Smokin’ Buds Wireless Earbuds (S2TAW-R740) Review: Supreme Sound and Sustainability
Introduction
The Smokin’ Buds (model number S2TAW-R740) wireless earbuds promise supreme sound, impressive battery life, and a commitment to sustainability. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting them through their paces, from intense workouts to relaxing evenings, to see if they live up to the hype. This review will delve into their features, performance, and overall value.
Features
The Smokin’ Buds boast a compelling set of features. Beyond the advertised supreme audio quality and extended battery life (a combined 20 hours!), they include a microphone in each earbud, allowing for mono calls while keeping the other bud in its case. This is a surprisingly handy feature for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings.
The commitment to sustainability is a significant plus. The earbuds are made with up to 50% renewable plastics, and the packaging is 100% recyclable. In a market increasingly focused on eco-friendly practices, this is a welcome addition.
Comfort is also a key selling point. The lightweight design, combined with three different ear gel tip sizes, ensures a secure and comfortable fit for most ear shapes. This is crucial for extended listening sessions.
| Colour Name | True Black |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | Bluetooth/Wireless |
| Audio Jack | No Audio Jack |
| Audio Headphone Type | In-Ear |
| Model Number | S2TAW-R740 |
| Model Name | S2TAW-R740 |
Performance
Sound quality is, undeniably, excellent. The bass is deep and punchy without overpowering other frequencies. Vocals are clear and crisp, and the overall soundstage is surprisingly wide for in-ear earbuds. I tested them with a variety of genres, from heavy metal to classical music, and they performed admirably across the board. The microphone clarity was also impressive, with call recipients reporting clear audio even in moderately noisy environments.
The battery life, as advertised, is a full 20 hours. I consistently achieved around 8 hours on a single charge from the earbuds themselves, and the charging case provided an additional 12 hours, exceeding my expectations for daily use. The rapid charge feature is a genuine time saver; 10 minutes of charging provides about 2 hours of playtime, perfect for a quick boost when needed.
Bluetooth connectivity was consistently stable and reliable throughout my testing. I experienced no dropouts or connection issues during my daily commute or while working out.
However, there were minor drawbacks. The touch controls, while responsive, sometimes registered accidental inputs. This wasn’t a major problem, but it did occasionally interrupt my listening experience.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Excellent sound quality, impressive battery life (20 hours), comfortable fit, sustainable design, convenient single-bud call functionality, rapid charging.
- Cons: Touch controls can be slightly sensitive leading to accidental inputs.
Final Verdict
The Smokin’ Buds (S2TAW-R740) are a fantastic pair of wireless earbuds. They deliver on their promise of supreme sound, long battery life, and comfortable fit. The commitment to sustainability is also commendable. While the touch controls could be slightly refined, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the overall exceptional performance. I highly recommend the Smokin’ Buds to anyone looking for a high-quality, eco-conscious pair of wireless earbuds.
