Earbuds for jogging/biking?

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Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
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For years now I've been using the earbuds that come with my Sony-Ericsson W810i walkman phone. First with the W810i and then with a Sansa Express. Absolutely zero complaints. 4 solid years of service with VERY acceptable sound quality. Only problem is now they are on the fritz, with the right side no longer working at all so I am looking for a replacement.

Picked up a set of what claimed to be OEM units of the same ear buds- and while they look exactly alike and fit exactly alike the sound quality isn't the same plus they make this wonderful *POP* in my ear whenever I try to seat them in. So thats not going to work. For those of you guys who are into these type of things, can the recommend the "Spyderco Endura/Delica 4" of the earbud world? Ideally, they would suit these requirements in order:
- Low cost, under $50 prefered
- Acceptable sound quality
- Secure and durable (will be used for biking and running in all 4 seasons)
- Isolate from environmental noise. I don't want to blow out my ear drums overcoming the noise from a lawn mower

Does such a thing exist or do I need to pony up for the Sebbie of earbuds?
 
try a set of skullz earbuds from Target? -- they come with 3 sizes of silicone insert for better ear fit. under $20.
 
The GF hass those and I can't say I'm terribly impressed. Tried the JVC Marshmellows with great disappointment as well. I'll give the Skullz another look but the memories are telling me the fit was lacking.
 
I have the skullcandy too, and the fit is very comfortable and seal well. To me, the sound is great but I only wear them if I'm mowing the lawn. Jogging, running and mowing is a lot different than listening from a lazy boy in a darkened room.
 
+1 for the Skullcandies I have a pair that have went through the washing machine and still survived unharmed!
 
Sennheiser CX300, old model still available at Amazon for $34.99 shipped.

Sennheiser CX300 II is the new model, $49.99 shipped at Amazon. Supposed to be better but I haven't heard them.
 
I have used the Sennheisers for about 2 years and recommend them highly. The sound quality can't be beat for moderate priced ear buds. Available on e-bay at a fraction of the Amazon price
 
My favorites are Sennheisers, too. The MX400 can be had on Amazon(or could at one time) for less than $15.
I have a pair of the Skullcandy ones I picked up at Target when one side of my spare Sennheisers went bad. They don't have the sound quality, but the Skullcandy buds are better for mowing the grass, or anything where I'm sweating heavily. Because of the inserts, they stay in my ears(which wasn't always true of the MX400s), block outside noise a LOT better, and have better "bass".
Haven't tried the Sennheiser CX300, but that's what I'll get next time. If they have the higher sound quality I'm used to along with the advantages of the inserts, they should be great.
 
I ride my bike with these. I've tried some more expensive brands/models, but I like these "cheap" ones the best. They don't go as far into your ear, so they're not "noise canceling", but for riding a bike, it's safer as you're not left oblivious to the outside world. Plus the larger 16mm drivers (as opposed to 9mm) produce better bass. The smaller drivers produce minimal bass, but try to make up for it by sticking it further down your ear. The result is some bass, but it's a tinny bass and everything else sounds way too tinny. Those cheapo Sony buds provide much more accurate sound than far more expensive buds. Plus they're far cheaper to replace, because if you're like me at all, they're prone to get tangled on something and break.
 
anytime you are going to be in an environment where traffic is a concern, avoid anything that cancels out too much ambient noise.

id rather you hear the siren or horn than your music.
 
Buck268 said:
For years now I've been using the earbuds that come with my Sony-Ericsson W810i walkman phone. First with the W810i and then with a Sansa Express. Absolutely zero complaints. 4 solid years of service with VERY acceptable sound quality. Only problem is now they are on the fritz, with the right side no longer working at all so I am looking for a replacement.
Ideally, they would suit these requirements in order:
- Low cost, under $50 prefered
- Acceptable sound quality
- Secure and durable (will be used for biking and running in all 4 seasons)
- Isolate from environmental noise. I don't want to blow out my ear drums overcoming the noise from a lawn mower
Click to expand...

I don't know what your previous earbuds are like.

But for more active usage the In-Ear Canal (IEC) style would be the most suitable.

For most people this is fine - however it isn't suitable for everyone as some find IEC intrusive and uncomfortable.

IEC have many advantages if they fit and suit you - because of the design:

1) they stay put well
2) mostly have good sound quality - esp bass as they use the ear canal to help the resonance.
3) because they sit inside the ear canal they naturally give fairly good sound isolation without having to use any active circuits.

Another area to look at is the sensitivity of the earphones - the higher the sensitivity the louder they will play for the corresponding volume control setting. This not only just allows the earphones to play loud(er), but can also save on battery usage, and/or less cause of distortion since the earphones do not have to be driven as hard by the micro sized amp of the player unit.

OK, I use and am very happy with the Philips SHE5910 - so much so that I have bought 2 spare pairs (have never had to replace one yet), and have given more than one pair as gifts. (you can read my review on Amazon)
However I will warn you these earphones get mixed reviews -
some people hate them and have difficulty fitting them -
I don't understand if some actually tried to put them in backwards or without the silicone ear-inserts -
but whatever - I don't have problems with either size insert
and have even used them with one small and one large, and would be quite happy with that......

These can be found for under $12 shipped - and if you're willing - can be had for lower "used" - sound disgusting - but these normally are returns or surplus and one can always thoroughly wash the silicone inserts before usage.

Other earphone worth considering are the Sennheiser CX-300 (but watch out for counterfeits esp on eBay)

Also check out ConsumerSearch on Earphones
- page on Budget earphones
their cheapest pick was the Sennheiser MX 75 Sport (retail US$30 - low priced ~$17)

CNET on Budget Headphones - one of the enthusiastic picks was MeElectronics M9

I also have the SHE9500
which gets good reviews at Amazon
they do sound good perhaps a bit crisper than the SHE5910 (which might not be to everyone's tastes) but they are noticeably lower in volume - and I feel they may lack some punch compared to the SHE5910. The more I think about it and try other stuff the more impressed I am with the SHE5910.

Lastly I have some Creative EP-630 which got very good reviews
and when I got them they sounded pretty good
good sensitivity (loudness), heavier bass,
- perhaps less crisp than the Philips SHE5910.
But by reading more on the net I discovered what I really got were counterfeits!
- then I only paid $5 for them -
and for $5 they are actually pretty darned good.

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MORIMOTOM said:
anytime you are going to be in an environment where traffic is a concern, avoid anything that cancels out too much ambient noise.

id rather you hear the siren or horn than your music.
Click to expand...

+1:thumbup:

Where I live, cycling or even going for a stroll can get your heart rate way up there now and then, and this isn't considered a "bad" neighborhood (one shot dead on the street in the last two years).

I wear plugs so I don't have to listen to the idiots in the gym. They're good for air travel, other people don't have to listen to my headphones buzz. They got me through my last eight years at work. I see people riding and sidewalk jogging with plugs, but there is no way I'd be out there not hearing what is coming from behind.
 
Hey guys, I appreciate the safety concerns but that is not an issue. When I need to hear (eg: riding roads) I just drop out the traffic side bud ;)
 
I like using behind the head sony headphones (not earbuds i know) because when i want to talk to somebody, or pause music, i can just wear them around the back of my neck. I hate when my earbuds (i use them now because they fit in my pocket easier) swing back and forth.
 
Piso Mojado said:
Sennheiser CX300, old model still available at Amazon for $34.99 shipped.

Sennheiser CX300 II is the new model, $49.99 shipped at Amazon. Supposed to be better but I haven't heard them.
Click to expand...

These are excellent. I had the old ones, they broke after years. Now I have the II's and they're still excellent.
 
Knifein said:
+1 for the Skullcandies I have a pair that have went through the washing machine and still survived unharmed!
Click to expand...
+2 on the skullcandies, be sure to look at the freq ranges before buying them though, there are different levels on different models. I use mine for everything from riding the bus to full out freeriding. They stay in place, mute external noises, but still let you hear what you need to hear as long as you don't crank things up. they are pretty tough too, I don't baby mine in the least and 3 years of abuse and they are still going strong
 
I know this is OT, but, as a physician I have to comment on this. Outdoor activities on foot, near traffic, wearing earbuds/headphones, and not facing traffic are foremost DANGEROUS and secondly illegal. The law is all the states i know of requires the pedestrian to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Please DO!
 
Piso Mojado said:
Sennheiser CX300, old model still available at Amazon for $34.99 shipped.

Sennheiser CX300 II is the new model, $49.99 shipped at Amazon. Supposed to be better but I haven't heard them.
Click to expand...

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

I've found Sennheisers to be the best ear buds EVER for working out.
 
JCummings said:
I know this is OT, but, as a physician I have to comment on this. Outdoor activities on foot, near traffic, wearing earbuds/headphones, and not facing traffic are foremost DANGEROUS and secondly illegal. The law is all the states i know of requires the pedestrian to walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Please DO!
Click to expand...


Sure does require PEDESTRIANS to WALK against traffic. But as I am SURE you must be aware, cyclists are subject to the rules of the road for any vehicle. Again, I must reiterate my appreciation for safety concerns but that I am quite vigilant of them.

Ordered a set of Skull Candy Smokin Buds as well as Chops to get a feel for the differences. I've really enjoyed the true earbuds in the past as its easier to run just a single one when necessary (reference above safety concerns) and tuck the other in my shirt. The Chops may be nice for trail running and the like though.
 
Yes, Bikes must obey the rules of the road as motor vehicle.
Please be safe while your enjoying the outdoors.
And be aware that the music can put you at increased risk if you don't pay attention.
Sadly, many of those around don't seem to care about you!
 
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