The perfect running mate

Those of us who run regularly know the importance of music. Research studies prove that music can actually boost athletic performance. So, whether you are running at a moderate speed or just jogging to keep fit, you not only need a good smartphone or music player but equally adept headphones. You can choose to go with the regular headphones that come along with your device or go for the Sennheiser PX 685i Sports headset which would surely fit the bill. The PX 685i is part of a new series of sports headphones from Sennheiser and Adidas. The two German giants have collaborated on a single entity with the former providing its knowledge on sound and acoustics and the latter bringing its knowledge on sports to the fore.

Design
The PX 685i is a headband style headset which comes with an adjustable ergonomic headband. The 1.2-metre symmetrical cable, which comes with a 3.5-mm jack, runs through an inline smart remote. The cable clip is pretty useful as well. It can be used with smartphones and music players.

Sound

The high-output drivers in the PX 685i deliver natural and crisp sound. And the best thing about these headphones is situational awareness. This feature blocks less outside noise and keeps you aware of the surrounding environment. This would be really useful for those who run near the road or places where there are oncoming vehicles. The smart remote also has an omni-directional microphone, which works only with Apple devices.

Wearing comfort
Despite being a headband style headset, the PX 685i is very comfortable. The headband is extendable and comes with an anti-slip grip which makes it easy to handle. The PX 685i is surprisingly light. The cable is strong and reliable and can withstand moderate pulling or tugging. Unlike a few headphones, the earbuds in the PX 685i are comfortable and do not cause any discomfort even after prolonged use. It comes with foam ear pads and ear sleeves that add to the comfort.

Durabilty
The PX 685i is sweat and water resistant which makes it perfect for workout or running conditions. The PX 685i, however, seems a bit fragile. We would advise you to not put too much weight on it or stretch the headband a lot.

Final word
The PX 685i is priced at Rs 5,490, which might seem a lot. But it looks like a fair deal when you consider the design and sound inputs that Adidas and Sennheiser have put into it. What would you pick? Running with average headphones that keep popping out of your ears with every step or a headphone that has been engineered to keep you running and fit.