ZBONES Z-43860M Open Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conducting headphones are a unique technology that transmit sound through vibration of the cheekbones rather than directly into the ears. This allows you to listen to audio while still being able to hear ambient sounds around you. The zBones Z-43860M model aims to bring bone conduction headphones to the outdoor enthusiast with its camouflage design. In this review, we’ll take a look at the build quality, comfort, sound quality, features, and overall value of these headphones.

Overview

The zBones Z-43860M bone conducting headphones have an athletic design geared for outdoor use. The headband and earpieces are covered in a mossy oak camouflage pattern that blends into natural environments. The headphones are lightweight and sweatproof for wearing during activities like hunting, hiking, and fishing. Key features include Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, IP55 sweat and dust resistance rating, 6 hours of battery life, and onboard controls.

Features:

• Bone conducting technology allows ambient sound pass-through
• Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity
• IP55 dustproof and sweatproof rating
• 6 hours battery life per charge
• Onboard controls for volume, track, calls
• Foldable design with carrying case
• Mossy oak camouflage colorway

Design and Comfort

The Z-43860M has an over-ear design with soft silicone tips that rest on the cheekbones to transmit audio through bone conduction. The adjustable headband and earhooks ensure a customizable fit for stability during physical activities. The matte finish camo pattern looks great and helps avoid unwanted glare outdoors. While not the most compact for portable use, the headphones fold inwards for storage in the included carrying case.

Sound Quality

The open-ear bone conducting design allows you to listen to music or take calls while still hearing ambient noise around you. This makes them ideal for situational awareness during outdoor activities. The sound quality is decent but lacks the full bass response of traditional headphones - vocals and treble are emphasized over thumping low-end. Volume gets sufficiently loud for listening while in motion. Phone calls come through clear on both ends with the built-in microphone.

Features

The Z-43860M has a streamlined feature set geared towards outdoor use. The headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and pair quickly and easily with phones, tablets, etc. Battery life is rated for 6 hours of continuous playback which aligns with real-world testing. The IP55 rating means they are dust protected and can withstand rain, sweat, and splashes. Onboard controls for volume, play/pause, power, and call answer/end are convenient for managing music and calls on the go.

Battery Life:

The zBones Z-43860M provide approximately 6 hours of playback time per charge. This is decent for casual daily use. The headphones take 2-3 hours to fully recharge via the included USB cable.

Water Resistance:

With an IP55 rating, the headphones are dust protected and can withstand splashes, rain, and sweat. They are suitable for high intensity workouts and activities in wet conditions. However, they are not fully submersible and should not be worn underwater.

Use Cases:

The open-ear bone conducting design makes these headphones ideal for situational awareness during activities like:
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Running/workouts outdoors
- Yardwork
- Driving/commuting

User Feedback:

Upon analyzing the user feedback for the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones, several key points emerge regarding the product’s performance and user experience.

1. Battery Life Concerns: A common issue raised by users is dissatisfaction with the battery life. Despite liking various aspects of the headphones, such as the style and sound quality, many users expressed frustration with the battery’s duration. For example, one user reported that the battery only lasted half a day, leading to frequent interruptions during calls or music playback. Another user highlighted that the headphones died unexpectedly after a short period of use, indicating potential reliability issues with the battery.

2. Durability Challenges: Several users mentioned concerns regarding the durability of the headphones. Complaints ranged from the headphones coming apart after minimal use to experiencing static sounds indicative of potential wiring issues. Such feedback suggests that while the headphones may offer desirable features like bone conduction technology, they may fall short in terms of long-term durability and reliability.

3. Sound Quality Variation: Feedback regarding sound quality was mixed, with some users praising the clarity and comfort of the headphones, while others noted issues such as static or a lack of bass. This variation in feedback indicates that individual preferences and expectations play a significant role in determining user satisfaction with the audio performance.

4. Call Quality Issues: Despite the headphones’ built-in microphone and Bluetooth connectivity for making calls, several users reported dissatisfaction with call quality. Complaints included difficulty being heard by others during calls and issues with the headphones disconnecting or switching between devices unexpectedly.

5. User Comfort and Fit: Positive feedback was also received regarding the comfort and fit of the headphones, with users appreciating their lightweight design and hands-free functionality. However, concerns were raised about potential discomfort or soreness, particularly when wearing the headphones for extended periods.

In summary, while the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones offer unique features and functionality, including bone conduction technology and hands-free calling, they face challenges in areas such as battery life, durability, and consistent sound quality. Addressing these issues could improve overall user satisfaction and enhance the product’s competitiveness in the market.

Pros:

• Allows ambient sound pass-through
• Sweatproof and splash resistant
• Easy controls for music and calls
• Camouflage colorway for hunting

Cons:

• Mediocre battery life
• Audio lacks full bass response
• Some reliability complaints

Value

With an MSRP of $99.99, the zBones Z-43860M provides good value for those needing bone conduction headphones purpose-built for the outdoors. The camo color scheme, sweatproof design, situational awareness, and onboard controls make these a practical choice for activities like hunting. While audio quality takes a backseat to utility, it gets the job done for casual listening in outdoor environments.

Conclusion

For those seeking situational awareness from their headphones during outdoor adventures, the zBones Z-43860M are a strong option to consider. The camo design and sweatproof build hold up well for active use in the elements. While audio quality isn’t best in class, the ability to hear ambient sounds is a key benefit for hunting and other activities. For these specific needs, the Z-43860M delivers good value and utility.

Specifications:

• Drivers: Bone conducting transducers
• Frequency Response: 100Hz - 5kHz
• Battery: Lithium polymer
• Battery Life: 6 hours
• Charge Time: 2-3 hours
• Wireless Range: 30+ feet
• Weight: 1.6 oz

What’s Included:

The zBones Z-43860M box includes:
- Z-43860M bone conducting headphones
- USB charging cable
- Carrying case
- User manual

How to Use:

1. Charge the headphones fully before first use.
2. Power on the headphones and enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
3. On your phone/device, turn on Bluetooth and select “zBones Z-43860M” to connect.
4. Position the earpieces on your cheekbones so the transducers make contact.
5. Adjust the fit using the headband and earhooks for stability.
6. Use onboard controls to adjust volume, play/pause music, and take calls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the battery life of the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones?

The battery life of the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones varies depending on usage. Some users have reported that the battery lasts for about half a day, while others have experienced shorter durations. It’s essential to note that the battery life may be affected by factors such as volume level, connectivity, and usage patterns.

Are the zBones Z-43860M headphones durable?

The durability of the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones has been a concern for some users. Several reviews mention issues with the build quality, including instances where the headphones came apart or experienced malfunctions within a short period of use. Therefore, while these headphones offer unique features like bone conduction technology, potential buyers should consider the durability aspect before making a purchase.

How is the sound quality of the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones?

The sound quality of the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones has received mixed reviews from users. While some appreciate the sound clarity and comfort, others have reported issues such as static in the audio and a lack of bass. Additionally, the bone conduction technology may provide a different listening experience compared to traditional headphones, which could be a factor to consider based on personal preferences.

Can the zBones Z-43860M headphones be used for making calls?

Yes, the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones are equipped with a microphone and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to make and receive calls hands-free. However, some users have mentioned difficulties with the microphone’s performance, including complaints about sound quality and connectivity issues during calls.

What are the suggested uses for the zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones?

The zBones Z-43860M Bone Conducting Headphones are designed for unisex-adult users and can be suitable for various activities such as listening to music, making calls, or engaging in outdoor pursuits. The Mossy Oak color option and over-ear form factor suggest that these headphones may appeal to individuals looking for a blend of functionality and style in their audio accessories.

Tips

• Battery Management: To optimize the battery life of the zBones Z-43860M headphones, consider adjusting the volume level and minimizing extended usage periods without breaks.

• Durability Check: Before purchasing, thoroughly examine the build quality of the headphones, paying particular attention to any potential weak points or areas prone to damage.

• Sound Adjustment: Experiment with different audio settings and equalizer configurations to tailor the sound output according to your preferences and listening environment.

• Call Quality: Test the microphone performance of the headphones in various environments to ensure satisfactory call quality and connectivity stability.

• User Comfort: Take regular breaks during extended usage sessions to prevent discomfort or soreness, especially if wearing the headphones for activities like sleeping or exercising.