Outdoor Technology Orcas Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Review

Outdoor Technology Orcas Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Review

Outdoor Technology Orcas Bluetooth Earbuds – Review

One of my favorite companies at the moment are Outdoor Tech, they have some great ideas for products and really know how to design and make it look good. The latest product out of their office is this set of sweat-proof, water resistant, bluetooth wireless ear buds, called Orcas.

Outdoor Tech grab your attention right from the start, even the box looks great. The clear front lets you see the Orcas and bold wording and images explain how they work and highlight the advantages of them. The whole thing just looks cool, and even though the box will be thrown away, the attention to details should really be applauded.

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Inside the box you get the earbuds, micro-usb charging cable, collection of fins (explain later) and buds, a bag and some Outdoor Tech stickers.

The Orcas have tried to please everyone by including varying sizes of bus etc, this includes three sizes of ear tips, and two sizes of secure fit ear fins. This is where they become interesting as the ear fins make contact with the upper ridges of your outer ear to immobilize the earbuds. The fins are what gave them the name Orcas. The company even challenges those of us with big ears:

Go right ahead and put these earbuds in your ears, shake your head as hard as you can muster and watch the Orcas stick to you like they were glue. It’s very strong stuff. What else can you throw at them?

I found the fit to be OK, I did have to back and try out all the ear bud sizes, but eventually found a combo that fit. The fins really do work, by hooking under your ear they fit it quite nicely and very difficult to dislodge when fitted in. My ears did start to hurt a little after wearing the fins, so I decided to stop using them and the earbuds stayed in fine with no issues.

I am not a man to read a manual, so I was embarrassed when it took me a lot longer then normal to find the charging port for the Orcas. I had to give in and give it a read and found the port to be hidden in the right bud itself. There is a rubber flap displaying the outdoor tech logo, once removed you can charge these for a standby charge of 150 hours.

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I used these primarily for running, now as a big guy I do tend to sweat. But being sweat resistant they hold their own, and keep going. This also means that in the rain they can be left out and used with no problem, though I would recommend not putting them in the bath as they are “resistant” and not “water-proof”.

With Bluetooth 4.0 when the device is paired, it will always be paired. So when you turn on the headphone and then turn on bluetooth they connect instantly. The Orcas feature a three-button inline control, which allows you to easily adjust volume, change tracks, pause/play and control calls effortlessly while on the move. There is also a micro mic hidden in the controls, which allows for a crisp clear conversation with my wife, mistress or boyfriend. When testing the call quality both parties had no issues with hearing or talking to the other, it also features its own ringtone and allows you to pick up the call instantly.

When you purchase of each pair of Orcas earbuds you help save a whale:

Outdoor Tech is committed to cetaceans and is putting its money where its blow-hole is by donating a $1 from each unit sold the Whaleman Foundation (a non-profit research, education, conservation & wildlife film production organization).

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Key Features:

  • Sweat-proof and splash resistant
  • Bluetooth 4.0 for one-touch pairing, and auto reconnect to previously paired devices
  • Built In microphone
  • Inline controls for volume adjustment, changing tracks, play/pause and answering calls
  • Headset and hands free controls using the A2DP v1.2 and AVRCP v1.4 Bluetooth profiles
  • Sound enhancement with apt X and AAC
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Micro USB charge port
  • Play/standby time: 6 hours/150 hours
  • Wireless range: 32 feet
  • Includes: 3 sizes of earpads, 2 sizes of secure fit ear cushions, USB charging cable, ODT carry pouch, stickers and user manual
  • Red light when charging, usb port in the bud itself.

If anyone is after a solid, durable pair of headphones for exercise then these are the ones for you. Even if you are just going for a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, these will still be the ones to use. The fins allow for a secure fit and the clear sound quality allows for a music experience like no other. They also work well to cover up the heaving panting of me running up a hill!

Grab a pair of Outdoor Technology Orcas Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds below:

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Owner of a rooted One and Nexus 7. Mostly write reviews of apps and any hardware I can get my hands on. I frequent Google+ and XDA-Developers.

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