The best ear bud type I have found

I was in the market for a new set of headphones primarily for sports (running, cycling, skiing). I tried the over-ear type (Sony MDR-J10) but they just didn't cut it for me - by design they just kind of sit "on" your ear not in it, there's no pressure on them holding them into your ear, so you get no bass whatsoever with them.

The "in ear" ones have always posed a problem for me....fit. I just can't get those horrible ipod-style foam types to stay in my ear, they fall out as soon as I move. I had also tried the Sony Fonotapia MDX-ER51 style a while back. Whilst they were a step up from the ipod style they didn't stay put for very long. So the Sennheiser's with their "twist to fit" stle were intriguing.

I've had these for a month now and I must admit I was on the verge of writing a middling review. I used them in a 10 mile run I had but had problems with one of the phones popping out a couple of times (4 or 5 times). I had also used them on a few long walks and had similar problems: it seemed that after a while the cable became taught and just wanted to pull the earphones out. It wasn't until I got passed my 30 day return that I finally decided to rip open the packaging and install the alternative sized.....rings(?), padding(?)....call it what you will. Wow, what a difference. There's 2 sizes, bigger or smaller. Bigger worked for me. With the new rings in place these things feel rock solid, not a hint of movement from them. After years of trying I think I've finally found a pair that won't dislodge!

What about sound quality I hear you ask (once I've prized them from my ears)? I have to say I'm a wee bit disappointed. I've got an "over ear" seat of Sennheisers (PX100's) and it isn't even close. I don't think it's even as good as the Sony Fonotapia's. It just lacks the bass that I was hoping for. Volume wise they seem loud enough but there is some distortion with very bass heavy tracks at high volume.

I think quite clearly these are aimed at sports types - BTW, I like the green cables, they're distinctive and make you feel sporty! - and for that they work great, they stay in your ear well (remember to experiment with the pads!) and they allow in enough outside noise to keep you safe. If you're an audiophile then you're probably going to be a bit disappointed.....but then again these are $40 earphones and not your +$200 Shure ones.