This breathable running headband with built-in speakers was designed for you to enjoy your music without having to put earphones into your ears, here are our thoughts after testing them out
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Setting up your music playlist ahead of your next run?
Whether you are a fan of ear buds, earphones or headphones, there are a ton of choices available these days but choosing the right one has the potential to either enhance your overall running experience, or make for a disruptive and unpleasant one.
Picture this. You running along the park connector and having the need to constantly readjust your ear buds or ear piece that just keeps falling out or won't sit in place after every few steps.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
All this while trying to catch your breath as you run. Not the prettiest of sights nor a fulfilling experience we would imagine.
While there are plenty of good options when it comes to earphones for running, we decided to take a closer look at Decathlon's Running Kalenji Wireless Music Headband HB 500 this week, and took it out for a run at the Southern Ridges and Labrador Park.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Designed with Bluetooth connectivity so that runners can listen to their favourite music without earphones, the headband comes with built-in speakers so that the runner can enjoy his or her music without having to actually put earphones into their ears.
So just what did national hockey athlete Gene Leck and fitness enthusiast John Yeong have to say about the headband?
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Gene's Thoughts
What I like about the Decathlon Running Headband is that the fabric is very soft, so it's not too tight on the head and it's also sweat resistant so it does a pretty good job at keeping sweat away from my eyes while I'm running.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
I guess the fact that it has a 5-hour battery life also means you can use it for a half marathon without worrying about the battery dying on you, and this headband is also easily chargeable by USB, and is compatible for both iphones and android.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
One thing about the headband that might not suit me though, would be its thickness for the size of my forehead. So if you do have a shorter forehead, this may not be quite the right choice for you.
John's Thoughts
I've worn headphones and earphones, but this is the first time I am wearing a headband for running.
I like the fact that it's a handsfree set which allows me to run freely without needing to hold onto my phone, and I can also easily receive phone calls and toggle my music playlist as I run, should I choose to do so.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Another definite plus would be that the headband comes in sweat-wicking material which absorbs the sweat around my forehead so it doesn't get into my eyes - a particularly useful feature for those who sweat a lot like me.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Bonus points for it being water and sweat resistant too - a great option for rainy days since we seem to be getting more of those these days than before.
What I don't like about the headbands though is that it does feel a bit too snug for me - perhaps because I have a big head. So after a while, it does feel a bit tight around the ears in particular.
PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Overall Rating
At just $30, the Decathlon Running Kalenji Wireless Music Headbands is definitely one of the most affordable and value for money in the market.
We would recommend this for social runners who do not run long distances, or those who frequently run on the treadmill in the gym.
While the 5-hour battery life does come in handy for shorter or middle distance runs, it may not suffice for more than a single long run and would require frequent recharging.
OVERALL - 3.5 / 5
Price - 5/5
Comfort - 3/5
Functionality - 3/5
User Friendliness - 4/5
Find out more for yourself about Decathlon's Running Kalenji Wireless Music Headband HB 500 by visiting this link here.