The EDGE Bluetooth Wireless Headset
I was very intrigued the first time I saw the Edge headset. I’d never run with wireless headphones before. It’s always been the small earbud headphones from Apple Inc. in my household but the problem particularly for me was they never fit the small apertures of my ears. Over the years I have tried plenty of different headphones with earbuds that clip inside the ears but all of them had wires that got entangled when I did PT.
When exercising, I don’t just run, but I jump, do pull-ups, and flip around quite a bit to do burpees and ab-exercises. Wires have a tendency to get in the way when you’re exerting yourself a certain way. I couldn’t wait to try out the Edge Bluetooth headset from Redfox.
With the advances in technology, runners, cyclists and other athletes are getting away from the wired headphones and trying out the wireless versions now on the market. The Edge is supposed to stay in place during all activities.
They come in a really nice, sturdy, black protective case. Upon picking up the headset, I noticed how lightweight they are. The next thing I noticed were the ear pieces. They don’t actually fit inside your ear aperture but rest outside of them, right near the split where your upper and lower jawbones meet. This is good for some users because ill-fitting earbuds tend to irritate. They stay fixed in place and will not fall off Here are some of the specs:
Red Fox Wireless EDGE Features
- Make and Take Calls
- Listen to Music
- Built-in Microphone
- Never Falls Out
- Range up to 32 feet
- Rechargeable Battery
Red Fox Wireless EDGE Technical Specs
- Built-in microphone
- Controls for music and phone
- Bluetooth V2.1+EDR with AD2P & ACVRP
- 5-7 hours of continuous use – 1 hour re-charge time
- Li-Ion 3.7V, 150mAH rechargeable battery
- Use With: iPod, iPhone, Android, Smartphones, PC, Tablets and Bluetooth TVs
- USB to mini-USB charger
- Limited One-year Warranty
Field Test
The headphones stayed in my ears while exercising. There were no issues with them popping out. The lightweight frame is definitely made for athletes no matter how rigorous your workout. You can run, jump-rope, scale obstacles, lay on your back for ab workouts and not have to worry about tangled wire ruining your workout focus. They don’t bounce while moving. It has an ergonomic design that comfortably fits over the ears and wraps around the back of your head. You can wear it one of two ways.
Two things to note: A microphone allows you good hands-free cell phone usage and there is a single call-answering feature. There’s no need to shout. I took a call while running and spoke in a normal voice as I slowed my pace a little. Sound quality with the Edge is excellent.
Pairing with the EDGE is simple and only takes a matter of seconds. Once you turn the Bluetooth on your device, whether it is an Apple iPhone, iPad or other device, (Android) wait a moment a moment and it will activate. They also sell something called the SIDEKICK that gives items Bluetooth capabilities: items such as the Apple iPod, Nano, or your television, computer, treadmill, or other device will work. Many people use the EDGE for non-exercise related activities. Controls are very simple to use. Volume and the phone controls are grouped on one side and the play and music controls are grouped on other. The headset can pause/play, and track songs back/forwards, take or refuse calls.
The EDGE is available in six colors and has a very streamlined design. Charging is pretty quick and usually takes about an hour. Keep in mind that it is only good for two hours. For those who like to run/cycle longer distances you’ll have to revert back to your Nano. The battery is charged using a standard USB charger connection and the USB cable needed comes with the Headphone set.
Getting back to the headset positioning- the headphones don’t go into the ear. For safety reasons they developed the headset to allow ambient noises. This means you can hear the things you should while still being able to listen to the music coming in from the headset. Many times users of headset devices are oblivious to oncoming traffic or some other danger.
I have been told by the sales representative that it can be immersed in water for up to 15 minutes and still work once removed. That to me is a great feature. They run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Not bad for the price and it spares you the hassle of getting tied up to readjust. I like not having wires getting in the way. If you don’t like the bright colors, get it in something muted. These are good for two hours or less.
Summary
COST 5
They retail for about $99.00. The protective case brings the price up to about $120.00. Very affordable in comparison to similar models.
COMFORT 5
Streamlined, ergonomic fit. Can be worn two ways: right-side up, or upside-down. They will fit onto the cheek-bones, right back the ear aperture without falling off during rigorous activity.
DURABILITY 5
Have a durable finish. Is not affected by sweat and can be immersed into water, yet continue to function, after removal from liquid.
FUNCTIONALITY 5
Works wells for any activity. Cyclists and runners will find it very usable during aggressive activity, but other users can use it for weightlifting, mowing the lawn or just for talking on a handset.
WEIGHT 5
Very light-weight and not noticeable on the ears.
(Image courtesy of Redfox.com and jillwillrun.com)