Review: Endorphin Rush Earphones By Jaybird

Music is a key part of everyone’s life.  It helps us express emotion.  We all have a happy song, an angry song, and a song that pumps us up.  However, most people cannot agree on what the best music is, so that’s why earbuds and earphones are so important.  I must start this review by saying two things:  1 – I have never been able to find a comfortable set of earbuds.  2 – I am not a big fan of going to the gym, and will find any excuse I can to avoid it.  With that said, I welcomed the chance to review Jaybird’s new athletic earbuds, Endorphin Rush.  First, they have a lifetime warranty against sweat damage.  One thing I can say about my current over the ear headphones is that I hate that the little earpad gets drenched.  That’s just gross.  Also, I figured with athletic and sweat-proof earbuds, I would have to test them at the gym.  This would force me to exercise.  So, can the Endorphin meet my tough criteria for earbuds and make me happy at the gym…read on to find out… 

 

Packaging

First impressions, to me, can be just as important for products as they are for people.  The work that goes into packaging shows that the manufacturer cares about the whole product.  The outside of the box is sturdy construction with a great picture of the earbuds right on the front.  There is no mistaking what is inside the box.

Speaking of inside the box, one can see that the earbuds are securely packaged.  The overall look of the packaging makes me feel like I am opening up $300 earbuds instead of $99 ones.  The Endorphins also come with quite a few accessories.

There are three different kinds of earbud tip options:  White and black round silicone tips in two different sizes, a ‘Christmas tree’ type with 2 layers, and a ‘Christmas tree’ type with three layers.  See the picture below to understand what I am talking about when I call them ‘Christmas Tree Tips’.

Next, the Endorphin comes with a few storage options:  there is a case as well as a cable manager.  To round out the package, you have ear hooks for an extra secure fit.

 

Comfort and Fit

The best earbud choice for me was the small, white, round silicone earbud tips.  Actually, they fit great!!! I was quite surprised at the comfort.  As I stated at the beginning of the article, I don’t like earbuds, but these have changed my mind.  As for the cord placement, I tried the wires over my ears with and without the ear hooks.  I did not have a problem working out on the treadmill with just the wires over my ears.  The buds were secure, and never moved at all.  I think that’s a tribute to the design of the actually earbud.  They fit snugly into the inner curves of my ears almost as if they were specially molded for my ears. 

I did wind-up settling on the ear hooks for my final fit, because they just felt more comfortable for me.  There is an indentation on the other side of the hooks that the wire presses right into.  As for the wire itself, I was worried that if I kept it against my skin during a work-out, that it would stick from the sweat.  No problem at all.  Whatever the wire is coated with never once stuck to my skin.  If you like to wear your earbuds with the wire in front you, no worries, you can still do that.  Just don’t tuck the wire over your ears.  I use them that way at work due to the fact that I have my Zune sitting on my desk.

 

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, I am completely spoiled with my pair of Bang & Olufsen earphones.  They blend the sound beautifully.  The Endorphin matches the quality of my B&Os.  While the B&Os blend the sounds, the Endorphin allows you to hear every instrument clearly.  There were times when I was like ‘Gee, I don’t remember a piano in this song,’ plus, the sound isolation is amazing.  I would be sitting at my desk and wouldn’t even hear my phone ring, which is about an arm’s length away.  You will definitely not be disappointed in the music quality.  On the technical specs, the diaphragm is titanium coated.  This is what helps contribute to the long wear life.  For more specs, check out the Jaybird website. 

Conclusions:

Pros:  Excellent sound quality & isolation, comfortable earbud tips

Cons:  None

If you are in the market for earbuds for the gym or travel, these are a great pair.  High quality at a not so high a price.  Based on my results, I would have thought these would be more expensive than $99.

Price:  Endorphin Rush Athletic Earphones are available for $99 from a variety of retailers.

I would like to the thank the generous people at Jaybird for sending me a pair of Endorphin Rush earphones.  I love them, and look forward to more quality time.  Although, it might not be a the gym.