Hands-on Review: Plantronics Backbeat GO 2 here in Singapore

The first thing that came to mind when I received the new Plantronics Backbeat GO 2 Wireless Earbuds to review was, WHY didn't I think of it? The second was, OMG I get to keep it! I am so grateful to the kind folks from Plantronics' PR who sent this to me for review because I had never thought about the need for wireless headphones, until they sent it! Then I realized I should have, because it is brilliant. 

Have you ever experienced having your earphones rudely tugged out while you are enjoying some music because they got tangled among your stuff? I have, quite often actually, and really HATED it. 

Have you also experienced having the whole phone drop on the floor while you are at the gym on the exercise machine because the wire is slightly too short, and got tangled up? KERPLUNK! And everyone stares at you. Well, I have.

This is why wireless headphones is probably mankind's better inventions of late. 

However, I have never heard of Plantronics before, in a world dominated by Bose, Sony and Seinnheisers. But when I received the headset, it was delivered in a cloth bag with this printed on it.

So I googled, and turns out, Plantronics started out in a garage in California by two guys in the 60s (sounds familiar?) which eventually became an industry leader. Then history was made for Plantronics, and humankind in general of course, when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and uttered the legendary words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" through a Plantronics headset.

HOW COOL IS THAT???

I was really excited to unbox it. The Backbeat GO (version 1) won the CNET Editors Choice award, and the Backbeat GO 2 just won PCMag.com Editors Choice Award. So the quality has to be there.

The instructions are all very easy to understand, and I paired my iPhone 5 with the earbuds within minutes. All you have to do is to hold the center button till it says "PAIRING" in a really cheerful way, and look for it on your iPhone bluetooth list. Then click on Pair, and it will say "Pairing successful". Then you get to enjoy your music. You can even groove to it because...

LOOK MA! No wires!

I did take a little while to figure out which is the best earbud (3 sizes) that will fit me though. This is actually very important because it will affect the quality of the sound if the earbuds do not "seal" properly. But once I did that, I was transported to a world of crispy, quality music. Like most reviews out there, I agree that the treble was delivered with no problem, but the bass could be stronger. However I don't think it is that bad -- easily beating iPhone's given headphones definitely! The thing to remember is you need to turn up the volume, and also make sure it is well-fitted! It also goes to full 4.5 hr listening time charge by USB-laptop in 90 minutes.

I must say, for S$159, it is as all reviews say, value-for-money. I think it is the perfect GIFT for a few friends to share to get for a friend as well.

Once I got all of that sorted out, I immediately brought it to the gym which I frequently weekly. You've never exercised properly, until you've exercised with Plantronics Backbeat GO 2. The freedom was liberating!

Here's my workout score on the cross-trainer, powered by Plantronics Backbeat GO 2. 

Here's my 8tracks.com workout mix. I love their playlist functions, and this playlist is particular good with all the remixes.

Workout from alicakes on 8tracks Radio.

Here are some specs:


* Extended listen (up to 4.5 hours) and talk time (up to 5 hours);

* Sweat Proof coating with P2i moisture protection technology that repels sweat, rain, or spills, perfect for tropical climates;

* Voice prompts to alert the user about charge remaining and what device is paired;

* Battery status meter for iPhone and iPad;

* DeepSleep(TM) hibernation mode that keeps earbuds charged and ready to use for up to six months;

* Improved fit with small, medium, and large eartips and stabilizers for personalized comfort and optimum sound quality.

Retails for $159 (inclusive of GST).

The BackBeat GO 2 Charging & Storage Case features:

* Fully charged case enables up to 14.5 hours listen time;

* LED indicators on charge case that indicates both charge and battery levels;

* Made from protective materials to protect your headset from light weather and dirt;

* Micro USB charge cable for hassle-free and convenient charging on the go.

* Fully charged portable case provides two additional charges on the go, tripling the use time of the earbuds alone;

Retails for $199 (inclusive of GST).

It is available in two colours - black or white.

The Plantronics Backbeat GO 2 Wireless Earbuds are now available in Singapore at

Apple stores (EpiCentre, iStudio, Infinite, Juzz1, Macshop, Nubox)
Best Denki
Blazing (190 Toa Payoh Central)
Challenger
Courts
Digital Style
Gain City
Harvey Norman
Newstead
Sprint-Cass (Changi Airport T1, T2, T3)
Stereo (ION, Plaza Singapura)
Technobay@Tangs
Tech@Vogue
Funan DigitaLife Mall (DigiVue, Inforcom, South Asia Computer)
Sim Lim Square (Cybermind, Million Tech, Song Brothers, Think Next?, Vision 1),
Gadget World Outlets
DG Lifestyle Store Pte Ltd and
Hau Xin Rui outlets in Singapore.

For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com.sg.

Thanks to Plantronics and McGallen & Bolden for sending the unit across!