Here are my first impressions about the Outdoor Technology Tags and the new Jaybird Freedom (JF3) after a few weeks with each set.
1. The Tags and the JF3s look quite similar. The JF3s are slightly wider and slightly thicker - the difference of a millimeter or so. The JF3 USB charging port has a tiny rubber seal, presumably to make it more sweat/water resistant. The multi-function button and the volume control buttons on the right earpiece also have rubber seals. Jaybird offers a lifetime warranty against sweat.
2. Esthetically, the Jaybirds get the nod. There's a discreet chrome Jaybird logo on one JF3 earpiece, contrasted by OT's large logo on one earpiece and "Outdoor Technology" branding in white letters on the other.
3. At about 32 inches, the Tags' cable is slightly longer but lighter and more flexible than the JF3's. On the other hand, the Tags' cable has a thin fabric covering that's starting to fray already. It's cosmetic and doesn't affect functionality at this point, but it's noticeable. ** See update below for more on cable length.
4. The Tags' slightly smaller form factor makes them a little lighter than the JF3s. The difference is all but unnoticeable, and the JF3s may be a bit larger to provide the longer stated battery charge. Both sets paired instantly with my iPad.
5. Alas, none of the provided Tags eartips actually stay in my ears when I'm running, though they're OK for minimal exertion around the house. I didn't find the JF3's bonus set of GeckoGrip eartips any better while running than the normal eartips it shares with the Tags. I've experimented with adding Jabra Eargels to both sets, but the current-version Eargels don't mate well with the angled design of the Tag and JF3's shared speaker tip. Adding the Eargels also extends the Tags and the JF3s a bit further from the head than intended. ** See update below for more on eartips.
6. The sound quality is very good in both sets, though I haven't run any audiophile tests to quantify it or distinguish one set from the other. Both the JF3s and the Tags require a relatively tight seal to stay in the ear. That sets them apart from the Jaybird Freedom 200s, which relied more on the over-the-ear loops to keep the unit in place. The Jaybird 200s had a minimal seal with the ear, so the audio experience was noticeably diminished.
7. On the other hand, from a safety perspective, the JF3/Tags' earplug/tight seal-model makes it harder to monitor one's surroundings. The audio quality is great, but the trade-off is less awareness of traffic noise, other people approaching, and other potentially vital cues, especially outdoors or in isolated gyms.
8. The JF3s come with a useful hard case. It's a handy addition for those who tend to carry headphones in pockets, backpacks, messenger bags, etc. (I realize that adding a case wouldn't embrace the OT "wear-like-dogtags" model.) The case exterior is smooth, but beware, the chrome-look trim and Jaybird logo will scratch vulnerable surfaces like desks, phone and camera displays, etc.
9. The JF3 packaging is elaborate, probably designed to compete on retail shelf space. The OT Tags' tiny packaging is minimalist by comparison, but it's equally protective at a fraction (I'm sure) of the cost and weight. The JF3 manual is nicely printed, but it could stand some proofreading (GeckoGrip spelled as "Geckgrip" at one point, a misused "it's," that sort of thing).
10. The OT Tags were $50 less expensive than the Jaybird JF3s. I paid $60 for the Tags with free-but-slow shipping; I paid $110 for the JF3s at a national chain store.
Only time and use will tell how well each headset holds up and how any warranty needs are addressed. I plan to alternate using the JF3s and the Tags for my workouts so they get equal, similar use.
**Update July 24, 2011
Both sets still work well, but I find myself using the Jaybird JF3s more frequently for two reasons:
1. Jaybird finally created a new style of eartip that actually works for me. Here's Jaybird's description of the new ear cushion: "Inspired by the fog lamp grill of a sports car, and with the soft comfort of silicon, the new hexagon design ear cushions offer superb comfort and secure fit for sports. The honeycomb center gives a balanced amount of resistance against the back bowl of the ear (top, back and bottom), thus holding the ear tip securely forward in the ear. Three sizes of ear cushions are provided in addition to three sizes of ear tips."
2. The original allure of Bluetooth headsets was wirelessness. I've found the OT Tags' longer cable just a bit more noticeable than the JF3's cable. Someone who wears the OT offering like its dogtag namesake - I don't - may have a different take.
I also replaced the included Jaybird case with something more pocket friendly.
End update**
Finally, here are some published specs:
Jaybird JF 3: Bluetooth version V2.1 + EDR; supports HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
OT Tags: Bluetooth version not specified; supports HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
Jaybird JF3: Effective range 30 feet
OT Tags: Effective range ~32 feet
Jaybird JF3: Working time (music & calls) up to six hours - standby time up to 250 hours
OT Tags: Music up to five hours; talk time six hours - standby time up to 120 hours
Jaybird JF3: Charging time ~ two hours
OT Tags: Charging time 1.45 hours
Jaybird JF3: Dimensions 18 x 40 x 7.5 mm
OT Tags: Dimensions 1 inch x 1/2 inch [25 mm x ~12 mm]
Jaybird JF3: Weight ~16 grams
OT Tags: Weight not specified
