One of Judie’s and my favorite stops at CES each year is Plantronics. We love their headsets and appreciate the way each year brings new refinements to already great products. Judie recently reviewed the BackBeat Pro 2 headphones and loved them. That’s just one of the headphones they showed her during their CES 2017 meeting.
The BackBeat Pro 2 headphones are an update to the BackBeat Pro headphones I reviewed last year and loved. They take everything I loved about those headphones and made them even better.
The new offerings are lighter, sleeker but still offer amazing sound, good noise cancellation, and outstanding battery life. And they get Bluetooth connectivity from greater distances than I have ever seen. Judie sent me the pair she reviewed, and I am loving them. Look for a second look post on them by me, and a review of the BackBeat Pro 2 SE coming soon from Judie. Check them out here.
Headphones for the Fitness-minded
Plantronics is also showing off the BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones. The $129.99 headphones are sleek, look great and are designed to pump up your workout by pumping the tunes. As Plantronics notes:
When it comes to your workout, nothing gets in your way. Stay focused and distraction-free with wireless sport headphones that stay comfortably in place. BackBeat FIT provides superior stability with a behind-the-ear design and comfortable eartip. The only reminder that you’re wearing them is the rich sound of your favorite playlist or podcast pushing you to your next personal best.
The BackBeat FIT are flexible, durable, and waterproof. An IP57 rating and an additional sweatproof nano-coating make them ready for whatever weather you throw at them. Add in the fact that they are designed to stay comfortably in place through the most intense of workouts and you have headphones that are ready for the gym or whatever sporting activity you are into.
Available in Black Core, Fit Fuchsia, Stealth Green, Sport Grey and Power Blue, the BackBeat FIT has an MSRP of $129.99. We have them in hand and will be doing a full review shortly after CES 2017. Check them out here.
Headsets for the Gaming Guru
Last year Plantronics spent much of their time with us explaining their plans to step into and dominate the gaming headset market. This year they have taken that commitment up to a new level. There are three different headsets worthy of note.
The RIG 800HS
At $179.99 this wireless headset delivers up to 24 hours of “lag-free wireless audio and lightweight comfort for marathon gaming sessions.” They also look amazing.
If you are serious about your gaming you owe it to yourself to check them out.
The RIG 500E
Designed to meet the demands of e-sports players and endorsed by ESL, the RIG 500E headset is a fitting match for your competitive needs, from intense training sessions to events, and everywhere in between.
At $149.99 the RIG 500E isn’t for the faint of heart. Designed to meet the demands of e-sports players, the RIG 500E was designed from the ground up for competitive players, with features that give you an edge.
The headphones are durable but have a lightweight frame. The components can be configured to meet the specific needs and likes of each gamer in order to deliver maximum endurance or focus. The vented earcups are breathable in order to reduce fatigue over long gaming sessions while isolating earcups block background noise and allow for maximum focus. Check them out here.
The RIG 500HX CAMO
Designed for Xbox One, the $69.99 RIG 500HX CAMO headset is designed to deliver high-performance audio while maintaining a lightweight, durable design that is as comfortable as they are great sounding.
As Plantronics explains:
The durable yet lightweight frame lets you configure components for endurance or focus. The included isolating earcups immerse you in the game, blocking out distracting background noise.
The RIG 4VR
Finally, the RIG 4VR is a $69.99 audio solution for PS4 gamers but not limited to them. Thanks to interchangeable cables the RIG 4VR can be used with both PlayStation VR and the PlayStation 4 wireless controllers.
Engineered specifically to enhance the VR experience, the RIG 4VR have
A unique oval earcup design enables the RIG 4VR to fit comfortably while in use with wearable displays like the PlayStation VR headset. The vented earcup design allows in some ambient sound, helping players maintain natural balance during VR sessions. With the vented design also makes it possible for in-room conversations during social VR gaming experiences and provides greater heat dissipation so players stay comfortable when marathon gaming.
As usual, Judie was impressed with what Plantronics has done since CES 2016. The headsets they are showing off represent the kind of incremental improvements that, year after year, keep us in the Plantronics Fan Club. Check them out here: Plantronics Headsets and Accessories
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