Essential Accessories for Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
It is without a doubt that the Bose SoundLink Flex got the sound department nailed. For a small portable speaker, it pumps out strong and distinct bass, amazing high ends and very crisp audio. But can it be better? Here we introduce some accessories that will make it even better.
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Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speakers: What’s not so hot about it
One of the many complaints is the choice of material for its chassis. The silicon lined outer shell may give it a more grippy feel, waterproof feature and even contribute to its ability to float and take a few bumps. But boy does it attract dust, dirt and fingerprints. While it is built to resist water, dust and debris, in practice, even the slightest dust will settle and mark the unit. Constant cleaning is perhaps the only way if you have OCD like me.
Then there is the robustness of the body. It will survive drops as claimed, the finish of the exterior will certainly mark. Permanent marks will make the unit less appealing in the looks department. Bose claims that the body will withstand drops and rust, and we would agree, structurally, but what of the finish? It also goes on to say that it will also resist corrosion and UV light.
Finally, there is the flimsy utility loop or strap. This, according to Bose, is non-replaceable. It is a tad small for a speaker this size and I always wish there is a built-in metal loop for a carabiner or loops for a cross body strap. This will make carrying the unit easier. The one thing we are certain of is that the powder coated steel grill means business. The finish and pain will not peel or flake, even from the harsh environment and general rough and tumble.
How to Make it Perfect
1. Add more silicone with a silicone case
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To keep the silicone body from marking, use a protective silicone case. If you are the outgoing type and takes the speaker with you wherever you go, doubling the protection with a silicone case is the easiest way to protect your investment. Not to impinge on its sound performance but protect and its structural integrity. Think of it as a sturdy sacrificial silicone cover.
2. That all important Carabiner
Even a simple carabiner that goes over the strap will make it more useful that just having the strap itself. It allows you to hang the speaker quickly on a line or tree branch. The loop on its own is just not that useful. At the most is you can strap it to your backpack. It is not even big enough to go over the bike handle. A well-designed carabiner that is both lightweight and strong will not scratch the body and won’t cost too much to buy.
3. Carry Handle and Over the Shoulder Strap
This may not be available on its own but can be an option that comes with a silicone case. The Bose SoundLink Max Portable Speaker comes with a carry handle. And, if you have a shoulder strap handy from an old bag, you may even fashion a DIY solution to carry the speaker across your body. BUT, no such luck with the SoundLink Flex. But fear not, some sleeve and protective case comes with handle and or removable shoulder strap giving you more ways to take the speaker with you.
4. Travel Case
This is a general bug bear. The Bose headphones come supplied with a soft shell case, but no such luck with the SoundLink Flex. A snug, soft shell case with a separate compartment for charging cable and securing rubber band would not only protect the case from scratches and shocks during travel but keep it organised. The options we have seen also come with carry strap, carabiner and shoulder strap, solving all the problems above in one go. Just remember that if you have a snug travel case, you may not use a bulky silicone case as it adds to the speaker’s dimensions. I would recommend choosing one over the other.
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5. Soft Silicone Skin
If you do not like the idea of bulking up on the speaker with a full size case, what about a soft and thin silicone skin. It will still stop scuffs, dings and scratches, all the protection you will need from an already sturdy and robust body. It will not weigh you down and most certainly means you can discount the options for carabiner or travel case above, saving yourself some money. The former is included with some silicone skins, and with the skin permanently on, you can skip the travel case. The only think we don’t like is how it covers part of the metal grill, but it is a small price to pay to keep the speaker pristine.
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Here are your five recommendations to make the Bose SoundLink Flex complete. Do you have other accessories that you think our readers can benefit from? Leave us a comment below.
