INTRODUCTION

   We are all well aware that wires are almost a thing of the past in most areas of the industry and although at least currently wireless connections can't offer the same exact results still its preferred by most people since simply put it's far easier to deal with. Now for home use i truly believe that wires still have much to offer whether we're talking about headsets, speakers, gaming peripherals and pretty much everything else which is also why i prefer them as well but when away from home or the office things change drastically since comfort is what people care about the most (myself included). Now as i already mentioned in our previous review recently i started running in order to keep in shape so i started looking for a good Bluetooth wireless stereo set to listen to music and answer calls since i can't stand tangled wires and BlueAnt was ontop of my list with their latest PUMP HD Sportbuds model.

   BlueAnt is a global communications company dedicated to connecting people to the sounds that keep them advancing confidently through life. From delivering pulse-pounding beats to push someone beyond their limits to making sure every detail of a career-changing call is received without interruption, we feel audio sits atop the five senses. Our devices integrate highly advanced technology in such a way as to not overpower the user. We innovate when it will improve the customer experience, not for the sake of innovation itself.

   The PUMP HD Sportbuds is very much alike the SPORT Wireless+ by Jabra so once again we get two ear pieces connected together via a rather short flat tangle-free cable which makes it nearly impossible for them to fall from you while performing various intense activities like running and/or exercising. Also much like the SPORT Wireless+ the PUMP HD is waterproof (although it features a more advanced IP67 certification) thanks to the Kevlar and Teflon material used to seal the interior of the enclosures while the rubber coating on the exterior makes it easier for your ears to adapt. Under the hood BlueAnt has placed two 12.5mm drivers featuring their Energize HD audio technology (according to BlueAnt it produces audiophile-grade audio) along with Bluetooth v3.0 connectivity (supports A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, APTX, ACC) and a rechargeable battery capable of powering the device for up to 8 hours of continuous use. Unfortunately size-wise the PUMP HD Sportbuds are quite larger compared to the SPORT Wireless+ by Jabra but if they deliver on what BlueAnt promises that shouldn't be a problem.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

BlueAnt showcases the waterproof feature of the PUMP HD Sportbuds at the front of the box.

The features are presented in detail at the rear of the box in 5 languages.

You can take a look at the product simply by opening the front as seen above.

Inside the box you will find the PUMP HD Sportbuds, microUSB cable, user manual and several extra tips and stabilizers.

THE PUMP HD

I feel we should start with the extras found in the box so here we see 5 extra sets of silicone tips/buds, set of foam tips/buds (allow external sound to leak easier), 4 stabilizers (better fit but slightly harder to wear) and a small cable zip.

The PUMP HD Sportbuds weight a total of 33g and as mentioned earlier feature a nice rubber coating on most of the exterior.

To get a better understanding of their size we placed the Plantronics VOYAGER Legend right next to them.

BlueAnt has placed their logo on the exterior of both pieces.

The only buttons are placed on the right ear piece so from here you can increase/decrease the volume levels, play/pause audio playback and answer/end calls (all 4 via the play button). The charging LED is also present here right next to the playback button.

Part of both ear pieces is made out of hard polished plastic and here we see the model name.

Replacing the tips/buds is very easy since you just need to pull the old one out and push the new one in.

The microUSB charging port is placed at the bottom of the left earpiece (as is the rechargeable battery).

CONCLUSION

   The best possible sound comes from the best fit, that's what BlueAnt says about the PUMP HD Sportbuds and since they've also used their latest Energize HD technology naturally we had high hopes about them. Unfortunately much like the SPORT Wireless+ by Jabra once again we came to the conclusion that you can't possibly expect excellent sound from a pair of wireless Sportbuds. So although the PUMP HD produce good mids with even better highs they lack bass and by that i mean they really lack bass so during the 2 months I’ve used them i don't recall ever listening to anything resembling bass even with bass-rich audio. Of course the PUMP HD Sportbuds are not ment to be used on a daily basis and for long so they are mostly ment as a secondary set one which you will use only when you need the extra stability these offer and since i never had to use the extra stabilizers i really doubt anyone would have a problem with that. The IP67 enclosure also works as advertised since submerging the PUMP HD into a tall glass filled with water didn't affect it in any way. Moving the battery life well things here are less clear since although according to BlueAnt you have up to 8 hours of continuous use i hardly recorded roughly over 6 but at high volume levels so their estimate is probably on the spot at default/normal levels.

   At launch roughly a year ago the PUMP HD Sportbuds retailed for USD129/129Euros a price tag which i can't say I’d ever consider for this particular device even though it scores very good overall. That's not the case however now since currently you can find them at USD69.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). So are the PUMP HD Sportbuds even worth their current price tag? Well we all agree that it wouldn't hurt if BlueAnt was to bring down the prices inside the EU some more but even now the PUMP HD Sportbuds are quite affordable so unless you like listening to bass-rich content we really see nothing wrong with them. They produce good sound (minus the bass), feature IP67 rugged waterproof enclosures, Bluetooth v3.0 connectivity and a rechargeable battery that gives them up to 8 hours of life. Ontop of all these add the fact that they are available in 3 different color combinations (see the above picture) and you've got yourself a very good product that has a valid target audience which is also why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Design
- Rugged (IP67 Certified)
- Stability
- Stereo
- Bluetooth v3.0
- Battery Life (Up To 8 Continuous Hours)
- Current Price
- Bundle
- Available In 3 Color Combinations

CONS

- Bulky
- Lack Of Bass