Skullcandy 2011 Chops Buds review

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Posted By: Dan Cohen

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We reviewed the Skullcandy Fix In-Ear last summer. (Read the full review.) The $69.99 earbuds sound quite good and I continue to enjoy using them. The company happens to make earbuds in a variety of price-ranges and that includes the $19.99 Skullcandy Chop Buds. For under $20, though, how good can the things actually be? Add in the fact that these “sport” buds have a fairly rigid ear loop and it isn’t difficult to imagine that they are both uncomfortable AND mediocre. BUT are they? Read on.

Earphones and Earbuds from Skullcandy 1

I’ll say this for the Chop Buds, they do come in come eye-catching color combinations. (The review sample I got is black on black so they are rather boring but I can certainly see the Yellow/Grey combo catching some attention.

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As noted, the review sample is black on black and they look rather simple. They are. Here’s what Skullcandy has to say about them:

Play your cards close to the chest and your music close to the ears. The Chops revolutionary design facilitates both.

That’s about all the product page has to say about them. Yes, these budget earbuds even have a budget webpage. 🙂

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While they do happen to pivot, the ear hooks are rigid and, at first look, I expected them to be uncomfortable as a result. Funny thing is, they aren’t. In fact, they are remarkable comfortable AND they stay in the ear amazingly well. Even after wearing them for an extended period of time I felt no ear fatigue. Color me surprised!!

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As for sound well, these aren’t going to win any audio awards. Then again, for under $20 I wasn’t expecting much AND they are actually much better than I expected. So if I was looking for an inexpensive pair of earbuds that stay put during exercise these are a good option. You can get details and order yours here on the company site.

MSRP: $19.95

What I Like: Comfortable; Stay in place; Priced nicely

What Needs Improvement: Sound is decent but not great; No inline mic or controls

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.

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4 Comments on "Skullcandy 2011 Chops Buds review"

  1. zepfanman | March 5, 2012 at 2:04 pm |

    Do they sound better/equal to standard iPod earbuds?

  2. dancohen | March 5, 2012 at 3:04 pm |

    I think a bit better. And more comfortable. But no mic

  3. zepfanman | March 5, 2012 at 3:22 pm |

    Oh yeah, those mic and volume/pause buttons are quite handy! I think the Chops would be perfect just for running, though.

  4. dancohen | March 5, 2012 at 3:24 pm |

    I was actually shocked to find them as comfortable as I do. Although obviously your mileage may vary.

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