Gear Review - JVC Gumy Earbuds
Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 6:50AM 
You've probably seen these things all over the place. They're cheap, colorful, and gimmicky. But do they work?
I subscribe to the Can't Replace All Products (C.R.A.P.) purchasing model - if you buy expensive stuff, you'll lose or break it. Buy cheap stuff and it seems to lurk around for eons. I don't know why this happens, but the classic example is sunglasses. There is an inverse relationship of amount paid to lifespan.
Based on the C.R.A.P. model, I wasn't about to buy expensive earphones when I sweat all over them and can easily get them lost or caught in a Zipp 404 at 40 mph. Time to go shopping for cheapos!
So, the sales pitch with the Gummies is that they have a cool texture and come in colors. But do they sound like kag (Texas Aggie technical term) or are they good? Here's the results of my 6 month study on the little guys:
- They sound OK. I'm not blown away, but they aren't bad.
- The gummy texture is only the texture, it's not like they're mushy or anything. BUT, the slight stickiness keeps them in-ear when most would slide out from the sweat. This is a major selling point for me.
- The different colors are a good idea. I buy things in weird colors when I want to find them easily. Get white to match your iPod, or get some other color to pick them out from a jumbled mess of other cords.
So that's basically it. I beat the hell out of these things and they just keep on pumping out sound. I really love how they don't slip out of my ears like most earbuds do. For 10 to 15 bucks, you can't go wrong. Thumbs up!
Reader Comments (4)
Similar C.R.A.P are the skull candy ear buds
I am in total agreement about these buds. HAve had my Ipod for 5 months, and have gone through 3 pairs of buds already, they were clearly not designed to be used. I also got a free pair while on a PAris tour bus, and they also seem to last just fine.
Hey man, nothing to do with above topic, but you have a great show and site. Like you said in one of the casts, it's awesome to listen to ya out riding or running while I'm behind my desk. I bike commute to work, but you inspired me to start running...it's an awesome adventure everyday.
Keep up the good work.
not bad...