I have been looking for an earbud, headset/bone conduction, amp/DAC to listen to music while travelling and using it as a complimentary training tool (for voice feedback/alert) and I have been checking them out for at least 9months. The dilemma of going all wired via amplifier/digital-analog converter (Amp/DAC) or to keep things wireless was the other dilemma. Then came the Hong Leong Bank Bid or Win contest where you accumulate points from your transaction or usage and use these points to either bid (down to the last 10s) to win various prizes or use these points to Win, via lucky draw. One of the prize was a set of Sony wireless earbud.
Candy Lime in my ear
So imagine my delight when after 6 weeks of the contest ends, I recieved a SMS to inform that I have won one of the 8 Sony wireless earbud model WF-500. And the date of which I have won it was back to February 2023, but the list was only released in July. It was such a long wait, but well at least I won something I wanted!
Had to check a few times to ensure it's not a scam SMS
The redemption was via Shopee and it is specific to just Sony Centre Sunway Pyramid online store. The unit was RM449 and now selling for MR299, which is what the value of the coupon for redemption. The claim process was a bit tardy with Shopee not updating the voucher to include the unit, and when they did, it was for RM499, so one would need to pay extra RM150 to "get it for free". Took them 3-4 days to resolve it and when it was finally done,
I placed order for the Orange unit. Because I like Orange to go with my other running wardrobe. I also bought it with an extended insurance because we all know these will fail within 2 years of usage, so why not have extra protection that can be claimed when the unit fail?
The unit arrived a few days later, and I picked it up from one of the MBE drop off location. Can't believe i had to pay for self pick up! Capitalist!
Unboxing
The rather small unit of the WF-500 came in a box 20x it's size. The MBE staff had a hard time locating for it as I told them it is for an wireless earbud so the size with packaging would not be big. Imagine their surprise when after 10minutes of searching, it was the second largest box in the delivery of the day. At least I have helped them to sort out the delivery and they now know what is what for who. Here is the short unboxing video. Yes, you can see how big the packing was.
The Unit came very neatly packed. Opening it was a bit of a puzzle. And it was a surprise when I saw it was lime green instead of orange that I ordered. I am not sure if I was color blind or the folks at Sony was... but not throwing any shades on them as I am an easy person to deal with and will learn to love this lime green...
orange LED shows it's charging
This is what you get in the box
The Earbuds obviously
The Charging Case
USB-A to USB-C cable for charging
2 extra sets of silicon ear fitment in S and L (so yes, it is pre-installed M)
User Manual x 2
Quick Start manual
Next, the specs, which is pretty impressive for the price you be paying for a Sony branded earbuds
And if you are keen on the detailed specs, which include what playback it can do, here is the link (but if you hate to click on links, it playback in AAC and SBC on BT5.0)
The earbuds links with the Sony App called Headphone Connects which can control the EQ and toggle the propritery DSEE or the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine which restore sound compressed so you can hear a rich and natural sound which is almost exactly like the original source. It also support 360 Audio like Tidal, so if you are on Tidal account, this is one earbuds that will work with it.
Real World Use
Lets start by qualifying that this is not an Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) earbuds like the more expensive cost almost 4x more WF-1000XM4 or the 2x more LinkBud S. Infact the next closest ANC you can find within the same price range (before discount) is the WF-700N which is selling for RM599, just RM150 more than the full priced WF-500 (RRP RM449). With that expectation in mind, I need to accept that this unit will work at best, as good as how much isolation of noise I can make it to be - and the key to this is the fitting of the eartips in the ear canal. The medium fits me ok, and I swapped for the largest tip. It fits perfectly and the sound isolation was good.
With L-tips. Notice that there is a small dot on one of the bud, that denote the Left side, pretty nifty for the visually impaired as this tactile feel will help identify which side it is.
The app interface once the buds are connected. You see the L-R (in red) which also help to identify which side physically, battery status, and the Equaliser with Sony Clear Bass that help boost base and still make the overall music good without overwhelming the lower frequencies
How is that for fitting?
The unit sits very nicely and very securely in my ear and the canal. Infact, there were minimal adjustment needed to "sit it in".
In the App, there is more features you can play with, apart from the DSEE, you can get the App to analyse your ear so it can be optimised for 360 sound application (such as Tidal). While I do not have Tidal, you can sort of (feel good) get your ear analysed.
Click on the Analyse (or in this case Re-Analyse) to start the process.
You be prompted to take photo of your ear either automatically (which doesn't always work) or manually (work best for me)
then it takes 30s to analyse
and optimise with the app you be using
Tidal as an example
And i managed to spoof the process by not installing Tidal app (press back button LOL)
How much of these helped with the sound experience? I do not know as I do not have Tidal, but as part of user experience, I would give this a "done that" with a little of FOMO of wanting to subscribe to Tidal.
Preset EQ and space to customise your own.
The biggest user experience I would say is the Equaliser and the SBEE engine. It makes the music pops out and some details (such as higher frequencies usually drowned out). I tried with and without the DSEE, there are differences if you listen to acoustic but not so when it is louder music (like RAP, ok, except Ice Ice Baby with the high cymbal playing in the background I swore Ice was in front of you).
Everyday Usage
I managed to pair the unit to my phone, both my Garmin and my laptop. I noticed that once the EQ and DSEE is set from the app, the bud carry over the same profile in all of the units. Music sound same from all the playback devices (phone, Garmin and Laptop). It is light but solid enough to be worn more than 2 hours at anytime. It promises 10hours of playback on the bud, and 10hours on the charging case; both unlikely for me to exceed. Be reminded, while this earbuds makes me very happy to be able to enjoy music, my wife ain't too pleased as I could not hear her talking to me and often has to wave to get my attention. My Bose QC35 is great with ANC but not suitable to wear in non-AC for long time as it cover the ear = hot!.
Sports Usage
I must say I am impressed with the fitting. I took this out for 3 consecutive runs and the buds remained solidly in my ear at any pace. I can hear the voice feedback perfectly fine and with traffic around me as well (I run with one side only for safety). I believe as long as the unit is not removed, hence preventing the tip from getting wet/allowing perspirations to cover the ear canal, the unit will stay solidly in the ear. The only irritating thing? Because it is in-ear/canal the feet landing vibration will be amplified in the ear canal and you can hear your own footstep. This isn't a problem for Bone Conduction system as it vibrates outside your ear. The IP4X works great as well, but I avoid premature damage by not running it in water - merely wiping it with a damp cloth and air dry after every usage.
Extended Usage
Beyond music, this earbud works great in phone calls and conference calls (MS Team tested) with the counterparty confirming they are able to hear me perfectly fine. There is also no noticeable lag in transmission once it is connected. I can now have an alternative to the wired headset that can be uncomfortably hot due to our weather. Sound quality did not suffer like some earbuds that sort of switches between music profile and voice profile.
Pros
Great fitting on my ear
Good sound isolation shutting out most ambience noises
Decent clarity for music and voice with DSEE
Good bass that makes you want to tap your feet
Not overwhelming sound pressure, Clear Bass technology works
No issues for high impact sports
Cons
Considered to be expensive if not on discount
Still expensive despite discounted pricing as there are sub RM100 earbuds that may perform similarly
Not fully splash-proof
Gonna say no ANC but hey, it's Sony's budget earbuds
The Sony WF-500 is rated/voted as best budget wireless earbuds on many tech sites in 2022 and still showed up as a good deal in 2023. Read about them here and here and here and here
A good pair of trail shoe doesn't only perform in the trail, but also off the trail. When I first started adventure races (trail, mountain biking, skyrunning) what seems like eternity (read: 20 years), I could only afford one shoe to be used for all sports. Fast forward to today, i am now spoilt by the choices I have now even for my daily training. For the record, my last pair of Brooks Trail shoe was Cascadia 5. Between then and now, I had other brands trail shoes which given me a lot of different experience and joy, but nothing could had replaced the feel of Cascadia 5.
A month ago, I was given a pair of Cascadia 16 from my sponsor Sports Paragon (Authorized Distributor of Brooks Running in Malaysia) in conjunction with the Prime Trail Run that will take place on July 22. If you have not heard of it, it is a 10km or 18km trail race at Sungai Batangsi. Pretty solid trail experience based on the popularity of trail races that has taken place here in the past months. If you are interested to join, apply my code PTR23EEVAN5 to get 5% off the package deal or general entry fee at check out. Link in the photo below.
Cascadia is known as one of the best trail running shoes around. It's reputation precedes it's name. I have worn Cascadia3, 4 and 5, and each iteration just get better. The folks in Brooks Running did what they do best with Cascadia - they kept what really work that made them top notch, and they continue to improve as foam technology improves over the year. Some reviewers of Cascadia 14 and 15 has mixed review of the last two iteration, with most complaining of less responsive midsole and that the run felt flat and unlively.
Nice colorway and profile
But things changed by the same reviewers with Cascadia16, and it is easy to know why when you read previous reviews, and hold the new iteration in your hand. I admit that when I held this in my hand, i wanted to put it on and go for a (trail) run; wife forbid me from doing so as it was already close to midnight when I got home from the Sports Paragon Spring 2024 Preview. Bonus is that I have been asked to present myself at the location of the upcoming Prime Trail Run to test the shoe out, apart from being one of the three ambassador to pose for the camera.
DNA Loft Version 2
To start with, Cascadia16 promised to be 5% softer and 20% lighter even with a 29mm and 21mm stack height which gives it a 8mm drop. It is 2mm taller than last version. It is not as bulky as it looked as putting it into perspective of running super shoes, the Cascadia16 looked normal.
What this will mean in laymen term is you get a plusher, lighter and potentially responsive shoe when compared to the previous version (Cascadia15). This new 16 comes with DNA LoftV2, which in Brooks' language simply meant "lightweight responsive cushioning". The blend of EVA foam, rubber, air and nitrogen in the right proportion gave this 16 a breathe of freshness. You can say that 16 is literally rebuilt from bottom up while keeping up with the Cascadia never fail delivery.
Boxy and big toe area. Feet gonna be happy. That darker brown area is Gore-Tex!
The upper is engineered mesh and majority of the upper is covered with TPU-film which simply meant it will continue to protect the feet no matter what you come in contact with. Adding to that, the toe protection on the upper is very visible with the area has been increased and that carries over to both sides and continue to the heel section. This is important as this shoe will come into contact with sharp stones, gravels, loose rocks, branches, mud and anything else you will encounter in a trail environment. Bonus, the upper toe box light brown as you see in the photo is actually lightweight Gore-Tex material - which meant it will keep the upper-side dry as you run through ankle high grassy area.
Loving how they ensure you know it's a serious trail shoe - all terrain and all weather
Note the side protection on the upper (instep). Gore-Tex is the darker brown material
"taller" toe rubber front with visible deep lug gives you the confidence of grip
One thing that separate a good trail shoe vs a mediocre vs a wannabe particularly in Malaysian trail condition is the outsole lug. Many shoe manufacturer design their shoes to suit their location trail type - which meant the outsole may have a tighter/closer lug design, shallow lug depth, lugs that are easily chipped off and lug design that looked more aggressive in store than in outdoor. The key to grip is how quickly or easily these lugs can be cleared off mucks and mud that gather under the sole. In Malaysian trail, it can get very tricky and technical particularly when your shoe lugs get covered with mixture of mud and silt, and never clear itself when you cross a river.
The Outsole
You can see how open, deep and well constructed the outsole is. In case you wonder about the Ballistic Rock Shield, the Cascadia has been having this "plate" inserted in the midsole to provide excellent protection while not compromising cushioning and grip. In a way, you can say that 16 (or Cascadia generally) is "plated", just not for speed (carbon or any other material designed for speed). Spot them in the outsole - they are colored orange/red and yellow in this 16.
Open, deep, solid lugs. Take note of the red and yellow lining - those are the Ballistic Rock Shield
The Rock Shield is array of flexible plate inserted that moves freely with the shoe outsole. This way, it offer superb flexibility on the already cushioned outsole. You get a very forgiving ride no matter what terrain and assured grip whenever your feet land thanks to the flexibility.
TrailTack - sticky rubber compound for excellent tractions uphill, downhill and across streams. Yellow lines show presence of ballistic rock shield
Guiding the grip is the Brooks TrailTack, which is sticky rubber compound lending excellent grip and traction all around. The lugs felt solid and in array of forward and backward chevron. Definitely will compliment the TrailTack!
US 12 comes in at 370grams. Take note of additional Heel Lock holes at the bottom of where the laces is at. Great flexibility for customised fitting
The 16 isn't actually light by today's shoe standard. I wear an US12 (i go one up for my shoe to prevent black toenails) and this came in at 370grams. Not so much of an issue as it is roughtly about 120grams heavier than my lightest shoe i have (Brooks Hyperion Elite 2 comes in at 250grams). Pretty alright for the intend and purpose of this shoe with super deep lugs
What is that red thing?
The shoelace is stretchable weave flat lace which works superbly. Lacing is easy and stay in place. Once you get to the tension needed, it pretty much stays there. Because it is stretchable, it really help in allowing micro movement very much needed in trail condition as the feet get swelled up due to wet feet or socks. It is a very nice touch and I wish more manufacturer will do this on their shoes.
There is also a neat trick on the lace tongue - that red loop you see in the photo above is meant to tuck your laces down securely. just hold the loop, pull it up, tuck the lace in, and you are done.
Insole is removeable and with perforation to ease water dispersal
Another thoughtful design - this Velcro section allow you to secure your gaiter down
The heel collar is well padded and very comfortable. The tongue is padded and gusseted as well, which help to minimize the amount of soil/sand that could enter the shoe from the top.
Gusseted tongue, padded heel cup perforated insole
Take note how the tongue curve from top view, instead of having a straight line which may cut into your ankle
If you see the photos above, you will notice that the tongue is cut in a curved angle where it sort of wrap around the top of your feet or ankle. Instead of having a straight cut which meant there will be part constantly in contact with your skin causing abrasion or hot spot, Brooks made a small change that has a big impact on overall user experience.
First Run - First Feel
Aptly, the first run on this shoe was testing it out in the trail of Sg Batangsi. The trail is fairly technical with steep climbs and fast descent, sharp turns on the downhill and mix of gravel, silt and sand. River or stream crossing which is about ankle deep with expected slippery rock surface and rough small and large sand particles on exit. I was very confidence that Cascadia16 will take on these element and re-affirm my long lost experience of a really good trail shoes.
One with the soil, again. Eh look! 20sen!
The fitting of the Cascadia 16 was superb. Heel lock was good, lacing tension was easy, toes has so much room to splay out, tongue padding felt just right, upper felt flexible but at the same time "restrictive" of extreme movement. Most impressive is additional holes for runner's lock or heel lock. Superb customisation for fitting or for gaiters attachment. This Cascadia16 is built to every trail runner's need.
the two extra hole near the top of the lace
The stack height did not bother me at 29mm-21mm. Because it is at 8mm drop, your feet is in a pretty neutral position and you do not feel like you are tipping forward. Ankle felt neutral as my other Brooks shoe. When you wear the Cascadia16 BEFORE you enter the trail, you will think that the cushioning is well, at best average; the story change when you hit the trail. The DNA Loft V2, the Ballistic plate, the lugs, the everything Cascadia 16 just come alive. No rocks, gravels, branches, soft, hard surfaces you step on felt like it will trouble the Cascadia. Hiking up steep hill on the Trailtack was no issue, running up the same steep hill in a spirited pace felt sure and the power transfer is just there. No slip on the traction felt. Needless to say, once you gained the confidence that the Cascadia outsole can literally keep you planted on the ground, your zest to run down a steep decline kicks in. Jumping over ruts and landing surely? checked.
There was a stream in the route and I went all in to test how well the shoe perform wet. It was an opportunity to see how well the shoe disperse or drain out water. A wet trail shoe is not a nice shoe to wear more so if you got them all soaked up earlier in the run/hike/race. Happy to report that the water disposal was good. Infact to say good is an understatement as you can see from the video below, it just drain out from the ballistic rock shield and it got me thinking if there is actually dispersal channel inside the insole apart from the perforated sock liner.
The Cascadia16 dries pretty fast as well. The Engineered mesh upper work as it should to keep the shoe light and as dry as it could manage - only limited by the socks I am wearing as that too, holds water that slow down the drying. Nevertheless, It dries out faster than I expected it to be - like within 30mins after leaving the stream. Impressive.
On The Road with A Trail Shoe
I said this in the start of today's write up - A good pair of trail shoe doesn't only perform in the trail, but also off the trail. After the trail run (and yes, the shoe dried up), i took it for a short run to test. While the shoe on the road definitely lacks the energy return, the cushioning and the stable ride reminds me of my Ghost14. The higher stack height on the road doesn't bother me much as I have been spoilt by the like of Hyperion series. In terms of responsiveness and "road feel", i would put it between Launch8 and Ghost14. It doesn't (really) felt heavy as a trainer if you choose to use Cascadia16 more for road than for trail.
I ran with it sockless and had no issue. No hot spots or discomfort around the feet. A good trail shoe indeed need to provide you the same performance (of comfort) because not all trails races are 100% in the trail with some portion on road or gravel where a "normal" running shoe comes into play. You can take a trail shoe onto road, but you can never take a road shoe into the trail. Cascadia16 is a good example of the shoe that does all - and this is important if you are starting to find your running niche, but limited by your budget to get a road shoe and a trail shoe, so why not have both in one package?
The Brooks Cascadia 16 is your (almost) perfect answer.
Protective, stable, reliable, won't fail you in the trail
You feel grounded, yet you know the shoe will provide very good cushioning with the DNA Loft V2
While plated (Ballistic Rock Shield), it did not hamper movement
Stable with upper that help reduce lateral movement
Great fit and lockdown, secure heel.
No noticeable hot spot, including heel bite
Grip. Loads of it. No indication of slippage under faster pace.
Cons
Heavier due to construct as a trail shoe (150grams more than Elite2)
While not a con fully, suitable for easier pace run aka not a racing shoe on road
The Cascadia16 is available in all Sports Paragon and Brooks store in Malaysia. It retail for RM550. However, you can own it by buying it online at www.brooksrunning.com.my and use my code EEVANOFF25 for 25% off. Or you can use PTR23EEVAN5 for 5% off WITH free trail race entry.
More Discount??? You Want Cheap?
As part of my sponsorship with Paragon Vests under the Team Sports Paragon, I have a few discount codes you can use to purchase your next Brooks shoes if you want. Older models at higher discount is available in www.sportsparagon.com website. Sizing can be a challenge, which explained the better discount. If you want newer and better sizing, head over to www.brooksrunning.com.my and score a few newer models.
I have the full discount codes and brands that support me in 2023. But if you are lazy to click, here they are...
505km in 81 runs since Feb 2023. The Hyperion Max has technically reached half life service. This is the condition of the Max so far; While it did felt a little flatter due to mileage, foam integrity stays same without any obvious collapse, bouncy feel remain including the rocker toe off.
Some fatigue sign on the upper-foam near my small toe area, expected sole wear pattern due to my running (left side more heel compared to right, right side more midsole compared to left), some evidence of separation at the toe area between the traction pad which is not critical just glue.
Still look fresh
Forefoot minimal wear. Midfoot wearing out
Rocker sole uncompromised
Evidence that the rocker sole remains without the shoe flatting out
significant wear on the heel for my left shoe (pictured right) and significant wear on the outer right of my right shoe (pictured left)
Just put into consideration that the Max has been used 81 out of 86 days; 2xHM, many Speedwork, fartlek, and companion for easy run days. Travelled to US and Singapore with me, ran in those ground, and still very much in service.
I believe I found my long term trainer.
Get your Brooks Hyperion Max (or any Brooks) from SportsParagon.com and use SPEV02 on checkout for up to 55% discount, or use EEVANOFF25 at Brooksrunning.com.my for up to 25%.
The unit arrived a few days later, and I picked it up from one of the MBE drop off location. Can't believe i had to pay for self pick up! Capitalist!
The earbuds links with the Sony App called Headphone Connects which can control the EQ and toggle the propritery DSEE or the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine which restore sound compressed so you can hear a rich and natural sound which is almost exactly like the original source. It also support 360 Audio like Tidal, so if you are on Tidal account, this is one earbuds that will work with it.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
