retained it's shape back again. There will be instances where this unit may be placed inside a bag and you may just tugged it a bit harder to get it out. Knowing that the unit is flexible sort of gives you the comfort that you will not damage it sooner than expected.

Back to original shape

A closer look into the driver unit revealed a mesh like cover at the earbud section. Logic tells me that while the unit is splash proof, do not ever immerse this unit in water as that would meant end-of-life (EOL) of this headphone. Splash meant you can get it wet, not get it soaked in water (tested soaked in sweat was ok though)

Soft ear-bud

Here is the other two pair of earbud for bigger ear-holed person and tighter fit need. No pun intended.

I am medium. You?

I will review the unit based on practicality first then reproduction quality. After all, this unit is meant to rough it out with you on the treadmill, a run in a park or on the bike trainer. 

In Use : Fitting
Straight forward and the unit is side specific (photo above). It is hard to get it wrong unless you are not sure L is Left and R is Right. Anyway, the unit only fits in one way/ear, you won't get it wrong.

right side, from front

Left side, from rear

I used this unit for my 2-hours bike (on trainer) under the sun last weekend. All part of the plan to get acclimatised to the Malaysian hot weather. I paired the unit up with the Audioflood iPod Shuffle. Instead of using the waterproof earphone that comes with it, i used it with the JVC unit. I must say the Red-Violet combi works pretty well.

Tadaa!

As you can see, the 1.2m cable is pretty long. I clipped the unit on my cycling shorts and adjusted the unit cable length accordingly. There is the cable restrictor that slide up and down to secure the unit under the chin for less movement. That worked super fine for me too.
With the cable managed well (I was topless, so the cable were exposed to both heat and sweat), the cycling of 2-hours passed pretty fast with my selection of "angry song" from Metallica and slower jazz from Keiko Lee worked really well. Consider that each genre offer me different intensity of workout.
And by that, it meant there were standing attack with head swaying - and the unit stayed snug. I did not adjust it once after I put it on. It was that secured.
Immediately after the bike ride, I went for a run with the unit in my ear and no music. Doing this just for the review to get a feel of the unit while i paced through 5km at sub5:00 pace. The cable were in my running T and the jack was tucked into the garter of my shorts. Again, a bit of cable management by putting in additional length into the shorts and the unit secured under my chin and ears again. Same verdict. Unit stayed snug and secured. No adjustment needed. Sound blocking was alright as I can still hear motorbike or car creeping up from behind while running within my housing blocks.
In Use : Sound Reproduction
I would be lying if I say the unit produces near audiophile sound. Truth is, the unit performed as it should as an earphone. Bear in mind that reproduction of music or sound greatly depends on the player too, in this case the iPod Shuffle. However, listening to mix of genre, I can say the bass and trebles were there. The sealing of the ear-bud in the ear-canal was good, which minimises outside noise creeping in. That does help with the earphone delivering the lower frequencies. Hotel California sounded about the same as me listening in my standard car CD player. The percussion and the guitar strums were heard as it should, where it should. Keiko Lee's strong deep voice in minus-one radiates through. UB40's cymbal and reggae smooth made the Red Red Wine sweeter. I am happy with the unit performing as it should.
Pros
- lightweight and comfortable. I can wear this for hours without the ear feeling restricted
- bright cheerful color, available in pink, blue, silver and violet
- may not sound impressive, but having a 11mm neodymium driver commensurate the pricing
- affordable : RM99.90 is reasonable. Fake headphones of a popular brand cost more than this, and may not perform.
Cons
- Cable a bit too long. 100cm may be more than sufficient
- wish there was a clip to hold the cable mid-way. It can secure better on t-shirts
- a pouch or a cable organiser would be great!

Next : The other earphones with remote, to be reviewed. Splash proof and more executive looking!

Note: This pair of JVC Earphone is courtesy of JVC Kenwood Malaysia as part of product testing. Retailing at RM99.90 at major electrical and electronic stores, and at Radio Shack Malaysia. Opinion set forth in this write up is not influenced by JVC Kenwood and remain as my personal review opinions only. 

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SAC Day 3 : The Langanan Wonder

Reality check. 4-weeks has passed since SAC and I am still writing the "race report". I apologise for the lateness as it is unlike me to delay things of these sort. I guess I am getting older and writing report seems to be slower at the same time. Excuses aside, enjoy the report on Day 3. 

Where 3km Was Actually 5km, One Way

As usual, Day 3 of SAC will always be an easy day of sort. This is due to the very tight timeline to get the race completed by noon, for the folks to pack and prepare to head home (to KK or to airport). It is also the day where the "tie breaker" will happen. You see, SAC is very much a "timed race" where the ultimate champion will have their results tabulated on the day to day basis. You can come out mid of table on Day 1, but if you managed to score it big on Day 2, and find yourself in contention to be on the coveted Top-3 position (for bragging), Day 3 is where you get a chance to outwit your opponents. It is usually a "treasure hunt" of some sort on Day 3. But first...a visit to the "Emergency Blister Control Row".

Everyone here is getting their blisters fixed

The last day was a Sunday, and the race director did not had plans for all of us to wake up any later than 7am. By 6.45am, many things has happened and the campsite was abuzz with activities.

But sir, it's (blardy) Sunday!

Blisters you asked, how bad? Well, to start with, how about at all spots you can think off on your feet?

Every single toes and at places you never think will happen, like top of your feet!

This race, myself and my team mate Roy Yeow took part together. But of course, he was way faster (and me better looking, because this is my blog :P)

We should had continue to confuse some participants...

Once all the blisters has been treated and covered appropriately, we headed to the starting line where the last briefing for SAC2014 will be done.

But first....

Yes, the trip this time around has been about taking photos and racing. Memories are made of these and best to have them immortalised and for sharing.

With Nasier. Thank you for the captures! 

Tired from the last 2-days and with some returning back as late as 11pm, tiredness could be seen on the faces of many. Little did we all know (on that morning) what will be put for us to complete. Afterall, a "hike up the waterfall" sound very do-able, more so there is already a fixed trail many could follow.

A photo showing a mixture of feeling...

How tough can it be, right?

The race started soon after the last briefing - that we need to hike up Langanan Waterfall, get our number marked, get back to race HQ and head out for a treasure hunt. Cut off is 12noon. Simple. We have a good 4-hours to complete all that and it is at most...15km...

Right?

As with all the days, photos are compulsory. :) Here, Rosli having a good time recording all of these for memories.

:D

The short run out of Poring and we are headed to the start of the waterfall trailhead. It can be accessed internally via the Poring park, but why take that easier route when we can take a longer one?

Starting to look rather promising. A hike away from the sun. Nice.

Teammate 2ndskin in action

Somehow, no one started to run, yet. Dear Esther has went up Langanan before, and if she isn't running, that would only meant it will be tough - save energy lah, she said.

Ready?

Langana

It says...3km...right?

The starting was good. With wide undulating trails that looked runnable. This is a tourists spot, isn't it?

So much fun

And then....

Climbs...40degrees switchback

And it just go on and on and on...for the next....4km.

It is a climb people! Move!

4km? Yes, because you see, the 3km is a straight line distance not taking into consideration the elevation change. The GPS records vertical distance and the 3km slowly creeps to 5km to the waterfall. You thought you are making progress, and the distance marker just refused to budge...

Aiyo...

Wifey was struggling with her backache and I had the chance to run up further and take panoramic (vertical) shots to emphasise the climb.

Steep

We arrived at a cave known a Bat Cave. I've checked, no Batman inside.

Reeks of guano

More pics of the climb.

There got to be an easier way...but none.

Everyone forgot to look up

Because looking down was inevitable with the climb

A clearing for a breather. Fantastic view. I bet this was the waterfall we saw from a distance on Day 2.

A shout from the top for an photo opp and you see everyone looking

And then the climb continue....

Along the way, there were many huge trees. This one was the biggest I've spotted along the way.

Makes you feel small

And of course, when opportunity arise, we run for it. :D

Flat - run

And get dissapointed that there is another 1.5km (which in fact, translate to 3km) to go...

Kena tipu

That was also when we saw many running down from the check point

Billy

Babe

Handsome

THe climbs continue for us mere mortals. Almost 60degree climb at certain section

Not easy...heartbreaking

Saluting!

Penang Triathlon and Duathlon organiser

Rosli mimicking a scene from a Hindustani movie

With a lot of encouragement along the way, we could hear the waterfall after what seems like a full 2-hours of hike (to cover 5km).

Thank you sir

And the sight did not disappoint.

300feet worth of waterfall

The waterfall was spectacular. But as we were chasing cutoff, we decided to spend maximum 10minutes to let the fall soak into us.

RnR for many not rushing

Checking in

One more selfie won't harm

Or two more...

Maybe three

This waterfall deserves a return visit in our next holiday trip to Poring. I can imagine how cold the water would be just from the breeze caused by the gushing water from the top of the fall.

Next time again, perhaps

The return journey was easier as it was 90% downhill. The 5km was covered within an hour of fast descent.

Run? Maybe not...tired dy.

We arrived back to Poring with about 45minutes to spare. But first, a compulsory pose to commemorate 2014 SAC.

Hurry...hot hot hot!

The remaining for the 45minutes saw me and wifey scrambling to find the nearest two spot. It was easily 2km one way and with 4km to cover, that made our 10min/km pace journey. The sun was beating down hard and we decided to just settle for the nearest two - which was the exit of the Day 1 route not too far away. We ran back a little to Race finish with about 5minutes to spare. 

Thank you Nasier

There wasn't any fanfare and there was just for us, self accomplishments. Yet another long race together and with both being stronger, we know we are not going to be last in the list. Even that, there is no shame being last, as the last 3-days proved to be tough even for the strong athlete.

:) Yay!

Route Data
Distance : 13km
Time : 4hours 5mins
Elevation Gain : 791m

Immediately after the race, we went back to the run to clean up and pack. As we booked the same day flight return to KL, there was absolute rush to make sure we got everything we need packed and ready for home. The award lunch was held soon after and just like 2013, the medals were huge ass big.

And this year, there was coffee from Tenom given to us, apart from finisher t-shirt (long sleeve) made by 2ndSkin. Nice!

It was also catching up with fellow competitors as we made plans for the return in 2015. New friends made, old friends rekindled. Races like these set the pace for many future races where many make the effort to keep in touch post race. The community is small and we will cross path again in near future.

It was indeed a good race. The organiser delivered yet another superb worthy to talk about race and with like minded participants, it became better. Many enjoyed the camp out with a handful decided to stay in the comfort of modern amenities (aka ourselves). Route from Day 1 to Day 3 totally wore us out, burnt us with tan line to remember and with elevation that makes us believe any mountain can be climb if we put our heart into it. Until 2015 and the 16th installment of SAC, stay well and thanks for reading all the 3-days report. It has been a pleasure writing and reporting it from memory. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it.

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