Skullcandy Riff headphones are available for $50, but a wired version is also available for as cheap as $20. The Skullcandy Riff are primarily made of plastic, but Skullcandy went over and beyond to give them a more premium feel. The leatherette used on the ear pads themselves doesn’t feel half bad, and the ear cups themselves have a soft touch feel to them akin to the $300 Crusher 360s. There is a very strong click when you adjust the headband, and there is barely any cracking or squeaking when you flex them. However, we would be cautious and avoid over-flexing them because you risk snapping them. ..
Skullcandy Riff Wireless review: Design
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless headphones are a striking addition to anyones collection. The three color combinations available are all Black, Blue/Sunset, and Grey/Teal, and each has its own unique look. The Grey option in particular is very appealing to us due to the subtle Teal accents on the cushions and the branding. ..
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless are supra-aural headphones, or on-ear headphones. They have a matte texture throughout, which helps to lessen the roughness that results from fingerprint residue. The headphones don’t seem particularly strong because they are totally comprised of plastic. In reality, they feel really clumsy and rattle a lot when simply handled. They genuinely do feel as though they will snap under light pressure, yet this couldn’t be further from the truth.
We were very impressed by how robust the headband is and how much tension it can sustain given how flimsy it initially appeared. We significantly altered our perception of the build quality as a result, and we have been impressed ever since. The padding on the earpads is covered with a very plush faux leather overlay. The whole experience is really comfortable, and we applaud the business for taking this seemingly insignificant detail into account because it may significantly improve usage.
This is an extremely significant finding for people who wear headphones for extended periods of time because, in addition to audio quality, comfort is a key consideration when buying headphones. While the earpads have good padding, it’s odd that the headband has none at all. To prevent the headphone from falling off, certain headphones have a rubber padding. In the case of the Riff Wireless, there is none at all. However, the modifications are quite secure, and even when engaging in demanding activities, they don’t readily come off your head.
Comfort
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless set is supra-aural, as opposed to the circumoral (or around-the-ear) fit that we generally choose for the ear cups (or on-ear). This means that it is more comfortable for long hours of use, as it does not create pressure on the ears.
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless headset is one of the most comfortable headsets we’ve ever used. The fabric that encircles the cushions has a pleasing texture, and the ear cups are very comfortable. Additionally, the Skullcandy Riff didn’t present any problems for us because we wear glasses. ..
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless headphones are uncomfortable to wear for an extended period of time. The headband is difficult to get on and off, and the headphones can be tilted or fallen off with movement.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless review: Connectivity
The Riff Wireless only supports Bluetooth connections because there is no cable connection option available. However, the connection proved unbreakable and simple to use. No random disconnections or cutouts occurred for us. A three-button setup allows you to control volume, play/pause, and power as well as track skipping with a 3-second press of either volume button. The controls are also unremarkable but covered by a rubberized cap. Although the buttons are all covered by a rubberized cap, we would prefer if they were physically separated. ..
Controls
The right earcup has all of the controls. A Micro USB charging port is also present. The control buttons are embedded in a thin rubber strip. There are basic options for pausing, volume-adjusting, and playing music. You just need to figure out what is happening because the buttons have a few different functions.
To skip a track, press and hold the play button on your device. To reach a virtual assistant contact, press and hold the blue button on your device. To pair the virtual assistant with your device, press and hold the red button.
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless is a great tool for audiophiles because it provides a crisp, high-fidelity sound with a frequency response field of 20Hz–20KHz. Additionally, its powerful sound is supported at high volumes with 98 dB of sensitivity. Let’s see if the Skullcandy Riff Wireless lives up to its reputation as a good tool for audiophiles.
Noise cancelling
The Skullcandy Riff Wireless headphones are not the best for noise isolation, as they allow a lot of background noise to enter. However, in more serene settings, we found the audio to be enjoyable. We believe that most people will be listening to audio that is sent over Bluetooth and is easily good enough to get the most out of your streaming music.
Audio performance
Skullcandy’s strategy is to produce headphones with bass-heavy sound. If you want this type of sound, there is nothing wrong with it. However, when compared to some of Skullcandy’s more affordable rivals, the EQ setup executed by Skullcandy is effective. We heard headphones where the bass was so strong that it eliminated the mids from the sound. With the Riff, the mid-range just about competes. ..
Skullcandy’s powerful bass affects the other frequencies, which makes the mids murky and the vocals located in the mids difficult to hear. ..
The bass on these headphones is nice and organic sounding, but can be a bit too abrupt at high volumes. The frequency range of the 40mm drivers is 20Hz to 20,000Hz. ..
Skullcandy Riff Wireless review: Call performance
When you make a phone call, you are acutely aware of how you sound and whether your surroundings are noisy. Anytime you speak into the microphone, including when speaking to the Google Assistant, the same rules apply. Speaking of Assistant, the Skullcandy Riff Wireless has a double-tap on the centre button that activates Google Assistant (or Siri on iOS). This is helpful for anything you would typically ask the Assistant to do, like provide information or play a particular piece of music. ..
Battery and charging
The Panasonic Lumix GH4 battery is a fast-charging battery that offers 12 hours of playback on a single charge, and it has a rapid charge feature that enables you to get up to two hours of playback on just a 10-minute charge. The Panasonic Lumix GH4 battery is also rated at 12 hours on a single charge.
Conclusion
Skullcandy has released the Riff, their latest low-end headphone. The build quality has been reduced as much as a headphone can go before going extinct, and the feature set is adequate but if it meant the build could be improved, we almost wish it didn’t have the button and microphone. The biggest improvements over the Grind and other previous low-end Skullcandy headphones are the new shape and comfort of the ear pads. ..
