For many of us, music cannot be missed during training sessions, whether in the gym or burning shoes on the asphalt. JVC (or rather JVCKENWOOD) stands out among all its running headphones from the AE Wireless range, they are completely wireless, with total resistance to sweat (and outings in the rain), different in-ear settings and a very interesting point: they include pads with open design so as not to isolate ourselves from the environment.

JVC HA-ET50BT and HA-EC30BT analysis and opinion

As I said, JVC’s target audience for the AE Wireless line of headphones are the most active and demanding runners (AE stands for  Athlete Evolved ) who are looking for very comfortable listening models that they can completely forget about during races because they are quality headphones.

The main difference between these two headphones – although not the only one – is the adjustment system in the athlete’s ear. Thus, in the JVC HA-ET50BT  its design integrates a fastening system that the brand calls Pivot Motion Fit, while in the JVC HA-EC30BT we have an adjustment with a clip that surrounds the ear on the outside.

In-ear Pivot Motion Fit

We all know how important the fit is in headphones and more so in sports headphones that we are going to use in activities such as running, where head oscillations and bounces are going to be constant. The last thing we want is to be more aware of the headphones than the training itself.

Thus, JVC uses the Pivot Motion system here , which essentially consists of a piece of flexible rubber with a curved shape that is inserted into the crease of the ear and holds the headset in place. In other words, once we insert the pad into the ear canal, we make a rotation movement and this piece of rubber will remain in place.

The truth is that it is a very comfortable system and does not present major inconveniences. The JVC HA-ET50BT stay in place both running and doing exercises of all kinds, such as jumping rope or strength routines at home (with exercises as moving as  burpees.

Regarding the adjustment, also mention that the earphones include pads of different sizes and shapes (I will detail this more later), but the rubber rocker arm is one size only, there are no spare parts or other sizes, although we can remove the one that comes put to wash everything better.

Ear clip setting on the HA-EC30BT

Moving on to the HA-EC30BT model, here the adjustment is made externally. That is to say, there is no Pivot Motion but a clip comes directly out of the headphones to surround the ear on the outside. Basically the choice of one or the other will depend on the person, since there are people with more ‘particular’ ear folds and perhaps the adjustment system inside does not quite fit them at all.

Similarly, along with this model there are also different pads with open and closed design.

Controls and magnetic design

As for the design, the predominant material is plastic (of good quality) and rubber, both in the pads, as in the stabilizer of the ear and the cable, which also has that rubbery touch .

  • 17 grams of weight for the JVC HA-ET50BT
  • 21 grams of weight for the JVC HA-EC30BT

All controls are integrated into the cable , closer to the right earcup. There are three buttons there (although they have more than three functions) and also the microUSB charging port protected by a cap. Hopefully we will soon see USB Type C arrive to all devices and accessories to continue unifying cables.

As for the buttons, their function varies depending on the number of times we press them. We can control the volume, skip songs (with two touches on the volume up or down) and answer or reject calls, since the integrated microphone is also there.

Being Bluetooth headphones , the connection with the smartphone does not have much mystery and is done as usual: we hold the power button for a few seconds until they go into pairing mode and we search for them from the Bluetooth menu of the mobile or the device that let’s use it to output music/sound. For example, they would also be used to pair with a watch with a music player, computers, etc.

Water resistance and anti-slip

Finally, comment that they are magnetized, that is, the two ends of the headphones get ‘stuck’ if we bring them closer. A detail so that they remain united and do not  slip when we wear them around the neck.

Both models are IPX5 certified , so they are perfectly resistant to sweat and splashes. You also won’t have to worry if you get caught in a downpour during a workout because they also withstand rain. Of course, they are not submersible headphones. It is very important to always check that the microUSB cover is well closed to avoid contacts and that moisture remains inside.

Open pads so as not to isolate ourselves from the environment

One detail that I liked about these JVC running headphones is that they include open-type pads. In other words, they are in-ear models (which are inserted into the ear canal) and include the typical pads of different sizes that we all know. However, in addition to these, there is also a Pack of three sizes with open tips .

They are called open because they include some micro-cuts in the rubber, this allows us not to be completely isolated from the outside and is something that seems essential to me when we run around town. There are many noises that we must take into account, such as cars, emergency traffic, other people…

With these pads the sound quality is maintained, of which I have no complaints because they are heard very well and with great bass presence, but they let more ambient noise through. In any case, as I say, this is optional, since each one can put the pads that best suit them.