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Sennheiser Ocx 685I Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£60
Avg. price in US: ~$60
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Sennheiser Ocx 685I review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

Good

5.8

Good

6.8

Good

7.6
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
7.8
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
8.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
10
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Sennheiser OCX 685i is a high-performance wired sports headset featuring a frequency response of 18 Hz to 20,000 Hz, an impedance of 16 ohms, and a high sound pressure level of 120 dB. Designed for active use, it utilizes adjustable earhooks for a secure fit and is constructed with sweat- and water-resistant materials that can be rinsed under running water. Its main characteristics include an in-ear design for passive noise isolation, a para-aramid reinforced 1.2m symmetrical cable for durability, and an integrated three-button smart remote with an omnidirectional microphone (100 Hz to 10 kHz frequency response) specifically optimized for Apple devices. Pros include its exceptionally robust build, clear audio with deep bass, and comfortable, stable fit during intense workouts; however, cons include a remote that may be difficult to use by touch alone due to button spacing and limited full remote functionality on non-Apple hardware.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sennheiser Ocx 685I

Overall score

6.0

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

6.3

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: HIGH

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: HIGH

?

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

8.6

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: LOW

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: LOW

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

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Connectivity

4.6

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: LOW

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: LOW

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Features

4.4

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

4.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: LOW

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

7.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Sennheiser

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: LOW

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: LOW

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: LOW

N/A

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Sennheiser Ocx 685I vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Sennheiser Ocx 685I better than the average pair of headphones?

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93.6% lower weight
Sennheiser Ocx 685I is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Sennheiser Ocx 685I is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14 g vs 218 g
18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Clear call microphone
Sennheiser Ocx 685I offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser Ocx 685I reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Sidetone support
Sennheiser Ocx 685I supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
93.6% lower weight
Sennheiser Ocx 685I is lighter than the average pair of headphones (14 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Water resistance
Sennheiser Ocx 685I is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
18 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (120 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
17 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (120 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Clear call microphone
Sennheiser Ocx 685I offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
In-line controls
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Sennheiser Ocx 685I reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Sidetone support
Sennheiser Ocx 685I supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Sennheiser Ocx 685I includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Sennheiser Ocx 685I worse than the average pair of headphones?

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Non-replaceable earpads
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
No battery indicator
Sennheiser Ocx 685I does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
4 older release date
Sennheiser Ocx 685I was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
September 2012
Non-replaceable earpads
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Fixed cable
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
No battery indicator
Sennheiser Ocx 685I does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
Sennheiser Ocx 685I does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
0.2 % higher distortion
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=1%
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5% vs 0.3%). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3%.0.5 % vs 0.3 %
17.4% lower user score
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Sennheiser Ocx 685I has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.81 vs 8.000).6.81 vs 8
4 older release date
Sennheiser Ocx 685I was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
September 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Sennheiser Ocx 685I was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.2012 vs 2016

Graphic comparison of Sennheiser Ocx 685I and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sennheiser Ocx 685I?

Exceptional sound quality with clear mids and crisp highs
Secure ear-hook design prevents them from falling out during intense movement like running
Sweat and water-resistant materials ideal for sports and gym use
Lightweight and comfortable for most users even during long workouts
Provides situational awareness by allowing some ambient noise for safety
Integrated inline remote and microphone for call and volume control on iOS devices

What customers dislike about Sennheiser Ocx 685I?

Bass reproduction may feel light or lacking for fans of bass-heavy music
Some users find the earpieces can cause soreness or discomfort after extended use (over an hour)
Can be difficult to achieve a perfect seal/fit in the ear canal for some ear shapes
Full volume controls are often only compatible with iOS devices
Durability concerns where some users felt the build quality seemed delicate for the price

Expert reviews

soundvisionreview.com

29/07/2014

Summary of the review

Sennheiser OCX 685i Sports Review

The Sennheiser OCX 685i Sports headphones are well-made and work great in wet conditions. They come with a handy remote control, a volume button, and a microphone on the cord for phone calls. The sound quality is dynamic and balanced. It delivers deep and controlled bass that gives your workout an extra boost. You also get cool accessories like a cloth bag, extra silicone plugs, and a special cleaning tool. However, the headphones have a big downside because they are hard to keep in your ears. The soft ear bow is very comfortable but does not give enough support. If you do not find the perfect size plug, they can pop out during your workout. Also, the rubbery cord can easily get tangled.

chip.de

06/04/2026

Summary of the review

Sennheiser Headphones Review: The Best In-Ear and Over-Ear Models

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless over-ear headphones deliver exceptional sound quality characterized by clear tones and punchy, rich bass. They excel dramatically in endurance, boasting an industry-leading battery life of up to 53 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled. The ANC system is highly efficient at filtering out ambient noise, making them an excellent choice for peaceful listening in loud environments. Comfort is another major highlight, featuring a very comfortable over-ear fit, touch-and-button controls, and smart utilities like wearing detection and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity for pairing two devices simultaneously. Even if the battery drains completely, they can still be used passively via an included 1.2-meter audio cable. Despite these strengths, the headphones come with a few design and functional drawbacks. The structural build utilizes a somewhat generic plastic material that gives the headset a plain, uninspiring aesthetic. A notable downside for frequent travelers is that the frame cannot be folded down to compress its size; the earcups merely rotate flat. This design oversight significantly increases their overall footprint when packed away, resulting in a bulkier hard travel case. Nevertheless,...

ems-werk.de

02/05/2025

Summary of the review

Sports Headphones: Three Models Tested

This review evaluates three sport headphones across different price points, emphasizing that water and sweat resistance are mandatory features for any workout headset. The entry-level Sennheiser OCX 686i (under €70) is a wired model praised for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, secure ear hooks, and convenient remote control, though it lacks bass and its cable can get in the way during movement. Moving up in price, the Powerbeats 2 Wireless offers a Bluetooth connection and outstanding bass performance, but it falls short with a cheap, lower-quality build on its remote control. At the premium tier, the Bragi the Dash (€299) stands out as a completely wireless device featuring integrated fitness tracking (like heart rate monitoring) and 4 GB of internal storage, allowing users to exercise without a smartphone. It is also fully waterproof—making it suitable for swimming—but its main drawback is that both its app and voice assistant operate exclusively in English. Ultimately, the reviewer names the Powerbeats 2 the overall winner for general use, noting that wired headphones feel outdated for sports, while the Bragi model remains a great luxury...

high-tech-out.net

06/03/2014

Summary of the review

Sennheiser Adidas PX 685i review: Slim and lightweight sports headphones

The High-Tech Out review by Moctar Kane highlights the Sennheiser Adidas PX 685i as a sleek and ultra-lightweight sports headband headset explicitly designed for runners. Weighing a mere 23 grams, its key strengths (pros) include a very fast, adjustable fit via sliding headband arms, an attractive design, and clear, dynamic audio quality that retains situational awareness by allowing ambient environmental noise to filter through. Additionally, it features an ergonomic inline remote control with well-raised, highly responsive buttons tailored for iOS devices (iPhone/iPod) that makes controlling volume and tracks seamless while moving. The major drawback (cons) of the PX 685i centers heavily on user comfort, specifically regarding the hardness of the plastic earpieces. Because the earbuds rest against the concha of the ear rather than penetrating the canal, they exert a pressure that causes noticeable physical pain and discomfort during extended use. The reviewer notes that despite the inclusion of one pair of foam cushions and three silicone ear tips, they fail to fix the rigidness of the plastic base, falling short of the plush, soft comfort provided by rival alternatives...

lydogbilde.no

27/06/2013

Summary of the review

Review: Sennheiser OCX 685i - Sound & Vision

The Lyd & Bilde review highlights the Sennheiser OCX 685i as a stylish and moisture-resistant sports headphone created in collaboration with Adidas. A major pro of this model is its sleek, well-thought-out design featuring very soft ear hooks and a detailed, balanced, and neutral sound profile. The midrange handles vocals naturally, providing appropriate depth in both highs and lows without becoming overwhelming. Additionally, it includes a practical in-line microphone and remote control, a rinseable, sweatproof build, and a bundled storage pouch. However, the reviewer points out several cons, starting with an unnecessarily frustrating packaging design that made the headphones difficult to unpack. In terms of fit, the ear hooks are so soft that the earbuds risk slipping off unless they are pushed deeply and perfectly into the ear canal. Sonically, the neutral profile lacks driving energy, resulting in a dull and unengaging sound that fails to deliver true musical excitement over long periods. Finally, the material choice for the storage case is criticized for not being well-suited for sports environments compared to its test competitors.

tweakers.net

06/01/2015

Summary of the review

Sennheiser OCX 685i Black - Reviews - Product reviews

The Sennheiser OCX 685i Zwart review highlights a secure, stable fit and good sound quality, making them suitable for active use. However, a significant update reports severe durability issues, including rubber parts peeling off and a total break after just over a year. The reviewer concludes that these are structural failures rather than isolated incidents, noting similar degradation on other units of the same model. The overall experience is marred by this rapid deterioration, making the long-term,15-month review highly critical.

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