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I shouldve known better.
Despite over 15 years of experience writing consumer tech buying advice, I did something stupid.
Worse: It let me down at the worst possible time.
It all started in early December.
However, this season, I felt ready to upgrade to something more advanced.
Likewise, numerous brands make helmet-based audio solutions for skiers and boarders.
They also promise enough battery for a full day of riding.
While not bank-breaking, Chips 3.0 headphones start at $129 and the Altas start at $109.
This was more than I wanted to spend on a style of headphone Id never tried before.
A ‘dupe,’ if you will.
Thats when I found them,OutdoorMaster ‘Helmet Drop-in Headphones’.
The specs were also nearly as impressive.
The inclusion of a classy faux leather case added to my initial positive impression.
A quick test confirmed that all features functioned as they should and pairing took a mere two seconds.
It took a few hours to fully charge them up before the battery light switched from red to white.
Once juiced, I zipped them into my helmet and placed it on my head.
A long-press on the one puck turns them on and gets the jams flowing.
The other puck has two buttons for volume and song control.
I dialed in my favorite Yo La Tengo record and closed my eyes.
This year, Mother Nature blessed us with adequate snowpack and a forecast with nothing but sunny skies.
“Maybe I didnt push it down enough?”
“Whats the deal?”
My partner shouted from 20 feet down the slope.
“Im having audio issues!”
She sighed as I waved her to get a start without me.
I sat down in frustration, took my helmet off, and unzipped the rear padding.
With the gloves off and fingers tingling with impending frostbite, I attempted to diagnose the issue.
“What gives?”
Could this be a battery issue?
Curious, I popped in the USB-C chord and waited.
Several minutes later the light turned to white and I unplugged it.
It was at this point, that I tossed them aside and helped myself to a cold beverage.
Now the battery light was off.
I held the power button for three seconds and sure enough, the OutdoorMasters fired right up.
It was at this point, that I tossed them aside and helped myself to a cold beverage.
Unfortunately, by that point, I was two weeks outside of the return period.
As a result, I’m presently stuck with a pair of unreliable hockey puck speakers.
I avoided that fate thanks to some primo mountain conditions.
On the topic, can I interest anyone in some lightly used audio gear?
