Soul Combat+ Review: Don’t Drown Out The Music With Sweat.

Since the introduction of the Walkman exercise and motivating tunes on the run have gone hand in hand. Earbud style headphones have traditionally been the companion post Walkman to the Discman and in recent times the iPod, but of course the drawback is decent audio clarity. Most over-ear headphones struggle with the rigours of a sweaty, frenetic workout. EFTM has been looking at the range of new Soul headphones to hit the Australian market. This week we turn our attention to the Combat+ Series, over-ear headphones that can last the distance.

The Product

The Soul Combat+ Ultimate Active Performance Over-Ear Headphones have just been released in Australia. The claim is that Soul have filled a void in the market and positioned itself as the first producer to deliver athletic headphones ideal for those that hit the pavement or treadmill.

At first glance the product appears durable and light enough to perform what they’re designed to. Our sample pair was finished in a matte black rubbery finish across the headband and armour plated style design on the outside of the cups.

When it comes to the ear pads the marking line sounds like something from a can of Rexona. They’re constructed from ComplyTM body heat activated, breathable memory foam. So essentially when things get hot and heavy they should still provide perfect fit and and enduring comfort.

The headband is quite wide across the top, with a section removed for further heat release properties.

Additionally Soul say they’re antibacterial, sweat-proof with a moisture resistant coating over the speaker drivers for extra protection.

So you start to get the picture.

The Sound

As with the JET Superior Noise Cancelling Headphones we tested recently, again there’s a very heavy bass emphasis. Appropriately I listened to the David Guetta remix of Snoop Dogg’s ‘Sweat’ on loop. A song that has a thumping bass note most car sound systems can’t even handle. Again the result is a little muddy for my liking, but the bass bias does leave the mids and highs reasonably intact.

Accessories

One cable is provided, a detachable Kevlar audio cable with in-line controller compatible with most smartphones and multimedia devices. A hard storage case is provided with a spare set of washable mesh ear pads, which aren’t quite as comfortable as their foam counterparts.

Where To Get Them

At $199.00 the as tested Soul Combat+ Ultimate Active Performance Over-Ear Headphones are available from www.soulelectronics.com and Powermove Distrubution, Australia’s leading audio and lifestyle accessories distributor to mass merchants and specialist retail channels.

Conclusion

Soul Ambassador and the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt said “Music has always been an important part of my training routine.” He added, “Before I had Soul Combat+ headphones to use, I couldn’t find headphones that could keep up with me and offer the comfort and sound to keep me going through tough workouts”

Who am I to argue? However I’m tipping Usain didn’t pay for his, which come in three colours Blue, Yellow and Black.