*Note: This is a review. Click here to see the Hesh headphones product page.*

When looking for a mid-level pair of Skullcandy over the ear headphones that’s affordable and balances style with quality, Hesh is the winning choice. Walking through store aisles or shopping the internet, smart audiophiles have a pretty good idea of what’s high end or pure garbage in the headphone world. Mid-level headphones straddling these two extremes are harder to judge, though. Fortunately, Skullcandy’s Hesh line hits its target, with all the qualities you would expect a field pair of headphones to have, and actually does its job better than similar brands.

Good Sound is Golden

As with any headphones, sound quality is the most important factor. Hesh has speakers with 50 mm diameters, and its frequency response is in the 18-20K Hz range. This frequency means the headphones can deliver nearly any sound human hearing is able to pick up on, and it’s also a favorable range for transmitting quality bass.

Skullcandy has also given their Hesh headphones a gold plated 3.5 mm jack. Gold does not oxidize, which helps increase the lifespan of these headphones. More importantly, though, gold is well known as the best signal conductor. This is why the rare metal is used in all high end audio and visual equipment worthy of the name. Surprisingly, other brands for roughly the same price as Hesh choose to cheapen themselves and their customers by using poorer metals like nickel. Skullcandy’s golden jack provides higher end quality without the price hike. And when it comes to how Hesh sounds, it shows.

Unlike other models–especially cheap ones–that give a slightly different degree of sound quality depending on what device the headphones are plugged into, I have used Hesh on many occasions, and its steady, predictable beats have never wavered. These headphones are tough enough to blast out the wild chords of heavy metal, but also nuanced enough to pick up on fine brass or fading woodwinds in classical music. Plug them into a PC or I-Pod, and with few adjustments, hip hop grooves wonderfully on these.  I’ve even fallen asleep to ambient music with a pair of Hesh on, which should say something about their comfort. For the price, Hesh exceeds the quality expected, and delivers reliable sound on every occasion.

Don’t take my word for it! Watch this detailed video review from another satisfied owner of Hesh headphones:


You can buy these headphones for a low price through Amazon here.

Hesh: Tough as Bone

Sound is more important than anything else when it comes to headphones, but luckily, Skullcandy’s Hesh excels in other areas too. Since its beginning, Skullcandy brand has smoked competing brands in sheer style. The Shattered Grey Hesh flashes a grim face on its speakers–the iconic Skullcandy logo, magnified in a way that seems ultra-urban or neo-Gothic. The headband above is covered in soft cloth with a stylized geometric design. But don’t let shattered grey’s almost Medieval look put you off, if grey isn’t your favorite color. Skullcandy makes identical Hesh variants, a real carnival of colors and designs: shattered blue, aqua blue and green, luxurious gold-brown, purple tinged sparkle motion, and many more.

While some headphone users prefer metal instead of Hesh’s plastic,  the molding feels strong enough to withstand frenzied head motions or being dropped on most surfaces. In fact, plastic molding allows additional flexibility, adding to these headphones’ comfort factor. I’ve used headphones with headbands that lack the cloth cover, and there is a significant difference. If you use headphones for a long time like me, then you know that exposed metal and plastic without any flexibility leaves an unpleasant impression on the head and the haircut after awhile. Hesh’s covered headband overcomes this with a touch so light you will only know the speakers are there–exactly the way headphones are meant to be experienced.

Skullcandy’s decision to give Hesh a unique cord gives this model another plus in the durability column. Unlike the latex used in other brands, Hesh has a braided cloth cord that seems longer than what’s found on similar headphones. This impressive experiment helps increase Hesh’s lifespan, and gives them extra reach.

All in all, Hesh is a respectable model with a sensible design, great sound, and style. With few imperfections, Hesh has the appeal to draw in seasoned headphone users and newbies. At the modest cost available most places (check current pricing), you’ll be hard pressed to find a better over ear set with the same features Hesh has. The company deserves a small measure of credit for one upping their competitors as well. Their decision to reach for higher quality in details like the braided cord and headband padding means that other brands may have to meet Skullcandy’s ante to remain competitive. So, besides Hesh being smart and savvy headphones, they double as secret warriors set on making the entire headphone market a better place. Click here to see Hesh’s product page.


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