As a town runner, I did not consider carefully about dressed in noise canceling headphones. I have been inquisitive about open ears previously however ceaselessly bumped into well-lit parks the place my greatest downside used to be dodging goose poop. It’s other in villages. Just lately, I used to be nearly blown away by means of a Vary Rover that is going no less than 10 occasions sooner. I by no means heard it coming, despite the fact that my headphones had been round. That is why I have spent the remaining two months trying out the $199 Suunto Wing and the $149 Suunto Sonic. Each Wings and Sonic are bone conduction headphones – a class that has lengthy been ruled by means of Shokz (previously AfterShokz). The Sonic is the elemental, entry-level software, whilst the Wings upload somewhat extra — specifically, LED lighting fixtures, a transportable energy financial institution, and head controls. The Wing additionally has a somewhat higher IP67 for water and mud resistance in comparison to the Sonic’s IP55 ranking. It is helping you grow to be extra conscious about your atmosphere. Bone conduction works by means of sending sound vibrations via your cheeks as an alternative of throughout the air and into your ears. Some athletes swear by means of bone conduction as it opens up your ears, that means you’ll be able to be extra conscious about your atmosphere than some other visible means. (As an advantage, it will possibly assist folks with listening to loss concentrate to audio.)I have identified all that for years, however I admit it – I have by no means cared for orthopedics ahead of. My outdated AfterShokz headphones were not relaxed in any respect, however the true downside used to be that I depended on them for heavy gaming. And bone conduction? No longer excellent on bass. Even so, being just about overwhelmed by means of a dashing Vary Rover used to be a excellent explanation why to bone up on some refinement. I most often do not like headbands, however those had been extra relaxed than I anticipated. At that first level, I used to be shocked that each Sonic and Wings had been relaxed to put on. My outdated AfterShokz headphones had a neckband that dug into my pores and skin, harm my little ears, and it by no means were given higher. Those headphones actually have a spherical design, however I did not pay attention them properly. The headphones had been solid and safe all over my runs and walks. Moreover, the over-ear portion used to be skinny sufficient that it did not reason issues when dressed in glasses or headbands — an issue I have had with different open-ear headphones just like the chunky Bose Game Open Earbuds. The bass nonetheless did not stutter, however I used to be shocked at how a lot better it sounded at the Wings and Sonic in comparison to what I used to be used to with bone conduction headphones. The hole lyrics to Stray Youngsters’ “Megaverse” did not sound as excellent as they might have on my Beats Are compatible Professional, but it surely used to be excellent sufficient to offer me pause. After a couple of weeks, I finished noticing the variation. (It is helping that Suunto gives other profiles, together with an exterior profile that provides somewhat of bass.)The powerbank has an additional 20 hours of battery lifestyles. Kylo Ren wears this if it suits his helmet. I used to be hoping this might double as on a regular basis, boulevard headphones, however sadly, paying attention to audiobooks or podcasts whilst at the subway or passing loud taxis used to be now not a laugh. I needed to flip up the amount, which additionally shook its vibration till the former items had been ringing in entrance of me. Those would not be the primary headphones I achieve for when working with a cheering crowd. It is a bit tricky, as a result of Suunto headphones are at the pricey facet at $149 and $199. For more info, Shokz headphones vary from $80–$180. Value could also be why, of the 2, I in finding the Sonic less expensive extra ceaselessly. No longer simplest are the sounds the similar, however I am not bought at the Wing extension. The LED lighting fixtures are great, however I discovered it laborious to look in opposition to my hair. (Additionally, I did not just like the Wings participant’s Kylo Ren vibes.) As for the Wings’ head controls, I will be able to’t get them to paintings reliably. It’s important to resolution or finish calls, in addition to skip song, by means of nodding or shaking your head. As a substitute, folks take a look at me humorous as I stroll by means of, and shake my head in exasperation as a result of I wish to skip to the following music.$200 The Suunto Wing is an orthopedic headset with 10 hours of battery lifestyles, an additional energy financial institution, head controls, and LED lighting fixtures.$149Suunto orthopedic headphones. They have got IP55, 10 hours of charging, and very good noise. Wings did not win me over with battery lifestyles, both. Each gadgets have 10 hours of battery lifestyles, however the Wings actually have a energy financial institution that has an extra 20 hours of battery lifestyles. That is nice, however is the additional $50 value it? For me, now not in point of fact. I most often run 30-45 mins, 3 or 4 occasions every week. Sonic takes me a couple of month ahead of I would like it. As for water resistance, the Sonic’s IP55 is excellent for sweat and getting stuck within the rain, however the Wing’s IP67 ranking is not excellent sufficient for the pool. (Every other bummer for divers – additionally they would not have cupboard space, and Bluetooth does not paintings underwater.) In spite of everything, my seek for open-ear headphones to exchange the Beats Are compatible Professional continues. Do not get me improper – my time trying out the Sonic and Wings has given me a better appreciation for bone conduction headphones and why such a lot of folks opt for them (till I referred to as the most recent Shokz to offer them some other pass. , too). I am an excessive amount of of a fall bass fan to mention that my hunt ends right here.