Hearing protection isn’t what I consider fun. Generally speaking, safety equipment is always a little hard to get excited about. It’s a necessary evil when you work around loud power tools or in a construction environment though, after all, no one wants to lose hearing due to loud saws or compressors right? What is fun though, is how ISOtunes took a product designed to protect your hearing and made it into a music playing, phone call taking multi-use tool. Today we are going to look at the newest offering in the ISOtunes lineup in the ISOtunes Xtra Headphones Review.

ISOtunes Xtra Headphones Review Overview

I first discovered ISOtunes at a local woodworking show in the Spring of 2018. There I was blown away with the entire idea of their earbuds that do so much more than simply play music. At the time their top of the line model was the ISOtune Pros, which went home with me that day. Dan also took a look at the ISOtunes headphones a while back and was a fan too. I used those earbuds faithfully for about 6 months, until one day they just disappeared. They weren’t perfect, but they were pretty awesome. Knowing my love of the Pro’s, I was eager to look at the Xtra’s which seemed to address a few of the concerns I had with my first pair. We will explore the key features of the Xtra’s and see how I thought they performed.

ISOtunes Xtra Headphones Review Features

First and foremost the ISOtunes Xtra’s uses SafeMax Technology to achieve OSHA Compliance. Additionally, they are ANSI certified to 27 NRR. As well, ISOtune Xtra’s are also IP45 dust, sweat, and water resistant.

Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing to your cell phone or Bluetooth capable device for easy music and phone call pairing up to 30 feet.

Easy to navigate control panel on the headphones allows for simple on/off operation as well as volume control. The other side of this panel, also has the mic.

The headphones are charged using an included USB port and provide up to 8 hours of talk or music playing time. ISOtune Xtra’s also provides 180 hours of standby time.

ISOtune’s provide sound for phone calls using their advanced mic, designed to block out surrounding noise to make clear calls despite surrounding noise.

Several pairs of interchangeable earplugs are provided to customize the headphones to the user’s comfort. Three sizes of foam, and three sizes of rubber flanged plugs. The foam earplugs provide superior protection and enhanced sound quality using heat-activated foam.

Magnetic earbuds provide several functions. While the buds connect to secure the headphones to your neck while not in use, they also allow music to be played/paused or answer and end phone calls.

ISOtunes Xtra Headphones Review Performance

As I said earlier in the review, I was a huge fan of my ISOtune Pro’s. The small complaint I had would have been the way the earbuds attached. There was a bit of a learning curve to getting them to sit right and provide the best protection. Notwithstanding that, they are still an amazing product and one I used constantly until they mysteriously disappeared.

The Xtra’s compensate for that small issue and provide the additional benefit of the magnetic earbuds. I can’t tell you how many times headphones slip off my neck while I am between uses, and this eliminates that concern entirely. The sound quality is crisp and clear, making for a nice change of pace when in a noisy environment.  Perhaps more impressive than the sound when listening to music, is just how clear phone calls were. Not only could I hear a caller well but they also have no issue hearing me.

ISOtunes Xtra Headphones Review Value

The ISOtunes XTRA’s ring in at 79.99 and are available on Amazon.com. To me, these are more than worth it. With safety a huge priority these provide exceptional protection. The music and phone call sound quality is exceptional. These headphones are a favorite among landscapers and those in the construction industry and with good reason. While you can certainly find headphones that are less expensive, to me these are worth every penny for their quality. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional, these headphones don’t disappoint in sound or protection.

ISOtunes Xtra Headphones Review Final Thoughts

I have been a fan of Isotune’s since the first time I used them. The Xtra’s are no exception to my fandom. I have been blown away by the ability to make calls with little interference from surrounding noise. Additionally, I love music. If I am in the shop, or doing yard work, you will likely find me singing loudly to some rock music. Prior to discovering Isotune’s, this was accomplished with some risk. Traditional headphones may have provided the sound I wanted, but not the protection I needed. With ISOtunes, I don’t have to sacrifice hearing protection to jam out while working away. Add in great quality sound in this pair of Bluetooth headphones, and there is not much more I could ask for.

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Over the years we have become wiser to understanding just how sensitive our ears are to noise.  We are starting to understand that we need to protect them from high decibels levels.  If we don’t take action now and protect them, we will be guaranteed to be using hearing aids when we get older.  Serious who wants to worry about using hearing aids when we will have to be worrying about if the tennis ball on our walkers is still attached or did we change our depends.  Why have one more thing to worry about when we get older?  So let me introduce to an option on the market that can help protect your ears, the ISO Tunes

ISO Tunes has two different products available to the market.  They have the ISOtunes and ISOtunes pro.  Besides a $30 price tags, there are differences between the two.  Before I jump to the differences between the two, I want to cover a key feature to these.

Both units are Bluetooth enabled which means you don’t have to worry about a cord going from your phone to your headphones.  The headphones have a unique foam guard that are heat activated from your body to give a nice tight fit in your ear.  The foam is a memory foam, so it will expand back into place when insert and taking out of your ear.  This is just like the foam hearing protection you are using on the job site.

So as I said there are two versions available to the consumer, ISOtunes and ISOtunes pro.  With the pro, you will be paying about $30 more, but you do get more bang for your buck.  With the pro, you get about 10 hours of run time where the regular version you get about 4 hours of run time.  A huge difference if you will be using them throughout the day, which I think most people will.  The pro has a better fitting ear piece that wraps around your ear, so it won’t fall out.  The pro has a reduction rating for 27 dB, while the regular is is 26dB.

If you are looking for a Bluetooth option that not only produces the quality sound of music but also lets you take phone calls and protects your hearing, take a look at the ISOTunes headphones.

Check out ISO Tunes on Amazon

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Safety is the first thing we should think about, but usually it’s the last thing we think about.  I know for me, I hate wearing safety glasses because they tend to get in the way, feel weird or fog up.  Now I know that shouldn’t be an excuse, but I do use it as one.  We ended up finding a pair that is very comfortable and does a great job at not only protecting your eyes, but also being comfortable to wear.  The Uvex S3970DF is a great way to protect your eyes and not break your wallet.

Uvex S3970DF Stealth OTG Safety Goggles, Navy Body, Clear Dura-streme Hardcoat/Anti-Fog Lens, Fabric Headband

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I have worn glasses for 15+ years.  I hated my glasses, so I recently got Lasik eye surgery.  Now I miss the safety protection of having glasses.  I went looking for some safety glasses and came across the DeWALT DPG82-11C safety goggles on Amazon.  The are a best seller and have pretty good reviews.  For under $11 we decided to splurge and get a pair. To our surprise they are actually very comfortable and offered good visibility.  For the money you can’t really go wrong. check them out on Amazon.

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Losing a few fingers is no biggie, but losing an eye or 2 can slow you down.  Here it Tools In Action safety is paramount. Any eye protection is better than no eye protection but these goggles from DeWALT are the cats meow.  They are ventilated and won’t fog up.   They have an optional tinted shield that works great when using a plasma cutter. Check them out for under $12 at Amazon.

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Okay, let’s face the facts.  First, Dan and myself are the worst people when it comes to safety.  I have a lame excuse and that is because when I first started in the trades, safety wasn’t taken seriously, like it is now.  I was never encouraged to use glasses, ear protection or anything else.  Now I know that is a lame excuse, but I am trying to take safety more serious because it only takes one bad thing to change your life forever.  In regards to Dan’s excuse, well what can I say, he pretty much speaks for himself on that one.

Okay, in all seriousness, safety is important and should be at the front of everyone’s mind , which brings me to ESS.  I first found out about these glasses because they were issued at my fire department.  I had never heard of them before, but when I tried them on I couldn’t believe how comfortable they were.  So naturally I had to research them and find out more about them.  ESS is a premiere protective eye wear company.  They make tough, reliable and comfortable protective eye glasses.  Their primary customer base is military, police and fire. The men and women who serve this country are exposed to extreme conditions, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan.  If they are good enough for them, they are good enough for me.  While these are the most comfortable glasses I have used, I have been lucky enough not to have to test these glasses in the real world. However there have been plenty of people who have,  You want to see how good these are, just take a look at the testimonials.  Next time you see someone in uniform who serves this country, make sure you stop them and say thanks for what they do.

After wearing them and using them I thought how great would it be to introduce them to everyone at TIA. Besides the military, these are perfect for hunters, contractors, sportsman and more.  For me, finding a comfortable pair of glasses means I will be wearing them more.  Knowing that they protect the men and women in our military means I am confident they will protect me under any conditions.  Such as wood a kick back from a table saw where the wood is shot back at you or any of the other thousands of things that can happen when working with power tools.  I am sorry about the long winded article before we start, but I am passionate about ESS and protecting your eyes.

We only have two eyes and as of today the medical field hasn’t figured out a way to reproduce the eye.  This is one of the reasons we need to think about PPE and always wear them.  Now I have been trying to get better at wearing my safety glasses, but it has been hard.  I haven’t found a pair that is comfortable and doesn’t bother me.  Yes I have found some, but after wearing them long term, they tend to feel uncomfortable behind my ears or on my nose.  Which brings me to two types of glasses I want to introduce you to:

CrossBow

I want to let you know two important things about these glasses.   First, they are made right here in the USA.  Second, the Crossbow series is included on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List and the only approved eye protection for the U.S. Marines.

We have the Crossbow two glass kit, which comes with a clear and smokey lens, which is great for any lighting conditions.  The Crossbow series is one of the most comfortable and clearest pair of safety glasses I have ever put on.  One reason is the Crossbow uses its ClearZone Flowcoat technology which minimizes scratches and provides anti fog capability.  How bad does that suck when you’re sweating, you put on your glasses and they fog up around the corners.  With the Crossbow, you don’t have to worry about that.  With the CSSOpticstm you get a true distortion free view.  Now when I say comfortable, I mean comfortable.  Sometimes I like wearing a hat to protect my bald head and sometimes I just light up the sky with the reflection. Either way it always seems like glasses have that pressure point that bothers me after a while.  With the Crossbow glasses, I don’t get that.  One reason is the CSS Tri-TechTm fit which basically eliminates pressure points.  Plus, this also provides a no-slip frame.

The Crossbow also has a feature called the Dedbolt system which allows you to exchange/replace lenses quickly.  This system opens for easy access and when in the lock position, they stay in place, even under extreme conditions.  You can even have RX lens made and you can insert them into your frames.

Okay, I am trying to do this article without sounding like a sales pitch, but it is extremely hard because I believe in these glasses.  I want you to understand all the technology that goes into these glasses and these aren’t just the run of the mill glasses.  They are truly a great pair of glasses you can count on and leave the rest of the PPE eye wear in the rear view mirror.  I love how these glasses wrap around and feel comfortable.  While most safety glasses cover your eyes, they still leave an opening for stuff to get in.  The Crossbow series really feels like it covers up these gaps and truly protects your eyes from all angles.

Credence Mirrored Cooper

The next set of safety glasses are the Credence glasses.  These are ones you might be more familiar with and see them around.  The frame (Thermoplastic) of these glasses features low profile temple arms which provide comfort, even with a helmet, hat or ear protection.  The lenses (Polycarbonate) have a broad wrap which provides a larger or wider view.  Unlike the Crossbow series, these lenses are not interchangeable.  As with the Crossbow series, these have an anti scratch lens coating.

Talk about backing your product, ESS will give you a full refund within 30 days.  If that isn’t enough, they will give you a 5 year warranty on your glasses, so you know these are strong if they are willing to back it up with that type of warranty.  One thing I forgot to mention is that even the case these glasses come in is great.  It’s not a cheap case.  It’s strong and tough.

Bottom line these are hands down the best pair of glasses you can get from the best eye protective company.  ESS puts technology into these glasses to make them last, reduce scratches and reduce fog that blurs your vision.  When it comes to protecting your eyes, you can’t put a price on it.  You want something that will take the abuse, be strong over time, comfortable and will not let you down in a time of need.  If you want the best, go with ESS.  As a note we didn’t get paid for this article.  This is just a company I believe in and product I believe in.  I reached out to them to introduce you to ESS.

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ESS Glasses

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