i switched to the shokz open runs a few months ago. i felt like my hearing was getting a little sensitive; seemed like not piping the jams directly into my earhole might better. for my use, they're great. observations: - not as loud - can feel vibrations w certain tunes at certain volumes - strap/band is unnoticeable - your ears are still open so you hear stuff (traffic/conversation/etc) - battery life is good