I recently had the chance to do a Bonx Grip review.  The device consists of a Bluetooth earpiece that enables cellular network-based group communication with up to 10 users anywhere in the world.   The opportunity to test it out intrigued me.  After all, who doesn’t want to be able to stay connected to friends on the slopes without the hassle of taking off your gloves?

Background

During our first day in Keystone, my friend and I set out to test two Bonx Grip devices.  We liked the idea of being able to communicate without the hassle of getting our gloves off and phones out to dial.  Our Bonx Grip review fell perfectly into our plans.  We worked out some other kinks that day; neither of us was stressed or time constrained.  I paired the devices to each of our phones on the way up.  Halfway there, when we stopped for gas and coffee, however, the first issue arose.  I tried to record the hilarious Breeze rentals guy discussing ski waxing. But, it seemed there was no sound coming out of my phone!  Eventually I realized the sound was going through the Bonx Grip, though the device was outside, several hundred feet away in the car.  The powerful device just wants to keep running!

The test

When we arrived at Keystone, our Bonx Grip review began in earnest.  We activated the devices and tested them by whispering to each other while standing on opposite sides of the car.  I heard everything my friend said, through my earpiece, but he couldn’t hear a word I uttered.

Once again, we played with the apps on our phones and skimmed through the instructions.  Eventually, we figured out that there is an “always on” mode and a “push to talk” mode.  That discovery made a big difference!  We continued playing with/testing the devices throughout the morning in Keystone.  The challenges were figuring out the optimal ways to utilize the different modes and the app.  When it was on constant-on mode, the microphone picked up a lot of background noise/other conversations.  For instance, I could hear everything that each person in my friend’s gondola was saying.  But, in “push to talk” mode, pushing the “talk” button (the big circle) on the device through the helmet proved challenging.

Scary warning

A few times that morning, we each got a warning message telling us that the device was no longer in an area with a strong cell signal.  This message mildly annoyed us in Keystone, but I could see how it would be scary if one of us was lost… in other words, the Bonx Grip is only as good as your cell phone signal.  Avid snowboarder and outdoorsman Takahiro Miyasaka designed the Bonx Grip well for a mountain environment.  The device boasts water and shock resistance.  The Bonx Grip, as it’s name suggests, ‘grips’ the ear.  The device stays put during rigorous outdoor activity.   The open-back earphone allows the user to hear surrounding noises.

Summary

At a price of around $139.95 per device, the Bonx Grip seems a bit of an indulgence.  Then again, normal bluetooth devices aren’t shock or water resistant.  With practice, you could probably figure out exactly where to press the “push to talk” button.  The box also indicates that it “constantly learns and adapts to its sound environment” with machine learning technology.  After some practice, the Bonx Grip could enable easy easily communication with your group of friends without draining your phone’s battery.  The devices would also be great for a hike or other activity where you’re not wearing helmets and want a hands-free way to stay in touch.