Toreto Xplosive headphones have a tacky build, but they deliver solid sound

Ever wondered how people at the gym manage to exercise sporting a bulky set of headphones? For me, earphones have always worked better. They feel so much lighter and allow greater ease of movement during workouts. But I’m always up for change, and the moment I got hold of the new Toreto Xplosive pair, I was curious to find out if I could develop a liking for a product that I haven’t always enjoyed in the past.
 
 
Design (2.5/5)

The headphones aren’t the most promising in this department. The plasticky exterior gives it a cheap feel that will appeal to few. The buttons on either side include the power switch, volume keys, and a USB jack and auxiliary port each. The padding on the inside is insufficient and your ears are bound to feel the strain if you choose to keep the headphones on for too long. The red, blue and grey variants however, don’t look too bad.

 

Performance (3.5/5)

The lack of sophistication in design is decently compensated for by the sound. The Toreto Xplosive stays true to its name, belting out high-quality sound that doesn’t compromise on the bass. A soothing Norah Jones number plays almost as well as a throbbing Imagine Dragons track.

The battery, on full charge, gives you about five hours of music, which isn’t inadequate, but a pair by Boat or Leaf gives you much more for around the same price. The standout here is the LED lights — a trippy combination of red, green and blue — around the earcups that keep flashing while the music is on. While that may look cool in the gym, let’s just say this pair isn’t suitable for work.

 
Overall (3/5)

If you’re willing to overlook the tacky build quality, this pair delivers solid sound for its price. Mind the disco lights on the sides, though.