Can new headphones pass the metal fabricating shop test?

Detroit metal Josh Welton fabricator ran recently released Isotunes' OSHA-approved Link headphones through a months-long test. Images: Josh Welton

Isotunes recently came at with a new way for those working in industrial settings to listen to podcasts, books, radio, and music through their OSHA certified Link headphones. As with any product reviews from the past, I put these Bluetooth headphones with earbud and earmuff options through months of use and abuse before putting my thoughts to paper. “Thoughts to paper.” Hmm. What’s the modern-day equivalent of that saying? “Thoughts to screen” doesn’t feel quite the same. I digress…

When welding, in-ear buds are obviously the way to go. They are low profile and don’t interfere with a helmet’s headgear, especially with either wireless or truly wireless tech. The technology has changed the dynamics of how we get through the workday. In non-welding situations though, over the ear headphones can be a better solution.

The Link is comfortable to wear, and without that basic thing, nothing else would matter. If your inner ears need a break from buds, the memory foam muffs slide over your ears and the headband snugly holds them in place. If you need to pop the Link off for a bit, just slide it down around your neck.

It sports a noise-isolating mic for phone calls, but these aren’t “noise canceling” headphones like, say, the Bose QC 35, because that’s not a safe approach in a work environment. While the Link does dampen ambient noise by 24 decibels, it’s needed because those wearing them in a shop or factory setting need to hear what’s going on around them. Nobody wants a forklift (or, in my instance, a tank) sneaking up on them. This is one reason why the Link, like other Isotunes offerings, uses SafeMax™ tech to limit volume to 85 dB. It is the only complaint I’ve witnessed to the Isotunes line, but it’s not a negative, it’s a feature.

Other than staying aware of your surroundings, it also keeps your music below the threshold and helps prevent permanent damage to your hearing. Along with ANSI-certified 24 dB nRR previously mentioned, these factors make the Link OSHA approved for hearing protection. As workplaces evolve their rules for shop floor workers can listen to entertainment, being OSHA approved is a big deal.

The reason I wait to do reviews is simple: I want to make sure my experiences with the product hold up over time. I wouldn’t be saying nice things about the Link if it hadn’t. It’s rugged. If it’s not in use it’s either charging or in my backpack traveling with me. The charging port has a sturdy cover to keep it clean. One bonus: If you ever run up against a situation where the (legit) 14-hour lithium-ion battery life isn’t enough, you can pop in three AAA batteries for another 14hrs of go time. The headphones fold up nicely and securely. It’s rated to withstand sweat and dirt. The side control buttons are huge, making it easy to turn on and off, to adjust volume, and skip tracks even with thickly-gloved fingers.

I’m currently on the road for work, and the two listening devices I brought with me are the wireless Isotunes Free earbuds and the wireless Link earmuffs. Conduits for entertainment in any situation.

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