Audio Technica ATH Sport 1is Headphone Review

Introduction

Whether you are out in the park with your jogging shoes or thinking to sweat it out in the gym; I am sure a heart pumping playlist might make you a bit more motivated to jog for a few more miles or even lift some extra pounds. Walk through any of the fitness center; you will see most of the members in the gym have their smartphones or PMPs plugged with ear hooked headphones while working out.

It is said that a good music increases exercise endurance. So, if you are amongst the athletes who love to rock to music while sweat sessions, then you will need a good sports headphone that fits perfectly on your ears blocking out the din of the gym and other external noises. Amongst hundreds, Audio Technica ATH Sport 1iS is one such ear hooked headphone that comes with support for an in-line mic and volume controls for compatible smartphones. Similar to its sibling Sport 1, ATH Sport 1iS too has a 3D swing ear hanger that can be adjusted according to the varied ear sizes. It also comes with two types of ear tips, 8.5mm drivers and a wavy cord. The new sports earphone from Audio Technica can be availed for Rs. 2999.

Design and Feel

Audio Technica ATH Sport 1is Earphone has been ergonomically designed to slot behind your ears and stay in place when you are jogging, climbing, running on treadmill or cycling. The form factor of ATH Sport 1is is sure to appeal to the athletes who have been using earbuds while working out. It is sweatproof and has been provided with two different rubber eartips that helps the earphone to stay in place.

Available in yellow and black variants, ATH Sport 1is comes with adjustable ‘swing around the ear’ hanger that offers comfortable and sturdy fit. These ear hooked headphones can clamp around the ears with no intension to fall off until you are ready t remove them off by yourself. It comes with earbuds that can be fitted with seven different eartips in case you are not comfortable with the one that comes attached.

There is a soft oval rubber rings protruding around the housing with cushioned in-ear fit that makes fitting more appropriate. The oval shaped rubber rings houses 8.5mm driver pumps that helps in delivering energetic audio output to acconpany the demanding heart pounding workouts. The protruding shape of ring works as an add-on in the design and form but it does hurt a bit after using the earphones continuous half an hour; especially the right one. Then there are arches that are wrapped around the ears. These arches have been made using grade plastic and rubber that fits perfectly on the ears.

For the earphones that have swinger ear hanger, putting up them is a bit of workout in itself. First of all, you will need to identify the Left and Right piece. Then pull the adjustable swing around the ear hanger, place it over the ears and gently push the buds in your ears. It takes just few seconds to prepare these Sonic Sport earphones and yourself ready for strenuous workout. Further, other touches include a neat and discreet Audio Technica shiny metal branding on the opposite side of the each ear buds. Then there is a 1.2m (U type) cable with a remote/mic module (which can also be used to pause & play tracks apart from answering the calls while hurtling down the road). A plastic clip has been provided to secure the cable onto your shirt or tees. AT Sport 1is doesn’t come with flat cable but according to the company its new cord design reduces the wire from tangling. But in real life test, I have to The end of the cable has a 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug, which is compatible with Android Smartphones and iPhones. Overall, Audio Technica ATH Sport 1is is fine looking earphone which has been specifically designed for fashion conscious athletes.

Performance

The 8.5mm driver pumps produce an impressive bassy sound, making ATH Sport 1is ideal for up-tempo workout music. AT’s Sonic Sports headphone aren’t going to make audiophiles swoon, but still it felt pretty darn good. The sound from ATH Sport 1is felt quite energetic and agile; making it perfect for its intended purpose- that is workout. It produces a good level of details with balanced bass and creates propulsion that actually motivates you to indulge in strenuous workout.

Compared to most of the headphones I have used, AT Sport Sonic’s bass felt pretty powerful, while the mids and highs sound decent if not impressive. Thanks to the use of adjustable earbuds, they seal the ear canal from inside. The real charm of ATH Sport 1is can be felt particularly while working out with some high tempo tracks.

With maximum sound during jogging; there’s always issue of quieter menaces like cyclists or other pedestrians that are not audible while earbuds in your ears. This might create a problem, so with active-fit ear tips (supplied in S, M and L sizes) the ambient noises are quite audible, keeping athletes safe when running outdoors.

Further, the headphone has been lab tested and comes with IPX5 waterproof certification, making it withstand rigorous sweaty exercise routine. You can also wash the Sonic Sports earphones under a running tap after a long run or workout.

Specifications:

• Driver Diameter: Dynamic, 8.5mm
• Maximum Input Power: 200 mW
• Frequency Response: 20 - 23,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 100 dB
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Weight: 11g
• Connector: 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo mini plug
• Cable: 1.2 m (U type)

Final Verdict

Sound is good for the price, though the oval shaped rings hurt sometimes but still ATH Sport 1is Earphone turns out to be an ideal choice for gym enthusiasts involve in cross trainer, cardio work and cycling. The headphone comes with built-in mic and remote, which means you can attend the call and again switch back to those motivational gym workout tracks. And as being sweat-resistant, these headphones can be washed to keep them hygienic. If you are amongst those don’t wish to spend a hefty amount on sports headphones like B&O Play, Jabra Sport Plus or Sennheiser PMX80 Sports II, then AT’s Sport 1is might be a preferable choice for them.