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Brainwavz XFIT XF-200 Sport IEM Earphones for Active users!
Feb 2, 2016 at 2:07 AM Post #16 of 26
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A few days after testing out the adventure-inspired Westone ADV Beta earphone, Brainwavz hit me up with the timely opportunity to give their latest earphone a test ride. Meet the newBrainwavz XFit XF-200 earphone that, as they say, is specially designed for users who engage in sports and athletic activities. What makes it special for the active audiophile? How about a compact, lightweight design; pre-molded, over-the-ear cable routing; a short cable that won't trip you up; and an assortment of accessories to keep you moving. Oh, and at $25 it probably costs less than your monthly gym dues.

Unboxing
The XF-200 comes in a minimalist no frills economy plastic box and inner tray that keeps packaging to a minimum. It's nothing fancy, but since you're more than likely to toss it out, who cares, right? Inside, you’ll find everything neatly packed and organized; which is probably completely opposite of how your sports bag is, but that's OK.

Accessories
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 For $25 MSRP, you generally don't get much, but Brainwavz never fails to take care of customers by including more than they bargained for. In this instance, the XF-200 includes their familiar branded zippered hard case, Velcro cable tie, and shirt clip, a set of Comply foam ear tips, a set of bi-flange silicone ear tips, and two sets each of standard S, M, and L silicone ear tips (because you know you're going to loose one at some point).

Performance
The XF-200 is an ergonomically designed dime-sized universal IEM that's intended to sit comfortably in the ear to ensure stability during your workout. The over-the-ear cable routing takes the secure fit a step further by eliminating the chances of getting caught  up in the cable and pulling it out of your ear. With the large assortment of tips, you have several options to test in your ear for the best fit.

As with most earphones/IEMs, tip selection is critical, and I strongly encourage you to take the time to choose the ear tip that fits best—emphasis on best and not just one that “fits”—because the audio quality, comfort, and isolation improve greatly when the ideal tip is used. (For me, the bi-flange and Comply foam tips worked best and offered better sound quality, bass impact, and isolation.)

Speaking of bass, the XF-200 hits pretty hard. Marketing speak generally over-promises and under-delivers, but I'd say Brainwavz was spot-on with their claim boasting "booming beats." Dig that live music hall sound? The XF-200 has it: Booming, emphasized bass; a touch of reverb; dark mids, and highs that can come off as recessed on some tracks. The XF-200 certainly does not have a refined, balanced "audiophile" sound (try the S0 or M1 for that at a similar price); depending on your preferences, it's either unruly or fun. I'd say it's best suited for pumping EDM and synth beats into your eardrums while you hustle up the StairMaster. And you know what? I'm fine with that, because the XF-200 does that damn well and sounds a helluva lot better than most earphones you'll find at this price. (Of note, the variety of ear tips included do impact the sonic signature, so again, try them all to see what fits and sounds best to you.)

Last, let's talk about the 3-button control built into the cable for volume, skipping tracks, pause/play, and the mic for taking phone calls. The packaging states compatibility with Apple devices and most Android devices and other doodads; your results may vary. Apparently my Droid Turbo hates all earphones with built-in remotes because just like I experienced with the Westone ADV Beta, the volume/phone call controls do not work with my Droid Turbo, but I am able to mute the mic and pause songs using the center button, so it’s not completely useless. The mic seemed to work well, as my test calls were heard loud and clear, and calls come over the XF-200 sounding quite clear as well.

Bottom Line
Brainwavz has put out another quality product with a budget price. Yeah, the sound could be more refined, but to Hell with that. We want bass, and we want it now. At least that's what I want at the gym to help drown out my racing heart beat and huffing and puffing. For $25 you're getting a nicely designed earphone with a plethora of accessories, a 2-year warranty, and an overall energetic sound. If you want more, spend more. If you want affordable, these will put your silly OEM earbuds and Skull Candy's to shame. For a no-nonsense earbud that you don't have to worry about when you're working out, grab the XF-200 and get on with your next set.

The XF-200 retails for US$25.00 and will be available on Brainwavzaudio.com, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and other authorized Brainwavz resellers around the globe.
 
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Feb 2, 2016 at 7:34 PM Post #17 of 26
My review is up:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/brainwavz-xfit-xf-200-in-ear-sport-earbuds-noise-isolating-earphones-stereo-headphones-remote-microphone-for-apple-iphone-android-phones-black/reviews/15152
 
Note: The XF200 has an open bass port, seen as an open hole on the inside of each earpiece, which can be sealed for better bass performance.
 
Feb 4, 2016 at 10:13 AM Post #18 of 26
I just received mine from the post office!
Time to retire my Meleec M6 Sport-fi
deadhorse.gif

 
Feb 13, 2016 at 2:12 PM Post #19 of 26
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I feel like it is a solid IEM if you are looking for a bassier signature, a remote control and a good selection of accessories, nonetheless I definitely cannot say whether my impressions/descriptions are accurate, as getting a good fit and seal was a p.i.t.a. despite my large ears.

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Feb 14, 2016 at 12:05 AM Post #20 of 26
hifichris said:
 
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I feel like it is a solid IEM if you are looking for a bassier signature, a remote control and a good selection of accessories, nonetheless I definitely cannot say whether my impressions/descriptions are accurate, as getting a good fit and seal was a p.i.t.a. despite my large ears.

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Click to expand...

 
I might be wrong, but those IEMs have like an extra wide angle for the nozzle. RHA was 90 degrees, westone is around 100-110 degrees....that looks like 135. Perhaps that is the cause of the poor fit?
 
Feb 14, 2016 at 1:47 AM Post #21 of 26
WhatToChoose

I guess the fit problem is caused by my large and rather deep conchas. Either the nozzle would have to be longer by a good amount or the in-ear bodies less square-shaped near the nozzle. It is my Tragus which keeps pushing the IEMs out. The seal I got was actually achieved by pressing the in-ears so hard into my ears that not the silicone tips but the plastic bodies sealed my ears - that's why I am also a bit unsure about my sound description, as logically the vent got blocked.
 
Mar 6, 2016 at 11:11 PM Post #25 of 26
My humble offering. http://www.head-fi.org/products/brainwavz-xfit-xf-200-in-ear-sport-earbuds-noise-isolating-earphones-stereo-headphones-remote-microphone-for-apple-iphone-android-phones-black/reviews/15434
 
I did find the sound to improve somewhat with burn in. My biggest problem with the XF-200 was isolation and even more so the inability to maintain a seal during even moderately vigorous exercise. I tried MANY different tips and none maintained the seal for the entirety of an even short run. I'll keep trying and update my review if I have any luck but overall it's disappointing for me as that's what I use my IEM's for most often and as any HeadFI'er knows, if you lose the seal you lose the bass.  
 
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