To zone out from office buzz, most of us rely on a trusty pair of buds and a killer playlist to power us through the day. The catch? Blocking out your boss instead of the corporate goss. Here to solve the awkward fumble for the pause bottom are the JBL Under Armour True Wireless Flash In-Ear Headphones. Fitted with TalkThru technology to allow you to hear your someone talking to you without having to take your headphones out, the release marks the end of an era of awkward desk shadowing.
In case you haven’t heard. Under Armour is having a moment. After their high coveted sneaker collab with rapper, A$AP Rocky last year and partnering with The Rock to unveil an epic athletic wear line, the American sportswear giant is making waves in the fitness game. So when UA announce they were teaming up with the tech experts at JBL for the launch of their new headphones, we decided to investigate what all the hype was about.
Design
Having lost my last wireless pair to a poorly designed case, the sliding shell feature on UA charging case was a huge bonus. While it may seem gimmicky, the hardy exterior of the charging bay protects your buds from any nicks and scratches. Ok, if I’m being honest the vertical slide action also looks super impressive.
Setup
The set-up is a breeze - simply pop them out and power them up. Well not quite. The headphones come equipped with a range of earpiece sizes, so to ensure you get the right fit give them a quick ‘shake test’ before you start your run. Not only does it mean they’ll stay snug and secure during your rigorous workout sesh, but it also enhances noise cancellation level to keep you in the zone.
Sound
If you’re an audiophile or a beats junkie, stop right now. These are not the pair for you. If you couldn’t tell from the robust aluminium exterior, these buds mean business. Designed to withstand all the elements your punishing workout throws at them, unfortunately, means sound quality takes a back seat. While it might seem like a bit of a letdown when your muscles are aching and your T-shirt’s soaked enough to win a wet T-shirt contest, the quality of the deep bass isn’t your biggest concern.
Features
While I was eager to get rid of those pesky cord tangles, my hesitation to join the wireless party honestly came down to battery life. Not wanting to be cut short during a gripping episode of the My Favourite Murder podcast due to a flat battery, I had my reservations.
Fortunately, the UA earphones boast an impressive 25-hour battery life to power you through your favourite true crime podcast – a necessity for any lengthy commute or your morning run. Trust me you’ll never sprint faster!
Thumbs up
- Battery life
- TalkThru technology to hear your surroundings whilst enjoying your playlist
- Sweat and waterproof
- Winged ear tips for security and comfort
Thumbs down
- Sound quality
Final verdict
For a work out buddy that accommodates your questionable music taste and has you covered when your sweating the small stuff, UA makes for the perfect pair. And with the likes of The Rock jumping behind the True Wireless Flash range with his own limited-edition set, we know these buds aren’t shy of a challenge. Hey, if it’s good enough for The Rock, it’s good enough for us. See you at the weights rack. We’ll spot you.
