Best earphones for running??

[fergusm]

Hello-

I was given a nice running case for my iPod (Speck iSport) for Christmas so plan to take it out for runs and bike rides once it stops raining!! Can anyone recommend a good pair of earphones for this?? I am currently using a pair of Sennheiser MX500's but I have trouble keeping these in my ears when I am reading a book so don#t give them much chance on a run or bike ride! Also, the cable on these is a little short as the case I have sits the iPod on my lower back.

Any suggestions or tips and advice appreciated!

cheers,
Fergus

[Ultrace]

This brings up a good question, actually... How durable is the iPod to shock? I listen to it for extended periods of time at work and sometimes I walk around with it clipped to my waist via the standard case... I know the system is based off a microdrive instead of a memory card, so it must be more susceptible to being jolted around. I wouldn't actually work out with it myself, but anyone know if normal wear and tear like walking going to be an issue?

[fergusm]

that's a good point - the case I have has a pretty durable rubber feel to it (photo attached) so hopefully it will be okay but if anyone else has experience with this please let me know. also - does anyone know what Apple's view is? If the iPod was damaged running for example would this invalidate the warranty?? I was also hoping to take my iPod skiing this winter but considering the amount of time I spend on my arse maybe that's not such a good idea....

[AptMunich]

Yes the harddrive is quite susceptible to shocks, but unless you drop it, your warranty should be fine.

When jogging some people have complained that the ipod actually 'skips' (think discman) as the harddrive can't be read due to the constant shaking. But with a decent case/clip this shouldn't be a problem.

As for skiing/snowboarding cases check out the appropriate threads in the cases forum (do a search).

You could check out the koss ksc-35 clip-on earphones for excercising, their vice-like clips supposedly keep those things on your ears well! (Might get uncomfortable though)

Lots of people also swear by the shure e2 buds for excercising as they are canalphones and don't slip out easily!
Drawbacks: Your footsteps sound loud (try jogging with your fingers in your ears) and you can't hear any outside noise (think traffic whilst cycling/jogging)

[fergusm]

I emailed Speck about it and got an almost instant response:

Hi Fergus-
The iPod has a built in 20 minute 'skip protection' type thing similar to a walkman CD player. Apple made them with some gizmo in the disc that allows it to play for at least 20 minutes without referencing the disc, meaning that it won't skip or get 'confused' and stop for at least 20 minutes. After that, the disc may skip or stop if running with it. This will not damage the iPod in any way; but when working out most people don't want to have their iPod stop after 20 minutes, as they lose momentum, etc. The iSport usually provides enough cushioning and support of the iPod to keep it from skipping or stopping for more than 20 minutes; but the 'guts' of your iPod guarantee only 20 minutes of stop-free playing while runnung or jolting the iPod around. I hope this answers your question, please let me know if you ahve any others-
thanks

Amy Cesari

[Gunner]

I owned the speck case and it sucked ### for running... after the ipod's memory buffer was exhausted it would simply shut down completely because it could not read the from the hard drive.

I would be very surprised if ANYONE is actually successfully running with the speck case, it would probably be good for motorcycling or something along those lines.

I run with my iPod in a silicone case with a zippered plastic pouch around it, keep it in my hand so I can provide human shock absorption.

As far as running headphones, I am using sony EX71s and have had no problems, other than having to crank the volume on the iPod a bit as the Sonys are rather inefficient.

[Erik]

I have the iSkin eXo2 that I use for running, I clip it onto my waist horizontally and it never skips. I currently use the ear buds but they fall out every now and then, I also need some running ear phones.

By the way, I run up to 8 miles sometimes and the iPod never skips.

[Fuzzpod]

Get head phones that have a little piece of rubber that go around your ear i have them for being out and about

[theipodking]

Hey Fergusm, that sports case is designed for 2nd gen ipods, not 3rd gen this may be whats causing it! There might be to much space inside, so the ipod is getting banged about more, therfore the buffer is playing up quicker!
You can tell with the circle in the front protecting 2nd gen ipods!

[Erik]

Then why does the advertise picture have a third generation iPod in it?? I think that blue circle is a flashing LED for traffic.

[fergusm]

Mine is 3G 40GB model it fits pretty snuggly. If I have my iSkin on I can't get it in at all. Also, the blue light on the left is for safety and the circle on the middle section which houses the iPod is just a design feature - it doesnt offer any additional protection the ipod scroll wheel

[scurv]

i've got three sets of on-the-go phones. here they are in order of purchase:

1. sony around-the-back-of-the-head sports phones (can't remember the model... the newer sporty looking ones). these have mediocre sound and make your ears sore after an hour or so, but they won't slip off. still, i wouldn't recommend them.

2. sennheiser px100. i like these. they hug my head well but don't make my ears sore (my ears seem to get sore easily), and they've got pretty good sound. if you like more bass and midrange, or if you like the classic over-the-head style, i'd suggest these.

3. koss ksc35. i just got these today. these are clip-ons, and despite what people tend to say about them, they sit quite comfortably on my ears and don't feel too tight. their construction seems a bit flimsy, but if they had durability problems i'm sure there would be more complaints. they're older, but are supposed to be preferable to koss' newer line. it seems like most people prefer them to the sennheiser px100/200 as well. you can still get them from koss.com. they sound quite good and have a more pronounced high end than the px100's. i haven't taken them running/biking/etc. yet, but i did some yard work with them today and they stayed in place just fine.

[xander]

I use these with the Apple earbuds, they seal the ear canal and direct the sound and NEVER fall out regardless of the activity

http://www.mobileplanet.com/private/jabra/product.asp?dept%5Fid=1081&pf%5Fid=MP800896

[January2712]

I use my apple earbuds all the time while biking and no amount of shock will push it out.....maybe its my ears......lol....

[scurv]

i used the earbuds for awhile too, though for me, if there was every any tension on the cord or if i turned my head a lot (like you do when you bike), they lost grip in my ears. they're somewhat directional, so the sound quality decreased as a consequence. plus, the sound quality is pretty poor in them to begin with.

[SimonTemplar]

You could always try a pair of the Etymotics. Inserted properly, they should ride in your ears just fine whilst running....and they have a shirt clip for the trailing cable too.

You'll have to take the time to clean them afterwards. But that's not a big deal though.


.....sT