Need some earbuds that can stand a little bit of abuse

[mitchafi]

I have a small flash MP3 player that I use solely in the gym and in about the course of a year I've gone through about 3 pairs of Sennheiser MX400s. Some way or another, the buds will get yanked from my ears and eventually the wires will come out of the sheathing until finally the sound goes out in one or both buds. I'm sick of replacing the MX400s so I've decided that I need to try something new.

What I'm wondering is, are there any earbuds out there that have extra durable cords that can withstand this happening once every few months? Yes, I know I could be more careful but sometimes it just happens when you are least expecting. If there aren't any more durable earbuds available, I will consider buying a nicer, more expensive set, which will force me to be more careful. In that case, any recommendations? I've been hearing some good things about the shure e2cs for quite some time now.

 

[shlemielo]

This probably won't help you much, but I've owned several pairs of Sony MDR-71SL's (i.e., they're fragile). I've also owned the Etymotic ER-6i (also flimsy, right speaker went out). The Shure e2c's I have now feel much more durable than the Sonys and Etymotics, but they can be a hassle to get seated in your ear properly. The cord is also a lot thicker (more durable, I assume), so they might get in your way at the gym. IMO, the e2c's are better suited for train/plane rides, but I use them at the gym as well.

 

[Zepper]

Is it a good idea to have something in the ear canal in the gym? The ear is at least partly designed as it is to keep stuff (except sounds) out of the ear canal. Seldom wise to subvert nature with all the early deafness we're seeing now.

There was a guy here looking for some headphones who was bottoming the drivers in the ones he had yet couldn't hear the distortion which had to be present in large amounts by the time the elements were bottoming. Any kind of earphone needs to be used wisely to avoid doing oneself hearing damage.

I'd be looking for on the ear phones with a behind the neck band.

.bh.

 

[Synomenon]

I'd recommend Sony's new MDR-AS30G behind the the head headband headphones. Just got one from Fry's and it's pretty nice. The headband part is a thin, bendy piece that goes behind your head. The earpads have a small protruding bud that keeps the headphones on your head.

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/5500190
http://images.macnn.com/esta/c.../0802/SonyMDRAS30G.jpg

I've been using them for the past week or two whenever I run and go to the gym. They've been holding up pretty well.

 

[Zepper]

BestBuy lists the above for a bit less - maybe your local store will have them.

.bh.