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While I am not a great believer in co-incidents, they do happen.  As an example I was in hospital having treatment for a skull problem when SkullCandy released its new headset in the UK.

As its title might indicate, the SkullCandy Grind Wireless is an untethered device or, as the product’s packaging proclaims with “No Strings Attached”.  The SkullCandy Grind Wireless is a Bluetooth headset of the on-the-ear variety.  This is an updated version of the original SkullCandy Grind with the addition of Bluetooth and a price increase to reflect the increased functionality.

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This Bluetooth headset, with integrated microphone for communication purposes, has a solid metal headband that features a leather-like strip on the outside with a strip of padding on the inside.  It did appear when I first saw this product that the padding looked minimal but it proved more than sufficient to give me a comfortable fitting for even extended periods of listening.  The headband can be extended from a length of 33cm to 39cm with the extra length being concealed within the plush on-ear pillows until required. 

One minor criticism of this headset is the almost total lack of adjustment of the ear pieces.  You are limited to a degree or two of sideways movement when positioning the ear pieces on your ears.  Generally I prefer the over-the-ear style of unit but despite the lack of adjustment I was happy to use these on-the-ear units without any discomfort even with lengthy listening periods.

When wearing this headset you will find the various control options on the right ear piece.  Here you will find an arrangement of three slightly raised buttons in a plus, circle and minus shape.  In each case these buttons have at least dual functionality.  The plus button can be used to increase the volume level or move to the next track with a three second depress.  Not unnaturally the minus button will reduce the volume level while a three second depress will revert to the previous track. 

The circle button is truly multifunctional depending upon the current mode and the length of time that the button is held depressed.  This button can start the Bluetooth pairing mode plus turn on/off the headset.  It can also be used to play and/or pause the music output plus answer and end calls coming into the connected smartphone device.

Along with the three control buttons, this right ear piece features a micro USB port and a jack socket connection.  The micro USB port, in conjunction with the supplied 52cm standard-to-micro USB lead, is used when you need to power up the headset’s internal rechargeable battery which is rated at providing 12 hours of playback.  You also get a 120cm audio lead with 3.5cm jack plugs.  This lead can link the headset to an audio providing device which does not support Bluetooth connectivity or when the internal battery is out of power.

Audio quality delivered by this headset is of a good quality especially when you consider the price point of this product.  You should be able to pick up the SkullCandy Grind Wireless for £69.99.  The headset is available in a choice of colour schemes.  You can opt for a White model, Grey / Plaid, Blue / Brown or, as in the case of my review unit, Black / Tan.  While not a criticism, more a possible wish list suggestion, I would have liked a soft carry pouch to help keep the headset and its leads together as I do have a habit, or compulsion, of misplacing leads on a regular basis.

www.skullcandy.co.uk/headphones/GRINDBT.html