INTRODUCTION

   It's a fact that Bluetooth wireless earphones are gaining ground over normal wired ones but unfortunately exactly like the majority of normal ones there aren't that many models available in the market that can withstand the extreme requirements people who work out have. This is particularly true for runners since not only do the earphones need to stay glued on the ear at all times but they also need to keep working in the event of rain (or too much sweat). Now these two issues may not seem as very important to some people myself included but all the serious and professional athletes I’ve ever met in my life were always looking for the solution. Jabra was amongst the very first manufacturers to tend to that problem with their very good (for a wireless headset) SPORT wireless Bluetooth headset (we had the chance to test it roughly two years ago) and since we all know that they never stop improving their products it was only a matter of time before they introduced its successor. Well they did and so today we will be taking a look at their brand new SPORT Wireless+ Bluetooth Headset.

   Jabra is the brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN) - listed on NASDAQ OMX. Jabra employs approximately 850 people worldwide and in 2011 produced an annual revenue which amounted to DKK 2,106 million. Jabra is a world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of hands-free communications solutions. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back more than two decades, Jabra’s consumer and business divisions produce corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality.

   Although specs-wise the new SPORTS Wireless+ doesn't seem to be a lot different compared to its predecessor Jabra has made some changes for the better. So although we do get the same built-in FM receiver, Bluetooth v3.0 connectivity, AVRCP/A2DP profiles and military grade housing (IP54 certified) this time over the SPORT Wireless+ features improved battery life (5 days of standby instead of 4 and 4.5 hours of talk time instead of 4), has a 4mm omnidirectional microphone (instead of 6mm) and comes with a completely different bundle. Jabra doesn't say anything about improving the audio quality of the SPORT Wireless+ and that's probably something which will disappoint some people since the original although quite good couldn't compare to wired solutions at around the same price point. Personally i never had a problem with that since i never expect to have everything and when you get a stereo headset with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, military grade durability, very good battery life and a housing that hugs the ear and never let’s go then you obviously place priority in these features. However we also need to check the things Jabra changed/improved so let's get really close and personal with the SPORT Wireless+.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The SPORT Wireless+ arrived inside a small yet long box with a product picture at the front right above the picture Craig Alexander (5 times ironman world champion).

Both the package contents and the endomondo offer are listed on the left side while on the right side we see the unit's features.

Two product awards and the product description are placed at the rear of the box.

A message by Craig Alexander is the first thing you'll see once you take the inner box out.

The SPORT Wireless+ Bluetooth Headset is placed inside a piece of foam right next to a separate section used for the rest of the bundle.

This time over Jabra has paid a little more attention to the bundle so aside the SPORT Wireless+ you will also get a Velcro armband, 6 eargel pairs, fit clip, USB to micro-USB charging cable, endomondo promotional paper, get started guide, warning paper and a warranty information paper.

THE SPORT WIRELESS+

I wanted to start with the quite large Velcro armband (we used it with a 4 inch smartphone without issue) since it's not something we see with similar solutions although it can be very useful.

At first glance the SPORT Wireless+ are identical to the original SPORT but after taking a closer look you will see that instead of yellow the cable is not black and instead of black the default eargels are yellow.

The default eargels may actually offer the best audio clarity from all of the bundles ones but others keep the headset in place easier.

Jabra has placed their logo on the exterior side.

The activity (On/Off/Pairing) LED is placed at the rear of the right earset along with the volume/skip track controller and the FM on/off button.

On the exterior of the right earset we find the play/pause/answer/call/on/off button and the 4mm omni-directional microphone.

The micro-USB charging port is placed on the lower end of the interior.

Runners and athletes in general should be well aware of the endomondo application since it's amongst the very few out there that can help keep track of your activities via GPS. Compared to the free version everyone can have installed in their smartphone the pro version offered for free by Jabra for 3 months gives you access to even more features and gets rid of the somewhat annoying ads.

CONCLUSION

   The original SPORT Wireless Bluetooth Headset was very good both for its price and type but it didn't have the best FM reception while the audio quality although quite good was nowhere near to what you can expect from a wired earset at around the same price point (i think that really goes without saying). Well the new SPORT Wireless+ Bluetooth Headset improves on the FM reception issue, has slightly better audio quality (good mids/highs and plenty of bass compared to other similar solutions), offers cleaner transmission (although the microphone is smaller) and ontop of that it gets bundled with a very convenient Velcro armband inside which you can place your smartphone or your mp3/4 player without having to worry about falling out and a total of 10 eargels (5 pairs). Jabra also claims that the battery lasts more with the new model (always compared to the old one) but since we have both we can't say that the 15 minutes difference during playback is a game changer (although it's always good to get something better for roughly the same price). The 3 month free Endomondo Premium subscription is a nice bonus and can be very handy to people who can actually use it but i have to admit that I’m not one of them.

   As we speak the SPORT Wireless+ Bluetooth Headset by Jabra retails for just USD62.85 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 67.99Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). Now as we already mentioned if you decide to spend the same amount of cash on a normal wired set of earphones you will definitely get better audio quality but that being said chances are that the wires will not sit well with you especially if you happen to be working out or if you like jogging (if you're a professional runner/athlete wireless earphones are a one way) and that's pretty much the main reason behind the development of the SPORT Wireless+ Bluetooth Headset. So yes they may not be perfect just like their predecessor (what is?) but on one hand there aren't many similar choices in the market while on the other the recent price drop has made them even more affordable than at launch and these alone are more than enough for us to give it our Golden Award.

PROS

- Design
- Rugged (IP54 Certified)
- Stability
- Stereo
- Battery Life (5 Days Standby, 4.5 Hours Talk Time)
- Integrated FM Receiver
- AM3D Support
- Multiuse (Simultaneous Connection With Up To 2 Devices)
- Endomondo Sports Tracker Application (3 Months Premium Subscription)
- Current Price

CONS

- Heavier/Bulkier (Compared To A Single Earpiece)
- Audio Quality (Compared To Wired Earphones)