Philips has teamed up with sports apparel brand O’Neill, coming up with a line of headphones for active, outdoorsy-types—basically, the exact same people who are familiar with and most likely use O’Neill’s gear. The new line includes four models; two over-ear cans called The Stretch and The Snug, and two in-ear ‘phones, The Covert and The Specked. Awesome stuff, really. Gear that you have to consider if you fit the Philips-O’Neill target market.
First up, we have The Stretch. Not just a name, it’s also a description. This kit is built around a headband that’s constructed with “a high grade nylon TR55 superstretch polymer,” that makes ‘em flexible enough to survive stretching and twisting—stuff you really wouldn’t do to a normal pair of over-ear cans. People who have previously owned a pair of over-ears with a broken headband, you know what we mean. A stretchable cushuion under the main band adds comfort.
The cord also features a “cable-stress relief” system that prevents the cord from breaking in case it gets snagged, like, on a tree limb while crashing down the slopes. We didn’t just imagine that. The feature was actually “inspired by the latest in ski technology,” so we’re assuming that’s how it all started. Simply put, a short cord will disconnect from a longer part of the cord when pulled. The cable’s also protected by a fabric, and is designed to be tangle-free with reinforced connectors to avoid the usual wear and tear.
The Snug also comes with the mentioned cable stress relief system and reinforced cables, but without the high-tech flexible band. It’s built for comfort though, with “deluxe super soft ear cushions” so your ears don’t hurt from extended use. This one’s supposedly “perfect for surf trips,” with ear pieces that twists flat for easy portability.
For premium sound quality, both The Stretch and The Snug features 40mm drivers that deliver a deep bass. The rest of the spec: 105 dB sensitivity, 32 Ohms of impedance, and a 12-24 KHz frequency response.
The Covert features an inline remote that gives it track and volume controls and a mic for use with a mobile phone in your pocket. Listed to work with an iPod, iPhone or iPad, the Covert also features a tangle-free fabric cable, reinforced connectors, and 13mm drivers for in-ear bass.
The Specked is your regular pair of noise-isolating in-ears. No in-line remote here, but it also comes with the durable, tangle-free cord with reinforced connectors. It features a pair of 9mm drivers, and comes with 3 sizes of plugs for a customized fit.
No word on pricing yet, but all four ‘phones are due out later this month.
Tags: Earphones, Headphones, Headsets, O'Neill, Philips, Rugged
