INTRODUCTION

   Looking back i never really cared about console gaming not so much due to the inferior graphics featured in most titles (always compared to their PC counterparts) but because of the gamepad which i never really got used to (keyboard/mouse all the way for me). These two reasons are also why when smartphone gaming started to take off not long ago i also wasn't that much interested in getting into it. Still since many smartphone manufacturers (with Razer leading the way obviously) jumped on the wagon by releasing ultra-high-specs models designed for serious and professional gamers several gaming peripherals manufacturers also decided to support that emerging market with various devices some of which are actually very interesting to us. 1MORE recently released the Spearhead VR BT In-Ear Headphones (E1020BT) aimed towards smartphone gamers (primarily at least - can also be used with bluetooth compatible devices like tablets and notebooks) and this is the focus of today's review.

   1MORE was born with a profound mission: Music lovers, young or old, frugal or affluent, deserve to hear music as it was meant to be heard, as the artist intended it to be heard. Music lovers deserve to HEAR MORE. 1MORE offers MORE by transcending industry standards through revolutionary innovation, design and quality. Nothing should come between you and your music, for the goal of any great technology is to disappear. Through scrupulous engineering, streamlined manufacturing, and authentic marketing we provide a level of affordable luxury that no other brand can. There is a mountain of headphones brands. 1MORE isn't simply climbing that mountain. We are turning it upside down so everyone can reach the peak. 1MORE is globally distributed brand that has set up off-line channels in 25 provinces, more than 40 Hi-Fi audio reps, 3 Apple authorized chain store systems, and more than 3,000 brick and mortar stores in mainland China. 1MORE is also expanding rapidly into overseas markets. Our channels reach 26 countries and regions, including USA, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Australia, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam.

   The Spearhead VR BT In-Ear Headphones (E1020BT) are actually very similar to their Triple Driver BT In-Ear Headphones (review here) so once again we have a pair of headphones attached to Bluetooth wireless receiver and a battery pack located inside a flexible ergonomic neckband made out of soft skin-friendly silicone. This time over however the Spearhead VR BT features two 3D audio 10mm dynamic drivers per housing (graphene-titanium with 20Hz-20KHz frequency response, 32Ohms impedance and 103dB sensitivity) whereas for wireless connectivity 1MORE has used a Bluetooth v4.2 chip which fully supports the A2DP/AVRCP/HFP protocols (unfortunately LDAC is probably not supported). The Spearhead VR BT also features a built-in omni-directional microphone with ENC technology (Environmental Noise Cancellation), playback controls on the neckband, red LEDs with 3 available effects in both housings and a 120mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery which provides it with enough juice for 6 full hours of talk time or music playback (1 hour of charging for a full charge and 10 minutes for up to 3 hours of use).

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Spearhead VR BT arrived inside a white and grey box that has a product picture at the front along with the company logo and the main product features.

The product features are also listed at the rear of the box in 8 different languages right over the specifications and bundle contents lists.

As usual the front of the box opens up to reveal some prototype drawings of the Spearhead VR BT and the product itself.

Contained inside the box are the Spearhead VR BT In-Ear Headphones, synthetic carrying/storage pouch, USB to USB micro USB charging cable, 3 pairs of silicon ear tips (4 with the already mounted one), 1MORE bear sticker and the user manual.

THE SPEARHEAD VR BT

1MORE bundles a total of 4 sets of silicon ear tips with the Spearhead VR BT and they work very well (although a foam ear tip set would also be welcome).

The carrying/storage pouch has a carbon-fibre look and is more than large enough to fit the headphones in.

The black and red body of the Spearhead VR BT is made out of plastic and rubber and weighs just 16g.

1MORE has placed their logo at the front exterior of both sides of the neckband.

Left and right markings are placed on the interior of the neckband.

On the interior left side of the neckband we find the next/previous track, volume up/down, power/pairing/play-pause track/answer-end calls buttons along with a microphone and the micro USB charging port (bottom).

The neckband is very soft and because of its weight you may forget you actually have it around your neck.

1MORE has also placed their logo at the rear of both housings.

The logo is actually located in front of a single red LED which can be configured with 3 different effects (on/heartbeat/breathing) via the 1MORE Assistant App.

Left and right markings are also located on the exterior of both housings.

1MORE has used dual 10mm dynamic drivers with the Spearhead VR BT so they should produce good bass levels.

Here we see just how both dynamic drivers look like (marketing picture).

1MORE ASSISTANT APP

As usual the 1MORE Assistant App allows you to burn-in the drivers for optimal audio performance.

However, unlike previous models by 1MORE the Assistant App has extra functions via the headset setting tab.

From this page you can switch between the 3 available LED effects (4 if we include the off one) and enable the Virtual Environment Sound feature (3D - primarily used for gaming).

CONCLUSION

   When 1MORE send their Spearhead VR BT In-Ear Headphones to our lab a couple of months back we were very impressed not only because of the color combination used (black and red is our best) but also because of their low weight which made it possible to use them even while working out. Of course, in order to reduce the weight of the Spearhead VR BT headphones 1MORE had to cut some corners (too much plastic all around) so in terms of build quality they are simply put not on par with the Triple Driver BT model which we reviewed a while back. The same applies with audio quality but luckily the Spearhead VR BT doesn't lag back as much as we had originally thought compared to the Triple Driver BT model. We were actually pleased with its audio performance (clear mids and highs with a good amount of bass) not only while listening to music and watching video clips but also while on calls (we didn't really use them with smartphone games). The LED effects are also a nice touch although RGB would be much more eye-catching than just red (plus 1MORE could had placed LEDs in some areas of the neckband as well). The built-in microphone also works well even in noisy environments (we have however seen better ones from models with multiple mics). The sole problem with the Spearhead VR BT is actually with its Assistant App since it didn't give us the Headphone Setting tab in some of our phones (thus we weren't able to change the LED effects and enable the 3D setting) but we did pass that along to 1MORE and they are looking into it.

   Currently the Spearhead VR BT In-Ear Headphones retail for USD99.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 69Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which feels just right for what you're getting in return. However, if music is your thing, we do suggest spending a bit more on the Triple Drive BT model (or wait to find it on sale) since it's quite a bit ahead in terms of both audio performance and build quality. That being said however we also think that the Spearhead VR BT is a very good choice not only for people who are into smartphone gaming but also for people looking to get a good all-around model for listening to music, watching video clips and making calls and that’s why it comes highly recommended by us.

PROS

- Audio Performance (Clear Mids/Highs)
- Good Bass Levels
- Weight (Just 16g) 
- Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Available Controls
- Flexible Neckband
- Battery Life (up To 6 Hours)
- Fast Charge (10 Minutes For 3 Hours)
- Red LEDs With 3 Effects

CONS

- Overall Size (For Some)
- Build Quality Could Be Better