Bluespoon AX2 Bluetooth Headset
By Nextlink
MGN Rating -

Rating Legend

1 star: Find something else; save your money
2 star: Below average; not recommended
3 star: Average; performs as advertised but not inspiring
4 star: Good; worth the money
5 star: Great; best of its kind on the market

Review by Smeg36
Review Date / October 13th, 2005


If you already read my Bluespoon 5G review, you would know I love the Nextlink Bluespoon line of headsets, including the AX. I used, and loved, the AX for a while. There were only a few minor flaws to it; slightly clunky design (the multifunction button would clank around), not the greatest battery life, and average range. So Nextlink, in their infinite innovation, designed the AX2. Everything about it looks like the original AX. To an unknowing consumer, they would be the exact same headset. The build and features is where the AX2 differs from the original AX.



Nextlink took their already great headset, and fixed every problem I ever read anyone having with the AX. The multifunction button is now solid and secure. There is no clunkiness to this headset. It is solid as a rock that has lots of little electronic bits inside.



Another complaint with the original AX that I both read about, as well as had first hand experience with, was a brittle casing. A drop even from your desk to the floor could chip the AX casing. Well, for the greater good I performed several drop tests on the AX2. The casing must be a different composition because it stood up to my drops without a scratch.



One of the things Nextlink definitely got right with the AX2 is battery life. The spec sheet they sent me with the AX2 indicates and estimated battery life of 8 hours of talk time, and 500-1500 hours of standby time from a single 2 hour charge. While I didn’t perform any scientific formulated tests, I was able to use it for a week and a half between charges. I make at least ½ hour of calls a day, and turn my headset off when not in use. I was very impressed, to say the least, with the battery life.



Another great improvement of the AX2 is the range. The spec sheet rates the range at 10-15 meters. I think that is an understatement, but didn’t do any rigorous testing to prove it. The AX got average range with most devices I used it with. With my Samsung i730 it got horrible range, which should be blamed more on the i730’s Bluetooth than the AX. I couldn’t even turn my head without getting static. With the AX2, I can go anywhere in my apartment and still get a clear signal. The range is amazing. I can run into the gas station and leave my phone in the car, and still pick up clear calls. Even walls can’t stop the AX2. It can leap a building in a single bound! Well, I guess not that far, but it is pretty great.



A new feature added to the AX2 over the AX is the inclusion of Bluetooth V1.2. The AX is only V1.1. V1.2 is compatible with V1.1, but also has many added features when used with a V1.2 phone. Sadly, all my devices are still V1.1 (come on USA, get with the times!), so I wasn’t able to test out any of the additional V1.2 features.



As with the AX, the AX2 uses Nextlink’s soft spring to hold the headset in the ear. I can’t stress enough how much I love the soft spring. It is by far the most comfortable way to hold a headset in the ear. No hooks, no disproportionate weight distribution, no nothing. It is just comfortable. I often forget I have it on. Its light weight and small size, combined with the soft spring, makes the AX2 one of the most comfortable headsets out there.



The AX2 is charged using an included USB to 4-pin miniUSB cable. The battery is user replaceable, so you can get a spare if the 8 hours of talk time isn’t enough for you (although I can’t imagine that ever happening). This also means that when the rechargeable battery no longer holds a charge, it will be simple and easy to replace.



As with all Nextlink Headsets, the AX2 comes very professionally packaged. It comes in an easy to open blister pack with the headset, USB/miniUSB cable, 2 different sized soft springs, the AX2 user’s guide, AX2 quick start guide, and a lanyard that can plug into the miniUSB port of the headset to wear around the neck.



I have one, and only one, complaint with the AX2. And my complaint is actually a result of one of my favorite features of Nextlink headsets. I really like the loud volume Nextlink gives their headsets. I have slightly bad hearing, and think the louder a headset is the better. The AX2 can go pretty loud. I really like that. The person calling me doesn’t feel the same way. While the call is crystal clear and super loud on my end, the caller can head an echo of themselves. I have found that if I turn the headset down 2-3 notches from max, the echo goes away completely. I can still hear the caller no problems at 2-3 notches below max, and the caller no longer had any echo, so it all works in the end. However, I am always tempted to turn the volume up to max just because I know it can go louder.



One other complaint that some may have, but I don’t, is the touchy mic on the AX2. I only use my headset while in my car with all windows up or at home. I don’t really use it outside or in busy environments. I have noticed while walking from the car that any slight gust of wind gets amplified like crazy. Even a little wind will render talking unhearable. You have to balance the features you want in a headset I guess. In order to pick up your voice at all with such a small headset, the mic must be amplified. The drawback to this is it doesn’t discern between your voice and someone else’s near you. As I said, this isn’t really a complaint of mine, but some people may be bothered by it.



Overall, I think Nextlink has hit another home run. They continue to impress with each new release, and the AX2 is no exception. Its small size, enhanced features, amazing battery life, and unheard of range make the AX2 my headset of choice. At least until Nextlink release a new one! There are a couple minor glitches, but they really don’t dissuade me from recommending the AX2 to almost everyone. Those who drive convertibles or work outdoors may want to look elsewhere, but for everyone else the Nextlink Bluespoon AX2 has an expected release of mid-late October.

I have the same issue with my moto HS850, if the volume is all the way up serious issues with echo. argggggg.....

I just picked one of these up today, have not used it yet, still charging. Damn this thing is small. Anyway, I had a hard time finding one, could not find it online or on Ebay. Did a Google search today and found out that Radio Shack of all places is carrying it for $79! I drove down to my local RatShack and they were so new that they still had them in the back and had not put them out yet. Mine also came with the A/C Charger, didn't state it on the package, and in every review that I had read, none of them stated that it came with the charger, so I guess it was a bonus! Just thought I would mention where I picked one up if others were having a hard time finding one.

I just noticed yesterday that Radio Shack has them available. That is a good price for them to. Who'd a thunk Radio Shack would have a cool product at a good price! Nextlink did tell me that the retail packages would come with either a usb cable or a wall charger. Evidentally, the Radio Shack package comes with the wall charger. I personally think I would rather have a wall charger.

It actually came with both, the USB and the wall charger. I went back and re-read the packaging, guess I was too excited to open the package earlier and did not notice in small print that it does state that it comes with both.

Well, that is usefull. Nextlink is great. They always continue to improve their own products, and offer more than expected.

Mine has the "clunkiness" though... the TALK button is very loose and shakes around making noise when I'm wearing it... did i get a bad one?

I responded to your post here already. I would say get a replacement. It shouldn't shake or move around at all.

I bought an AX2 in Radio Shack and when shaken it sounds like a maraca. The button is completely loose.

I exchanged it in another Radioshack store and an the replacement also has a loose button.

Aditionally the reception has been horrible. If I have the phone on my belt and there is something in between like my arm a lot of static is heard. Maximum distance I have been able to get is about 5 feet. (I am using it with an SMT 5600)

Are the sets sold in radioshack deffective?

Well, I haven't tried the retail Radio Shack headset, or with a SMT5600. But you aren't the first to state the issues you are having. I guess it is possible a bad batch got shipped out. I used my AX2 with the i730 (notorious for crappy BT range), and could use it through three walls in my apartment. I would write directly to Nextlink and see what their responce is.

I contacted support@bluespoons.com and they never answered.

When I contacted support@nextlink.to:

They replid that the reception problem is due to the phone.
About the button they say it is normal as long as it does not affect reception


I have heard of other people using the AX2 with the SMT 5600 and getting 30 or more feets of good reception (I can only get 1 foot).

I am waiting for a second response from them.

One thing you can try to help improve range is pair it from across the room, or in another room. I always pair my headsets with a wall between them, or across a room. I'm not exactly sure if it even helps, but it seems to make the range better, and decrease any static there might be.

Interesting concept. Has anyone else tried this? Does it work? Is Smeg just a madman?

It didn't worked

Bud definitely Smeg is not a madman


I received an answer from Bluespoons.com, they also state that the headsed should have a longer range of coverage and no rattling.

Does anyone knows of another place to purchase this set online besides Radioshack?

Thanks

I also got the headset from Radio Shack.


Have exactly the same problems (also using an Audiovox SMT).

The button is way loose and rattles even when just walking or moving my head slighly.

Also the reception on mine is about 10 feet but afther separating the headsed more than two feed apart a lot of static is heard.

If I put the phone on the belt I have to bend in order for the earpice to work without static.

What's wrong with RadioShack? I also tried exchanging and got a set in worse condition.

Some phones and headsets just don't like to play well together. When I had a SMT5600, it worked great with all headsets. My i730 is very picky about which headsets it will work with though. Previous Nextlink headsets had lots of static with the i730. The AX2 worked great though. Maybe whatever they changed in the BT stack with the AX2 makes it work poorly with the SMT5600. That still wouldn't explain the rattle in the multi-function button. As I said, I didn't have a Radio Shack version, and mine was solid.

Smeg:

Is there another small headset you recommend?

I need a small bluethoot headset badly.


Thanks.


And by the way I heard of other peple with different phones also having problems with the AX2 purchased in Radioshack not just Audiovox phones.

Also in another review of the AX2 the reviewer used the Audiovox SMT 5600 and got 40+ feet of good reception. So it is not the phone.

You could try out the Plantronics 640. It isn't as small as the AX2, the battery life isn't rated as long, and the range isn't supposed to be as far, but it is a great headset.

Ok I just got off the phone w/ the rudest customer service rep I have ever spoken to... I sent back the AX2 and requested another one since it rattles and received one back today but it still rattles a lot. I sent them an email asking if they even bothered trying to find me one that doesn't rattle and someone called me back and said it's not their fault and their company should not be penalized for it which I totally understand but they didn't even bother emailing me back or contacting me earlier and letting me know so and ask if I would like a full refund or whatnot. He said they deal w/ "thousands" of orders so they don't have time to do that for me. And his exact words were "You bought a $60 headset not a Mercedes, what do you expect?" Granted there's a huge difference but is that something you would tell a customer? His attitude needed adjusting as well and I told him that. Even if I purchased a $1 item, customer service should always be friendly. And here's the kicker... after we finished talking, he actually called me right back and started to pull my company into it! He stated that if I used my company's name and shipping address then he has the "right" to complain about my company's customer service. I don't even work in my company's customer service dept so I told him if he has a complaint, he can contact my that dept. That was extremely petty of him. I will be returning my entire order for a full refund less their highway robbery restocking fee of 20% and shipping. On top of that I actually preordered it for around $90 which they didn't even bother reducing that price even though their site not list the AX2 for much less.

This is the site I ordered from and although their prices are fairly good, their customer service is horrible. And I'm sure it's a fairly small company so their customer service is probably only 3 people max.

http://blueheadsets.zoovy.com/


In other news, I actually bought one from RadioShack and it doesn't rattle AS much but it still does but I can deal w/ it rattling here and there but I also bought the Plantronics 640 Discovery and I highly recommend it over the AX2... not as small but quality is great and tons of extras and the holder even vibrates when someone calls you!

That company is a one man show and he is very rude and unprofessional with customers.

I purchased a defective set at RadioShack (rattle, just 2 feet range with SMT 560) and asked the Zoovy.com customer support politely if the ones they had rattled or not and and explained that there are some headsets that have the rattling problem here is his answer:

"Yeah, I think the headset is a piece of junk but people buy it so what is a
retailer supposed to do when it sells so well?"

The pice of junk is that store and their customer service.

Hello to all and Merry Christmas.
I just bought the AX2 from RadioShack yesderday, by follow the instruction booklet, I charded the AX2 via the wall charger. As soon as I connected the AX2 to the wall chargeer there was a very dim red light litted on the AX2. After 4 hours of charging the very dimm red light still very dim. After reading the instruction book again, the red light showed very bright after press the talk button as instructed by the booklet. I left the device in the charger for an eight hours. the red light still on. Isn't the red light should go off after the AX2 is fully charged? Has any one exprienced this?

Yeah, it should turn off when fully charged. I would take it off the charger, open the battery compartment and re-seat the battery, turn it on and back off, then plug it back in the charger and see if it turns off then.

Following the advice: Remove and replace the battery, attempt the turn on/off function (no blue or red light flashing), and re-connect to the charger. Then the bright red light will come on. Should I leave it charging for another eight hours, or until the red light goes off?

When you tried to turn it on did you hear the power on noise? I would try it with it against your ear to see if you hear the noise. Press and hold the multifunction button and see if it will turn on. It should be able to turn on after just a couple minutes of charging. If it doesn't turn on you probably have a charging problem or a bad battery.

Thank you for the help. The battery finally charged after following your advice. Now I am testing the unit. Once again, thank you very much!

Glad you got it working. Does your RadioShack version have a rattle in the multifunction button like others who purchased the AX2 from RadioShack?

Just a little bit. I hear the rattling noise when I was walking not much when I turning (My head). Do not feel any loose on the center button.
However, there was very static on the other end when I am using my AX2 while walking down the street. Specially when there's a vehicle drove by. And it's fine when I got to a quiter street...

I had a very interesting experience with this device. I too bought one at Radio Shack last Friday (1/27).

It was so small and comfortable, no rattling as described by others. My problem is the constant "double-beep" that sounds every 10 seconds. No kidding, everytime the blue light flashes, I hear a "beep-beep"!

The battery is fully charged, and I can make and recieve calls, but that dang beeping never goes away. I email the company and this is their response...

******************************
Hi Cheryle

What type of phone do you use?
We have heard about this issue with some Samsung phones.
You can try to see if there is a software update for your phone(this helped one of our customers with the same problem)

Unfortunately we do not have a fix as its something to do with the Bluetooth set up of the phone.
We will be posting up on our website if there is any progress.

Rgds
Joseph Stirling
Service Department

Nextlink.to A/S
Sandtoften 10
2820 Gentofte
Denmark

Phone (+45) 70 22 23 43
Fax (+45) 70 22 23 53

www.nextlink.to

***********************************************

I have the new A900 Samsung. When I told him that I have a Samsung, and I want to know if any of his previous cutomers came up with a solution to this problem, this was his response...

************************************************

Hi again

As far as I remember he 'updated' or 'downgraded' his YK14 software to YK10.
I dont know if this applies to you.
The Samsung phones that are causing the issue are not available in Europe
and so we have not had the chance to hear the problem for ourselves.

Let me know if there is any progress.

Rgds
***************************************************

Does anyone know anything about this? I have no idea what he is talking about. I love this headset and don't really want to send it back, but if I can't get rid of that incessant beeping I will have no choice...HELP!!!

http://www.mdahacks.com/item/2006/5/16/nex...-headset-review

there's another viewpoint of the ax2 with integration on the tmobile mda.

so far, initial impressions are that it's great! i wish the G5 was on the market for under $100

Yeah, the AX2 is a great headset at a great price. I'm really looking forward to seeing a Nextlink headset with DSP to fix the one issue I've ever had with their headsets: background noise.

another problem (but this is a problem even with regular phones..) is that if there's any wind the person on the other end won't hear anything but "crackling".

do you know of any that deal with this well?