As an active mompreneur who is constantly fighting the
battle of the bulge, I try to squeeze working out regularly into my very busy
and hectic schedule. I usually mix it up
with Zumba or Barre classes, outdoor and treadmill running, spinning and doing
exercise Apps or DVDs when the gym is closed and it’s too late to go out for a
run.
battle of the bulge, I try to squeeze working out regularly into my very busy
and hectic schedule. I usually mix it up
with Zumba or Barre classes, outdoor and treadmill running, spinning and doing
exercise Apps or DVDs when the gym is closed and it’s too late to go out for a
run.
For most of my activities, I don’t need much equipment to
get moving other than exercise clothes and a comfy pair of sneakers. The only
other must-have is a powerful headphones because the pulsating bass and beats
of music help the time working out go faster. And nothing can ruin a good work
out than being stuck with mediocre earbuds that deliver poor sound quality.
get moving other than exercise clothes and a comfy pair of sneakers. The only
other must-have is a powerful headphones because the pulsating bass and beats
of music help the time working out go faster. And nothing can ruin a good work
out than being stuck with mediocre earbuds that deliver poor sound quality.
I usually stick with Sol Republic buds and was geeked when
offered a chance to check out that brands new Shadow wireless headphones.
offered a chance to check out that brands new Shadow wireless headphones.
I’ve seen others on people that appear heavy and bulky. No
thanks. But surprisingly these were very lightweight and fit comfortably on the
base of the back of my neck.
thanks. But surprisingly these were very lightweight and fit comfortably on the
base of the back of my neck.
To test them out, I used them while running outdoors, on a
treadmill, while doing jumping jacks and while spinning. The collar stayed put during
those rigorous movements. I like the freedom of not having wires to get in the
way and tangled up while running and breaking my stride.
treadmill, while doing jumping jacks and while spinning. The collar stayed put during
those rigorous movements. I like the freedom of not having wires to get in the
way and tangled up while running and breaking my stride.
A few times when not balanced they did slip but I chalk that
up to user error. All other times they barely
shifted. They could be worn all day around the office and used in lieu of those
wireless blue tooth ear pods that have one looking douche bag’ish.
up to user error. All other times they barely
shifted. They could be worn all day around the office and used in lieu of those
wireless blue tooth ear pods that have one looking douche bag’ish.
It has a mic because it also operates as a phone.
I imagine these headphones could be used also by a new
mother who may not want to wander too far away from her baby to answer the
phone. With her smartphone within range, when paired with Shadow, her hands are
free and baby doesn’t get tangled in the wires of a traditional ear buds. Sweet!
mother who may not want to wander too far away from her baby to answer the
phone. With her smartphone within range, when paired with Shadow, her hands are
free and baby doesn’t get tangled in the wires of a traditional ear buds. Sweet!
I tested out the
range while spinning at the gym. I was able to stream music from my iPhone
sitting which on a table across the room plugged in and charging. That was a lifesaver because otherwise the
smartphone’s battery would have died and I’d be music less for the rest of the
work out session.
range while spinning at the gym. I was able to stream music from my iPhone
sitting which on a table across the room plugged in and charging. That was a lifesaver because otherwise the
smartphone’s battery would have died and I’d be music less for the rest of the
work out session.
Each side has a section that houses either the battery and
volume and controls. Press on a tiny dot and when you see the flashing blue
light, you know it is on and ready to pair with any device that picks up Bluetooth
objects. When the batter is low, a guy tells you in your ear that the battery
is low to charge.
volume and controls. Press on a tiny dot and when you see the flashing blue
light, you know it is on and ready to pair with any device that picks up Bluetooth
objects. When the batter is low, a guy tells you in your ear that the battery
is low to charge.
The manufacturers, based in San Francisco, California, claim the buds are rain & sweat resistant and they fold neatly up and can be carried in a pocket or in your purse, wristlet or sports fanny pack.
Even after hearing that guy, I was able to use the headphones
for another hour for a total of about 6-8 hours before having to recharge it.
for another hour for a total of about 6-8 hours before having to recharge it.
And as I’ve come to expect from this brand, the sound
quality was superb.
quality was superb.
I think Sol Republic’s Shadow is worth the $99 investment
and you can pick one up in Steel Black and Rich Grey at Best Buy which is the only retailer offering it now. Others will beginning in June.
and you can pick one up in Steel Black and Rich Grey at Best Buy which is the only retailer offering it now. Others will beginning in June.
But you don’t have to wait that long if there is no Best Buy near you. Sol Republic is letting us give away one of these Shadow wireless earbuds to one lucky Bellyitch reader.
Simply enter below now thru midnight next week Wednesday, May 20. Open to US entrants only.