Kicker’s Tabor HP402BT Bluetooth Headphones Review

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The Tabor Bluetooth Headphones from Kicker offer a great sound experience that is wireless without giving up any high standards of quality. Ergonomic design and features using other devices also add to the appeal of these impressive headphones.

These wireless bluetooth, over-the-ear headphones from Kicker stand out for quality, design, battery life, lightweight, durability, and hands-free options make this audio option an affordable stand-out.

Tabor angle2YELLO

The Hype

The Kicker HP402BT headphones are the ultimate combination of comfort and sound quality with Bluetooth streaming so you won’t get caught up in cables (Supports A2DP, AVRC, and HFP profiles). AptX® codec technology prevents any loss in sound quality so you don’t have to sacrifice for mobility. Large 54 mm drivers with remarkably detailed acoustics give truth to the saying bigger is always better.

A rechargeable battery keeps you rockin’ for 10 hours and is easily charged with any USB micro source. The ultra-lightweight design, padded headband and thick ear cushions provide long-lasting comfort perfect for entertaining kids on long trips or just laying down and relaxing. An optional connection with tangle-free, flat yellow cable when Bluetooth is not available provides a greater range of use. The ergonomically designed controls and mic easily control your music experience and provide hands-free calling for the busy professional.

The Reality

HeadphoneButtons

These Tabor Bluetooth Headphones feature simple design choices like the blue button provide multiple uses for playing, pausing, pairing, status (LED) and power plus an angled port for the tangle-free cord option. Just below this button is the internal microphone, optional audio/auxiliary cord input and micro USB input.

CordVolume

A flat cable is included for a direct-connect option when wireless isn’t available and includes a convenient volume control with easily grippable buttons where users just pinch the top one (closest to the headphones) for volume up and bottom one for volume down.

Above and angled from the blue button are the previous track and next track button and the increase volume and decrease volume button are below and angled on the opposite side from the blue button.

The 3.7V/600mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (using USB cord) is not removable and usually lasts for 10 hours and is easily charged with any USB micro source – five hours for the initial charge and about two and a half hours for regular charges. Now for a “kicker” – the battery not “hot-swappable”, but is easy to remove easy to remove (cable to plug and unplug) using a screwdriver and Kicker can send a replacement battery.

HeadphoneSize

Granted I’m a big guy, but if the over-the-ear pieces were a bit larger, then that comfort level would have improved noticeably for me in long use sessions.

HeadphoneScrews

The cushions and headband are comfortable enough, but bigger or at least interchangeable over-the-ear pieces would have been better…Kicker does not offer different sizes of earpieces, though they are removable (see two screws in picture above).

PhoneButtons

The Bluetooth capabilities support for A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), and HFP (Hands-Free Profile), which allows the headphones to collaborate with an iOS or Android device for audio playback and voice calling plus related actions like muting audio (see above). The optional 1/8″, corrosion-resistant port allows connections to any iPod®, iPhone®, MP3 player or KICKER Docking System when not in wireless use. These action take a small learning curve and are a considerate option.

Here are some important specs:

  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 101 dB/1mW
  • Impedance: 32 Ohms
  • Drive components: 50mm
  • Max output: 118 dB
  • Input connections: 3.5mm stereo; Bluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, aptX
  • Battery: 3.7V/600mAh Lithium-ion; 10 hours life; 2.5 hours charge time
  • Accessories: 5′ USB-A to micro USB; 5′ 3.5mm stereo cable; 5′ 3.5mm stereo cable with microphone

The decent price point is key here and the headphone pieces move around well for comfort and transportation/travel. Affordable enough to entice users to make the next step up for a quality sound option that’s also relatively comfortable. Also includes a drawstring cloth bag perfect for protection.

Check out some of Kicker’s background story:

More than 40 years ago, KICKER’s® Livin’ Loud® legacy began as a two-man operation, hand-building professional-speaker systems in a narrow one-car garage. With very few resources and an intense love for music, company founder and current president Steve Irby developed the first full-range speaker enclosure for cars and trucks in the northern Oklahoma community of Stillwater, thus inventing an actual product segment in the mobile-stereo market.

 

From that historic moment, delivering concert-like audio quality across a wide volume range with renowned bass and accurate sound has always been the KICKER way. And it has carried over into KICKER Home and Personal products – Bluetooth speaker systems and various headphone styles with great bass, smooth mids and detailed highs. Their performance is realistic and genuine, designed by engineers to precisely re-create what the artist intended you to hear.

 

Gracing the cobalt-blue Stillwater skyline, KICKER has stayed true to the values on which it was built. Like the resourceful Oklahomans before them who cut their paths on this same red dirt with tireless effort and inspired thinking, KICKER continues to set musical standards driven by expertise and passion. KICKER is Livin’ Loud – how you livin’?

Kicker’s Tabor HP402BT Bluetooth Headphones

These Tabor HP402BT Bluetooth Headphones are available directly from Kicker or from other retailers including Amazon.

MSRP: $179.95

What I Like: wireless, well-constructed, excellent sound, convenient controls, great comfort (for average size user), Bluetooth options, wired cable options

What Needs Improvement: undersized ear covers (long-term ear and/or head fatigue for larger users when ears don’t totally fit within cushion)

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Gear Diary Staff
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