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You are here: Home / 2019 / Archives for September 2019

Archives for September 2019

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review

09/23/2019 By Hakan Can

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

As someone who’s owned numerous flashlights over decades, I can say with sincerity that I’ve been disappointed with all of them. Most were hand-me-downs that were no better than a candle. Nowadays, we see TV commercials and internet ads for some amazing flashlights, tactical ones even, that can produce more than 1000 lumens with beam throws in upwards of 1000 feet. This brings us to the Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight. This “professional performance” flashlight puts out some amazing specs. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight 2019 review.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

Pros:
• LED has 50K Hour lifespan
• Tactical and outdoor modes
• Up to 1000 lumens
• Aluminum body
• Intelligent memory
• Low voltage indicator
• IPX-8 waterproof
• Small size, lightweight

Cons:
• Warm to touch at the highest setting
• Price of $72 may be too high for some

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

Head into a Home Depot or Lowe’s, better yet, head over to their respective websites and type in the word “flashlight.” You’ll see hundreds of flashlights, almost all sub-par, mostly from brands that aren’t in the lighting space. In other words, flashlights aren’t their main product line, they’re an accessory. So if you’re looking for a great light, then you’ll need to look into those from a great brand like Fenix.

As you can see from our Pros vs. Cons list, the former greatly outweighs the latter. To me, the $72 price tag (reduced from $99) isn’t an issue as you’re getting a high-quality product with a great warranty.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

There are only a few things you need to know about operating the PD35 TAC. With a slight press of the tail switch, you’ll see the light beam that was last used. So if you shut off the light at ‘Mid Mode,’ then it restarts at ‘Mid-Mode.’

Fully pressing the tail switch activates the flashlight. Pressing the stainless steel side switch once (and then again) changes the mode, of which there are five. Holding the side switch down for three seconds takes the light into tactical modem aka the strobe. It’s this setting you would use on a home intruder.

The PD35 TAC is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with notches, grooves, and cross-patterns throughout. This way the light should’t slip out of your hands.

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

The LED is the XLAMP® XP-L from Cree, which has a lifespan of 50K hours. The lens itself is made from ultra-clear glass. It also has an anti-reflective coating.

Are you worried about using the PD35 TAC in the rain or dropping it in shallow water? Well don’t be. The light has an IPX-8 waterproof rating allowing it to be underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of 2 meters.

The PD35 TAC measures at 5.4″ long x 1″ wide and weighing at approximately 4 ounces with installed battery. Speaking of batteries, you’ve got two options here. The model we received came with two CR123A batteries, but we would recommend getting the Fenix ARE-X11 rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 battery with charger. There’s no reason to keep tossing batteries out once they expire.

Read:   Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

Specifications

Tactical Mode
• Turbo: 1000 Lumens, 200 Meter Distance, 1 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• Low: 60 Lumens, 48 Meter Distance, 29 Hr 15 Min Runtime
• Strobe: 1000 Lumens

Outdoor Mode
• Turbo: 1000 Lumens, 200 Meter Distance, 1 Hr 10 Min Runtime
• High: 500 Lumens, 135 Meter Distance, 2 Hr 55 Min Runtime
• Mid: 200 Lumens, 80 Meter Distance, 8 Hr 30 Min Runtime
• Low: 60 Lumens, 48 Meter Distance, 29 Hr 15 Min Runtime
• Eco: 8 Lumens, 17 Meter Distance, 140 Hr Runtime
• Strobe: 1000 Lumens•

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

What’s In The Box?

• PD35 TAC Flashlight
• Two CR123A batteries
• Pocket clip
• Holster
• Lanyard

• Two spare o-rings
• Spare rubber boot
• Warranty card
• User manual

Fenix PD35 Flashlight Review 2019

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Performance

We tested the PD25 TAC indoors and out, during the day and night. We were thoroughly impressed with the results.

It’s crazy how good a product this is with its intelligent memory circuit and reverse polarity protection. Under most settings, the beam throw goes from one end of my yard to the other, and I’ve got a good-sized yard. The rabbits feeding throughout the yard become quite visible.

Think of the benefits of using this flashlight during a brownout or in the event your car fails along the road. The typical car engine light barely illuminates anything, but the PD35 TAC certainly will. And the PD35 TAC hardly takes up any space in the glove box.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found the PD35 TAC to be very comfortable and portable, true to its mission. The quality of light and its throw is most impressive.

The more I write about this product, the more excited I get about it. As a consumer technology writer, flashlights are on the edge of what we cover. While we review keyboards and headphones by the dozens, we only use one at a time, preferably a great one. The same could be said about flashlights. You, the consumer only need a great one. Having a second (that is another PD35 TAC) for your car wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

The cost of the Fenix PD35 TAC is an upfront expense some will balk at. Feel free to do your research, but don’t do so much that you’re now wasting time. Take our word for it; this product is worth buying. You won’t be disappointed.

What do you think of this Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight 2019 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. Should you wish to purchase this flashlight, click this PD35 TAC store link. We don’t earn a commission or anything.

Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019
Fenix PD35 TAC Flashlight Review 2019

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Fenix Blog page to see the latest announcements and reviews. The Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight comes with no less than a 5-year warranty on the light. If you have a rechargeable battery, there’s a 1-year free repair warranty. See the Fenix Warranty page for more information.

FTC Disclosure: Beantown was provided with one (1) Fenix PD35 TAC flashlight sample (2019 model) 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 © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Mobility Tagged With: 1000 lumens, Fenix, flashlight, PD35, PD35 TAC, tactical flashlight 12/11/2019

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100BT Headphones Review

09/12/2019 By Hakan Can

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

Back at CES 2019, Audio-Technica introduced its latest QuietPoint ANC wireless headphones lineup. Within the three new models, ATH-ANC900BT, ATH-ANC500CT, and ATH-ANC100BT, only the latter is of the in-ear variety. Engineered with dynamic 12 mm drivers and in-line mic and controls, these in-ear headphones are designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. Want to know if they hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Audio-Technica ANC100BT review.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

Pros:
• Exceptionally comfortable fit
• Battery life of 10-20 hours*
• Active Noise Cancellation
• Control clip
• Price of $99

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• Lacks wear detection
• Bass audio is a bit soft

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Review - SonicPro Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100BT Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. Slide the power switch to ON. The green light beside NC lights up as well as the blue light beside the Bluetooth symbol.
  2. On your mobile device, select the ATH-ANC100BT within the Bluetooth list, and your headset is now paired.
  3. To power down, slide the power switch to OFF.
  4. To charge the headset, place the supplied USB cord into a power source. Charging of the headphones takes up to 3 hours, and playtime lasts for 10-20 hours depending on how you use the ANC100BT.
  5. Play and Pause are controlled by the pressing the large round button in the center of the clip. (If you’re like me, you may forget that it’s there.)
  6. Volume adjustment is controlled via the “+” and “-” buttons located on the side of the clip.
  7. To advance or return to a previous track, press and hold the “+” and “-” buttons for two seconds, respectively.
  8. Regarding phone calls, press the Play/Pause button once to answer and disconnect calls.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Audio-Technica website, “The ATH-ANC100BT QuietPoint® wireless in-ear headphones combine Audio-Technica’s proprietary active noise-cancelling technology with Bluetooth® wireless technology to give you greater freedom and listening pleasure in areas of high ambient noise.”

The in-ear portion of the ANC100BT comes with a hard plastic outer shell in a somewhat glossy black finish. The earbuds are angled and noticeably so to fit your ears better. They’re fixed in position which is preferred by this reviewer.

The controller is located approximately two feet down from each earbud. The controller is intriguing as it’s an alligator clip design. On one end is the audio cable before it branches out to each ear. On the other is the USB connection for charging and to go wired to an audio player.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

On the wide-sided top are the mic, the circular logo, and the Play/Pause button. If you’re like me, you’ll forget that the button is even there and use Play/Pause directly from the audio source. I’m not saying it’s bad placement. I simply forget it’s there.

The opposite wide side has the alligator-mouthed clip with another AT logo. From my testing, the clip holds very well onto a shirt or jacket.

On the long, thinner side with the controls, there are the On/Off slider, noise-cancelling and Bluetooth light indicators, and volume push buttons.

Silicone tips come in four sizes: XS, S, M & L, plus there’s a Medium-sized Comply™ foam set.

One downside is the headset cannot be used while charging.

The quality of workmanship from Audio-Technica is high. In testing, the buttons worked flawlessly during music and phone calls. I was never worried about the cord being pulled out the controller as there’s plenty of slack.

“An internal lithium polymer rechargeable battery powers the headphones, giving you approximately 10 hours of continuous Bluetooth and ANC use on a full charge. The headphones come with a 30 cm (1′) USB charging cable, a 0.6 m (2.0′) audio cable with 3.5 mm (1/8″) stereo mini-plug, and a protective carrying pouch.”

Read:   Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $99.99
• Driver Type: 12mm Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 24 kHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Impedance: 16 Ω w/ANC
• Sensitivity: 102-103 dB

• Cable Length: 2 Ft Detachable
• Battery Life w/ANC & Bluetooth: 20 Hours
• Battery Life w/ANC only: 10 Hours
• Range: 10 Meters
• Charging Time: 3 Hours
• Weight: 30 grams w/o cable
• Available in Black

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Headphones
• Carry Pouch
• Quick Start and Caution Guides

• 1′ USB Charging Cable
• 2′ Audio cable w/L-shaped 3.5 mm plug
• 4 Pairs of Ear Tips + Comply Foam

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
• Tove Lo – Queen Of The Clouds
• The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

• Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy
• Shinedown – Amaryllis
• Halsey – BADLANDS
• Play List – Krewella and More

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality, followed by fit and feel. The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100BT in-ear wireless headphones were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above using my Amazon Music account.

This time around, I didn’t test the headphones in the gym. Even though they’re lightweight and held firmly in my ears, I was worried about the control module bouncing off my shirt.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review
Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

The first test on how well these earbuds sounded was with hard rock music from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Shinedown, and Rush.

When it came to percussion instruments like drums and cymbals, the ANC100BT produced bright sounds. Percussion on these albums was by far my favorite to listen to, followed by acoustic guitar. The detailed drum work across the three rock albums was crazy good. Please take a listen to Today or Rocket from Siamese Dream. You won’t be disappointed. Who doesn’t like to hear Neil Peart or Jimmy Chamberlin hammer away on the drums?

Bass audio was a bit soft, and pretty much expected as the ANC100BT isn’t labeled a bass-heavy pair of headphones. I couldn’t enjoy Geddy Lee’s base work to its fullest. It took second fiddle to vocals, guitar, and drums.

Pop music from female artists such as Halsey’s hopeless fountain kingdom and BADLANDS and Tove Lo’s Queen Of The Clouds sounded well. The vocals across these albums shined, but like their rock band brothers, bass audio wasn’t quite where I would have liked it. If you take a listen to The Way That I Am or Thousand Miles by Tove Lo, you know bass should be more pronounced with a bit more clarity.

Overall I was very pleased with the audio emanating from this sub-$100 pair of headphones.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be very comfortable in my ears and very portable whether clasped onto a shirt or coat.

Audio life of 10-20 hours (depending on its use) is more than enough to cover one week’s worth of commutes to work plus every lunch break. The audio quality is quite good with its 20 Hz – 24 kHz range. The ATH-ANC100BT headphones are staying put in my collection with a lot more use coming.

• Design – 4.50
• Features – 4.50

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 4.50

What do you think of this Audio-Technica ANC100BT 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.

Audio-Technica ANC100BT Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the News page to see their latest announcements. The ATH-ANC100BT wireless in-ear headphones come with a two-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Audio-Technica provided Beantown with one (1) ATH-ANC100BT 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 © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: ANC100BT, Audio-Technica, bluetooth earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, noise-cancelling headphones 09/12/2019

Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

09/08/2019 By Hakan Can

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

Best Neckband Earbuds of 2019?

We rarely get the opportunity to review neckband earbuds. In fact, we’ve only tested two models all year. We don’t know why this is, but whenever the opp to review one comes our way, we seize it. This brings us to the Sennheiser Momentum Free earbuds, which until recently were known as Sennheiser HD1 Free earbuds. (Don’t be confused by our product photos.) With features such as high-quality audio, Bluetooth 4.2, and Qualcomm apt-X codecs, these earphones offer much to the consumer. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Sennheiser Momentum Free Review.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

Pros:
• High-quality bass audio
• Connects to two devices
• Bluetooth 4.2
• apt-X, apt-X LL codecs
• Lightweight design
• Leather travel case

Cons:
• No USB-C connection
• No noise cancellation
• Price tag of $200
• Battery life of 6 hours

Read:   Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Sennheiser Momentum Free Earbuds Review

What You Need To Know About Operation

  1. After pairing the Momentum Free to a Bluetooth device, place the earbuds in your ears. Then press the power on button located in the center of the control panel. Hold the button down for 2 seconds.
  2. When powering down, press the power button for 4 seconds, and they will turn off. Store them in the circular leather travel case for safekeeping.
  3. To charge the headphones, place the USB cord into a power source. Charging of the headphones takes up to 1.5 hours, and playtime lasts for 6 hours.
  4. Volume adjustment is controlled via the “+” and “-” buttons located beside the power button.
  5. To control music, press the power button to play and pause. To advance or return to a previous track, press and hold the “+” and “-” buttons for one second, respectively.
  6. To control phone calls, press the power button once to answer and disconnect calls. To reject a call, press and hold the button for one second. You can even achieve 3-way calling.
Read:   Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

Design and Features

Per the Sennheiser website, “The smaller the headphone, the more meticulously built it has to be. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM Free is pure precision. From its custom machined stainless steel in-ear sound tunnels for the signature MOMENTUM sound to its luxurious leather carrying case.”

The Momentum Free earbuds come with a hard plastic outer shell in a black/silver color combination. Controls are located a few inches away from the right earbud. The earbuds come with a flexible and rubbery neckband approximately 29″ in length. As the cord comes out of each earbud, it goes through a loop. I suspect this helps prevent the cable from being accidentally yanked out of the earbud. It’s also a good look.

Unlike similar models, the earbuds are angled and noticeably so to fit your ears better. Ear tips come in four sizes: XS, S, M & L.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

The quality of workmanship from Sennheiser is high. In testing, the buttons worked flawlessly during music and phone calls.

When not in use, there’s the magnetic clasping feature, which we don’t see often enough. These earbuds do lack wear detection, and that’s fine. One shouldn’t expect every available feature. I do wish they had A.N.C.

The Momentum Free earbuds don’t allow for passive audio to come through. So much passive audio was blocked, making it difficult to hear a conversation. I found myself removing one of the earbuds to listen to whoever was attempting to speak with me.

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Specifications

• List pricing of $199.99
• Driver Type: Dynamic (SYS10)
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 22 kHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.2
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Impedance: 28 Ω
• THD: <0.5%
• Sound Pressure: 118 dB

• Operating Temp: 0 – 40°C
• Battery Life: Up to 6 Hours
• Battery Type: Rechargeable Polymer Li-ion
• Range: 10 Meters
• Charging Time: 1.5 Hours
• Weight: 40 grams
• Available in Black

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of Headphones
• Leather Travel Case
• Quick & Safety Guides

• USB Charging Cable
• 4 Pairs of Ear Tips

Read:   Edifier TWS2 Earbuds Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Meg Myers – Make A Shadow
• Tove Lo – Queen Of The Clouds
• Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

• Bassnectar – Cozza Frenzy
• Tool – Fear Inoculum
• Halsey – BADLANDS
• Play List – Krewella and More

Audio Performance

As I often state, the most critical factor regarding headphones is sound quality, followed by fit and feel. The Sennheiser Momentum Free earbuds (previously known as HD1 Free) were tested across music from the artists and playlists listed above using my Amazon Music account. Minus one change, it’s the same play list we used for the Edifier TWS2 earbuds.

Additionally, I gave them a go around the gym during numerous weight and treadmill workouts. The Momentum Free earbuds held up well during all my gym sessions. Due to their lightweight and secure fit, they held firmly in my ears.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review
Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

The first test on how well these earbuds would handle (keyboard, drum, and guitar) bass was from listening to Tool’s new album Fear Inoculum. Over many albums, Tool has placed an emphasis on bass audio regardless of the musical instrument. Now, I’m not a fan of this particular album, but I couldn’t help but be impressed with how their 16-minute song 7empest sounded.

I want to make one thing clear, and that is I’m no bass head. Regardless, I know many who are, and they’ll appreciate what the Momentum Free offers. The bass clarity at the highest volume with my Samsung Galaxy phone was terrific.

When testing a $200 product, I better be impressed. Fortunately, with the Momentum Free, I was. These earbuds packed plenty of clear bass audio.

Even albums from female artists such as hopeless fountain kingdom and BADLANDS from Halsey or Queen Of The Clouds from Tove Lo sounded well, especially the former. The vocals are a bit deeper, but if this is what you enjoy listening to, then you won’t complain. I particularly enjoyed listening to Colors and Gasoline.

I was less impressed with how Make A Shadow from Meg Myers sounded. As her music is more pop-and-rock oriented, the increased bass takes away from some of the instruments.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review

Conclusion

From a physical design perspective, I found these earbuds to be very comfortable in my ears and very portable whether clasped around my neck or in its leather travel case.

Audio life of six hours is more than enough to cover two day’s worth of bus or subway commutes plus lunch breaks. The audio quality is quite good with its 15 Hz – 22 kHz range.

• Design – 4.75
• Features – 4.25

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 3.50

What do you think of this Sennheiser Momentum Free earbuds 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.

Sennheiser Momentum Free Review

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Sennheiser’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. The Momentum Free comes with a two-year warranty, click this Warranty Terms link for more information. To learn about returns, repairs, and technical support, click this Service Support link for more details.

FTC Disclosure: Sennheiser provided Beantown with one (1) Momentum Free Wireless Earbuds 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 © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: bluetooth earbuds, Earbuds, HD1 Free, Momentum Free, Sennheiser, wireless earbuds 09/11/2019

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