Wireless headset Review in bass reflex smart health innovation

Do you like big bass stains, but can't find a cushion for your ears? The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless wants to make you feel your music with its Crusher Wireless, a Bluetooth headset with a haptic feedback system, typed bass reflex. Successful bet ? The answer in this Review.

Mark : Skullcandy

Category: Wireless Headset

Connection: Bluetooth / wired 1.2 m cord

Compatibility: All Bluetooth devices

Autonomy: 40 hours

Impedance: 32 Ohms

Weight: 290 grams

Price: 149 €

Availability: available

Tested with: Honor 5C / Samsung Galaxy S6

Buy the Skullcandy Crusher Wireless:

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVI9U0LuQwk (/ embed) 

SkullCandy Crusher Wireless Unboxing

The box of a product can tell us a lot about its quality. Here, the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless is stored in an all-black box. The glossy cardboard turns out to be quite thick, which gives you optimal protection during transport. Once the blister is removed, no scissors or knife to come out of the drawer, it is a magnet that closes the box. When you open it, you can read inside: " Bass you can feel “, The slogan of this smart health connected product.

Storage is perfect. Here, you don't have to open unusable compartments afterwards. The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless is stored in its cover. Two small boxes contain the manual and the warranty (for the finest), and the micro USB charging cable and the 3.5 mm jack cable, 1.2 m long, with a button and a microphone (for the biggest).

It's time to take the helmet out of its cover. First remark to note, this last one changes from the usual imitation leather. Indeed, this one made of a waterproof synthetic material on the outside contains a soft fiber on the inside. This is a very good idea, SkullCandy Crusher Wireless won't scratch while on the go. In addition, two small pockets are provided to contain the cables.

The unboxing went without a hitch and in record time.

SkullCandy Crusher Wireless design and ergonomics

The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless in Review is wearing a full matte black dress, but there is also a white version with beige leather pads. The helmet is folded in on itself. Once deployed, it is compact, but quite bulky. The materials used exude quality. The headband has a faux leather band on top and a rubber “shock absorber” protects your head. The adjustable part hides a thick metal piece on each side. The visible cables are enclosed in solid sheaths. At the base of the right and left sides, you will find the famous logo of the brand in gray which points to passers-by.

The faux leather pads inspire comfort given their width. The outer plastic shell looks solid, but has the annoying tendency to mark fingerprints. However, all commands are available at your fingertips. On the left, you control the bass volume and on the right, the sound in general, switching the headphones on and off. Finally below the left headset, you can connect the micro USB cable for charging and the cable for wired listening. 

The latter has a red tip to indicate how to connect it. This unfortunately breaks the general aesthetic, so far successful. The materials used and the presence of two drivers in each ear make it quite heavy. The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless compensates for this defect by holding it securely on the head, without crushing it. You can even run while wearing it, we took the Review by going to take the metro. Comfort is undoubtedly at the rendezvous.

Using the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless

We now need to connect the brand's helmet to the skull using Bluetooth. At the first start, our tester instincts come back to a gallop and we press the button between the + and the – for 3 seconds. Nothing is happening. Lost ! Here, you must precisely press 5 seconds and remove your finger from the button at the risk of turning off the device. After two attempts, we are smart health connected to the smartphone. By pressing the + button we move from one song to another, the – allows you to go back.

Pressing the central circle for 3 seconds starts or deactivates the reading. Likewise when you receive a call, it only takes a second to answer your caller. In this case, the microphone works properly in a calm environment. It will tend to pick up on what's going on around you. For the Review, our interviewer was able to recognize the Irish accent of a passerby, but had trouble hearing us in this crowded station.

In wired mode, voice control activates the smartphone voice assistant. Problem, unable to control the headphone volume in this configuration.

Another problem is that the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless offers passive insulation due to its closed structure. The latter is really not ideal in noisy environments. You can easily hear the discussions around you. However, another factor protects you from outside sounds … The sound of the headphones itself.

SkullCandy Crusher Wireless sound

Indeed, the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless arrives on the market with a commendable intention. The goal is to immerse the user, who loves big bass, in their favorite content. For this, it has two independent drivers adjustable with the wheel on the left atrium.

Only in reality, the result is mixed. According to our editor, the first five minutes of listening "are crazy." By pushing the slider even a quarter of its way, the bass hums all over the helmet. The physical feeling, that is to say the haptic feedback works effectively. Strong bass songs like rap, hard rock, dub, electro take on a whole new twist. The films wake up violently and the slightest explosion surprises the wearer.

Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of an impressive distortion. It must be said that the cursor controlling the motors is not very precise. The volume goes way too high for humanly made ears. Turning up the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless sound “all the way” could quickly cost you a few hearing points. In addition, the structure of the helmet vibrates enormously, even resonates. You just have to mute the sound or knock on the hoop to realize the presence of an unpleasant noise. As our colleagues in the digital world explain it very well, it is the motors producing the bass that cause this defect. They are simply not attached to the chassis.

However, once the haptic feedback is deactivated, the headphone sound has few faults. Everything is balanced and the bass is sufficient for most musical styles. As long as you use the Bluetooth connection. Again, wired reduces the capabilities of the device.

In contrast, the second generation Crusher Wireless is a champion of autonomy. No complaints, even playing with the volume throughout the Review, it took us over 40 hours of listening to hear the famous "battery low”. The contract is widely respected here.

The Skullcandy Crusher Wireless facing the competition

Difficult to compare the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless to competitors since its proposal is unique on the market. But since he does not fully respect his marketing contract, we can compare it to a helmet that we have on hand.

Its design, all the same impressive, predominantly intended for a male audience. Just like the Plantronics BackBeat Pro. The latter sold just under 200 euros at launch is now at the same price as the SkullCandy Crusher Wireless. In comparison, it has more pleasant pads, better ergonomics and better connectivity, thanks to NFC. Convenient to connect in seconds. The more balanced sound of the BackBeat Pro has the advantage in this comparison. If this criteria is important to you, the Marshall Mid may also be suitable for you in a lighter format. The Review of this model is coming soon to our site.

Conclusion:

Good points

Negative points

Use / Getting started

Overview

Design and finishes: The design is imposing without being massive and the mat finish fears fingerprints. On the other hand, comfort is at the rendezvous for most skulls. Features: The unique haptic feedback functionality does not fully fulfill the initial contract. The fault is too much distortion. If you deactivate the bass reflex the sound of the headphones is balanced, pleasant to listen to.Use / handling: A little adaptation time is required to connect via Bluetooth. The buttons are well placed, we only regret the imprecision of the cursor dedicated to the bass.Value for money: The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless does not fully fulfill its marketing contract. Haptic bass is fun at first, but it's not the strength of the product. On the other hand, its solidity, its comfort and the balanced sound largely justify the launch price at 150 euros. You can already find it at a more attractive price on certain online stores.

3.04

 3.04 out of 5 

In the average

(Review) Skullcandy Crusher Wireless: Soft on the outside, (too much?) Powerful on the inside 

Reviewed by Gaetan  

we 2017-02-03

   Design and finishes: The design is imposing without being massive and the mat finish fears fingerprints. On the other hand, comfort is at the rendezvous for most skulls. Features: The unique haptic feedback functionality does not fully fulfill the initial contract. The fault is too much distortion. If you deactivate the bass reflex the sound of the headphones is balanced, pleasant to listen to.Use / handling: A little adaptation time is required to connect via Bluetooth. The buttons are well placed, we only regret the imprecision of the cursor dedicated to the bass.Value for money: The SkullCandy Crusher Wireless does not fully fulfill its marketing contract. Haptic bass is fun at first, but it's not the strength of the product. On the other hand, its solidity, its comfort and the balanced sound largely justify the launch price at 150 euros. You can already find it at a more attractive price on certain online stores.

Rating: 3.04 

AB SMART HEALTH REVIEW