Ooh, la, la Auria

A few months ago, I bought a pair of Yurbuds. After my Bean thought the earbuds I have been using for the last few years looked like a fun toy and took one of the earpieces off and lost it, I just couldn't get them to work with the larger earpieces. So I consulted eBay and bought a pair of Ironman Yurbuds. With my history of unhappiness with earphones, fifty bucks was too much to justify spending, but I'd heard so many good things from other bloggers about them so I found a brand new pair on eBay for half the price.

The hubs got my hand-me-downs with the larger earpieces, and I started using my Yurbuds. After the first try, I contacted Yurbuds and asked if they came in something smaller than a size 5. They don't. I have fairly small ears and have a hard time finding earphones that don't hurt. I figured since Yurbuds came in multiple sizes, I would be good to go. Not so much. The Yurbuds "worked." But I didn't love them.

Then I was contacted by Auria and asked if I would be interested in testing out their Exceed earphones. About a week later, I got these in the mail:

I was so excited to test them out! I tried them out on a shorter run and then the next day on an eight miler.

My lovely attempt at a self-portrait while on the treadmill modeling my Exceed earphones

I can honestly say these are as close to perfect as earphones can come for me. Here's why:

• They fit! They don't hurt my ears. They don't fall out. They come with four sizes of ECO rings to ensure the best fit for any ears, even mine.


• The in-line control is awesome. I have a multi-touch iPod Nano, so it isn't easy to change the playlist while I am running. I also have to choose whether I want the power button to change the songs or pause them; it doesn't do both. With Exceed's in-line control, I can easily change the song, pause it, and turn the volume up or down. There is also a model designed for runners who place their cords under their shirts, but I have actually worn my Exceed earphones under my shirt and just clip the cord to my sports bra so the in-line control stays above my shirt.


• Auria thought of everything. You can tell that some real thought and testing went into these earphones. They sound great while also allowing me to hear ambient sounds, which is great for runners who wear them outside. For me it's good when I'm on Millie and my girls are in bed so The Princess can't sneak up on me and send me flying across the room with one of her many excuses to get out of bed.


• You get to choose between three color options. I went with Glacier White, although the Black/Hot Pink ones were tempting. The third color is Carbon Black (with blue trim).


• Personalization!! The personalizers allow you to make a statement, to make them yours. I plan on adding these to my earphones ASAP:
  

Here's a little more info about the Exceed earphones from the Auria website:

In-the-box
Exceed earphones with stylized Personalizers
and Small-sized ECO rings
One (1) luxury carrying case, ultra-soft mesh
fiber
One (1) additional set of Personalizers with alternate graphics
Three (3) additional sets of ECO rings: Small-Conical, Medium, and Large

Specs
Compatibility: All iPods, iPhone 4/3GS/3G,
Zune, Zen, DVD players and CD players
Speaker driver: Expanded band design
and neodymium magnet
Frequency response: 50-18000 Hz
Plug: 3.5mm
diameter, L-shaped, gold plated
Impedance: 32 ohms

Price
$33.99

And like I said, there is also the Provoke model that comes without the in-line control. And Auria has a third model, the Zeal earphones with nano technology speakers. You can find out more about all of Auria's earphones and accessories (be sure to check out all the personalizers) HERE.

Looks like the hubs will be getting a set of slightly used Yurbud earphones, at least until he tries my Exceed earphones and wants his own pair. And you never know, there might just be something in it for you. (Do I see a giveaway in the I Have Run future???)

* I was provided one set of Exceed earphones free of charge. The opinions expressed above are my own.