JBL Grip Evaluation: A Bluetooth Speaker With Lava Lamp Vibes

Regardless of the Grip’s smaller measurement, JBL pegs battery life on each audio system on the identical 14-hour most. On the Grip at the least, that is perhaps overpromising. Once I ran the speaker at 50% quantity repeatedly, I solely acquired about 10.5 hours. Utilizing JBL’s PlayTime Increase mode might assist if you actually need to eke out a number of extra songs.

The familial similarities proceed with the Grip’s capacity to face up to the weather. Just like the Flip 7, it’s rated IP68, making it successfully mud and waterproof. They’re each shockproof, and but the Grip is arguably extra sturdy since each ends are stable silicone rubber. The Flip’s ends are passive radiators, which might be completely broken by a pointy object. Simply remember the fact that whereas the Grip gained’t be bothered by immersion in water, it doesn’t float. So for those who toss it within the pool, somebody might be diving in to retrieve it.

The one distinction between these siblings (apart from measurement, energy, and the Grip’s built-in mild present) is orientation. Whereas the Flip 7 can be utilized vertically or horizontally, the Grip is designed for vertical use solely. Not that there’s something stopping you from laying it down — the built-in loop will preserve it from rolling too far. However the controls are positioned for simpler entry when standing up, and the rear LED panel will find yourself partially obscured if the speaker is sideways.

{Photograph}: Simon Cohen

Lava Lamp

Talking of that LED panel, it’s a enjoyable add-on, however don’t count on it to mild up your get-together. There are 4 colours to select from (purple, pink, an icy-blue, and a vibrant blue) managed by the JBL Portables app, and 5 show modes: 4 that animate and one which’s static. At full brightness, it could possibly’t compete with a well-lit room, and open air, you’ll undoubtedly should preserve your expectations in examine. Nonetheless, in a darkened room, with the Grip close to a nook or wall, it could possibly create a refined temper. Sadly, the 4 animated modes (Bounce, Trim, Change, and Neon) don’t sync to your music, so the impact is extra lava lamp than disco mild. If you’d like a beat-coordinated mild present, contemplate the wonderful Tribit StormBox Mini+ ($40), which has a top-mounted LED ring with this function.

The one factor concerning the LED panel that perplexes me is its placement: it’s on the “rear” of the speaker. For those who can see the sunshine present, it means the Grip’s single racetrack driver is going through away from you. It’s not a large distinction in sound high quality, but it surely’s noticeable, particularly within the higher midranges and highs, which lose a few of their readability.