I sweat so much it damages earbuds. Here’s what I wear to run now instead

After I first acquired severe about operating 10 years in the past, I discovered myself burning via each pair of headphones I may discover. It did not matter how a lot an organization claimed their earbuds have been impervious to sweat, one way or the other the alien-level liquid seeping via my pores by no means didn’t wind its method via the “waterproofing” to break no matter I wore. 

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And I attempted so many alternative pairs. I even had one firm (that shall stay anonymous) problem me on this. They despatched 4 pairs of their headphones and promised there was no method I may undergo them.

It took one August to sweat via every pair.

Yeah, I am that profuse a sweater.

After going via just a few extra “conventional” kinds of earbuds, I made a decision to go a special route with bone-conducting headphones. These appeared like the right answer, as they don’t seem to be inserted into the ears (which gave the impression to be the reason for my earbud sweating challenge). As a substitute, bone-conducting headphones sit close to your ear and transmit sound via bone. This helps air have easy accessibility to the {hardware} to assist dry it off and stop sweat from accessing the internals of the headphones.

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I used to be skeptical however I used to be ramping up my mileage and did not need to get misplaced in my very own ideas for that lengthy. Working is made exponentially extra pleasing with good music to inspire you thru the struggling.

I discovered a pair of bone-conducting headphones, by means of the Shokz company, and bought them from Amazon. The pair was one of many first they launched, so that they have been a bit clunky and did not sound all that nice. In actual fact, these early iterations sounded just about like somebody cranked the midrange, forgot in regards to the bass, and solely marginally loved a little bit of treble. Even with the less-than-stellar sound, that first pair of Shokz lasted me for over a 12 months. Irrespective of how a lot I sweat with them on, they have been unfazed. 

After a few 12 months with that first pair, I made a decision to improve. Shokz had launched their subsequent model, which promised to enhance the sound. The brand new pair was a marked enchancment over the earlier pair with higher sound, higher battery life, and a extra modern design.

Evaluate: Shokz OpenRun Professional: Excellent bone conduction headset for protected coaching

As of late, I am utilizing the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which retails for about $149 and has significantly improved sound and spectacular battery life. In actual fact, I bought the OpenRun Professional final 12 months earlier than operating my first marathon. My earlier pair of Shokz had a battery lifetime of about three hours, and I used to be sure my marathon time would go properly over that. Seems the OpenRun Professional was in a position to go properly past my 3:48 time for the run. The claimed battery life is 10 hours and I’ve come very near that with per week’s price of operating and no cost.

When the OpenRun Professionals do want a cost, they use a magnetic charger, which simply attaches to the aspect and might absolutely cost far faster than you may suppose.

Even higher, the OpenRun Professional sound provides extra bass than you’d count on for a pair of bone-conducting headphones, and the match is so minimal that you just neglect that they are in your head.

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Most essential, nonetheless, is the truth that ambient noise is not drowned out with bone-conducting headphones. I can’t inform you what number of occasions I have been operating on the street and have heard both automobiles or bikes arising behind me. 

Because of the open nature of these headphones, I can keep away from catastrophe just because I can hear it coming (whereas nonetheless having the ability to hear my tunes).

At this level in my life, I can’t think about operating with a pair of conventional headphones. Not solely would I sweat via them quicker than I may substitute them, however their capability to cancel out surrounding noises makes them too harmful for these of us who run (or bike) on the street and wish music to assist us hold going. 

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If you happen to’re available in the market for a brand new, sweat-proof pair of headphones, I extremely suggest you check out the Shokz line. Take it from somebody who sweats profusely — you will not remorse the acquisition.