Optoma Nuforce BE Sport4 – Don’t Fret the Sweat
“The Optoma Nuforce BE Sport4 is a solid and reliable companion for exercise and general use, and is well recommended if you’d like a bit of a bass kick to spur you on”
Intro
Optoma has enjoyed tremendous success recently with its BE Sport3 model; it’s an earphone which has a remarkably solid build quality and reliability, but Optoma has gone one better with
additional sweat and water resistance rated at IPX5 – this means that aside from general moisture resistance, we can have a musical duel with water pistols and suffer no lasting consequences.
Pros:
- Funky, modern look
- Quick to charge
- Additional earfins included for better fit
- Good quality carry case
Cons:
- Doesn’t have the fine detail some may require
Design and appearance:
The Be Sport4 capsules are of a rounded square design; the shells are a metallic-grey colour which is offset by a sort of pastel green for the soundports and strain releifs. It’s a funky look, and it can be supplemented by the addition of some particularly vivid earfins for keeping the capsules securely in the ears whilst exercising. The cable conforms to the BE Sport3 design, although the large strain releifs of the former model are gone. Also gone are the ‘left’ and ‘right’ markers which were on those strain releifs, but so long as we remember that the mic/remote control goes on the right side, we’ll manage without them.
Durability & build quality:
The Be Sport4 is a solid unit; nowhere is there any creaking or movement where there shouldn’t be, and there is just enough weight to give the feeling that we have a premium product here. As mentioned, the strain releifs are reduced in size on the BE Sport4 model; perhaps the designers felt these were not so necessary on a wireless model.
Comfort:
With everyone’s ears being different, your experience may differ but the Sport4’s rounded capsules and eartips fit this reviewer in a very satisfying way. The weight of the capsules doesn’t come close to becoming a problem and the earfins aren’t required at all. However if you’re having fit issues, the earfins will help to keep the capsules in place by sitting within the folds of the ears through the most strenuous workouts. The cable can be forgotten, as a slider can take up any slack to keep it securely against the back of the head.
Suitability for Intended Application:
It’s no surprise that the BE Sport4 is aimed at the ‘active’ market, but it’s equally suitable for commuting and general use. The earphones do have a sporty feel but won’t look out of place on the train or in the office.
Sound characteristics:
The Be Sport4’s sound is warm and comfortable with a decent amount of bass and no signs of any troublesome frequency peaks. It’s an inoffensive tuning which many people will find pleasing, and of course some extra bass never goes amiss when pumping iron or on a treadmill. Perhaps with the requirement to block out and mask the standard piped-in music which many gyms have, the Sport4 can be turned up a little with no risk to the wearer’s hearing – if they’re sensible of course.
Bass:
Sub bass is pretty good on the BE Sport4; there’s plenty of deep rumble here, and the mid bass region gives plenty of slam. These are not ‘true basshead’ earphones but the lower frequencies are certainly prominent enough to meet the expectations of a lot of people.
Mids:
While the bass is doing its thing, the midrange suffers no bleed and is clearly discernable. However, it does take a back seat in terms of impact and detail here could be more precise. To don the designer’s cap once more however, these earphones are aimed at those who want motivation rather than inspiration, and the midrange serves well to back up the bass without drawing too much attention to itself and possibly leading to listener fatigue.
Treble:
It’s a non-offensive treble also; it’s muted and rounded off, which might be a problem for those who like a concerto or two during their morning run. However, many who just want a bit of dance music or pop will be well served by the Sport4. It’s a matter of fitness over finesse.
Soundstage & Separation:
Given the accuracy of the midrange and the general quality of bluetooth transmission, soundstage and separation are not gobsmacking but quite acceptable.
Music Genres Good For and Why:
The BE Sport4 excels with genres such as dance, pop and rock. Anything with a beat and a bassline will go down a storm but classical and similar music styles will be wanting, although still quite listenable.
