JBL Reflect Contour Review - As if glued stuck

JBL Reflect Contour

By Mikael Hansen
August 23, 2018 - 08:31

JBL has shown up ringside with Reflect Contour that has gone all out on the fit, which is also particularly good. They call it “Dual Lock Technology”, resulting in headphones that hardly move, no matter how hard you pull the cable that connects the two earbuds. The reason for this can be found in the double hoops on each side, which sit both inside and outside the ear. JBL should be praised for this as it is one of the most important qualities for fitness earbuds. Thus, JBL is also more suited for intense sports, and not just running. The battery life is set for eight hours, which they lived up to nicely.

The sound is a little flat

In terms of sound, the JBL Reflect Contour does not stand out. It’s clear and good, but there is not much bass, which makes them seem a touch flat. However, wanting a lot of bass when training is a matter of taste, and does not tarnish this assessment. Nevertheless, the built-in remote control detracts slightly. It feels heavy on the chord and therefore smacks against the neck when running. At the same time, having configured the centre button to make and take calls instead of the default function of jumping back and forth in the music, confused me quite a bit in the beginning. No, I did not read the instruction manual.

Conclusion

JBL is one of the well-known players in headphone tests, and they have always performed quite brilliantly. The sound quality is fine, without being flashy, and the battery life is good. Where Reflect Contour really stands out is in the fit. They just don’t want to come out, no matter how hard you tug on the cord, which is a huge plus, and if there had been more bass and the remote control was lighter, the product would have earned top marks.

Facts / Specs

Dual Lock
Bluetooth
Wired remote control
Sweat resistant (IPX5)
Weight: 20 grams
Battery: 5 hours
Price: –
Website: jbl.com

PositiveThe fit is wonderfully well, if one likes the hoop around the ear. Price and battery life are also approved.

NegativeThe remote control of the wire is a little big and complicated. The sound could do well with a little more bottom and bass.

8 wireless fitness earbuds These will provide you great sound during workouts

Read the comparison review introduction

These will provide you great sound during workouts

If you are looking for a pair of new workout earbuds, you should check out our comparison review.

Anyone who has been to the local gym can’t help but notice the many people walking around wearing earbuds. Music makes exercise a little easier to get through, and can also provide motivation and pace for a good jog for instance.

With heart rate monitors and other advanced running gear, your headphones can work as a training coach that discreetly motivates you with messages into your ear. It provides just a little extra push when the body otherwise can’t take much more. If you haven’t already invested in a pair of wireless headphones, here is a small sample of the options out there.

A natural question could be: Why not simply use the headphones that came with the mobile phone? There are several answers to that question.

(Photo: Manufacturer)

First of all, the headphones that come with your phone are most often wired. This means having a long wire dangling from the ear, which is neither particularly smart nor practical, while limiting your freedom of movement. Thus, all the models in this test are wireless and connect to the mobile phone via Bluetooth. However, the headphones are no less wireless in that they all still have a wire or a form of hoop that goes behind the neck, connecting the two earbuds.

The next point that is important to consider is the fit. The primary task of fitness earbuds is to remain in your ears, no matter how much you move. The headphones that are part of the standard package for new mobile phones are rarely of good quality, and they have a tendency to fall out of the ears. On fitness earphones, the fit is perhaps the most important focus area. It allows the earbuds to sit firmly in the ear canal and remain there even when you are sweating. The producers have solved the task in different ways and with varying degrees of success. Moreover, common to them all is that they must withstand sweat and humidity somewhat better, and not drown during a session on the spin bike.

However, it is not enough that the earbuds sit securely. They must of course also be able to play well, especially since we are in this particular price range. Again, the results are very different, depending on what manufacturer we test, and naturally it is a matter of taste if you prefer heavy bass when increasing the pace and getting some motivational feedback.

The last point that is worth mentioning pertains to the extra features that start to accompany headphones in this category.

Some manufacturers have put heart rate monitors in the one earbud so that they can also be used as a substitute for a smartwatch or a fitness bracelet. It’s pretty smart, but it also means a significant hike in price, while shortening the battery life. However, it may be worth considering if you are interested in this feature.

The manufacturers were asked to deliver their latest wireless models intended for training. Each model is assessed based on the fit, sound quality, battery life, extra features and price. They have all been tested in terms of daily use as well as for running and strength training. Each test ends with a conclusion and an overall score.

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