A carefully assembled playlist serves as an excellent companion for runners. As you tackle each mile, a playlist with the right beats per minute can motivate you. However, when running outdoors, it’s essential to be aware of more than just your tunes. Vehicles, cyclists, and other runners also contribute to the surroundings. So, how can you enjoy great sound quality while staying alert for safety? The solution is bone conduction technology.

Bone conduction technology transmits sound through vibrations directly to the inner ear via the cheekbones, circumventing the eardrum and improving spatial awareness. Major brands in this sector include the Shokz Open Run and, more recently, Suunto’s Wing 2 headphones.

Are the Suunto Wing 2 headphones worth the investment?

If you already possess a quality set of earbuds or bone conduction headphones, determining the right moment to upgrade can be tricky. Constantly swapping for every new model could mean too many earbuds cluttering your space. Nevertheless, the debut of Suunto’s Wing 2 feels unique, especially as it aligns with the release of the Race 2 watch.

For sound enthusiasts, these headphones are appealing. The Wing 2 headphones provide a deeper, more impactful bass and clearer mids and highs through enhanced metal components and optimized EQ. The maximum volume has increased by 5 dB from the prior model, allowing you to truly elevate your music while setting new personal bests. Furthermore, the bone conduction technology significantly reduces sound leakage compared to conventional headphones.

If you enjoy the Wing 1 headphones, this version marks a considerable upgrade, especially in terms of design. The Wing 2 headphones have a lighter, sleeker shell, improving both comfort and sound quality. The weight distribution has been adjusted forward for enhanced comfort and to keep the earbuds secure during prolonged use and vigorous workouts.

You can pick from two colors: all black or coral orange, showcasing that style can go hand in hand with functionality. Plus, the integrated LED lights feature two motion-activated lighting modes, perfect for nighttime runs. In Turn and Brake Mode, lights show direction and alert others when slowing down, while Cadence Sync Mode aligns lights with your running pace. Although untested, we speculate that cool flashing lights might even help improve your speed.

For those familiar with tough weather, these headphones still perform exceptionally well. Dual microphones and advanced noise-canceling technology ensure your music stands out amidst wind and ambient noise, supported by a metal filter that lessens wind noise at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Now, addressing battery life. For those preparing for long distances such as marathons or triathlons, reliable headphones are crucial. The Wing 2 headphones offer up to 12 hours of uninterrupted playback and a total of 36 hours with the accompanying power bank. Should you forget to charge them before going out, a swift five-minute charge yields an hour and a half of listening.

While the list of vital features could stop here, the neck mobility and posture sensors are remarkable. These sensors assist in evaluating cervical range of motion, monitoring recovery from injuries, or refining training posture. If poor posture remains an issue (guilty as charged), gentle reminders encourage you to realign your form. This function is particularly impressive.

Although we haven’t performed a comprehensive review of these headphones yet, our first impressions are favorable. Offered at $179 on Amazon, if you are in the market for running headphones that stand out in performance, these are certainly worth a look.