my bose ie2 's be use almost exclusively at gym workout . after experience some discomfort with the original bud on the ipod nano5 , I move to ` Sennheiser PMX80 Sport Series II behind the Head Phones ' and the ` Sony mdr-as20j ' . after 13 month , the pmx80 leave bud quit work -lrb- no visible sign of failure -rrb- . the Sony 's be ok , probably exceptional for the cost , but do not deliver . I then step up to the bose ie2 . base on the ease of comfort , build quality , and sound I recommend the bose ie2 's . it should be note that ambient sound be perceptible during use -lrb- except at full volume - that be I rock to a new song -rrb- , which I find advantageous in the gym . the stayheartm design effectively position the bud very comfortably on the outer ear while channel music to the middle ear . the cord thickness , connection design , and individual inspection by bose address the quality of build . I be not a audiophile , but they sound excellent to I . overall , pretty awesome stuff while biking , run , and lift weight ... do I mention the occasional ping pong game ? with the wide spectrum of choice in this marketplace , you can purchase the bose ie2 's with confidence .