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You are here: Home / 2017 / Archives for June 2017

Archives for June 2017

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

06/26/2017 By Hakan Can

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

With so many brands and models out there, selecting a pair of over-ear headphones is a challenge. Priced just under $200, the Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro is an affordable pair of headphones at producing quality audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with 40mm drivers designed to deliver up to 35 kHz of audio reproduction. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus review.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Review

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Headphones

Pros:
• Creative, modular design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Very comfortable fit
• Cancels noise very well w/o advertising it

Cons:
• No wireless capabilities
• Only two color patterns available: Black & White
• Price of $200 may be too high against current competition

Read:   Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Custom One Pro Plus Design and Features

The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro headset has a modular design. By this I mean the vegan leather headband and ear pads, as well as the PVC covers and rings, are removable and replaceable. In the event of an accident where the headband gets torn or a plastic ring cracks, the headset can be salvaged with replacement parts. And if you know anything about 3-D printing and painting, I bet you could make replacement covers of your design. This creative task may be something worth trying.

The vegan leather headband and ear pads are very comfortable, the former so much so that I usually don’t feel that it’s there. The headband pressure of 3.5 Newtons and the use of some form of memory foam have something to do with this high level of comfort. It feels rather nice and holds firm on my semi-bald head.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right even though they’re labeled. Feel free to wear the headset backward; I often do depending on which pocket my mobile phone is in. There’s nothing unique about the yoke design, and that’s okay. I’ve seen this tried-and-true design on a number of headsets, with more likely to come. The yokes can twist roughly 10° with the cups rotating up and down approximately 45°.

The Custom One Pro can fit a wide range of head frames with its nine adjustable positions. Placement of the “variable bass reflex system” is spot on and easy to adjust with your thumb. Each adjustment adds an extra level of bass for a customizable listening experience.

Before I forget, the “Plus” in Custom One Pro Plus refers to the 16 sets of PVC covers included in the packaging. Keep the shipped covers on or replace them with another pair of your liking. An Allen Wrench is provided, so you don’t have to go looking for one. The overall construction is well executed and assures high quality. The left earphone includes a port for the audio cable.

The Custom One Pro Plus headphones are available in two colors: black and white. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

What’s In The Box?

• Custom One Pro Over-Ear Headphones
• 16 Design Covers
• User Manual

• 1/4″ (6.35 mm) Jack Adapter
• 3.5 mm, 1.5 Meter Audio Cable
• 3.5 mm, 1.3 Meter Audio Cable w/1-Button Control & Microphone

Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 96 dB
• Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 116 dB
• Headphone Frequency Response: 5 – 35,000 Hz
• Power Handling Capacity: 100 mW
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.2%

• Operating Principle: Closed
• Ambient Noise Attenuation: ~ 18 dBA
• Headband Pressure: 3.5 N
• Size: 5″ x 10″ x 6″
• Weight: 290 Grams w/o Cable
• Connectors: 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm included

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way, Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• John Coltrane – The Ultimate Blue Train

• Imagine Dragons – Night Visions
• Zedd – Clarity
• Mumford & Sons – Babel, Sigh No More
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

I repeat this time and time again when reviewing headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro over-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. Songs within each album were sampled on comparable $150-$250 headphones selected from the collection, and results were noted. When you’re testing headphones with 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 5 Hz – 35 kHz, you expect quality sound.

When you’ve got headphones with a “variable bass reflex system,” you expect terrific bass. After all, it’s arguably the main selling feature. Well, I’m here to report that you won’t be disappointed with the low-frequency spectrum; I certainly wasn’t.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Bass was impressive up to the highest volume setting and distortion-free throughout the high majority of the playlist above. There’s one exception, and I’ve heard it with numerous headphones. The large marching band drum sound on Night Visions lead track Radioactive is tricky. While these sounds were reproduced better on the Custom One Pro than my other $200 headphones, it’s not quite where I believe it should be.

Jazz instrumental, as well as lead and rhythm rock guitar sounds came out quite well. I enjoyed listening to John Coltrane, Mumford & Sons, and The Black Keys the most with the Custom One Pro.

Vocals were clear, but when compared to the bass, a bit on the soft side for my taste. The vocal reproduction of the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) sounded good but could have used more oomph.

The overall audio from the Custom One Pro was decent. If you ever see these headphones at a listening station, give them a 10-15 minute try out.

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Other Things I Noticed

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the Custom One Pro. The feature I disliked the most is the one the headphones are missing, and that’s wireless capability. Oh, how I wish these headphones were Bluetooth capable. Had they been so, then there would be more on-headphone controls. Here’s to hoping for an updated headphone, maybe something called Custom Two Pro.

These headphones have excellent external noise isolation better known as active noise cancellation. The odd thing is that Beyerdynamic doesn’t market this product with this feature. Let’s say you want a quieter home, then put on these headphones and ignore your surroundings and everyone who lives within.

With a frequency response up to 35,000 Hz, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Custom One Pro was capable of playing high-resolution audio. If you’ve got this headphone and a Hi-Res audio player, it’s time for an experiment.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Headphones with Customized Covers

This headset is well suited for use on an airplane, more so on those long-haul flights. Plug it into the infotainment system, recline, and enjoy the ride.

While you may want more volume, and many of us do, listening to music at the highest settings is counterproductive and can lead to hearing problems, so be mindful.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Conclusion

In my testing, the Custom One Pro Plus headphones performed well, but I would have liked more bang for the buck. It delivers clear vocals and strong bass at the highest volume setting. The adjustable bass feature is a big plus for those of us who listen to bass-heavy music. Also, the headset blocks external noise quite well, and it’s not even advertised as active noise canceling.

This sound isolation from your surroundings is excellent. I couldn’t hear a computer speaker that was directly in front of me while listening to music. The same goes for television in an adjacent room.

The headphones are exceedingly comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous listening. At a few years old, the Custom One Pro Plus are still among the best wired headphones of 2017. Unfortunately, they are priced a bit high against the current competition. With wireless choices and newer models available, I feel this headset is better suited at a list price of $150.

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus Review

These aren’t sport headphones, so I don’t recommend them for any aerobic activity beyond walking. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training, but this means you would need your phone beside you at all times. Ears do feel a little warm and sweaty when worn for an extended duration, especially under sunny, outdoor conditions.

What do you think of this Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro Plus review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Beyerdynamic on Twitter
• Follow Beyerdynamic on Facebook
• Follow Beyerdynamic on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Beyerdynamic’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The Custom One Pro Plus headphones come with a two-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Beyerdynamic provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Custom One Pro Plus headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   The Ultimate LG G6 Review on Verizon

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Beyerdynamic, Custom One Pro, headphones, Over-Ear Headphones 04/02/2018

Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB Gaming Mouse Review

06/25/2017 By Zach Can

Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB gaming mouse review

It’s now 2017, and Gamdias has made its presence known in the gaming market. With their love of customization and RGB lighting, you (design your gaming environment) make it the way that best suits you. Their ZEUS P1 RGB mouse represents it well with 16.8 million colors of RGB lighting and 12,000 DPI at your disposal. I’ve spent this month of June with this mouse, customizing and learning every detail of it. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB gaming mouse review.

Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB gaming mouse review

Pros:
• The mouse has a much smoother feel, more appealing to casual user
• Much higher DPI — 12,000 compared to 8,200
• RGB color scheme
• Textured rubber grips on the side

Cons:
• Only five extra buttons
• No ridges for thumb and pinky finger
• No weight system
• Couple of HERA settings are missing

Read:   Gamdias ZEUS eSport Laser Gaming Mouse Review

Gamdias Zeus P1 RGB Gaming Mouse Review

Design

When compared to the ZEUS eSport Laser mouse, the P1 RGB has a much simpler design. The latter has five extra customizable buttons instead of the eight on the ZEUS eSport. The streaming lighting on the P1 RGB is hard to creatively put into words. There are 13 small segments that have their own illumination. The Gamdias logo’s color is not customizable, and will always glow red.

Unlike the ZEUS eSport, the P1 RGB has textured rubber grips where your thumb and pinky rest, giving you more grip to the mouse. The mouse fits in my hand comfortably and doesn’t displace any discomfort. Resolution can go up to 12,000 DPI delivering insane accuracy. It comes with HERA software support that configures the lighting, macros, buttons, timer, DPI, and sounds.

The P1 RGB is missing a couple of settings from the eSport mouse such as “Straight Path Correction,” the ability to change X-axis and Y-axis DPI independently, and the “Lift Off Setting.” The P1 RGB isn’t the eSports model, and it isn’t trying to be. The P1 RGB does not have a customizable weight which did not bother me, as the weight for the mouse felt right. This could be an issue for others though. The P1 RGB tracks optically (using LEDs) rather than a laser. In the past, laser mice have been able to hit higher DPI’s. It’s obviously not a problem for the P1 RGB as it’s capable of 12,000 DPI. The eSports mouse can only achieve 8,000 DPI.

[envira-gallery id=”8481″]
Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HEBE M1 RGB Headset Review

Specifications

• Tracking Method:
• Dimension(L x W x H):
• Weight:
• Keys:
• Resolution:
• Polling Rate:
• Switch Lifecycle:
• USB Cable Length:
• Graphical UI:

• Advanced Gaming Optical Sensor
• 127.26 x 72.45 x 40.85 mm
• 125 grams
• 8
• 1600/2400/5600/8200/10800/12000 DPI
• 1,000 Hz
• 20 Million
• 1.8 Meters
• HERA

Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HERMES 7 Color Keyboard Review

Performance

I ran the ZEUS P1 RGB mouse at 2000 DPI for most of the testing but did try several different resolution settings. The 12,000 DPI setting was insanely accurate especially if you’re flicking the mouse around to make quick shots like in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO).

[envira-gallery id=”8482″]
Read:   Gamdias HERMES RGB Keyboard Review

Conclusion

As a big fan of the ZEUS eSports laser mouse for its grip, for me, the ZEUS P1 RGB comes in a close second. It can’t beat the thumb and pinky ridges of the eSports mouse. It was an easy transition switching from the eSports mouse after falling for the P1’s lighting scheme.

Both are great mice! The P1 RGB can compete in the eSports sector in terms of DPI/accuracy, but the grip comes short of the mark.

The P1 RGB works great. It fits my hand perfectly, is quite responsive, and its optical LED is highly accurate as it lights up alongside the HERMES 7-Color mechanical keyboard. If you’re just getting into gaming and unsure of what mouse to get, or you’ve finally decided to ditch your old standard mouse, this ZEUS P1 RGB is a solid winner.

The list price of the ZEUS P1 RGB mouse is $79.99. Fortunately, you can get it on Amazon for $49.99. In the US, each gaming mouse comes with a 1-year warranty from date of purchase.

Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB gaming mouse review

What do you think of this Gamdias ZEUS P1 RGB gaming mouse review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Gamdias on Twitter
• Follow Gamdias on Facebook
• Follow Gamdias on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Gamdias website to see their latest gaming hardware. The mouse comes with a one-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Gamdias provided Beantown LLC with one (1) ZEUS P1 RGB gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and is not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HERMES E1 Keyboard Combo Review

 

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware Tagged With: Gamdias, gaming mouse, ZEUS P1 RGB 08/01/2017

Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

06/23/2017 By Elliott Hall

Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

Crafting a good on-ear headphone can be challenging for audio manufacturers. Listeners expect the full-bodied sound and isolation of an over-headphone in a much more compact design. It is no secret that Beyerdynamic’s audio products are some of the best on the market, and they remind us how they have earned that reputation with these superb on-ear headphones. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Beyerdynamic T51i headphones review.

Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

Pros:
• Attractive, retro design
• Compact frame
• Comfortable fit
• Superb sound
• Soft shell case
• In-line Remote/Microphone
• Great isolation for an on-ear headphone

Cons:
• Slight ear-fatigue after wearing for a couple of hours or more
• Buttons on in-line remote indistinct to the touch
• Only one color pattern available
• 3.5mm cable is non-detachable

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

T51i Design and Features

I love the look of the T51i. The metal headband and frame give these headphones a vintage look. Beyerdynamic masterfully blends the old with the new, combining this vintage design with modern elements to enhance comfort. The ear pads and headband are made of a soft leather-wrapped memory foam. The ear pads are extremely comfortable and provide impressive isolation for an on-ear headphone. The earphones rotate 90 degrees for added comfort.

The Y-shaped 3.5mm cable has a nice malleable jacket that prevents the wire from becoming tangled. The headphone jack is a slim right-angle plug which works perfectly for carrying your iPhone in your pocket without putting stress on the connector.

Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

The inline volume switch works very well with my iPhone 6s for volume, play/pause, skipping and taking phone calls. To the touch, the buttons on the inline remote can be hard to tell apart, so when I first got the headphones, I would often pause the track when trying to adjust the volume. However, after a few days of using the headphones, you get used to the position of the remote’s buttons, and it works seamlessly. It would be welcoming to see a detachable mini-cable for these headphones since the hardware will likely outlast the cabling.

Overall the build quality of the T51i is outstanding.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 111db
• Maximum Sound Pressure Level: 131 dB
• Headphone Frequency Response: 10Hz – 23kHz
• Power Handling Capacity: 100 mW
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Transducer Type: Dynamic

• Operating Principle: Closed
• Cable Lengths: 1.2 Meters Each
• Headband Pressure: 2.5 N
• Size: 7.8″ x 2.7″ x 8.3″
• Weight: 174 Grams
• Connector: Mini Stereo Jack Plug (3.5mm)

What’s In The Box?

• T51i On-Ear Headphones
• Carrying Case
• In-Flight Adapter

• 3.5mm Adapter for Non-Apple Devices
• ¼” Adapter
• User Manual

[envira-gallery id=”8452″]

Music Playlist

• SZA featuring Kendrick Lamar – Doves In The Wind
• Chon featuring ROM – Glitch
• Sade – Paradise

• Derek Trucks Band – This Sky
• The Red Hands – Vibes

Read:   Here are the JBL Bluetooth Headphones set for release in early 2017

Audio Performance

When it comes to sound, Beyerdynamic has always set the bar for competitors, and with the T51i, they have created an on-ear headphone that is a cut above the rest. These headphones are exceptionally articulate in reproducing detailed sounds but are never harsh.

The overall sound is warm yet balanced. I was pleasantly surprised with the bass presence on the T51i; the low end is thick, but not overwhelming. Beyerdynamic does a great job here at creating a versatile headphone for all genres of music. I enjoyed listening to a variety of different artists on the T51i. From the thicker production sounds of Hip-Hop and Rhythm and Blues to the articulate and delicate sounds of Classical and Jazz… the T51i does it all.

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Conclusion

Beyerdynamic’s T51i is one of the best on-ear headphones on the market. With high-quality materials, superb sound and great comfort; few on-ear headphones can compete. For Apple iPhone/iPod/iPad users, the inline remote works great, and the eye-catching retro design makes the T51i the full package in the world of on-ears.

The headphones are comfortable but can cause slight ear fatigue after wearing for a couple of hours. At $189, the T51i is one of the best on-ear headphones you can get your hands on and are priced well against their competition. I highly recommend you try them out.

Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

What do you think of this Beyerdynamic T51i headphones review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Beyerdynamic on Twitter
• Follow Beyerdynamic on Facebook
• Follow Beyerdynamic on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Beyerdynamic’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The T51i headphones come with a two-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Beyerdynamic provided Beantown LLC with one (1) T51i headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Beyerdynamic, headphones, On-Ear Headphones, T51i 06/25/2017

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

06/21/2017 By Hakan Can

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

With so many models available, selecting a pair of over-ear headphones has never been easy. Priced at $200, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is an affordable pair of headphones at producing high-quality audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with 40mm drivers designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. After using these headphones extensively in and outside my home, I can confidently say that they’re among the best $200-priced headphones I’ve listened to yet, maybe even the best from Plantronics. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

Pros:
• Creative, modern design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Feature rich with superb sound
• Very comfortable fit
• Great battery life of up to 24 hours

Cons:
• Active noise canceling is not up to par
• No wall outlet plug included
• Only two color patterns available
• Plantronics Hub App is lacking

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review

The 6 Things You Need To Know for Operating the BackBeat Pro 2

  1. To power on the BBP2, slide the power switch on. You’ll hear “Pairing” or “Battery High” or “Phone 1 Connected.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  2. To power off the BBP2, slide the power switch off. You’ll hear “Power Off.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  3. To pair the BBP2 to your mobile device, slide the power switch fully until you hear “Pairing.” The time this takes varies based on your device. Red and Blue LED lights will flash. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the headphones.
  4. Volume up and down is controlled by pressing and holding the bumpy black retractable dial on the outer left cup. A voice will activate to let you know if you’ve achieved maximum or minimum volume. The center button controls answering and rejecting calls, or playing and pausing the track. To mute the mic, press the button on the lower right cup.
  5. To forward or reverse a music track, press the (>) or (<) buttons for one second. Note: this only works in wireless mode.
  6. Play time lasts for a whopping 24 hours with a 6-month deep sleep standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 3 hours. You’ll notice a red light while charging and a red blinking light when the battery is low. I’ve never seen the latter as it’s yet to occur.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones where there’s little that you need to know for proper operation. It couldn’t be much simpler.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

BackBeat PRO2 Black Case and Cords

Read:   Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

BackBeat Pro 2 Design and Features

At first glance, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 has a fascinating design with an unusual choice of colors. Although dark, the browns and blacks do blend.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a dark brown colored vegan leather. These ear pads appear to contain some form of memory foam. Every time I removed the headset, the ear pads return to their designed state. You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right. A rather large “L” and “R” on the inside of their respective ear pad gives it away. The inside headband is made from a medium brown colored, perforated and breathable fabric. I got to say, it feels rather nice and holds firm on my semi-bald head.

The outer portion of the ear cups (or pads, whatever you want to to call them is fine) has five different hard plastic material looks. One looks like laminated fiber while another has a wood grain appearance and yet another looks like tiny glittering gemstones. As I stated, it’s an intriguing look which in full disclosure took some time for me to accept. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out.

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its dozen adjustable positions. Button and switch placement appears to be handled well. Had I been one of the product designers, I would have used one less switch and button and blended them into the faux wood grain portion of the ear cups. As an engineer, I know it can be done.Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset reviewThe overall construction is well executed and assures high quality. The headphones include a port for wired audio and another for charging.

Also included is a cloth carrying bag containing two zippered pockets, both with incredibly soft protective lining. Oddly enough, the top zipper is longer than it needs to be and led to some tearing off from the pouch.

As of today, the BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones are available in two colors, one of which includes the special edition version. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

Read:   The Ultimate LG G6 Review on Verizon

Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 93db
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm
• Range: 330 Feet (100 Meters)
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Codec: aptX™
• Bluetooth 4.0 Profile: HSP 1.2, HFP 1.6

• Size: 8.1″ x 7.8″ x 9″
• Battery: 680 mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 24 Hours
• Standby Time: 6 Months
• Charging Time: 3 Hours
• Weight: 289 Grams (0.64 lb)
• Audio Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, AAC

What’s In The Box?

• BackBeat Pro 2 Over-Ear Headphones
• Soft Carrying Bag
• Quick Guide

• 60″ 3.5 mm Audio Cable
• 19″ μ-USB Charging Cable

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way, Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

• Muse – Absolution
• Zedd – Clarity
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

I repeat this time and time when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 over-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. Songs within each album were sampled on comparable $200-$250 headphones selected from the collection, and results were noted. When you’re testing headphones with 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, you expect high-quality sound.

Vocals and bass were most impressive on the BackBeat Pro 2 and didn’t falter even up to the highest volume setting. Frankly, I didn’t expect bass to sound this good. The overall audio was high-quality and free of distortion. I know this because I conducted something called ‘The Electronic Music Test.’ I take an album from an electronic artist like Zedd or The Prodigy and put the headphones through its paces. (Feel free to insert your choice of artist who happens to play complex music using a variety of instruments and sounds.)

After having played albums from rock acts like 30 Seconds To Mars, Muse, My Chemical Romance, and The Black Keys, in addition to Electronica’s Zedd and The Prodigy, I can report that the BackBeat Pro 2 exceeded expectations and then some. Bass sounds were deep, rich, and even layered throughout the volume range. For instance, listen to Zedd’s Lost At Sea or Codec or Lana Del Rey’s Gods & Monsters. You can clearly hear layered bass sounds one on top of another. I have not heard bass like this from any other headphones in this price range.

[envira-gallery id=”8498″]

Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) plus Ellie Goulding sounded terrific. The vocals of all the female artists were more vivid than anticipated and an improvement on the more expensive Libratone Q Adapt.

Rhythm guitar while evident could have been a bit more pronounced. I would have liked a bit more here, matching what I heard from the vocals and bass. Edge Of The Earth from 30 Seconds To Mars didn’t quite have the strong rhythm guitar sounds I’ve become accustomed to with some other headsets.

On the flip side, you hear great guitar sound on Sister from The Black Keys, on top of terrific vocals, bass guitar and drum sounds.

The headphones took a balanced approach to sound quality with outstanding bass and vocal reproduction.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

The Plantronics Hub App and Other Things I Noticed

Plantronics takes the headphones market with a level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app that provides the user some basic information on their products. The app called Plantronics Hub is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. I use an LG G6 mobile phone which uses the Android OS and had no issue with the app.

While it’s not as in-depth as some other headset apps, you’re able to see the headset status and battery level, among a few other things. The best features are within the Find MyHeadset section. If you’ve misplaced your headphones, you can send it an audible tone and backtrack to where it’s been. Now that’s pretty neat.

Answering, ending, or returning the most recent telephone call is a cinch for the BBP2. All these controls are on the outer right ear cup. Like many top brands, there’s even the ability to pair two (Plantronics) headphones to one audio source. This feature is becoming standard within the industry.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

If you haven’t noticed by now, the BBP2 uses smart sensor technology. Whenever you put on or remove the headphones, different things occur such as the playing and pausing of music, and more. This too is becoming standard within the industry.

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the BBP2. The feature I disliked the most and is in need of improvement is the active noise canceling. Also known as ANC, this feature reduces unwanted noise external to your ears. In the case of the BBP2, the ANC didn’t reduce enough unwanted noise. By my estimate, it appears that noise cancellation is around 25% when compared to other headsets. If you’re outdoors walking around the yard like I do every day, you’ll hear my direct neighbor’s dog barking or the loud sound of Dennis’s lawn tractor (a neighbor from across the street) with hardly any reduction. This is disappointing.

When I mow my lawn, I wear another brands headset, not the BBP2, to crush out the external noise. And more often that not, that headset isn’t even turned on. My recommendation to Plantronics is that they incorporate varying noise cancellation settings on any future model. With this headset, ANC is best suited on an airplane, even more so on those long-haul flights. This way, you won’t have to worry about battery life.

While you may want more volume, and many of us do, listening to music at the highest settings is counterproductive and can lead to hearing problems, so be mindful. When switching on ANC, bass levels increase so much so that I prefer not to use ANC. Bass already sounds great without ANC; I don’t need more.

Read:   Here are the JBL Bluetooth Headphones set for release in early 2017

Conclusion

In my testing, the feature-rich BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones performed phenomenally. The production of strong vocals and clear bass at the highest volume setting was a breeze. Turn on the ANC, and you get even more bass.

These aren’t sport headphones, so I don’t recommend them for any aerobic activity beyond walking. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training.

The headphones are quite comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous listening. At $199, the BackBeat Pro 2 are among the best wireless headphones of 2017 and are priced well against their often more expensive competition. We recommend you try them out.

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What do you think of this Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) BackBeat Pro 2 headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Plantronics and Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Here are the AKG Headphones set for release in 2017

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: BackBeat Pro 2, Bluetooth Headphones, headphones, Over-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, Wireless Headphones 10/24/2017

Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

06/17/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Venturo sling backpack review

Two days ago I was in New York at the annual Pepcom Digital Experience media gathering. It was at this very event nearly one year ago when I was first introduced to Moshi. Now if you’re familiar with this website, then you know that we’re big fans of this digital lifestyle brand. What better opportunity would I have to travel with and demo their recently introduced Venturo laptop bag. So without any further delay, let’s take a closer look at the second of two recently released products in this Moshi Venturo sling backpack review.Bahama Blue Moshi Venturo sling backpack review

Pros:
• Modern look, lightweight design
• Five stylish color schemes
• Durable fabrics and materials
• Ample padding where needed

Cons:
• Zippers can be a little tricky getting around corners
• Designed primarily for men
• No rear trolley strap

Read:   Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Moshi Venturo Sling Backpack Review

Three months ago, Moshi, the west coast maker of premium backpacks, shoulder bags, headphones, protective cases, and other digital lifestyle products, presented their Spring/Summer 2017 Collection.

Per the press release: “Accessory designer Moshi introduced its new Spring/Summer 2017 bag collection, fusing sophisticated style with limited edition, marine-inspired colors for its classic Urbana briefcase, Urbana Mini handbag, and Venturo backpack.”

Earlier this week, we reviewed the first of two products from this collection, the Urbana laptop briefcase for women. (See the inline related post above.) If you haven’t read it yet, here’s your chance.

This second product, the Venturo sling backpack, is for obvious reasons, primarily, but not exclusively marketed at men.

As mentioned in the Arcus camera backpack review (which you should also read as it’s awesome, see the inline related post below), I’ve got over a dozen bags and backpacks. What I haven’t said until now is that the Venturo is the first sling backpack in my growing collection. Never having reviewed a sling bag was a bit exciting. Heck, I’ve never even owned one until now.Charcoal Black Moshi Venturo sling backpack review

Read:   Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

Super-Stylish On The Outside

From the exterior, you may have noticed that Venturo is made from the same high-resilience polyester materials with the same weather-resistant surface treatment that appear on Moshi’s 2017 bags and backpacks stated above. The similarities don’t end there. The Bahama Blue color that graces the Urbana also appears on the Venturo, and does it ever look sharp.

On the front, you’ll notice one across-the-front zipper, and one that is angled, both with tan-colored vegan leather trim. This angled pocket adds more character and style to the bag. Had this zippered pocket been perpendicular to the other, the front wouldn’t look as good. There’s also the now-standard square metal ‘moshi’ logo located on the lower right. This nearly-full-length front pocket can hold all sorts of paperwork for quick access. The angled entry pocket can fit one’s hand and best used for items like pocket change and a pack of gum.

On the back, bottom, and wrapped around the sling pack are three more tan-colored zippers. These zippers all have rounded metal handles with a stamped or engraved ‘moshi’ logo. The bottom pocket has a netted interior to hold either a beverage or a collapsible umbrella. Placed in an excellent location, this pocket will keep wet items at the bottom and away from the rest of the bag’s contents. The backside comes with a padded air mesh lined and vented back.Steel Blue Moshi Venturo sling backpack reviewAt the top rear, there’s a discrete pocket. If you want to hide those items that’ll make you most upset if lost or stolen (identification cards, wallet, passport, etc.), then I suggest this is the place to hide them in. For full disclosure, I had some difficulty fully opening this rear zipper as it kept interfering with the shoulder strap. The solution to this issue is rotating the bag forward on its side. Now you’ve got unfettered access to the discrete pocket. Finally, there’s the wrap around zipper which gets into the interior of the sling pack. As stated in the Arcus review, “the zippers and straps are of high-quality, and the stitching is put together well.”

There’s no real bottom to the Venturo, so there’s no thicker durable padded surface to protect contents against drops as seen on some other Moshi bags. In fact, I don’t recommend you putting this sling bag on any dirty surface. Use either of the padded top or side handles for hang it. This way, you’ll keep your sling pack dirt and scratch free.

Closing out the exterior, there’s a long, durable, and adjustable crossbody strap with a well-padded air mesh shoulder cushion. The crossbody strap worked like a charm across my chest. This cushion looks identical to the back padding, with the latter being denser.

The Venturo sling backpack comes in five color patterns: Bahama Blue, Steel Blue, Charcoal Black, Titanium Gray, and Navy Blue. In my opinion, the first three colors are the most stylish.Titanium Gray Moshi Venturo sling backpack review

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

It’s What’s On The Inside That Counts

On this recent trip, the Venturo’s contents included the following: two cans of soda, two t-shirts, one sweat jacket, one over-ear headphones, one battery charger, and one burrito from Pressed Cafe which was so good. Even with all this in the main compartment, the Venturo was comfortable around my body while walking up and down 9th Avenue and within the media event.

The inside of the sling backpack is broken down into three compartments. The first is the thickly padded laptop and tablet sleeves section which protect your 15″ laptop and 10″ tablet in the event of a drop. Should the bag get upside down, you need not worry about either device sliding out. A Velcro strap holds both in place.

The main compartment is about 4″ deep with more than enough space to hold all which I described above.

The third and final section is a thing of beauty with four well-placed and centered pockets. One is zippered with a breathable netted design, while the remaining three have Velcro closures. I was able to neatly store in-ear headphones like Moshi’s Vortex Air, two sets of USB cables and plugs, a sizable battery charger, a toothbrush, a pen, and more. Of the four Moshi bags I’ve reviewed, Venturo has the most beautiful and well-organized interior.Navy Blue Moshi Venturo sling backpack review

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

The lining of this Moshi bag is luxurious, and it’s throughout their 2017 lineup. This lining is exactly like what you see on similar, stylish bags 2-3x the price, for example, from the likes of Tumi.

This bag weighs 28.7 oz and has dimensions of 20.1″ x 4.1″ x 14.6″. For you Metric System users, the weight is 815 grams, and its dimensions are 51 x 10.5 x 37 cm.

Conclusion

How I went through life without ever owning a sling backpack is beyond me.

With all its features, the Moshi Venturo sling pack delivers plenty of bang in a stylish, modern design. When compared to sling bags from other premium brands, I believe the $120 price tag is more than fair. It’s become my current go-to professional bag.

All five colors (patterns) of the Venturo pack are available for purchase on either Amazon (see link below), B&H, or the Moshi website.

If you’re an urban or suburban professional, or some chap who likes to accessorize with a great-looking product, I believe you’ll be quite pleased with the Venturo. If you take great care of it, don’t be surprised when this sling bag lasts a decade or more. It’s made that well.

Based on everything above, the Moshi Venturo sling backpack is one handsome accessory and hands down one of the best sling bags for men available. If you’re more into messenger bags, then I would direct you to Moshi’s Aerio.

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

What do you think of this Moshi Venturo sling backpack review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best sling bags for men since its introduction? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi press page to see their latest product announcements. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. There’s a one-year limited warranty on all Moshi products. There’s also an extended warranty via product registration. We highly advise you take advantage of this.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Venturo sling backpack sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Moshi or Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: Laptop Backpack, Laptop Bag, Moshi, Shoulder Bag, Sling Backpack, Slingpack, Venturo 10/18/2017

Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

06/14/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Three months ago, Moshi, the west coast maker of premium backpacks, shoulder bags, headphones, protective cases, and other digital lifestyle products, introduced their Spring/Summer 2017 Collection. With Summer nearly upon us (Spring was almost non-existent here in New England,) we thought it was time to review their new seasonal offerings. So without any further delay, let’s take a closer look at the first of two new products in this Moshi Urbana briefcase review.

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Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Per the press release: “Accessory designer Moshi introduced its new Spring/Summer 2017 bag collection, fusing sophisticated style with limited edition, marine-inspired colors for its classic Urbana briefcase.”

Pros:
• Modern look, lightweight design
• Five beautiful color schemes
• Durable fabrics, weather-resistant

Cons:
• $150 price may be deemed high by some
• Designed solely for women

Read:   Moshi Vacanza Weekend Travel Bag Review

This is one Stylish Briefcase for Women

I’ve done something different for this review, something I haven’t done before. I enlisted the help of others. As I’m not the target consumer for this product (being a guy and all), I felt I needed a woman’s perspective. So I asked and received the assistance of a dear friend and her daughter on the review of this laptop briefcase, the latter can be seen in a few of these photos.

First impressions are important, and the ones I received from the two were most excellent.

When I tell you that these women say that the Urbana laptop briefcase is gorgeous, take my word for it.Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Read:   Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

From the outside, you may have noticed that the Urbana briefcase is made from the same high-resilience polyester materials with the same weather-resistant surface treatment that appear on the Aerio messenger bag and Arcus backpack. (See the inline posts on these reviews above and below.)

On the front and rear, you’ll see two left-to-right zippers with tan-colored vegan leather trim. You can’t help but notice the rear zipper stand out. It’s just like the one on the front side of the Aerio. Both metal handles are rounded with a stamped or engraved ‘moshi’ logo. These rounded handles complement, while at the same time contrast with, the square metal ‘moshi’ logo located on the lower right front of the bag.

Inside the nearly-full-length front zipper compartment is ample space for business cards, pens, paper, etc. The rear zipper compartment is big enough to fit one’s hand. Not sure you would want to put anything beyond a small notepad here.

As stated in the past Moshi reviews, the color combinations of this 15″ laptop bag are gorgeous. “The zippers and straps are of high-quality, and the stitching is put together well.” The sandstone beige, slate black, coral pink, and mineral gray versions are equally attractive to the bahama blue.Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Read:   Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

On the underside, there’s a thicker, more durable padded surface to protect contents against drops.

Closing out the exterior are the briefcase handles as well as the long, durable, adjustable, and removable shoulder strap with a well-padded, sliding, and removable shoulder cushion. This protection is identical to that on the Aerio. What you may not notice is the proprietary ViscoStrap™. This viscoelastic strap was designed to mitigate shoulder strain. My female co-reviewers use laptop bags regularly, so I know they’ll take pleasure in something that can alleviate shoulder strain.Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

What’s Inside

The inside of the Urbana is broken down into three compartments. The first is a thickly padded laptop compartment which protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops. Should the bag get upside down, you need not worry about the laptop sliding out. The full-length top zipper holds it in place.

The second is a two-compartment padded section which will hold your iPad or Android tablet, and another mobile device the size of a phone or calculator.

The third and final compartment is wide and deep, between 3-4″ wide at the bottom. It’s able to hold clothing, Moshi’s Avanti headphones, Moshi’s IonBank 5K battery charger, and lunch. We were surprised how much we could place in here with the bag still looking good. There are additional elastic pockets as well as one zippered pocket for your most sacred items, i.e. wallet, passport, etc.

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If you haven’t noticed, the lining of the Urbana bag is luxurious. It’s what you see throughout Moshi’s 2017 bag lineup. And it’s similar to stylish bags 2-3x Urbana’s $150 price.

This laptop bag weighs 30.2 oz and has dimensions of 16.5″ x 11.4″ x 3.9″. For you Metric System users, Urbana’s weight is 857 grams, and its dimensions are 42 x 29 x 10 cm.Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Conclusion

I happened to surprise the daughter of my dear friend when I said she could keep the Bahama Blue Urbana sample. The beaming smile from her and the middle finger from her mom, who had hoped I would gift it to her, will be a lasting impression in my mind.

There’s nothing unique about the sample I received as it came direct from the warehouse. Should you purchase one, yours would be identical in quality.

For what it offers, this Urbana briefcase delivers on its promises to the professional woman. It protects your electronics and more in a lightweight, stylish, and modern design. When compared against bags from other premium brands, we believe the $150 price tag is more than fair.Moshi Urbana Briefcase ReviewAll five color patterns of the Urbana bag are available for purchase on either Amazon (see link below), B&H, or the Moshi website.

Whether you’re an urban or suburban professional or someone who likes to accessorize with a beautiful product, I believe you’ll be most happy with the Urbana laptop bag. And just like Moshi’s other bags, don’t be surprised when this bag lasts a decade or more. It’s made that well.

Moshi Urbana Briefcase Review

What do you think of this Moshi Urbana briefcase review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best laptop bags for the professional woman available in 2017? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
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• Follow Beantown on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi press page to see their latest product announcements. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. There’s a one-year limited warranty on all Moshi products. There’s also an extended warranty via product registration. We highly advise you take advantage of this.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Urbana laptop briefcase sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Moshi or Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: Briefcase, Laptop Bag, Moshi, Shoulder Bag, Urbana 09/13/2017

Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

06/07/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Before ever hearing of Moshi, the west coast maker of premium backpacks, shoulder bags, headphones, protective cases, and other digital lifestyle products, an event took place in San Francisco where a new laptop messenger bag (and more) was introduced. Fast forward to mid-2017, and Moshi has what some consider one of the best messenger bags for men or women since. When I finally got my hands on one, I was immediately impressed with its look and feel. So without any further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Moshi Aerio messenger bag review.Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Pros:
• Modern look, lightweight design
• Three handsome color schemes
• Durable fabrics and materials
• Ample padding where needed

Cons:
• $150 price may be deemed high by some
• No water bottle holder

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Per the press release: “The newest addition to Moshi’s line of stylish, tech-savvy bags, Aerio is an ergonomic messenger bag featuring premium materials and modern design.”

One Stylish Modern Design

When I state that his laptop messenger bag looks great, it’s not an overstatement.

From the outside, you may have noticed that Aerio is made from the same high-resilience polyester materials with the same weather-resistant surface treatment that appear on the Arcus backpack. (See the inline post of our backpack review below.) The similarities don’t end there. Aerio’s two original color patterns and its lining were transferred to the Arcus as well.

On the front and rear, you’ll notice two left-to-right brown zippers with tan-colored vegan leather trim. You can’t help but notice the front and top rear zippered areas stand out, and each zipper handle is unique. The front metal handle is rounded with a stamped or engraved ‘moshi’ logo. The rear metal handle has an embossed surface for better grip.Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag ReviewInside the full-length rear compartment is a pocket for business cards, larger documents, and files, as well as a strap w/carabiner for your keys. I’ve seen this carabiner feature on other bags and found it most useful. Just above/below this rear zipper is padded top handle and the rear trolley strap for transport on rolling luggage, respectively.

As stated in the Arcus review, “the color combination of this titanium gray backpack is gorgeous. The zippers and straps are of high-quality, and the stitching is put together well.” The charcoal black and the harder-to-find herringbone gray versions are equally attractive.

Regarding this herringbone gray variant release, Michael Leonhard, President of Moshi said the following: “Our 2016 Fall/Winter Bag Collection takes you from boardroom to happy hour with effortless, elegant style. Reminiscent of a high-end, tailored business suit, our limited edition seasonal collection uses a sharkskin color to complement Fall/Winter color palettes while its intricate herringbone pattern adds body and texture to the bags.”

How I would have loved to see the latter.Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag ReviewFlipping the messenger flap over, you’ll notice another zippered compartment as well as a hidden one. Are two pockets needed here? In my opinion ‘No,’ but the addition of the hidden pocket adds to the character of the bag, and an overall better look. Still, these compartments aren’t what’s best here. This is reserved for the discrete locking hardware. Without the hidden locks, the Aerio messenger bag would be more ordinary and less modern looking.

On the underside, there’s a thicker, more durable padded surface to protect contents against drops.

Closing out the exterior, there’s a lengthy, durable, and adjustable shoulder strap with a well-padded, sliding, and removable shoulder cushion. What you may not notice and I probably wouldn’t have had I not read everything is the proprietary ViscoStrap™. This viscoelastic strap was designed to mitigate shoulder strain. As someone who uses shoulder and messenger bags regularly, I’ll try anything which can alleviate that strain.Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Read:   Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

It’s What’s On The Inside That Counts

I always liked this phrase.

The inside of the Aerio is broken down into two compartments. One is a thickly padded laptop compartment which protects your 15″ laptop in case of drops. Should the bag get upside down, you need not worry about the laptop sliding out. A Velcro strap holds it in place.

The second has an expandable padded pocket that supports (encased) headphones like Moshi’s Avanti, a padded 10″ tablet sleeve, and three thinner pockets for items like toothbrushes, pens, or a battery charger like the Moshi IonBank. This second and spacious main compartment is no less than 4″ wide at the bottom. You can fit an entire change set of clothes, plus have room to spare for a large sandwich.

If you haven’t noticed by now, the lining of this Aerio bag is luxurious, and it’s throughout. It’s what you would see on similar, stylish bags 2-3x the price, for example, from the likes of Tumi. Bags within Moshi’s 2017 lineup also contain this lining.

This messenger bag weighs 32.8 oz and has dimensions of 16.93″ x 5.91″ x 11.02″. For you Metric System users, the Aerio’s weight is 930 grams, and its dimensions are 43 x 15 x 28 cm.Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag Review

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Conclusion

For what it offers, this Aerio messenger bag delivers on its promises. It protects your digital lifestyle products in a stylish, modern design. When compared against bags from other premium brands, I believe the $150 price tag is fair.

All three colors (patterns) of the Aerio bag are available for purchase on either Amazon (see link below), B&H, or the Moshi website. I recommend you read the Amazon reviews.

Whether you’re an urban professional, male or female, it doesn’t matter, or someone who likes to accessorize with a good-looking product, I believe you’ll be most happy with the Aerio messenger bag. Don’t be surprised when this bag lasts a decade or more. It’s made that well.

Based on everything I’ve stated above, Moshi’s Aerio messenger bag is one handsome accessory. For those of you who already have an Aerio, you know what I mean. And I bet you love yours.Moshi Aerio Messenger Bag ReviewWhat do you think of this Moshi Aerio messenger bag review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best messengers bags for men or women since its introduction at the end of 2015? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
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• Follow Beantown on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi press page to see their latest product announcements. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. There’s a one-year limited warranty on all Moshi products. There’s also an extended warranty via product registration. We highly advise you take advantage of this.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Aerio messenger bag sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Moshi or Beantown LLC © 2015-2017.

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: Aerio, Laptop Bag, messenger bag, Moshi, Shoulder Bag 06/08/2017

Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

06/04/2017 By Hakan Can

Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

Back in January at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I got to spend some time with the good folks at Moshi, the west coast maker of premium backpacks, shoulder bags, headphones, protective cases, and more. As with any brand at CES, I got to see a sample of their upcoming products. To my delight, they were about to introduce the Arcus backpack, an all-around, versatile backpack which doubles as a professional photography bag. My first impression was very positive, and I looked forward to reviewing this in the coming months. So without any further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Moshi Arcus camera backpack review.

Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

Pros:
• Modern look, lightweight design
• Beautiful color schemes
• Durable fabrics and materials
• Crush-resistant top section

Cons:
• Zippers can be a little tricky getting around corners
• Shoulder straps could use a bit more padding
• Price may be deemed high by some

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack Review

When you’ve got a lot of great things to say about a backpack, you almost don’t know where to begin.

Allow me to provide you with some background. I’ve got about a dozen shoulder bags and backpacks, give or take a couple. And they’ve all been accumulated over the past few years. I think it’s safe to say that I’ve become somewhat of a backpack/shoulder bag collector, maybe even an expert.

In doing research for this post, it became somewhat of a challenge to compare the Moshi Arcus backpack only against others from much larger brands. I make this statement coming from a lot of angles. For one, the Arcus is is a multipurpose backpack which for all intense purposes is a stylish camera backpack. If I were to compare it against camera backpacks from such brands as Peak Design, Tenba, or Think Tank Photo, then it’s on par with features, quality, and price. I feel this speaks highly of the Arcus.Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack ReviewBut I also have to look at this comparison through a fashion lens. As Moshi is a premium product brand, I need to compare their product(s) against those from Kelly Moore, ONA Bags, and VINTA, just to name a few. So not only am I reviewing a camera backpack against those from (what I refer to as) mass-produced, non-stylish brands, but also those from the smaller, more fashionable brands.

Open up one of those large photography product catalogs, or visit any of the above-stated brands’ websites, and you’ll see that the Arcus stands against them. It turns out that this backpack is well-priced against its competition.

On a side note, I took some pleasure comparing Moshi’s Arcus versus the VINTA S-Series.

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

A Solid Backpack Design

When I mean this backpack has a solid design, it’s beyond the literal.

Starting from the top, the Arcus backpack comes with a crush-resistant compartment. As someone who travels around with more than one pair of glasses, I often worry about the condition of those that aren’t being worn. Now you can worry less about your phone, (sun)glasses, or in-ear headphones.

Taking this up a notch, you should know that this compartment’s surface has been treated to be weather-resistant. Not only will you worry less about items being crushed, but you’ll also worry less about these items getting wet.

Note: This is not the first Moshi product with a crush-resistant feature. Their Avanti headphones come with a crush-resistant case. The sound the compartment (or case) makes is like knocking on a door. It’s some mighty fine protection. How cool is this?Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack ReviewEntry into this compartment is through a hidden zipper above the main strap. Tucked away inside is a tan-colored vegan leather strap. All four vegan leather straps are accented with brown zippers. The Arcus backpack has four more brown zippers and one hidden tan zipper, but these surround metal straps.

Why all nine zippers don’t have straps of the same color or material is a question I can’t answer. What I can say is that the choices Moshi made here work very well. You can’t help but notice how the front and top rear zippered areas stand out. The front metal handle is unique in that it’s the only one that’s rounded. Plus, it contains a stamped or engraved ‘moshi’ logo. This rounded handle complements the square metal ‘moshi’ logo located on the lower right front of the bag.

The color combination of this titanium-gray backpack is gorgeous. The zippers and straps are of high quality, and the stitching is put together well. The charcoal black version is equally attractive.

Working our way down from the crush-resistant top there’s a zipper which wraps around three-quarters of the bag. This zipper opens the main compartment, and what a spacious compartment it is. You can fit an entire change set of clothes, plus a pair of shoes, and have room to spare. On the underside of the top compartment, there’s even a netted storage space for smaller items. This time, closure is handled via velcro instead of a zipper.

The Arcus multi-function backpack weighs 44 oz and has dimensions of 9.25″ x 5.91″ x 18.9″.Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack ReviewThere’s one other way into the main compartment, and it’s through a side-zipper. It’s what you typically see on today’s photography backpacks. More on this below.

If you haven’t noticed by now, the lining on this Arcus backpack is luxurious. It’s what you would expect to see on similar, stylish bags and backpacks 2-3x the price, for example, from the likes of Tumi. Other bags in Moshi’s 2017 lineup also contain this lining. You even get a large storage bag for the Arcus. If you’re not using the backpack for an extended period, store it, and prevent it from getting accidentally damaged around your home. It’s these little things that set the premium brands apart from the lesser rivals.

To prevent the Arcus’ high-resilience polyester material from getting dirty, scuffed, or worse, the backpack’s underside has two rubber feet.

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The Backside

I’ve already taken you through the front and top so let’s now head over to the rear.

The Arcus backpack comes with a padded air-mesh lined adjustable shoulder straps with a similarly lined vented back. There’s even an adjustable, detachable sternum strap (which I always use.) The bag also has eight attachment points on the shoulder straps. If you’ve got something needing to be attached, these are the places to do it.

The backside incorporates as Moshi puts it “two discrete zippered pockets.” If you want to hide those items that’ll make you most upset if lost or stolen (identification cards, wallet, passport, etc.), then I suggest one of these two pockets to hide them in. My preference would be the top pocket.

The electronics device compartment is a beautifully, well-organized one. In addition to the lining mentioned above, this full-length (zippered) compartment has individually padded spaces for a 15″ laptop, a full-size tablet, a phablet, and two smartphones. I know they fit because I tested all five pockets with my mobile devices.Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack ReviewLike any other backpack, there are two sides. One side contains two adjustable straps, the lower of which has a pocket for the holding the largest of water bottles. Better yet, you can slide something like an umbrella or tripod through and have your drink container snug.

As mentioned above, the second way into the main compartment is through a side zipper. If you can’t reach the item you’re looking for through the top; maybe the side will do. If you’re using this backpack for photography, you have the option of using the camera insert.

There’s also another zippered pocket here, best used for easy access to a small notepad.

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Arcus Camera Insert Bag

As typically seen in many of today’s best camera backpacks, Arcus has the ability to protect a DSLR or Micro 4/3 camera, 2-3 lenses, and more with the Arcus Camera Insert (sold separately.) Slide the padded insert into the main compartment with its opening lined up to the backpack’s side entry and now you have easy access to your camera and its accessories. The insert is microfiber-lined in addition to having three customizable dividers.

If this camera case is something you desire, my advice would be to purchase it directly from Moshi. When you buy both the backpack and camera insert, the latter is only $5. If purchased separately, the camera insert will set you back $30. And for some reason, it’s $50 on Amazon.
Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack ReviewThe Arcus camera insert weighs 11.64 oz and has dimensions of 10.63″ x 4.33″ x 10.04″.

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Conclusion

For what it offers, this “lightweight, full-sized backpack that carries all of your gear in a stylish and modern design” delivers on its promises. If you break it down to all its high-end features, I think you can justify its $230 price tag.

Now I’m sure many of you are trying to wrap your head around the price tag. Full disclosure–so was I at first, but that moment passed. I can thank researching this post for that.

Let’s say you’re an urban professional, male or female, it doesn’t matter, who likes to look good at whatever you do, or maybe you’re a professional photographer. Ask yourselves this question. What would you pay for a stylish, fashionable, practical, and versatile backpack that will last you many years? Now add this value to one that doubles as a camera backpack. I have a number in mind. What’s yours?

Based on everything I’ve witnessed over the years and stated above, Moshi’s Arcus is pound-for-pound, the best all-around backpack I’ve had the pleasure to review. You’re going to love it.Moshi Arcus Camera Backpack ReviewMoshi's Arcus is pound-for-pound, the best all-around #backpack I've had the pleasure to review Click To Tweet

Both colors of the Arcus backpack, as well as the Arcus camera insert, are available for purchase on Amazon (see link below) as well as on the Moshi website.

What do you think of this Moshi Arcus camera backpack review? Do you agree or disagree that this is one of the best camera backpacks of 2017? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi press page to see their latest product announcements. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. There’s a one-year limited warranty on all Moshi products. There’s also an extended warranty via product registration. We highly advise you take advantage of this.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Arcus camera backpack sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Moshi or Beantown LLC © 2017.

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Filed Under: Apparel & Bags Tagged With: Arcus, backpack, Camera Backpack, Laptop Backpack, Moshi 06/05/2017

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