Skullcandy has made quite a name for itself in the headphone world, thanks largely to its focus on funky fashion and durable designs aimed at extreme-sports enthusiasts. Indeed, the company is known for a variety of things, and we seriously doubt you'll find subtlety among them.
If ever a product could illustrate this point, it's the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds earphones ($30), with an in-your-face name worthy of their loud design. As we've come to expect from the company's earbuds, these 'phones aren't terribly impressive in terms of sound quality, but they do offer a solid array of compelling features for the price. Teens and tweens will no doubt be more than satisfied with this set.
Read the Skullcandy Smokin' Buds review.
This week, Donald and Jasmine talk up the new iAudio players from Cowon and how they're going to have Apple shaking in its boots (not), and also take an inordinate amount of time to espouse upon something that has very little to do with digital music: a possible monthly subscription plan for online video from iTunes. Plus, some very unsubtle earbuds from Stonedcandy--er, Skullcandy--and some listener feedback on iPod usage.
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Some people prefer earphones that blend in so much no one can tell they're even being used, while others like their ear cans to stand out from the crowd. If you fall into the latter crowd, the Skullcandy Icon 2 headphones will probably be right up your alley. This on-ear model lists for $29.95 and features Skullcandy's typical eye-catching design. The earphones offer a couple of fun and useful extras, but the sound quality won't impress many users, and the fit may prove to be an issue for active pursuits.
Some people prefer earphones that blend in so much no one can tell they're even being used, while others like their gadgets to stand out from the crowd. If you fall into the latter crowd, the Skullcandy iCon Soft headphones might be right up your alley.
This on-ear model lists for $34.95 and has Skullcandy's typical eye-catching design. The earphones offer some nice extras, but the fit and sound quality won't impress many users.
Read the full review of the Skullcandy iCon Soft headphones.
Click for more pics.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET News)Headphones with an integrated MP3 player aren't a new concept by any means, but they've failed to gain much ground in the market. It's a bit of a shame, really, as the all-in-one design allows users to do away with wires.
Perhaps Skullcandy can inspire the market with its affordable Double Agent headphones ($99.95). These heavily stylized cans, which are clearly aimed at active teens and twentysomethings, feature a versatile design that allows the wearer to use them as either an MP3 player/headphone combo or as headphones with a separate audio device. It's definitely a cool concept; we just wish they were a bit more comfortable and dealt with audio files better.
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Skullcandy)
In the ever-converging worlds of geekdom and DYI religion, patron saint MacGyver is cited so frequently that he's become a verb. And 23 years since the ultimate DIYer's show first aired, he's still going strong as a brand name.
The latest example is Skullcandy's MacGyver MP3 watch, which includes 1GB of storage to handle a fair amount of your Tears for Fears anthology and other favs. As CrunchGear notes, it comes with a handy USB plug that's already built in, so there's one less cable to carry around for syncing purposes. Then again, that takes the fun out of trying to make it work with a paper clip and wad of gum.
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Skullcandy)
Perhaps the most surprising thing about Skullcandy's latest earphones is that they were designed jointly with another company. Why, we wonder, would an outfit that already produces headphones with gunbelts and neon colors solicit help in coming up with a new design?
Maybe they needed a more delicate touch from the designers at La Vie en Rose for "all shades of the pink rainbow" in fuchsia and magenta, as Shiny Shiny says. These pink additions seem somewhat ingruous for lines with names like "Full Metal Jacket" and "Lowrider," but maybe that's the point. Let's hope the trend doesn't go the way of Hello Kitty.
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Skullcandy)
These headphones can beat up your iPod earbuds.
The Skullcandy G.I. headphones are the first we've seen with built-in bullet holders in the headband, as well as a zip-up pouch that holds what looks like a bottle opener. (Update: According to Skullcandy, the tool included in the pouch is a screwdriver/skate tool/bottle-opener combo.)
Available in four styles--Rasta, Desert, Camo, and CCore (pictured here)--the CCore models look like the ones to buy if you want the fewest number of people getting all up in your face and/or messing with your biz.
The ear cans cost $69.99, but the Skullcandy site says they're out of stock until at least the beginning of December.
A skater/snowboarder-friendly retailer, Skullcandy also sells a line of MP3-playing watches, accessories, and backpacks. The company also sells lower-profile earbuds, but that means you'll have to carry your bullets and bottle opener around in your pocket. Laaaaaaame.
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Skullcandy)
Multimedia watches have been on the market for awhile now, but most of them look like something a deep-sea diver might wear. Stylish headphone maker Skullcandy, however, has taken its considerable design expertise and applied it to the wrist instead of the ear with its "Bully" line.
We presume that the watch owes its name to its touted durability, including a non-scratch sapphire crystal and water resistance up to 100 meters. But it still seems like something of a misnomer, particularly for the pink version. It matters not: As someone famous once said, it's how you look that's important. And that it does, with diamondsand aluminum bands to accompany its 1GB MP3 player and voice recorder.
The closest design we've seen is probably the latest video wristwatch from China's Vavolo, one of several inexpensive multimedia models from Asia. But, as ChipChick notes, the Bully line comes from a proven retailer with warranties--something that could make the $200 price well worth it.
A canvas headband wrapper with loop holders
(Credit: Jasmine France)Skullcandy, maker of some pretty rad accessories, showed off its new headphone lines including the Lowrider ($29.95) and the G.I. Stereo ($59.95). The Lowrider comes in nine color schemes (several designed to match the iPod Nano) and has DJ-style swiveling ear cups. Its 40mm drivers should give you enough bass to make you forget slamming into that tree on your snowboard.
Those needing a beefier set of cans can check out the G.I. Stereo line, which uses 41mm drivers and comes in black camouflage, khaki camouflage, or Rasta color schemes. The headband is thicker, and you get soft leather pads for the earphones (including an extra set), a quarter-inch adapter, inline volume control, and a carrying bag. You can also get a canvas headband wrapper with loops for holding...uhh...pens?
Lowriders come in plenty of cool colors
(Credit: Jasmine France)On Sale Now: $33.95
View the latest prices for Skullcandy Lowrider headphones (red)
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