Who makes decent, rugged, inexpensive earbuds?

[deadken]

*UPDATE*: After using the Kinivo BTH220 for a while it developed a rattle while running. I wrote to Kinivo and they sent me a new one and suggested I use the BTH360S for exercising, not the BTH220. I couldn't find the BTH360S and later on, they even emailed me to tell me when it was in stock at Amazon. So, I bought the BTH360S for $30 shipped. The BTH360S were GREAT. The buttons were a bit more difficult to use compared to the BTH220 and the battery life wasn't as AMAZING as on the BTH220. But they were VERY good. Unfortunately, my set just stopped working. So, I sent out an email to Kinivo (1yr warranty). We'll see what happens.

BTW: I eventually diagnosed the rattling on the BTH220's. A bit of Scotch tape over the power button and the rattling stopped. This issue might have been addressed with the 'updated' BTH240!


I'm a runner. I use my phone to track my runs (time, distance, frequency, etc..). I also use my phone as a music player for my runs. I kill a lot of headsets this way. From the pulling, sweating, etc... I can't seem to get a headset that lasts more than a few months. I like having a microphone on my headset so that I can answer a call if I think it is important.

So, can anyone suggest a decent set of earbuds? I don't want to spend more than $20, but I will if need be (IE: if everyone says they are worth it and last forever).

Thanks, Ken
____________

 

[highland145]

Lot of skull candy haters around but I've had mine 3+ years. 5+ days at the gym, lots of lawn mowing/yard work in the summer. Do run the cord down inside the back of my shirt because the bounce while on the elliptical is irritating as crap. No microphone though.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Buy the cheapest ones that sound decent and 3 months is pretty good if you're a runner. I've tried em all. Sweat, constant bouncing, pulling out of ears kills em.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Lot of skull candy haters around but I've had mine 3+ years. 5+ days at the gym, lots of lawn mowing/yard work in the summer. Do run the cord down inside the back of my shirt because the bounce while on the elliptical is irritating as crap. No microphone though.

I've used skull candy. They are no better or worse than any $10 earbuds you find at Amazon. Having a set last 3 years says a lot about your workout intensity.

 

[Joe C]

These are more than you wanted to spend, but worth a look. http://www.scansound.com/index.php/earphones-with-microphone.html

 

[highland145]

I've used skull candy. They are no better or worse than any $10 earbuds you find at Amazon. Having a set last 3 years says a lot about your workout intensity.

Come at me, Bro.

I'm at your mom's house.

Look for the M3.

etc, etc...



Think what you like.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Sennheiser Adidas line.

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/sport-headphones-earbuds-Sennheiser-adidas

Mine came in two pieces. Exensin cable and headphones.
Extension cable on mine is a bit fubar. But the headphone section is fine (8 months of running, 2-3 days a week). I think the extnesion cable is messed up becasue I used to run with my phone in my pocket and the aea near the jack got beat up over time. I plan on getting an armband when I get my next phone.

Not sure if any of these have microphones though

 

[hans007]

I have sennheisers from all those new egg deals . They seem pretty durable. Never had a problem in years other than losing the rubber ear pieces a few times

 

[gar655]

Monoprice 8320s. Buy em 5 or 10 at time to get bulk discount and save on shipping.

 

[alkemyst]

Come at me, Bro.

I'm at your mom's house.

Look for the M3.

etc, etc...



Think what you like.

Dude, you just went full retard in H&F.

I actually may be selling the M3 though. Total cost of ownership since January has been $32k. I can jump into a new 2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track and even with spending $2k in extras per year be only looking at $15k and that's with no down payment at all.

I don't think an M3 is meant to go 2000+ miles every month. Based on where my mileage is at now and next year, my indy shop says there is no way I am avoiding at least $4000 in maintenance costs next year just on what he knows I am going to need (rear rotors, I will hit another valve adjustment service, one of my rear window seals will need to be replaced at $465 with labor). I'd put it to a weekend car, but I like living my weekends daily driving. Plus I have $11k of equity and looking at about $28k of divorce debt right now.

For earbuds, get skull candy's and the like when on-sale online. Stock up a bit. If you are a hard runner you are going to snag them every once and a while and eventually kill them. If just you sit on a bike for 2 hours, get some nice headphones with replaceable pads

 

[alkemyst]

Monoprice 8320s. Buy em 5 or 10 at time to get bulk discount and save on shipping.

Holy Moly! thanks...some guy had these and he didn't remember where he got them nor the name.

http://lifehacker.com/5927570/the-monoprice-8320s-are-the-best-earbuds-youll-find-under-10

Those are exactly them. I'd say get these, they are great especially if you fly alot. Just throw them away when worn.

 

[highland145]

Dude, you just went full retard in H&F.

I actually may be selling the M3 though. Total cost of ownership since January has been $32k. I can jump into a new 2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track and even with spending $2k in extras per year be only looking at $15k and that's with no down payment at all.

I don't think an M3 is meant to go 2000+ miles every month. Based on where my mileage is at now and next year, my indy shop says there is no way I am avoiding at least $4000 in maintenance costs next year just on what he knows I am going to need (rear rotors, I will hit another valve adjustment service, one of my rear window seals will need to be replaced at $465 with labor). I'd put it to a weekend car, but I like living my weekends daily driving. Plus I have $11k of equity and looking at about $28k of divorce debt right now.

For earbuds, get skull candy's and the like when on-sale online. Stock up a bit. If you are a hard runner you are going to snag them every once and a while and eventually kill them. If just you sit on a bike for 2 hours, get some nice headphones with replaceable pads

Better than full retard on the entire forum.

What? Banned from posting in the garage?

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

deadken,

Buy anything yet?

 

[Capt Caveman]

Earbuds will depend. Do you need earbuds that won't slip-out due to sweat? Do you need to still be able to hear your surroundings?

I just picked-up during BF a pari of Yurbuds that supposedly won't slip out from sweat and still allow you to hear your surroundings for $25. They also make a version that is only $29. The version I bought have kevlar coated wires that will hopefully make them more durable and less prone to get snagged on clothing.

I had been using a pair of expensive sport version Sennheisers(sp?) but they're very sound isolating forcing me to keep the volume low to hear my surroundings which makes them sound horribly muted.

 

[alkemyst]

Better than full retard on the entire forum.

What? Banned from posting in the garage?

I asked for that.

 

[Blieb]

I got these a while back ... I have enjoyed them ...
http://www.jaybirdgear.com/freedom-bluetooth-headphones/

 

[Muse]

Totally out of the ballpark, but my Etymotic ER4S's and ER4P's have never ever failed me. I've bought 4 sets (1 was stolen) since 1999. I used to have to fix discontinuities regularly. Haven't had to since 1999! Nowadays I suppose they cost almost $300. They are also drop dead audiophile. I wear them in the gym, weight room and elliptical stair stepper, sometimes skating, watching movies and listening to music sometimes at home. Great sound isolation (i.e. blocks out external sounds).

 

[Meractik]

Holy Moly! thanks...some guy had these and he didn't remember where he got them nor the name.

http://lifehacker.com/5927570/the-monoprice-8320s-are-the-best-earbuds-youll-find-under-10

Those are exactly them. I'd say get these, they are great especially if you fly alot. Just throw them away when worn.

Wow hey, thanks for that.... I had another post lingering around here about headphones and for only $7 these are worth giving a try!

 

[alkemyst]

Wow hey, thanks for that.... I had another post lingering around here about headphones and for only $7 these are worth giving a try!

keep in mind, I am not an earbud guy. I travelled alot thought and the $5 headphones on plane are crap.

I am not really a headphone guy though so don't own a good set (nor if I did would probably want to travel with them...I have had kids bite my set and their parents thinking it was ok).

 

[VulgarDisplay]

The monoprice ones are supposed to be amazing for the price.

These are way more than $20, but regarded to be the absolute best sound quality per dollar available at the moment.

http://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Balanc.../dp/B005XSBNG4

 

[alkemyst]

The monoprice ones are supposed to be amazing for the price.

These are way more than $20, but regarded to be the absolute best sound quality per dollar available at the moment.

http://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Balanc.../dp/B005XSBNG4

Are you the only one seller selling them?

 

[VulgarDisplay]

Are you the only one seller selling them?

Yes, my master plan has finally come to fruition. 2,000 posts over 3 years to lull consumers into a false sense of security.

The moment has arrived. I've now struck. Buy my earbuds.

 

[alkemyst]

Yes, my master plan has finally come to fruition. 2,000 posts over 3 years to lull consumers into a false sense of security.

The moment has arrived. I've now struck. Buy my earbuds.

Just sayin' if that's your best link to them...

I don't really consider you any gift to the forum.

 

[VulgarDisplay]

Just sayin' if that's your best link to them...

I don't really consider you any gift to the forum.

http://www.google.com

http://www.head-fi.org

enjoy.

They use the same drivers as $200-300 IEM's.

 

[alkemyst]

http://www.google.com

http://www.head-fi.org

enjoy.

They use the same drivers as $200-300 IEM's.

why post that obscure link then? Just do a LMGTFY response.

On many places I visit there are lots of crap posts about visiting Amazon and eBay and even CL for *wink wink* deals.