Suunto’s new headphones lastly made me recognize bone conduction

As a metropolis runner, I by no means thought too onerous about sporting noise-canceling earbuds. I’d dabbled with open-ear buds previously however largely ran in well-lit parks the place my largest hazard was dodging goose poop. It’s totally different within the suburbs. Just lately, I used to be almost pancaked by a Vary Rover going not less than 10 over the velocity restrict. I by no means heard it coming, although my headphones have been in ambient mode.

Which is why I’ve spent the final two months testing the $199 Suunto Wing and $149 Suunto Sonic.

Each the Wing and Sonic are bone conduction headphones — a class that’s lengthy been dominated by Shokz (previously AfterShokz). The Sonic is the extra primary, entry-level system, whereas the Wing provides just a few extra thrives — particularly, LED lighting, a conveyable energy financial institution, and head movement controls. The Wing additionally has barely higher IP67 water and mud resistance in comparison with the Sonic’s IP55 score.

Bone conduction works by sending sound vibrations by means of your cheekbones as a substitute of touring by means of the air and into your ear canal. Some athletes swear by bone conduction as a result of it retains your ears open, that means you’ll keep extra clued into your environment in comparison with any transparency mode. (As a bonus, it could actually assist individuals with listening to loss take heed to audio.)

I’ve recognized all that for ages, however I’ll admit — I’ve by no means cared a lot for bone conduction previously. My outdated AfterShokz headphones weren’t comfy in any respect, however the true downside was that I depend on bass-heavy working playlists. And bone conduction? It’s not one of the best at bass. Even so, nearly getting flattened by a dashing Vary Rover was as a great purpose as any to provide bone conduction one other go.

On that first level, I used to be pleasantly stunned that the Sonic and Wing have been each cozy to put on. My outdated AfterShokz headphones had a wraparound neckband that dug into my pores and skin, damage my smallish ears, and by no means sat fairly proper. These headphones even have a wraparound design, however I felt no discomfort. The headphones have been steady and safe throughout my runs and walks. Plus, the half that sits over the ear was skinny sufficient that it didn’t trigger points when sporting glasses or headbands — an issue I’ve had with different open-ear headphones just like the chunky Bose Sport Open Earbuds.

Bass nonetheless isn’t superb, however I used to be shocked at how a lot better it sounded on the Wing and Sonic in comparison with my first foray into bone conduction headphones. The rumbly intro on Stray Youngsters’ “Megaverse” didn’t sound almost as cool as it will’ve on my Beats Match Professional, but it surely was adequate to maintain me pumped. After just a few weeks, I ended noticing the distinction. (It helps that Suunto gives varied sound profiles, together with an outdoor mode that enhances bass a bit.)

However whereas the audio was higher than I anticipated, these are nonetheless bone conduction headphones, which suggests they’re not nice in loud environments. I hoped these would double as satisfactory on a regular basis, commuter headphones, however sadly, listening to audiobooks or podcasts whereas on a loud subway or strolling previous honking taxis wasn’t an incredible expertise. I needed to crank up the quantity, which, in flip, cranked up the vibrations till the entrance items have been buzzing on my face. These wouldn’t be the primary headphones I attain for if I have been to run a race with cheering crowds, both. That’s a little bit of a bummer, on condition that Suunto’s headphones are on the pricier aspect at $149 and $199. For reference, Shokz’s headphones vary from $80–$180.

Value can also be partly why, of the 2, I reached for the cheaper Sonic extra usually. Not solely is sound high quality the identical, however I wasn’t offered on the Wing’s additional options. The LED lights are neat, however I felt they have been onerous to see towards my hair. (Plus, I didn’t love the Wing’s gamer Kylo Ren vibes.) As for the Wing’s head movement controls, I may by no means get them to work reliably. You’re supposed to have the ability to reply or dismiss calls, in addition to skip tracks, by both nodding or shaking your head. As an alternative, individuals checked out me humorous once I’d run previous, furiously shaking my head as a result of I needed to skip to the following music.

The Wing didn’t win me over with battery life, both. Each units have an estimated 10 hours, however the Wing additionally has an influence financial institution that holds an additional 20 hours of cost. It’s good, however is it $50 additional good? For me, probably not. I largely keep on with 30–45 minute runs, three to 4 occasions per week. The Sonic lasts me round a month earlier than needing a cost. As for water resistance, the Sonic’s IP55 is nice sufficient for sweat and getting caught within the rain, however the Wing’s IP67 score isn’t adequate for the pool. (One other bummer for swimmers — neither has onboard storage, and Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater.)

In the end, my private hunt for a pair of open-ear exercise headphones to interchange my Beats Match Professional continues. Don’t get me unsuitable — my time testing the Sonic and Wing has given me a better appreciation for bone conduction headphones and why so many individuals go to bat for them (to the purpose the place I known as within the newest Shokz to provide them one other go, too). I’m simply too hooked on the bass drop to say my search ends right here.