Sennheiser Adidas PMX 680i Sports Headset

by Sennheiser

• Smart remote with mic: enhanced usability for the latest models of iPod, iPhone and iPad.
• Sweat and water resistant.
• Ergonomic neckband: secure and comfort fit during workout
• High output drivers: energizing sound.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 8.7 x 1.6 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003WVA6M6
• Item model number: PMX 680i Sports
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (197 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 15, 2010

Product Description

When was the last time you had a proper workout without any disturbances? Well, now you can with the CX 380 Sport II earphones. These sweat-proof, noise-isolating ear-canal phones deliver outstanding, bass-driven stereo sound. Turn up the heat and let nothing get in your way! The Sennheiser/adidas PMX 680i Sports headset are not only lightweight and sturdy, but also stays extremely secure in your ears while you run or work out in the gym. Sound-wise, its high-output drivers deliver a powerful and energizing stereo sound while the high-performance integrated remote and microphone ensure easy management of both tracks and calls! This headset has been designed and tested for heavy movement - strain relief parts are made of highly-flexible, shock-absorbing material while the cable is DupontTM Kevlar® reinforced, offering unmatched strength and durability. Even under the toughest of conditions, e.g. -10 degree celsius, it has been found to function well and maintain its flexibility.There is a reflective stripe on the neckband, providing extra visibility and safety, especially if you prefer to run after sunset. The PMX 680i Sports headset also features a unique moisture protection system - it protects the sound system from sweat and water, no matter how heavy you work out (and sweat) or how heavy the rain may be.FeaturesHigh performance rugged stereo neckband headset for sports Sweat- and water-resistant: ideal for sports Ergonomic neckband: secure and comfort fit during workou

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for use while working out March 14, 2011

By Ron Cronovich TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Amazon Verified Purchase

These headphones are great for exercising. They stay in place and sound great. The cord length is perfect for me. Build quality seems excellent, especially where the cord attaches to the phones. This is important for frequent, rough handling. These phones are not bad looking, either.

A few people complain that the mic doesn't work with their Blackberry, Macbook, Droid, or non-iOS device. The product description clearly states that the mic is designed mainly for iPhones, recent models of iPod touch, and iPads, but will also work with 2009 and later Macbooks/Macbook Pros. If you are buying this for the mic to use with your non-iOS device, check Sennheiser's website to see whether it'll work with your device.

Sennheiser's 680 line includes several different models that have the same sound quality and speaker components, but different ways of making them sit on your ears. This model, the PMX, is one piece that wraps around the back of the head. Other models in this line are called CX, OMX, and MX. They attach to your ears with clips or "ear fins", depending on the model. Also, some models have noise isolation (for when you don't want to hear the annoying music playing over the gym's loudspeakers) while other models in this series are more open (so you can hear honking cars while you're jogging on the side of the street). The PMX is one of the more open ones, but when I'm using them at the gym, the outside noise doesn't bleed in too much.

Also, note that some models have the number "680i" while others are just "680". The difference is whether it has a microphone. "680" (with no "i") means no mic, but there is an in-line volume control. "680i" has the in-line volume control and the built-in mic.

Unfortunately, most of us cannot try these on before purchasing to determine which format is most comfortable. So if you're thinking of buying these, purchase from a reputable vendor that stands by their return policy.

Lastly, I'd suggest comparing the prices of various sellers. I bought mine from OnSale, an Amazon third-party vendor, and paid a lot less than Amazon is currently charging. I've bought several things from OnSale through Amazon's website, and their service has always been excellent.

In sum, the Sennheiser 680 line offers very good sound quality for the money, good build quality, and different models with different options regarding fit, noise isolation, and mic. One of the models in this line is likely to be a great match for your needs. For me, it's this one, the PMX 680i.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Some hits, some misses March 29, 2011

By C. Jewell

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased this Sennheiser headset shortly after my company set me up with an iPhone 4. Previously I was using older model, bright green Sennheiser headphones (same behind the neck style) with a fourth generation iPod. I listen to podcasts while commuting to work by bicycle, and I've found this form factor works best for me; the stock ear buds never stay in my ears, and I don't want the sound isolation of in-ear models. Because I upgraded from another Sennheiser product, it's easy for me to identify where they improved things and where they fell short:

PROS:
1. This is obvious, but I have to express my appreciation for the mic and play controls. When you have podcasts of varying volume levels, easy access to volume buttons is so convenient.
2. Straight cord -- the previous model was designed with a coil in the cord. Terrible design decision! I was constantly untangling the cord.
3. Straight connector -- the old one was L-shaped and covered by a rubbery sleeve that was starting to slide up. This one is hard plastic and seems sturdier.
4. Lighter than older model.
5. Same good sound.

CONS:
1. My biggest complaint is with the redesign of the plastic that goes over and behind your ears. It used to be solid and thinner. Now it's two pieces -- a hard plastic top "rail" and a softer plastic along the bottom. I can understand why they did this -- the flexible part rests on your ear and should make it more comfortable. However, I didn't find the older model uncomfortable, and the new design is much thicker. Before it was never a problem to wear my headphones and sunglasses under my helmet. The stems of the sunglasses would fit against my head and above the headphones. With the headset's new design, there's no room for the stems, so I have to wear them over the headset which squeezes them against my head. My commute is only 30 minutes, but I imagine if it were longer, the pressure would start to get uncomfortable.
2. My old headphones came with rubber covers for the speakers. When they got dirty, you could pop them off and wash them in water. This headset comes with those standard foam covers that are so difficult to put on and have to be thrown out and replaced every so often. I prefer the greener alternative of reusable rubber covers.

Sennheiser claims this headset is water resistant. That's hard to believe with the exposed mic and controls. I rode through some torrential downpours with the headphones, and they're still going strong. I'll be sure to update this review if the headset dies after its first ride through the rain.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent workout headphones December 31, 2010

By Bruce

Amazon Verified Purchase

I hate headphone that sit in the ear canal, this one doesn't do that, they sit a little further in and forward, the sound is AMAZING and so far they have been very good to me. I usually short out headphones at the gym from the amount of sweat I produce. These guys have resisted the copious amounts of liquid that eventually works it's way down into my ears. I've shorted out every apple headphone set I ever had.