Regardless of the Grip’s smaller dimension, JBL pegs battery life on each audio system on the identical 14-hour most. On the Grip no less than, that is likely to be overpromising. After I ran the speaker at 50% quantity repeatedly, I solely bought about 10.5 hours. Utilizing JBL’s PlayTime Increase mode may assist if you actually need to eke out a number of extra songs.
The familial similarities proceed with the Grip’s skill to face up to the weather. Just like the Flip 7, it’s rated IP68, making it successfully mud and waterproof. They’re each shockproof, and but the Grip is arguably extra sturdy since each ends are stable silicone rubber. The Flip’s ends are passive radiators, which may very well be completely broken by a pointy object. Simply take into account that whereas the Grip gained’t be bothered by immersion in water, it doesn’t float. So when you toss it within the pool, somebody will probably be diving in to retrieve it.
The one distinction between these siblings (aside from dimension, energy, and the Grip’s built-in gentle present) is orientation. Whereas the Flip 7 can be utilized vertically or horizontally, the Grip is designed for vertical use solely. Not that there’s something stopping you from laying it down — the built-in loop will preserve it from rolling too far. However the controls are positioned for simpler entry when standing up, and the rear LED panel will find yourself partially obscured if the speaker is sideways.
{Photograph}: Simon Cohen
Lava Lamp
Talking of that LED panel, it’s a enjoyable add-on, however don’t count on it to gentle up your get-together. There are 4 colours to select from (purple, purple, an icy-blue, and a vibrant blue) managed by the JBL Portables app, and 5 show modes: 4 that animate and one which’s static. At full brightness, it may’t compete with a well-lit room, and outside, you’ll undoubtedly should preserve your expectations in examine. Nonetheless, in a darkened room, with the Grip close to a nook or wall, it may create a refined temper. Sadly, the 4 animated modes (Bounce, Trim, Change, and Neon) don’t sync to your music, so the impact is extra lava lamp than disco gentle. In order for you a beat-coordinated gentle present, think about the superb Tribit StormBox Mini+ ($40), which has a top-mounted LED ring with this characteristic.
The one factor in regards to the LED panel that perplexes me is its placement: it’s on the “rear” of the speaker. In case you can see the sunshine present, it means the Grip’s single racetrack driver is going through away from you. It’s not an enormous distinction in sound high quality, however it’s noticeable, particularly within the higher midranges and highs, which lose a few of their readability.