SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD On-Ear Headphones

I was torn between giving this 4 or 5 stars, and finally settled on 5 after checking out the competition at this price range. I'll sort my review starting with what's the most important to me to the least. Let me say I'm very very picky when it comes to headphones, and I really feel like I got a winner with these. First, I want to go into comfort. While you buy headphones for sound, I believe that unless they are comfortable sound is irrelevant. Please note, these are ON EAR headphones. That means the cushions are supposed to sit directly on the cartridge of your ears. The cushion is very soft and very comfortable for short uses and decent for extended wear. In the end comfort will be based on your ears and how these sit on them more than anything else. I recommend you to go to your nearest electronics store (I found the Sol Republic Tracks HD at Best Buy) and put them on your head for a little. If you don't like the way they feel, don't get them. On ear is not for everyone, especially those with sensitive ears/cartilage piercings/glasses. I have worn these for up to 2 hours straight with no complaints, though. I saw a lot of comments from people who claim their large heads make this headphone uncomfortable for them. Well, I have a XXL motorcycle helmet size and these are perfectly fine for me. There is enough tension in the headband to keep the sound engines (the speakers basically) firmly on my ears without feeling like someone's trying to squash my head. The headband does have a small pad of cushion at the top, which I found to be a plus. Next, let's talk about sound. Before I go into this topic though, please note which "Tracks" you are buying! This is important as it will change the listening dynamic. These are "Tracks HD" have a V10 sound engine which is the mid-range between the Tracks and the Tracks Ultra. The headphones are bass-heavy, but unlike Beats, it does not muddle up the mids and the highs. I compared this to my brother's Beats Solo HD, and wow does this blow that out of the water! It's much much clearer in the mids and highs which makes the bass is MUCH more pronounced. Both of us also noticed that there was far less "static" or "white noise" coming from the head phones. The sad part is my brother paid over $200 (after taxes) for his Beats Solo HD, while I paid $96 (after taxes) for these Tracks HD. I have yet to hear headphones in the $100-$150 price range that produce as an enjoyable sound as these do. As a side note on sound, I do like noise isolation which is why I almost gave this a 4 star rating. The on ear design and fit of these headphones is great, but since it is not over ear design, there will be limited sound isolation. It'll keep out softer sounds (like a keyboard typing) but anything louder than that comes through pretty easy. I decided not to knock down a star for this since it is on-ear and not over-ear, and it doesn't purport itself as noise isolating. One plus is it also knocks down what I consider to be it's top rival at the price range (the Beats Solo HD) in isolation. I wore the two of them and noticed a definite difference Although if you compare the two side by side, the SOL Republic Tracks do have larger speaker bodies, so this is what probably helps. Next, is aesthetics. You can see it for yourself in pictures, but they don't do it much justice. The sound engine's rims are a dark purple with a slightly textured metal finish, and a "matte" silver finish on the face plate. Both elements have a sheen to them rather than a shine. The frame is a transparent plastic with the inside being of a black color. I must admit it looks really nice when all pieced together. I use it at work and while at the gym and I have gotten quite a few comments and compliments especially since it doesn't look like the carbon copy Beats every else owns. Finally, I want to talk about the build. I like that cord that comes with the Tracks has a three button in-line remote & mic which is Apple friendly. While the center button works on every device I own that supports in-line remotes, the volume buttons don't work on most other devices. For those who own non-Apple devices, the stock cable will not support the microphone (that means no calls) that comes standard with the Tracks. You will need to go get yourself a set of ClearTalk Cables with Single Button Remote and Microphone (also made by SOL Republic) to get microphone support. Also, as others have noticed, the part of the cable that forks out and plugs into each sound engine is kind of thin. It seems shielded enough but only time will tell if it will hold up to extended use. However, all parts are interchangeable, which means if anything breaks you can purchase it for much cheaper than buying a whole new headset. It also comes with a soft padded carrying case (made out of neoprene for those who are familiar with the material) which will help against scratches, light drops, and being jostled around in a backpack. Just don't go chucking it out a window or off a building and you should be okay. The carrying case can be a bit finicky since it's soft and flops around when you try to put the headphones in, but it works like a charm. So overall, for the price, I would give this a 5 star rating. All the characteristics that matter to me, (comfort, sound, aesthetics, and build) these Tracks are at the top (especially since you can get them for under $100 here on Amazon). To wrap up: PROS: Great sound for the price range (I JUST CHECKED THEY ARE ON SALE FOR 87.95 WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR) Comfortable even for those with large heads Easily outclasses supposedly similarly ranked "Beats Solo HD" Eye-catching looks Sturdy build with interchangeable parts Carrying case is nicely padded and included with the Tracks HD level CONS: Not the best noise isolation Build of headphones feels really solid, cord, however, is questionable (time will tell) Comfort is subjective, probably more on head shape and ear shape than actual size