SOL Republic Relays In-ear Headphones for Students, Athletes, or Anyone Constantly On-the-Move

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing sample Relays in-ear headphones for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our giveaway prize. All opinions expressed are our own.

I received a pair of SOL Republic Relays to test and review. If you have read any of my previous reviews, you will know that I am a SOL Republic fanboy and I rave about their products. Most of the time, I can hardly even find a single flaw (partially why I am such a nut for them!). This time, however, in between my raving, I will point out the biggest flaw I have found in a SOL Republic product, then tell you why you should buy them anyways.

I was sent the Relays in Horizon Blue and as always, they look amazing. Unlike other earbuds I have ever used (ever seen?), the Relays have a soft-ish plastic ring around the Sound Engines to keep the buds securely in your ear. In fact, that is the primary difference between the Relays and other SOL Republic earbuds. The Relays are designed to stay put, no matter how you are using them. They will stay in your ear as you run, bike, or work out at the gym. Although I did not try them doing any of those activities, it is clear that the Relays stay securely in my ear. They fit very snugly even if you tug on them. The Relays would be a great choice for the adult or student athletes in your home as they stay in and are quite durable.

Like most SOL Republic products, the Relays come with a 3 button control on the cord allowing you to adjust your volume and answer calls if using them with your phone, although a single-button version is also available. Another SOL Republic signature feature, the cord has a thick rubber coating that resists tangles. The Relays come in 5 vibrant colors to match your style. Also included in the box is a small ripstop case and a variety of different sized ear pieces to perfect the fit.

But how do they sound? Amazing. Like all the other SOL Republic products I have reviewed, they sound terrific. The sound does not compare to my Master Tracks, but for an earbud I was pleasantly surprised. That is getting increasingly hard to do, as I have been blown away with every SOL Republic device I have tried and my expectations are high. I will say, if the Relays are not properly seated in your ear, the sound may be tinny. And this is the segway to my problem with the Relays….

I have very sensitive, slightly narrow ears and earbuds tend to be uncomfortable for me, even the best ones will start to hurt after prolonged usage and the Relays were no different. The very feature that keeps the Relays snug in my ear is what was triggering my sensitive reaction and leading to discomfort. But I am a unique example, nobody else in my family suffers from my ear sensitivity. I also need to mention that after some time fine tuning the placement, my discomfort is improving. I feel my ears will adjust eventually as I use them. After reading other reviews, this issue seems unique to me so this may not be a factor for most.

Aside from my unique issue, the SOL Republic Relays are every bit as nice as I thought they would be, and frankly expect from SOL Republic. Each time I review a SOL Republic product I am more impressed, but my expectations are also increased. The Relays met my increased expectations and I fully recommend them. They look fantastic, sound amazing, and they have the quality I have come to expect. And for $79.99, they are very competitively priced for a high end in-ear headset. With back to school upon us, the Relays would make an excellent gift for the students (or the teachers) in our lives.

To learn more about the Relays and other SOL Republic products, visit www.solrepublic.com.

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This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

Tech Tip: What to Pack in Your Mobile Tech Kit

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing sample Tracks Air Wireless Headphones for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our Father's Day giveaway.  All opinions expressed are our own.

I am a gadget and tech nerd. I love all things mobile, connected, and electronic. In this day and age it is so easy to stay connected, and as a result be productive and entertained just about anywhere. I’ve carried a laptop with me for years, but recently I swapped that out for a tablet and reduced the size of my bag. After going this route, I started to become addicted to seeing how much tech and capability I could pack into my small tablet bag. So I started my “Mobile Tech Kit” challenge.

The goal was simple: Create a kit that could fit in the smallest bag possible and could replace every function (and more) that a full featured desktop and workbench could, both in entertainment and productivity. Recently I was sent the very last component to complete my Mobile Tech Kit challenge and I can't wait to tell you about it.


To satisfy my need to cover all the functionality possible, I decided my kit needed to contain everything necessary to work, entertain (video and audio), stay connected, and keep everything powered up . . .

1.  Tablet - At the heart of my kit is the Microsoft Surface Windows 8.1 Tablet. The Surface is capable of offering me a full Windows desktop environment, unlike many other tablets. The value to this feature is that I can work as if I am sitting at any other Windows based PC. The Surface has the ability to interact with all of my other devices and keep me connected. The Surface pretty much provides all of the functionality I need for work related computing.

2.  Tech Tools - To round off the kits ability to support work related tasks, I carry various screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and a carbon fiber Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool.

3.  Portable Hard Drive and Thumb Drive - To make sure I can get at any information that I may need to on the go, I carry various ways to hold, gather, and transport data. At the heart of my data storage is a Samsung 1 Terabyte hard drive with USB 3.0. In addition to the hard drive, I carry a 16 gigabyte thumb drive and a SATA adapter to access any loose hard drives that may need data recovery. I can pretty much access and store anything I need to with this arrangement.

But all that stuff is about work, what about play? . . . 

4.  Wireless Speaker and Headphones - The Microsoft Surface is capable of playing any audio or video you have available, both from a file or via streaming. The screen is bright and sharp and video looks fantastic. But in the end, a tablets speakers are only so good, if I want to rock out the room I needed more. The SOL Republic Deck wireless speaker was the perfect solution. The Deck is loud, tough, has amazing sound, and the battery lasts for hours (see full review here). For those times when I need to keep the noise to myself, I use my new SOL Republic Tracks Air. The Tracks Air are sleek and sound great (see a full review at the end of this article).

5.  Credit Card Reader - Another function I have, which was not an original requirement, is the ability to take credit card or Visa gift card payments from my phone via a PayPal card swiper and app called PayPal Here. If I am ever in a situation where I need to collect payment or an owed debt, I can take a payment on the spot and send an email receipt!

6.  Portable Battery Pack and Adapters/Cables - With all of this technology, power is a major concern, if not the number one concern. In my bag I need a number of adaptors to make sure I can charge up all of my devices whenever I can. But sometimes a wall outlet just isn't available, at those times I use a NewTrent PowerPak+ high capacity charger. This beast can charge my phone more than 4 times between charges or a tablet 2 times. Honestly? I haven't ran out of juice yet and I only charge it once per week. A portable battery pack is a must have for any tech kit.

I really had a lot of fun jamming as much capability in my Mobile Tech Kit as I could. In addition to all the cool tech gadgets in there, I keep some comfort items such as tissues, hand sanitizer, pain reliever, first aid, etc. After all of that I still have some room to grow my kit as more needs arise. I can literally say that I am prepared for just about any "geek emergency" that may come up in my travels!

More about the SOL Republic Tracks Air headphones . . . 

I have been using, loving, and very much enjoying my SOL Republic headphones for some time now. I have used and reviewed a few sets right here on this site and loved every single pair. It is no secret that I am a very big fan of SOL republic products.

SOL Republic sent me a pair of Tracks Air wireless headphones in black to try out. Like all of my SOL Republic headsets, the Tracks Air are very good looking and come with SOL Republic's signature indestructible headband.

The Tracks Air look just like a pair of Tracks at first glance. The sleek style and lines are identical.  But at closer inspection, you can see that there are buttons added as well as a charging port and some additional elements on the headband. The Tracks Air are a little bit heavier (not much) than their Tracks cousins due to the battery, but much lighter than the larger Master Tracks. I did not have any problems with discomfort after long sessions with the Tracks Air.

Just like their Tracks cousins, the wireless Tracks Air can be used to make and answer phone calls if paired with a mobile phone. In fact, the Tracks Air will make the change seamlessly with a press of a button to answer a call, and transition back to music after the call ends!

SOL Republic states the range of the Tracks Air is as far as 150 feet. I was able to go about 20 meters in a steel and concrete office. I have not tested them out in an open space but it hardly matters:. All I want to do is walk about my office or home without having them yank off my head because I leaned too far from my PC! A 20 meter range inside is more than enough.

In addition to the buttons for answering and controlling a phone call, there is an easy to find and user-friendly volume button. I found it easy to change without any thought at all, your fingers just find it.

One of the most amazing things I have discovered about my Tracks Air is the battery life. The headset has an incredible 13 hour battery (product description says 15 hours)! And mind you, that is 13 hours of listening time, not standby. I can listen all day long at work and barely use more than half of the battery. Simply incredible.

So, the big question: How do they sound? Amazing to put it simply.

My Tracks Air sound every bit as good as my corded SOL Republic Anthems, which have the the V10 HD Sound Engines on them. Do they sound as good as my higher end Master Tracks? No. But they sound very very good and the difference is very slight. Just like my other sets, the Tracks Air have a nice bass and a full range. SOL republic does an amazing job of providing that bass without sacrificing the rest of the range and the Tracks Air are no exception.

I can honestly say I have no negative issues with the Tracks Air and as a result, SOL Republic has won me over…. again. At this stage I find it hard to believe they can produce a bad product. The Tracks Air look great, sound great, and have a superb battery life.  I just can't think of a more perfect set of headphones for somebody who likes to rock out without any restrictions. At $199.99, the Tracks Air are priced in line with premium corded headsets, so in my opinion an exceptional value. I easily and wholeheartedly recommend the SOL Republic Tracks Air.

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This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

SOL Republic Tracks V8 On-Ear Modular Headphones

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a complimentary Tracks V8 Headphones sample for us to base this review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you have ever read any of my reviews, you already know I am smitten with SOL Republic products. This year I was sent the Tracks V8 On-Ear Headphones to try and review. I will cut to the chase and tell you I loved them (surprise!). I promise to come clean with one imperfection however! As the proud owner of two sets of higher end SOL Republic headphones already, I was very curious to see how the entry level set compared to their pricier offerings.

The Tracks look great and come with the signature indestructible headband that all their sets do. I absolutely love the classic and simple lines of the Tracks, but they somehow also seem to convey a wilder side. The set I chose have a flat red headband and glossy black ear cups. Sizzle. The thick rubber cord is also red with a black volume control mirroring the look of the headset itself. Hot.

If you are not familiar, all SOL Republic headphones are modular and can be broken down for travel. And like all other SOL Republic sets, you can mix and match the components to create a custom pair unique to your tastes and personality (extra components sold separately). The Tracks feature SOL Republics signature thick rubber cord that does an excellent job resisting tangles. Fear not placing the cord in your pocket, for it will emerge untangled!

How do they sound? Great to put it simply. I was surprised to hear how well they compare to my Anthems and Master Tracks, both more expensive models. I can hear a difference for sure, but for $99 headphones the sound is fantastic. The Tracks feature SOL Republics deep bass and the rest of the range is superb.

I see so many celebrity endorsed headphones out there on the market and wonder why people buy them, how much of your money is going to the brand and not the quality of the product? Don’t get me wrong, SOL Republic works with some celebrities too, but they aren't the brand. Every SOL Republic product I own is far better than its higher priced competition and the Tracks aren’t an exception. I don’t know how many times I have tried $300 headphones in stores and think to myself, “My Tracks sound as good (or better!) and cost a fraction of this price.”  This is all my own opinion of course, but I challenge you to go try them for yourself. Compare the $99 Tracks against any Beats by Dr Dre or the Sony X series, regardless of their price.

So what is wrong with the Tracks? I promised one imperfection: The cord is too short! I would love to see an extra foot of cord. The Tracks are designed to work with mobile devices, but a longer cord would be better suited for people using them on their PC’s or sound systems. That’s it, the very worst thing I can say about them!

Big surprise: I highly recommend the SOL republic Tracks with the V8 Sound Engines. They sound nearly as good as my more expensive sets and they are an excellent choice for budget audiophiles. If you appreciate great sound and your budget is tight, you will not be disappointed with the Tracks.  You can purchase this SOL Republic product at Best Buy, Amazon.com, RadioShack, GameStop, and most places where quality electronics are sold.

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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

2013 Holiday Tech & Gadgets Gift Guide on 3G2S

Product samples of some of the items featured below were provided to facilitate this gift guide.  All opinions expressed are our own.


1. SOL Republic Deck Wireless Speaker ($199.99) - The Deck wireless speaker by SOL Republic and Motorola combines style and performance. The Deck is the only wireless speaker that has Heist Mode, a feature that allows up to 5 users to stream music to the speaker for a dynamic listening experience. Another exclusive feature unique to the Deck is Super-Power Wireless, allowing connected devices up to a 300 foot range from the speaker. The unit boasts an extra loud volume for outdoor use and a rechargeable battery that provides many hours of listening between charges. The speaker broadcasts in all directions providing a 360 field of music supported by a deep bass. The Deck can also be used as a speakerphone when paired with your smartphone.  The Deck is the perfect gift for music lovers who like to bring their music with them and share.

Keep an eye out for my full review of the SOL Republic Deck coming soon.  To learn more about the SOL Republic Deck, read our review and visit www.solrepublic.com.

2.  VTech InnoTab 3S Wifi Learning Tablet ($99.99 Now $69.99) - The InnoTab 3S by VTech is a tablet made especially for kids yet is full of features found in many tablets made for adults. The InnoTab 3S connects to you home's wifi and offers a completely controlled web experience. Parents can add approved websites to the units pre installed list of kid friendly sites. The InnoTab 3S is chock full of preinstalled learning activities, games, books, and art applications. Parents can go online to the Learning Lodge and add content at any time, some free and some for purchase. The unit boasts a 5” screen, rotating 2 megapixel camera, SD card slot, and 4 gigabytes of onboard storage.  The InnoTab 3S is a full featured tablet packed in a kid friendly package. This kid tablet is no toy. The unit offers extensive parental controls as well.

If you aren't ready to spend $300 or more for an adult tablet for your child, the InnoTab 3S is a great bridge tablet. The InnoTab 3S is the perfect choice for kids ages 3-9, who are asking for a tablet this holiday season.  This tablet comes in Blue, Pink, and a special edition Dora the Explorer model.

To learn more about the InnoTab 3S, visit www.VTechKids.com.

3.  Mobile Edge Mini Messenger Bag  ($49.99) - The Mobile Edge Mini Messenger bag is designed for tablet or netbook PC users who do not want to carry a full sized laptop bag. For anyone who needs to carry IT tools and related items in addition to a tablet, the Mobile Edge Mini is a perfect solution. The bag is made from rugged nylon and mesh with large zippers and plastic clips. This Mobile Edge messenger contains two padded compartments that can easily house any full size tablet or 13” ultrabook computer. The outer compartment has many divided sections for other gear. There is a small zippered outside pocket that is perfect for keys. This unisex tablet bag also has a bottle pocket and a second buttoned compartment (perfect for a flashlight) on each side of the bag. The Mobile Edge Mini Messenger bag is the perfect gift for the mobile professional.

To see color choices and more detailed information visit Amazon.com or BestBuy.com.

4. Jabra Freeway Bluetooth Speakerphone  ($99.00) - This speakerphone by Jabra allows for complete hands free calling in your car and much more. The Freeway automatically turns on and off when you enter or exit your car using its sensitive motion detection. The battery boasts a 14 hour talk time with a 40 day standby and can recharge from your car's 12 volt outlet with a provided charger. The unit can also charge using an included USB cable. The Jabra Freeway Speakerphone doubles as a bluetooth speaker by playing music through your car's FM stereo, as well as streamed from your mobile device. The Freeway is sleek in appearance and looks equally at-home in your car or on an office desk. The unit is small and light and attaches easily to a car's visor. This bluetooth speakerphone offers excellent sound clarity and microphone sensitivity. The Freeway is a perfect gift for anybody who likes to chat in the car or requires high quality hands free communication. It also makes an excellent speaker for your mobile media.

Visit www.Jabra.com for more information, including a product video.

5.  SOL Republic Tracks On-Ear Interchangeable Headphones V8  ($99.99) - The Tracks headphones by SOL Republic are handsome and simple in design. The Tracks are modular and the components (available for purchase separately) can be changed to suit any taste creating a truly unique set of headphones. The sound is rich in bass without sacrificing the rest of the range suiting many tastes in music. The ear pads are soft and the headband is virtually indestructible.  At $99.99 the SOL Republic Tracks offer a high quality experience at a fraction of the cost of its peers.  These headphones would be the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the sound of high quality audio.

To learn more about these on-ear headphones, read our review and visit www.solrepublic.com.

6.  Jabra Style Bluetooth Headset  ($49.99) - The Jabra Style is a small and svelte bluetooth headset. It may very well be one of the smallest headsets you have ever seen for a mobile phone. The earpiece fits almost entirely in your ear and the clip is clear so the unit is fairly inconspicuous. The Jabra Style is very easy to use as most of the features are automated. The unit detects the ambient noise and adjusts the volume automatically. In fact, the only button on the Jabra Style is the off/on button that doubles as the answer button. It is refreshing to find a top end headset that is so easy to use. The Jabra Style would be a great gift for anybody who likes to chat while they drive, workout, cook, or just about anything else that requires them to keep their hands free.

For more information about this and other Jabra products, visit www.Jabra.com.

7.  Lightscoop Deluxe  ($36.95) - Lightscoop is a swiveling detachable mirror you can put on your D-SLR camera to bounce the light from your flash off other surfaces, such as the ceiling or a wall.  This results in photos that have lights and shadows that are soft, rather than the harsh ones resulting from using a direct flash.  This little gadget slides right into the slot where you would normally attach an external flash and works best for cameras with nice bright flashes.  The Lightscoop is most effective when used with ceilings that are approximately 14ft high or lower and walls that are no more than 4ft away.  The Lightscoop Deluxe folds for easy storage.  Also available is the Lightscoop Jr. ($18.95), which comes with a storage pouch and works well on many compact cameras with bright flashes.  Remember to visit the product pages to be sure which Lightscoop product will work best with your type of camera.  Both products would make perfect gifts or stocking stuffers for that special photographer in your life.

To learn more about these and other Lightscoop products, visit www.lightscoop.com, Lightscoop on Facebook, and on Twitter.


More tech and gadget gift ideas will be added to this Holiday Gift Guide through December.  Remember to check back often and to follow @_Karen on Twitter to keep up with what's new!

Weekend Wishlist: Franco Sarto Handbag, 3-D Light-Up Crystal Puzzle, Wireless Headphones, and More!

 It's Friday!  That means I've been browsing the new sales on Zulily.  I love shopping on the weekends because I only pay shipping on my first order and get free shipping on everything else from Friday through midnight on Sunday.  I have already done quite a bit of holiday shopping on Zulily over the past few weeks.  I found some fun fashion items for my mother-in-law and some great deals on some toys.  In case I've never mentioned it, I always check the price of an item on Amazon before I purchase it on Zulily and it is almost always significantly lower.  I bought a few toys this month that were each selling for $10 to $15 more on Amazon.

What's new on my Zulily wishlist today?

1.  Global Amici 248-Oz. Meloni Jar - $16.99 (Originally $25)

2.  DIY Kids Flashing Castle 3-D Crystal Puzzle - $11.99 (Originally $21)

3.  Sterling Silver Crown Pendant Necklace - $10.99 (Originally $21)

4.  Black Wireless Cushioned Headphones & Receiver - $26.99 (Originally $100)

5.  Upper Bounce 7.5-Foot Trampoline & Enclosure Set - $199.99 (Originally $285)

6.  Franco Sarto Leather Teal Delancy Crossbody Bag - $55.99 (Originally $119)

7.  b.o.c. Black Suzi Mule - $44.99 (Originally $85)

8.  Oatmeal Basket Weave Infinity Scarf - $8.99 (Originally $18)


If you haven't already, be sure to checkout my post "6 Tips for Shopping on Zulily"!  What's on your weekend wishlist from Zulily or somewhere else?

SOL REPUBLIC Jax In-Ear Headphones Offer High End Sound for an Affordable Price

Thank you to SOL REPUBLIC for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this in-ear headphones review upon and for providing an additional product for our contest prize. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you have read anything I have written on this blog then you already know I love my SOL REPUBLIC products. I own the Master Tracks and the Track HD Anthems and love them both, however, I cannot always use a big set of headphones. Sometimes I need something more discreet like earbud style headphones. For those occasions I have a very nice pair of Monster Lil’ Jams. My Lil’ Jams are $100 earbuds, a big sum of money in my opinion for earbuds, but well worth it if you appreciate great sounding music.

When I was given the opportunity to try SOL REPUBLIC Jax earbuds I had mixed feelings. I am a diehard SOL REPUBLIC fan, but the Jax are priced like entry level earbuds at $39.99. Can $40 earbuds be as nice as my $100 earbuds?

For a fair comparison, I will tell you a little bit about my Monster Lil’ Jams first. The Lil’ Jams are all machined billet steel. They have a heft to them and are clearly of fine quality. They sound great and have nice and soft silicon plugs. The Lil’ Jams are exactly what I would expect for a set of $100 earbuds.

So how well do the SOL REPUBLIC $40 Jax stand up to the $100 Lil’ Jams by Monster? They stood up very well.

I am not going to pretend that the all-plastic Jax are as impressive to hold and look at as the machined billet Lil’ Jams are, because they aren't. That's not to say they aren't good looking and sleek. Plus, appearance is also not what is important about a set of earbuds: It is the performance that counts.

The Jax sounded fantastic (as I expected them to, being a giant fan of SOL REPUBLIC’s sound). They sound at least as good as the $100 Lil’ Jams which is no small feat in my opinion. The Jax also come with a thick and grippy no-tangle cord like their big brothers, Master Tracks and Track HD’s, do. You would think for $100, Monster would figure out a way to keep the cord from tangling. The Jax also comes with a set of buttons on the cord to control your music or your call if you are using them with a phone. They are in fact the same controls that are on the $200 Master Tracks. Impressive.

Ironically, the fact that they are all plastic makes them a great deal more comfortable to wear for prolonged listening than the metal Lil’ Jams. I love the feel of the machined steel on my Lil’ Jams, but I need to be honest and state they get tiresome and uncomfortable to wear because of their weight. I guess sometimes plastic is better than metal!

The Jax come with an assortment of silicon ear plugs to fit any ear size, some may even fit a young child. The mid-sized set were perfect for my ears.

The Jax are light and comfortable to wear and sound at least as good as my far more expensive set of earbuds. I think at $39.99 you simply cannot go wrong with the Jax. I cannot imagine how great SOL REPUBLIC's more expensive earbuds are if this is what they are putting out there this affordably!

For the third time SOL REPUBLIC has won my business and delivered an amazing product at a more than competitive price.  Visit www.solrepublic.com to learn more about the Jax in-ear headphones and the wide array of other SOL REPUBLIC high definition headphones.
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Good luck in the drawing!

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. A random number drawing will be held shortly after the contest closing. The winner will be announced here and will be contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Block Out the World with the SOL Republic Master Tracks Over-Ear Headphones

Thank you to SOL Republic for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and for providing a second product for our contest prize.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Warning: This article contains blatant gushing and adoration for my new headphones. You have been warned. I do promise however, to disclose a few imperfections to help this review be as objective as possible!

I was recently sent a pair of SOL Republic Master Tracks over-ear headphones. I already own a pair of SOL Republic Tracks HD Anthem on-ear headphones (which I love) and was very excited to try the Master Tracks. Because I love my old pair so much, my expectations were very high . . . the Master Tracks had better be good. I will cut to the chase and say that the Master Tracks not only met my expectations, they exceeded them.

I will start by saying my new Master Tracks are stunning in appearance. I chose the Electro Blue color with black and dark metal trim. They are fantastic looking. I really can't stand so many of the larger over-ear headphones on the market. It is as if they are trying to be as big and gaudy as possible. SOL Republic went the other way. The Master Tracks are sleek, yet small for over-ear headphones, and somewhat conservative. They suit my tastes perfectly.

The first thing you will notice about your Master Track headphones is that they are modular. They break up into components for easier carrying when not in use (in an included nylon case). You can also mix and match parts (available to be purchased separately) to create a truly custom set of headphones.

The second thing you will note about your Master Tracks (or any SOL Republic headphones) is that the cable is thick and rubbery. At first it feels a little odd, but you quickly realize why they do it: They simply do not tangle. By adding the thick rubber coating, the cables are springy and repel being bent together. Such a simple and effective way to solve a problem everybody has with earbuds and headphones. Amazing! The cable also has a mic and controls for use with your phone.

The Master Tracks are mostly plastic with a metal cap over each ear. The headband is wonderfully springy and keeps just the right amount of tension on your noggin. I found my Master Tracks to be comfortable even after long sessions. One of the reasons why I wanted to try an over-ear headphone was for this very reason. Using headphones while wearing glasses sometimes is uncomfortable for on-ear models. The Master Tracks spread the pressure out nicely and provide a much more comfortable experience.

But how do the Master Tracks sound? Well, I loved my Anthems as they sounded great, but the Master Tracks sounded even better. The larger earcup and extra cushion did an excellent job of covering external noise (a little too well if you ask my wife). You should be warned that SOL Republic likes a deeper bass sound in their headphones and the Master Tracks were no exception. This is not to say the audio range is limited, because it isn’t. SOL Republic wants you to feel the music through the bass. They manage to do this well without sacrificing the quality of the rest of the range.

So what didn't I like about my Master Tracks? The list of cons is very small, just two things and one of them may even end up being a benefit in disguise. Although the Master Tracks are technically over-ear headphones, they really do not go over your ear, or around your ear rather, like you would expect. My set still rests on my ears. If you are looking for true around the ear headphones, these won't fit your needs. BUT, they are large enough and have enough cushion to block out everything and are quite comfortable. They are a great deal smaller than their peers, which may be a benefit to you (it is for me). They would not be out of place at all on a walk or at the gym.

The second issue I have is that the cord is not overly long. I don’t think it’s too short at all, and is perfect for use with mobile devices. But when plugged into your PC or stereo, you will wish they were a bit longer. I need room to bust a move after all!

I drank my SOL Republic kool-aid when I fell in love with my Anthems, but now the Master Tracks have earned my soul. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anybody considering a competitor's set. At the very least, give them a try before making your purchase. I promise you will not be disappointed. I know this coming Father's Day I will be rocking out enjoying some quiet time with my Master Tracks!

The SOL Republic Master Tracks retail for $199.99 and can be purchased in White, Gunmetal, or Electro Blue on solrepublic.com, Amazon.com, Best Buy, and other major electronics retailers.

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SOL REPUBLIC Anthem Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones

As you may well-know, having visited my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Men, my husband cannot say enough about the SOL REPUBLIC Anthem Tracks HD Headphones!  The sound quality, comfort, durability, and stylish appearance all make these headphones worth twice their retail price of $149.99.


More about the Anthem Tracks HD V10 Headphones . . . 

These headphones were actually inspired by Olympic athlete, Michael Phelps.  The proceeds from each Anthem headphones sale benefits the Michael Phelps Foundation, which works towards promoting swimming as a sport and as one of the keys to healthy active children.

Every pair of Anthems comes with the following:

• V10 HD Sound Engines with SonicSoft™ Speaker Pads
• Interchangeable Cable with Mic + Music Control
• Interchangeable and Virtually Indestructible Headband
• Slim-Fit Carrying Case

To learn more about the SOL REPUBLIC Anthems, visit solrepublic.com, who offers Free Shipping on this item along with a 1,000 day headband guarantee.


Thank you to SOL REPUBLIC for providing a complimentary product sample for our holiday gift guide and for providing a second sample for our contest prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

3G2S "Top Picks" 2012 Holiday Gift Guide for Men

1. Pelican ProGear™ U105 Urban Laptop Backpack ($139.95) - This backpack is great for anyone who wants to provide maximum protection for their 15" laptop, but it is especially perfect for someone who needs to carry specialized tools, in addition to the laptop, for IT work.  There are loops on the interior and exterior for things like screwdrivers and flashlights.  The laptop compartment is completely surrounded by an armor-like rigid case, plus has a beefy Velcro strap to hold the laptop in place.  There is even an additional protected pocket on the front for a tablet.  The padded straps are completely adjustable for maximum comfort.  If you know a man who is rough and tough on his backpack, then this super-industrial water-resistant Pelican ProGear backpack would make the perfect gift this Holiday.  Overall, this backpack measures 12-1/2"W x 20-1/2"H x 9-1/2"D.  To learn more about this and other Pelican ProGear products, visit www.pelicanprogear.com.

2.  Popular Mechanics Books ($24.95 each) - If you are shopping for a man who loves science and technology, then the many non-fiction Popular Mechanics books might be the perfect gift for him.  For my husband, who is a huge fan of Popular Mechanics Magazine, I chose . . .

• Popular Mechanics Complete Home How-To book
• The Amazing Weapons That Never Were: Robots, Flying Tanks & Other Machines of War
• The Wonderful Future That Never Was: Flying Cars, Mail Delivery by Parachute, and Other Predictions from the Past
• What Went Wrong: Investigating the Worst Man-made and Natural Disasters.

I think these books would be of interest to both scientific-minded men and women.  For my husband, his favorite book was the Complete Home How-To book.  This book really does cover everything, plus the information is timeless.  I think this book would be a winning gift for any homeowner.  Visit www.sterlingpublishing.com to see more Popular Mechanics books.

 Author Gregory Benford will also be in NYC Nov. 28 for “Pride: Flying Cars and Other Broken Promises.” You can get $10 off w/code PRIDE12: http://bit.nyas.org/Uys5si.

3.  SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD V10 Anthem Headphones ($149.99) - My husband fell in love with these headphones on the first day that he used them.  He found them to offer high quality sound through all ranges, plus deep deep bass, which is a huge plus for him.  In addition to being super-comfortable and very adjustable, these headphones in the Anthem Edition colors are extremely cool looking.  The first day he wore them at work, he had 5 people stop to ask him what type of headphones they were.  These headphones come with a neoprene carrying case and is packaged inside a very attractive ready-to-wrap box. The SOL REPUBLIC Anthems are every bit as nice as Beats by Dr Dre at a significantly lower price.  To learn more about these and other SOL REPUBLIC headphones, visit www.solrepublic.com.

4.  Philips Norelco Do-It-Yourself Hair Clipper Pro ($39.99) - In between haircuts, my husband trims his own hair.  He also gives our two boys haircuts once every month or two and does a pretty great job.  Of course, how well he does depends directly on the tool he uses, so he was excited to try out the Do-It-Yourself Clipper Pro.  He found it to be a quality product, but since it is different from what he previously used, there was a learning curve involved.  By the time he was cutting our second son's hair, my husband had begun to grow comfortable using these new clippers, the various length settings, and the 180 degree rotating head.  Each charge holds an hour's worth of power.  Another plus is that these clippers are 100% waterproof.  To learn more about these clippers, visit www.usa.philips.com, where you can download a manufacturer's coupon to save $5 off selected Philips Norelco products.  Currently, these clippers are selling on Amazon.com for $34.99 with Free Super Saver Shipping plus a $5 off coupon.

5.  Gola Redford Men's Daypack ($50) - This is a sporty retro style shoulder bag for men.  My husband used to carry a nylon hiking daypack when he was younger.  He could get away with it back then, but now something like that would just not go with his shirt and tie or even with a golf shirt.  For that reason, he has not used a bag for many years and was quite excited about the idea of carrying one again.  This bag is roomy and durable.  Measuring approximately 17"x12"x4", this is the perfect bag for when a backpack is too much.  There is enough room to hold a padfolio, file folders, a tablet and more.  My husband thinks that it would also make a nice compact gym bag for holding a towel and an extra change of clothes.  There is also a comfortable adjustable shoulder strap and a zippered pocket inside that is nearly the full length of the bag.  The Gola Redford in Navy/White currently ships free within the U.S.  Visit www.golausa.com to learn more about this and other Gola bags.


Although complimentary product samples were sent to facilitate this gift guide, all opinions expressed are my own.

Award-Winning Aerial7 "Arcade" Children's Headphones Have Automatic Volume Reduction

In addition to earning the 2012 PTPA (Parent Tested, Parent Approved) Winner's Seal of Approval, Arcade headphones by Aerial7 are fun, stylish, and uniquely perfect for children. Made from durable materials and designed to keep fragile ears safe from high volumes, these headphones are sure to delight any child while keeping parents comforted in knowing their child can never have them turned up too loudly. Designed especially with children in mind, they have an adjustable, child-friendly headband and super comfy ear cushions to keep kids bopping away to their music for as long as they want.

My 10 year old son, Avery, got these headphones in the PAKMAN theme to use with his iPod and while doing things on the computer. He loved the look of them and boasted that no one would have headphones like his. He also agreed that they are very comfortable, a fact he likes very much. The sound on them is great as well, and gets loud enough to be heard in loud places, but not too loud to harm him.  Overall, these headphones are fun, trendy, cozy and we think they’re great.

You can purchase these Aerial7 products on their website, www.aerial7.com, as well as on Amazon.com and specialty music stores nationwide. These Arcade headphones retail for $35.


Thank you to Aerial7 for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Giveaway & Review: Monster Cable Lil' Jamz Headphones [CLOSED]

***Review Updated***

(See #8 for Update)

I first became interested in Lil' Jamz headphones by Monster Cable because I was having trouble finding a set that had ear buds that would fit my 6yr old son. These in-ear headphones come with four additional ear tips of various sizes. It turned out that even the smallest size did not fit inside my son's ear canal. I cannot tell you how thrilled my husband was to learn that these top of the line headphones would be all his.

What my family and I thought about our Monster Cable headphones:

1) The accessories that come with these headphones are very well thought out. The box can be used for storage and has a magnetic closure. There is also a protective pouch that offers another way to store these headphones for travel or when you are on the go.

2) As previously mentioned, these headphones come with an assortment of various size ear tips. There is also a clip to keep the wire against your body and small Velcro strips to manage your wires as you see fit.

3) The earpieces are marked right and left, but they are also conveniently color-coded with a red and a blue stripe.

4) The construction of these headphones live up to the Monster Cable reputation of using the best materials. Most metal parts are made of chrome-plated machine steel.

5) In addition to having 24K gold contacts inside, the jack also has a gold-plated tip, which is best for conductivity.

6) The sound quality produced by these headphones exceeded our expectations. They offer crisp sound at any volume. There was no distortion at high volumes.

7) While testing these headphones out with acoustic guitar music, my husband could hear the guitar pick hit the strings at the beginning and end of each stroke. That is how crystal clear the sound quality is.

8) There was one thing that kept these headphones from being perfect for us. The jack had a contact issue, in which it had to be twisted exactly to the right position in order for the headphones to work. When not twisted to the right position, no sound came through the right ear and what sound came through the left ear sounded hollow. We had this issue when using these headphones with both an iPod and a notebook computer. I cannot help but think that this may be an issue with our particular set of headphones because I just can't see Monster Cable putting out headphones for $89.95 that had this problem. Most users will be moving around with their MP3 players, so this problem would not have gone unnoticed. Just to be cautious, I would keep your receipt if you decided to purchase. UPDATE: After reading about the connectivity problem we were having with our set of headphones, Monster Cable was nice enough to send us a set of replacement Lil Jamz. This new set works perfectly, proving that the original set had a manufacturer's defect. In an astonishing turn of events, these headphones have an even better sound quality than the first set, which we never thought would be possible.

I would recommend these headphones for anyone who values the best sound quality. Since they do cost more than an everyday pair of headphones, I would only recommend them for someone who will treat them with care and who is unlikely to misplace them.

You can purchase these headphones right on MonsterCable.com . Visit LilJamz.com for your chance to be featured on future Lil' Jamz headphones packaging by entering the Monster DJ Contest. Other prizes include over $600 in Monster DJ gear and more. Please see the website for official contest rules.

Thank you to Monster Cable for sending us a set of sample earphones free of charge along with product information and images to base this article upon and for providing another set of earphones to our contest winner.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive one set of Monster Cable Lil' Jamz In-Ear Headphones (ARV $89).

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:
Take a minute to look over the list of Important Monster Performance and Safety Tips. Then leave a comment telling me something you learned from these tips. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2) For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND Monster Lil' Jamz. Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4) Friend me on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Monster Cable on Twitter and/or fan Monster Cable on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment to either your Twitter or Facebook profile for each entry completed for up to 2 extra entries.

6) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9) Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest ends on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!