st213

FEATURE LIFE TECH

Wire free For our money, it’s hard to argue past true wireless. If you’ve trained with wired earbuds, you’ll know all too well about the nightmare of inadvertently ripping them out of your ears after snagging them on gym equipment. Are you worried about losing a true-wireless earbud? A good pair of true wireless earbuds will come with a charging box to store them in, so if they go straight back in after use, you’ll have no worries. Headphones or earbuds? This comes down to the type of activity the user is undertaking. If the workout is more cardio focused, it’s hard to surpass a good, snug-fitting pair of earbuds. Headphones are, pardon the pun, a good fit for more static workouts or walking. Personal preference is important here: some users don’t like the feel of earbuds poked down the ears, while others find on-ear headphones too sweat-inducing during a workout. The right fit Comfort and a good fit go hand in-hand when considering sports ear gear. Generally speaking, good earbuds will come with

different-sized interchangeable silicone tips to accommodate different ear shapes. Some sports earbuds feature additional ‘wings’ that lock the buds into the ear, improving the overall fit and preventing them from popping out. Sports on-ear headphones feature a tight headband that clamps them firmly to the head. Simple controls Easy-to-access controls on earbuds and headphones for volume, pause, or track skipping are essential where sweaty hands and excessive movement are the norm; you don’t want to keep reaching for your phone. Active noise cancelling is a bonus for blocking out those appalling gym playlists. Another neat feature in this space is ambient mode, where external mics let in a little environmental noise. Ambient mode is ideal for runners in built-up areas where traffic can be a potential hazard. Sweat protection One of the unfortunate by products of a heavy workout is sweat and, as we all know, water and electronic devices don’t generally mix. If you’re prone to

sweating or running in the rain, pick a pair with a good waterproof rating (refer to page 6). Every pair of headphones and earbuds will have either an IPX or an IP rating. IPX relates to the level of water protection and IP to dust; the higher the number, the better the protection. For earbuds or headphones designed for active use, the lowest rating you should accept is IPX4. Everything above that is a bonus.

STACK’s Rock-tacular Playlist

You can’t help but move with this belting playlist in your ears.

15. Black Cab Rescue 16. DIIV Dopamine 17. Magenta Lane Lucky

4. Sex Pistols God Save the Queen 5. Blondie Dreaming 6. Nirvana Breed 7. Stone Roses Begging You 8. Pearl Jam Rearviewmirror 9. Girlschool Bomber 10. Happy Mondays Kinky Afro 11. The Jam In the City 12. The Donnas Take It Off 13. The B52’s Roam 14. The Beatles Tomorrow Never Knows

18. Iron Maiden The Prisoner 19. The Jesus and Mary Chain Degenerate 20. Pond Elvis’ Flaming Star 21. Radiohead Bodysnatchers 22. Joy Division Shadowplay 23. Swervedriver Harry and Maggie 24. Hol Celebrity Skin 25. Triumph Allied Forces

1. Black Sabbath Hole in the Sky 2. Ride Leave Them All Behind 3. L7 Wargasm

19