I buy these to replace a older model from sennheiser which finally fail at the plug connection . I be a runner and triathlete so my headphone go through hell . the two cable length be great . I use the short length when I just have my ipod on a arm band . the longer cable be great for colder weather and the ipod be in a pocket . the headphone stay in place no matter what which be the main reason I buy this style . they sound good too and sound better if you ipod or mp3 have tone control . the older one fail because I hardly ever unplug they from my ipod and sweat have migrate from the arm band to the jack and the salt cake the plug tight . twist it to get it out break the molded plug cover loose and the connection fail after a time . I now unplug and clean after use . lesson learn the hard way .