As the game of golf adapts, on course music is becoming an ever popular element of the casual golf round with friends. Golfjams appears to be at the forefront of this movement, introducing a unique yet quality speaker that can attach to the downward post of a golf cart and offer clear sound to the entire foursome.
From Golfjams
The Golfjams bluetooth speaker is a day-to-day accessory designed for use on the golf course. The system is designed to easily attach to the down post of the golf cart with one of the included 1″ or 1.25″ velcro clips. The speaker is weather resistant and comes complete with Speaker with Loop Velcro Bottom, universal device holder, USB Charging cable, 3.5mm Audio cable, USB Battery charger, 2 cart clips 1.0″ and 1.25,” 2 PC 2″x7″ Loop Velcro For Other Applications (Phone, Music Devise, GPS Unit, Etc.), 2 Poker Chip Ball Markers and a Protective Carrying Bag.
Golfjams Bluetooth speaker is ultra light and has a splash-proof rating of IPX5 meaning that you can carry it with you a listen to your favorite music, whatever the weather. In real world terms, it means you can take it almost anywhere without worrying about normal environmental factors that would affect your electronics. Just don’t go deep sea diving with it!
Features
- Advanced Lithium Battery allows 15+ hours of playing time!
- Infrared thermal sensors automatically activate button lights in the dark
- A stylish and sophisticated way to experience your music while on the golf course
- Feature-packed and extremely easy to use
- A beautifully designed speaker that compliments any style
- Advanced CSR Brand Bluetooth Version 4.0
- Increased Bluetooth transmission rate and higher audio fidelity with decreased power consumption
- Supports: NFC, Siri and Android Voice Calls
- Battery status shows on iPhone/ iPod / iPad
- Double 5W loudspeakers produce high quality stereo sound
- Use with two or more of these same devices for increased effect
Out of the Box
Based on the size of the box that arrived, it becomes quickly clear that the Golfjams Bluetooth speaker is something beyond the average portable music playing device. Upon quick inspection, a series of accessories surround a substantial and weighty unit, providing users with a bevy of options including a music device dock, two cart clips, charging cable and wall unit, direct connection cable, and a couple poker chips. These can all be housed in a carrying bag included in the package, which fits every item included in the box.
What becomes clear after removing the Golfjams unit is the intention of creating a sturdy unit for cart based golfers. The speaker itself is sizable, but also somewhat heavy, feeling about the same overall weight as a dozen golf balls in hand as well as in the golf bag. To complement the speaker, two very sturdy cart clips are provided (explained shortly), both with long strips of Velcro applied. In addition to the already installed Velcro setup, additional strips are provided.
On Course Functionality
As noted earlier, two clips were provided by Golfjams in order to mount the unit directly to a cart post. While there is a large benefit to having multiple size options, it was clear early that all carts are not made equal. Despite the smallest clip not fitting on the down post of the cart involved in the testing, it did fit very well on a post crossing into the basket of the cart, and the Golfjams Bluetooth mounted successfully.
Assembly of this process is exceptionally easy, as the speaker itself has a Velcro base, which firmly attaches to the clip. On the opposing side, one can utilize the device clip (which is adjustable) to mount their phone or music player directly to the unit. This is not absolutely necessary, and testing confirmed the functionality of the unit not only when the paired device was pocketed, but also when it was well over fifty feet from the device. There is plenty of merit to the concern of Velcro quality and longevity when placing a unit sideways as the Golfjams is intended, however the Velcro provided is very strong. In fact, when removing the unit after leaving it attached to the clip for numerous hours, it takes a genuine effort to separate the Velcro.
Pairing with the Golfjams is very easy. It is simply a matter of scanning with the device, and pressing the play button on the Golfjams speaker for a couple of seconds. Audible confirmation of a successful pairing is noted by the unit, and music is seamless from that moment forward. There are some very minor delays between switching songs and pausing the unit, but this is quite common. Experienced numerous times throughout the testing was the impressive ability for the unit to be shut off, turned back on a short while later, automatically pairing to the device it was paired to previously, and a simple play to resume where it left off.
One additional element of note is the infrared thermal censor for turning the button lighting on. An interesting yet very welcome addition to the functionality of the unit, especially for those who intend to use the Golfjams both on the course and around the house.
Sound Quality
Despite the compact size of the Golfjams unit, it impresses with the amount of clear sound it can generate. In both the indoor and outdoor settings, the sound carries well, and can be turned up without any terrible hissing or signs of mediocre sound quality. While the depth of sound is a smaller range than a traditional home speaker, it still outputs plenty of volume. The placement of the unit exposed on a vertical cart post will actually improve the ability to hear the unit from further away, which can certainly be a benefit for the foursomes who all enjoy music. For groups who prefer to keep the music closer to the cart, the unit does manage to fit into some compartments as well as the basket to reduce the likelihood of sound carry overall.
Battery Life
One of the most impressive elements of the Golfjams unit is the incredible battery. While the website makes claims that the advanced lithium battery can last for greater than 15 hours of playback, testing proved that number to be highly conservative, experiencing more than 25 hours of playback in an office setting without having to recharge. This testing was completed with a Bluetooth connection over the course of numerous days, power offs, and delays.
While the Golfjams Bluetooth speaker shows the battery level in numerous apple devices, it does not display that information on the actual unit itself, leaving a bit to be desired. With that in mind, considering the overall lifespan of the battery, a simple charge (a couple hours on the dock) will provide excessive amounts of playback without battery concerns.
Parting Thoughts
Making the claims of being “the official sound of golf” is a lofty label to place upon the Golfjams box, however testing proved that this Bluetooth speaker is an impressive option for golfers seeking quality music playback on course. Having the option to ‘dock’ the unit as well as a music device directly to the cart frame will improve sound quality and provide clear playback for any foursome looking to ‘jam out’ on the course. For more information on the Golfjams Bluetooth speaker, visit www.Golfjams.com.
