Customer Reviews

Koss PP257B Water-Resistant Sports Arm Band Radio (Blueberry)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Here is a breakdown of my evaluation of this radio:

** Cons **

>> Performance
Here's the real gripe I have about this unit: the reception is very poor on some radio stations and a very noticeable background hissing can be heard when the volume is turned down low. These ought to be enough reasons for you to decide not to purchase this unit. But there's more.

>> Construction
The unit is also poorly constructed. I have owned it for almost two years and have been using it on my bus commute to and from work. Within this span of time, the plug for the head phone jack has come off, one of the buds of the earphones have ceased functioning, and the volume knob has gotten too easy to turn due to frequent use. The unit also gives the appearance of being constructed from cheap plastic. Further, the color of the back of the body is painted on so the paint rubs off over time.

>> Function
There are only five presets for each AM and FM band. Also, if you accidentally pressed the memory button, you could easily overwrite one of your presets. The only way that I have found to avoid overwriting any preset stations is to turn the unit off and then back on again.

** Pros **

The pros for this radio are not worth mentioning because the problems with this unit far outweigh any pros this unit has. But here they are for completeness sake:

>> Features
This radio has decent bass boost and station auto-scan. Both features are absent in many portable radios.

** Conclusion **

If I hadn't lost my receipt, I would most certainly have returned it to the store I purchased this it from. Although I use this radio on a regular basis, I have been very dissatisfied with it. I strongly advise you to pass this radio up for something else.

I've owned this radio for nearly two years. Considering the low price, it performs admirably for my needs. I use for a couple of hours at a time, several times at week while working out and running. It is lightweight (doesn't pull down my running shorts) and the ear phones are comfortable. As for reception, I've been able to receive any local FM station I've tried, even in the basement of my health club. I'm ordering another because the beltclip has broken (because of my own clumsiness).

... but for less than [amount], it definitely meets my needs.

Bought radio in January, used approx. 2-4 times/month, and by September it was broken. I didn't manhandle it (in fact, I kept it in a small leather pouch to protect it), didn't drop it, bang it, or otherwise abuse it. Not quite sure what the problem it, but sound like the digital tuning is broken... after 5 minutes of use, it starts randomly scanning stations and then just settles on nothingness.
Recommend you save your money and spend it on a better brand.