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I recently got the chance to prove the new 3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector , and I ’m beaming I did . hear protection is one of the most importanttools for any job . Even limited photo to loud noise from power tools , lawn equipment , and other machinery can lead to noise - inducedhearing loss(NIHL ) , but disturbance - reducing earmuffs or earplugs can help oneself protect your earreach in these place setting .
Thebest hearing protectioncomes with a noise diminution evaluation ( NRR ) that designate a level of protection , and it also should be comfortable . 3 M ’s WorkTunes protector takes it a step further with built - in sound recording for phone and entertainment connectivity . I inquire if the wakeless calibre and battery spirit would be worth the added expense and whether they could still provide meaningful auditory modality protection . In this 3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector review , I ’ll provide my honest sentiment after 2 week of examination .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector: At a Glance
Testing the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector
The3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protectoroffers a 26 - dB ( dB ) noise step-down rating ( NRR ) and Bluetooth connectivity for uninterrupted audio frequency streaming and phone entree . It does not have a built - in AM / FM radio pass catcher , so it relies on the Bluetooth connexion for all audio functionality . Deep cushiony ear cups seal out noise , and the padded headband provides a comfortable fit . The electronic system features a built - in mike with intelligent background randomness decrease to enable telephone set birdcall in loud working environments without postulate to off the headset . A rechargeable barrage fire powers the headset , providing up to 40 hours of audio time per charge . The battery can be juiced up via USB - one C or its solar cellphone , which generates power from sunlight and indoor Light Within .
The earmuff pattern with Bluetooth connectivity is a well - tested system that 3 M has used successfully in the WorkTunes political platform for several old age now . For this theoretical account , I was mostly front forward to trying out the latest telephone capabilities and pushing the runtime to its limit . I drop 7 days running the audio recording for a totality of 60 60 minutes , keeping the headphone in a loge during downtime to prevent the battery from charge via light . I streamed music and podcasts and made at least a dozen phone shout while operating a Sir Henry Joseph Wood chipper , lawn tractor , chainsaw , foliage blower , and weed feeder . After testing , I rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 in condition of all - daylight consolation ( 4 ) , noise reduction ( 4.7 ) , dependable connectivity ( 5 ) , audio character ( 4.5 ) , and value ( 4.3 ) . Overall , they were really good , but they wo n’t be right for everyone .
Comfortable Fit…But Not For Hot Weather
The sizing was easy to adjust by slide the capitulum muffs lower on the headband . My head is larger than middling , yet I had no problem accomplish a perfect seal over my ears . The padding on the headband was kind of sozzled , but not uncomfortably so . In fact , the midpoint of the headband has an unpadded smear to accommodate the button on top of a globe hood , which gave it a nice low - profile conniption without create a pressure distributor point . The ear padding was really voiced , too .
At this period , I noted a couple of caution with regard to puff , which are vulgar among earmuff hearing protectors . I live in the South , where even in autumn , the temperature easily lead 80 degree Fahrenheit . In general , earmuff are just too raging from recent leaping through other fall , and they do not work with broad - brimmed sun lid . These follow the style . Another distinctive weak period of earmuffs is that they make safety equipment glasses uncomfortable because they press on the headphone , which is also true of the 3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar earmuffs .
Easy To Operate Without Removing Work Gloves
The phone came with a USB - C charging cable . After initially charge them at a wall way out , I work them on and stick with the audio prompts to mate them with my phone . No problem . After that , every prison term I powered up the phone , they automatically connected within a duo of seconds . There are two controls on the headphones , both on the same earpiece : a power button and a volume button . Both were promiscuous to operate without remove my work gloves .
The solar charge system finish up eliminating the need to recharge altogether , at least with my usage pattern . I connected the unit of measurement to a running current of audio recording all day long in full sunlight , then powered them off in the evening before put in them in a box overnight . After the first charge , every time I turned on the headset , the vocalism supporter foretell “ electric battery : 100 percent . ” Having to charge the headset only rarely — or never — is an impressive lineament .
Good Noise Protection, Excellent Sound Quality
The NRR paygrade on some auditory sense protector can seem misleading , whether because of the individual fit or because certain type of noises pass through more easy . But the 3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar hearing guardian did a really good task , at least partly due to the excellent seal around the ears . The wood chipper was the loudest car I operated while wearing them , and the noise only partially came through .
The estimable part was the good quality . Some other ware I ’ve used over the years have done a estimable job with volume , but the audio timbre left much to be desired . This one sounds really skilful . The volume does top out at a slightly low grade than some of the other ones I ’ve used , but that is actually a safety feature . If you ’re wear upon these headphone and can not hear the audio recording over any outside noise , you may need to turn off the euphony and insert earplugs for extra protection .
I specially appreciate the ability to use my telephone while stay to work , without removing the headset . The noise - reducing microphone worked as advertised . I was able-bodied to take calls while mowing the dope and operating the leaf blower , and I had no job understanding or being understood during the conversation .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Expensive, But Worth The Price
The3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protectoris one of the more expensive Bluetooth hearing protector . In my comparison with similar ware , they be over $ 50 more than the 2d most expensive Cartesian product . Pure cost shoppers may see that differential hard to swallow , but those with a particular interest in execution will recognize the economic value . This earreach protector comes with a distinctive NRR for earmuff - way models , and the audio character is quite good . The build - in microphone with well-informed racket reduction is prodigious . Bolstered by a 40 - hour battery and machinelike solar charging , they outclass the competition when it arrive to running time . sure enough , you could buy something similar for less , but it wo n’t be as good .
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So, is the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector right for you?
If you ’re considering buying the 3 M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector , no wonder — they’re an impressive merchandise . But there are a few considerations worth weighing before pulling the trigger . They are more expensive than other Bluetooth earreach protection , and , to me , they ’re really not outstanding for blistering weather condition work . The usual earmuff complaints apply : over - the - ear earreach protectors make the user much warmer than earplugs , they do n’t equip with a broad - brim hat for sun protection , and wearing safety glasses with earmuff is less comfortable and can dilute the noise - reduction effect . If you ’re not sure if earmuffs are right for you , it might be impudent to strain out a cheap set before spend a premium on these .
But if you ’re specifically reckon for Bluetooth earmuff to stream your playlist or preferred podcasts and make phone call without break off piece of work , 3 megabyte ’s WorkTunes Connect + Solar could be the well option . They offer practiced hearing protective covering , excellent sound quality , and nearly inexhaustible runtime if you work in the sunshine . Sure , they ’re expensive , but you may recover what you spend by a encouragement in productivity .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester who spend 20 years in the nursery and landscape gardening manufacture . For more than two decade , he mowed , edged , implant , pruned , cultivate , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscape painting . Now , he quiz and write reappraisal about the latest outside power equipment , hand puppet , lawn forethought products , and other out-of-door life goods .
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Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Photo: Dehhie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila