The Raycon Influence earbuds provide nice sound with impression resistance that may take a beating. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Raycon Impact earbuds can be found now for $150.
- Influence resistance, high quality sound, excellent battery life, and stable noise-canceling.
- Requires an ideal match to get high-quality sound.
I’ve solely dropped an earbud as soon as. It simply occurred to have been my favourite pair… my Google Pixel Buds Pro. Thankfully, it landed on the carpet, however it nonetheless caught my breath. And though most earbuds do not weigh sufficient to trigger a lot pressure on impression, it is nonetheless a priority. That is much more essential once you’re exterior, working mile after mile, in your bike, or doing nearly any exercise that might trigger issues on your buds, ought to they tumble out of your ear whilst you’re on the transfer.
Once I was despatched the Raycon Impact earbuds, I did not assume a lot about them. At first blush, the packaging the identical previous, drained design that provided little greater than some other earbud I would already examined.
However then I appeared a bit deeper and realized they did have one thing particular to supply by means of a MIL-STD-810 certification. Primarily, meaning they’re constructed to final, utilizing supplies which are impact-resistant. On the identical time, these supplies do not hamper the sound high quality within the slightest.
Now, earlier than you get too excited, these are usually not the greatest-sounding earbuds I’ve ever used. That award nonetheless goes to the Denon PerL Pro (with the Google Pixel Buds Pro coming in a detailed second). However with these Raycon earbuds being impact-resistant, they change into fairly an fascinating proposition to somebody who spends a whole lot of time exercising.
The specs
- Weatherproof with an IP67 ranking.
- 90 hours complete battery life (12 hours playback with a further 78 from the charging case).
- Energetic Noise Cancelling & Consciousness Mode.
- Contact controls (for playback, sound management, and ANC on/off).
- Multipoint connection.
- Value: $150.
The controls
I believed it is likely to be sensible to speak concerning the contact controls on these earbuds. Here is the way it works.
Left earbud:
- Faucet as soon as for quantity down.
- Faucet thrice for the earlier monitor.
- Maintain for 3 seconds for balanced sound.
- Maintain for 3 seconds for bass sound.
- Maintain for 3 seconds for pure sound.
Proper earbud:
- Faucet as soon as for quantity up.
- Faucet thrice to skip monitor.
- Maintain for 3 seconds for ANC on.
- Maintain for 3 seconds for ANC off.
- Maintain for 3 seconds for Consciousness mode.
Left/Proper earbud:
- Faucet twice for play/pause.
- Faucet 4 instances for voice command.
- Faucet twice to reply calls.
- Faucet twice to finish calls.
- Maintain for 3 seconds to reject calls.
- Maintain for 3 seconds to energy on.
- Maintain for 10 seconds to energy off.
The explanation why I level this out is as a result of it means you do not want an app for these earbuds, a characteristic I fairly like. That is nice as a result of I used to be unable to seek out an app for these earbuds. The one factor I might discover on the Google Play Retailer was a Raycon Earbuds Information, which actually is not needed.
My expertise
My first impression was that the Influence earbuds appeared fairly cool, with a carbon weave cowl over the perimeters the place contact controls occur. Subsequent, as soon as the earbuds have been in place, they held regular, even when lively. Not like the Google Pixel Buds Pro which may slip misplaced with the slightest little bit of motion.
I wished to essentially check the sound high quality of those earbuds delivered, so I went with one in all Rush’s heavier albums, Counterparts. That is the place issues get a bit finicky. To get essentially the most out of the sound (with full bass and respectable highs), it’s a must to get an ideal slot in each earbuds. This implies you will must mess around with totally different combos of the guidelines and wings. The earbuds embody XS, M, and L ideas and wings, so you will need to take the time to seek out the appropriate mixture. You may know you’ve got hit the right combination as a result of the sound will enhance dramatically.
I additionally discovered that with ANC mode on, the sound will get a bit extra enhance (particularly on the low finish).
As soon as I had the appropriate match, even “Stick It Out” (which is particularly heavy for the band) sounded surprisingly wealthy (particularly on condition that these earbuds are focused towards extra lively use. However, once more, with out getting one of the best match on your ears, you will discover these earbuds sound common at greatest. With an ideal match, they will stand alongside even the Pixel Buds Pro earbuds.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
All of it boils down to 2 issues: Do you want earbuds that may stand up to harsher situations (and the occasional drop) and are prepared to take the time to get the appropriate match? If that sounds such as you, you will discover the Raycon Impact earbuds are able to creating a pleasant soundstage, with deep bass, and responsive highs. If, nevertheless, you need one thing that is extra “plug and play” (with out having to fiddle with ideas and wings to get the perfect match), look to one in all ZDNET’s other recommended picks.