Continuing with this round of reviews on those technological devices that light up parties, meetings, or multitasking sessions; We have another copy that is lighter and more minimalist for ease of transport.

Where examples like the Flip 6 or Charge 5 bring their level of portability, but suggest a stationary state during their hours of operation; JBL has released a new example in a configuration and size similar to the previously reviewed JBL Go 3.

Because bicycles always wanted to have their integrated music players…

There is nothing to envy anymore than the fact that a 4-wheeled vehicle has an integrated music player and FM radio… Now all that’s left is bicycles with air conditioning!

JBL brings the Wind 3 to its new catalog. A bluetooth speaker whose main attraction is a custom mount to fit the aluminum pipes of bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and scooters.

The main marketing point of it is to offer a much broader level of versatility than its older sisters in a simple and easy-to-carry presentation.

FM radio, Bluetooth, Micro SD card and auxiliary audio input…

That’s pretty much every option on the market for portable audio playback device functionality.

Fulfilling the functions of one of those ultra-popular mp3 players in the 2000s, as well as more modern devices.

A Bluetooth 5.0 connection attests to the level of modernity that JBL had at the drawing board and provides competent latency levels for both playback and calls.

It comes with an integrated microphone to handle calls free of manual handling from the same device.

As alternative options, in case there is no mobile phone, we have the ability to load the Wind 3 with a micro SD card that has audio files uploaded to it from our computer.

This takes us back to the old school days where you didn’t need an internet connection for Spotify, or a Bluetooth connection to a second device; making the Wind 3 one of the few standalone portable audio playback devices on the modern market.

Audio quality…? Sure!

Although the expectations are not particularly high or comparable to what other models of the same brand would offer, given its small size and its position as a monophonic player; the quality is quite acceptable.

With two preset setup methods and no customizable equalizer, the Wind 3 has “bass” mode and “sport” mode and between them they offer what is necessary for a regular user.

The Bass mode, as its name indicates, adds a much wider frequency range that suggests being used behind closed doors where there is acoustic insulation that allows the lowest frequencies to resonate.

This is the mode that seeks to offer the maximum level of fidelity that the device can provide.

Sport mode, by contrast, cuts high and low frequencies to allow for clear transduction in mid frequencies that are easier to identify in outdoor environments.

A modality that, without the proper context, can be seen as useless. However, the acoustic circumstances during non-encapsulated trips make the Sport mode have reason to exist and usefulness.

But not everything was rosy… We have a serious problem with the FM radio modality.

Yes, FM radio is still a means of communication frequented by many…

Whether it is for your favorite music programs that allow you to discover new artists based on the criteria of a host or DJ; or your favorite news and commentary programs that still maintain more traditional formats.

However… The FM Radio mode of the Wind 3 leaves a lot to be desired.

Starting with the extremely inconsistent signal from your radio antenna, which shows clipping and interference with minimal amount of movement.

Not a good impression coming from a device whose marketing campaEsports Extrasrevolves around bicycles and motorcycles.

On top of this, the built-in controls are just atrocious…

As we tested the Wind 3 driving everything from a Bluetooth-connected cell phone, all was well.

The moment this cell phone goes away, things start to get dark and difficult.

The Wind 3’s integrated keypad, for all its simplicity, shows serious inconsistencies and actuation delays that, more often than not, will lead to frustration for uninitiated users who may become impatient.

But, we have the quality of life and durability that we already know from JBL…

IP67 ingress protection is why our Wind 3 promises continuous years of use by taking it with us anywhere.

From dry places where dust can be easily raised, to pool parties where there is a risk of getting wet and surviving without sequelae.

And since it is a physically smaller device than what we already know in the Flip series and Charge series, we have a 5-hour battery that can go up or down depending on the format and volume of what we are listening to.

Conclusion

The Wind 3 is a good point of reference for the future to achieve a versatile, simple and easy-to-use product that can be liked by super conventional users who do not lose their sanity for audio fidelity.

However, there is room for improvements, especially in the physical part that seeks to support independent use of the device, as well as FM Radio reception.

Taking these issues into account, the $80 list price holds the Wind 3 back from being one of the best value for money on the market for everyday use.

This review was made thanks to the copy provided by JBL.