Solar-powered gadgets are always intriguing to me. It just seems convenient to have the option to passively charge your device without having to plug it into a power source. So, I was like a moth to a flame when I found out adidas has a pair of solar-powered headphones. What does the adidas RPT-02 SOL offer?
Vitamin D for you and your headphones
These self-charging Bluetooth headphones feature a printable solar panel on the band equipped with Exeger’s Powerfoyle technology. This tech can convert all forms of natural and artificial light into energy, so you never have to worry about running out of juice when you’re out for the day and forget to charge this pair. Instead, you should wear them out when it’s sunny or keep them in a place where indirect light hits them.
The adidas RPT-02 SOL promises up to 80 hours of playtime on a full charge. The adidas Headphones app can show you how it measures the light in milliamps in real-time. These headphones even have a three-ring indicator to let you know they’re facing the strongest light possible.
adidas expects you’ll use this outdoors frequently, so the company didn’t even include a charger in the box. It can give you one for free if you request it, though. If you do charge it via USB-C, it takes around two hours of wired charging for a full top-up.
Let’s talk build, durability, sustainability
While it isn’t stated explicitly, the lack of a charger or charging cable might play into adidas’ goal of making a sustainable pair of headphones.
The adidas RPT-02 are designed to be physically durable, with recycled materials as the base for most of its parts. According to Anders Olsson, adidas’ product manager, the company focused on sourcing materials with “the lowest possible CO2 emissions.” Eighty-seven percent of the plastic in these SOL headphones is post-consumer recycled plastics.
adidas incorporates recycled nylon into the fabric on the earpieces and the headband. The remaining 13% of plastic used is new for the parts that need improved durability.
The company didn’t use a hinging earpiece for the adidas RPT-02 SOL because it’s considered the most commonly broken part of headphones. Instead, adidas opted for a modular design that breaks down easily for recycling.
Everything else about the adidas RPT-02 SOL
These headphones are built for active users. With an IPX4 rating, the adidas RPT-02 SOL can handle sweat and a bit of rain from your tough workouts. And yes, you can wash earpieces and the headband to get the sweat out.
adidas tweaked the compression and fit on these headphones so they stay on throughout your workout without pinching too much. Don’t expect to get active noise cancelation on this pair. You won’t get it. For a pair built for outdoor use, that might be better since you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
The adidas RPT-02 SOL retails for USD 230, coming in night gray or solar yellow options.
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