In today’s Skullcandy Crusher 2014 Headphones review, we are going to touch on the features of this fantastic budget unit, as well as the advantages and drawbacks that come with it. This product is an excellent choice for anyone that does not want to break the bank but wants a decent set of headphones to carry their music anywhere.
For starters, we should mention that Skullcandy is a Utah-based company that has been on the rise in the headphone manufacturing industry as they make their products with interesting and unique features, especially in the bass department. The model we are going to review today is no different, and we are going to analyze it in detail and show you what it can do. There is a lot to cover, so let us begin without further delay.
Basic Skullcandy Crusher 2014 Specifications
| Brand | Skullcandy |
| Colors | Black, Deep Red, Olive, Grey Tan |
| Battery Time | 40 Hours |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Model | Crusher |
| Type | Over Ear, Wireless |
| Weight | 277 Grams |
| Microphone | Yes |
These headphones use two different drivers, the Sensation55 and the REX40. The Sensation55 provides exceptional low-end performance, while REX40 allows you full access to all aspects of the sound quality. Both drivers sport a dedicated acoustical port that does a fantastic job of enhancing the bass and reducing distortion.
What really stands out about this unit is the level of comfort it provides. The manufacturers did an excellent job of padding the ear cuffs to ensure the headphones fit snugly on your head. Skullcandy Crusher also comes with a convenient carry case, audio cable, and remote.
The headband is easily adjustable, and as we mention, the comfort makes this unit really stand out. The earpiece is also adjustable, which adds even more to the overall versatility of this product. You require a single AA battery to power these headphones, and it grants you 40 hours of playback.
Sound Quality
As we have already mentioned, these headphones boast two different drivers. The Sensation55 takes care of the sound and feel at the low end, while REX40 grants you everything else. As a nice addition to multiple drivers, this unit is also acoustically ported, which gives a nice little bass boost and distortion reduction.
Lows
The lows are a highly important aspect of the sound in any headphones, and this is where Skullcandy Crusher earns its reputation. The Sensation55 is not something traditional, as it creates mechanical vibration. When low notes hit, it sends these vibrations through the headphones, making a fantastic feel.
You get the adjustable slider, which allows you to range the bass from mild to very deep, depending on your personal preferences. Overall, the bass department is very good at these headphones, and it is where they are at their best.
Mids
As we moved up the frequency range, we noticed that these headphones are a bit of a mixed bag, and the mids felt like a very weak selling point for this unit. It is safe to say that mid-range of this product is pretty flat and does not engage you sufficiently, although lower mids seem pretty decent.
It is safe to say that these headphones are aimed at the audience that prefers quality bass but not much else. However, you get a decent quality around 800 Hz – 1 kHz range, and this gives the emphasis on vocals in music, making everything sound a bit better. You will still have to max out the bass slider to get these results.
Highs
When we got to the highs, things improved. They were very crisp and clear without sounding too harsh. Although it is obvious that manufacturers did not go into so many details as they did with lows, there was still a lot to enjoy in the highs department.
Even though stereo separation is obvious, it is not particularly accented. People that are buying these headphones strictly for the bass capabilities should not worry much about this, but it is something that we thought is worth mentioning.
As far as distortion goes, the acoustical porting came as a nice little touch. You will be able to up the volume quite a bit before noticing some audible distortion. This will likely break at the absolute highest volumes, but there is no need to up the sound so much as it can also harm your hearing.
Battery
In case you are wondering why these headphones require a battery in the first place, the answer is actually pretty obvious – their low end. Although this model will work without the battery, it will not do so at its highest potential, as the Sensation55 driver requires it to provide the best listening experience.
The good piece of news is that you will not have to change the battery frequently. A single battery grants you 40 listening hours, and all of that is in case you are pushing the bass slider all the way up. Chances are you will not push this slider to its limits anyhow, so the battery should last for quite a while.
Controls
The controls on the Skullcandy Crusher are pretty straightforward and easy to use. You get a power button and a volume control knob, and both are pretty easy to spot and accessible. The power button is located on the unit’s top, while the volume control is at the front.
You also get a slider on the side that allows you to adjust the bass levels, and given the fact that the bass is one of the shiniest attributes on these headphones, it is probably the most important control button on the unit.
When you want to turn on the headphones, you will need to hold the power button for a few seconds before they power up. Also, when you want to adjust the bass, you will have to press the slider and hold it a bit before it responds. Overall the controls are easy to find and use, and you should not have any problems with them.
Breathability
As we have already mentioned, Skullcandy Crusher is an extremely comfortable unit that feels like you are not wearing it at all. Breathability is one of the important boxes to check, especially if you want to wear your headphones for longer periods, and this pair offers you just that.
The ear cups are super comfy and allow the air to circulate properly. This means your ears will not get sweaty, and since they are very soft, you will not feel any discomfort after wearing Skullcandy Crusher for hours.
Build Quality
You will notice right out of the box that these headphones are pretty big and chunky. There are lots of faux-chrome and printed skulls, just so you do not forget who made these headphones. It is safe to say that, design-wise, these are somewhat of an acquired taste, but the build quality seems solid and durable.
Noise Isolation
Passive isolation is something that is fully emphasized on these headphones. Over-ear closed-back headphones usually do a pretty good job of isolating the outside sounds by sealing off your ear.
It is safe to say that high-pitched noise will get blocked, but the low sounds will still manage to find their way to your ears.
- Active noise cancelation
- Lightweight
- Powerful bass with adjustability options
- 40 hours of battery at the highest bass setting
- Budget-friendly
- Good sound quality
- Durable
- Very comfortable with well-padded ear cuffs
- Folding hinges
- Adjustable headband
- Plastic build
- Rubber headband can pull your hair
- Unsatisfying mids
- SBC codec only
- Bulky
Final Words
When it is all said and done, Skullcandy Crusher 2014 are headphones that will provide you with decent sound quality, excellent bass, and high levels of comfort. The truth is they are not flawless, but at this price point, they deliver suitable performance and durability.
If you like powerful and rich bass and do not care much about anything else, these might be a perfect choice for you. They are an excellent budget solution, but if you are looking for more quality in sound and better mids, you might want to look elsewhere.
If you want to find out more about the best wireless headphones on the market today, check out our article in which we did some analysis and found the best five picks for you.
