V-Moda recently launched a new line of in-ear headphones called Forza. Perhaps their most interesting aspect is the available 3D print custom caps that fit over the earbuds, some of which are platinum and cost $7500.
I had a chance to briefly check them out at CES last week, so this isn’t a review per se, more of a “first look.”
That brief listen and look was enough to pique my interest. Here’s why.
Let’s start with the important bits. The Forza Metallo Wireless is a Bluetooth headphone of the “necklace” variety (i.e. there’s a band that connects the earbuds). You can control track and play/pause via a remote on the right cable. The neckband is light and comfortable and features what V-Moda calls “TrapLock Titanium” that has a nanocoating that they say is sweat and weather resistant.
Inside the earbuds is a 5.8mm “micro dynamic driver” that is “Hi-Res Audio certified by the Japan Audio Society.” I don’t imagine many of you reading this listen to hi-res audio, but if you do, well, these are claimed to be able the higher frequencies of hi-res. They’re also claimed to be sweat resistant, though no IPX water resistance is claimed. V-Moda says they can be used in a gym, but as Wirecutter’s testing shows, sweat and water are pernicious beasts.
V-Moda claims a 10-hour battery life and a 10-meter range.
The brief listen I had with the Forza Wireless revealed a few characteristics. The first is there is a fair amount of bass, which is pretty typical of V-Moda headphones. However, it sounded controlled and not boomy. More like just turning up the bass a little on a subwoofer. This is a sound profile I really like, though not everyone does. They don’t overdo it, which some V-Modas I’ve tested in the past have. The highs weren’t annoying, lacking any obvious spikes. This is promising, though of course, I reserve final judgment until I have a chance to listen to them in a quieter environment.
Custom Caps
V-Moda will 3D print custom caps for you, to slip over the ends of the earbuds. These add a personalization aspect missing from most headphones. The caps look quite good. On display at the show were a skull design, vintage microphone, the V-Moda logo, and more. If you buy them with your Forza headphones, they’re $20 if you get them in acrylic. However, if you want to go crazy you get them gold plated (~$250), 14K gold (~$2,500), or for the really well-heeled, platinum (~$7,500). This is doubly amusing since the headphones themselves are a fraction of that. Actually, I’m not even sure they’re included for $7,500. You’d hope.
The Forza Metallo Wireless are available now in “Gunmetal Black” and “White Silver” for $170.
Forza Metallo Wireless: $170
