Although the headphone market continues to burgeon with new models, it can be surprisingly tough to find a decent, fitness-friendly pair. A few companies, such as Sennheiser, have stepped up to the plate with sport-branded earphones, which feature design attributes meant to keep them secured on the head during activity. Now, we can add Sony to the list. The company has released an impressive array of Active Headphones, the $100 MDR-AS100W among them. These mostly well-designed earphones are a good option for the gym, with an adjustable over-the-head band that should work for just about any person looking for a secure fit. However, this set is not as comfortable, compact, or inexpensive as the fabulous MDR-AS50G.
Sony clearly did a lot of research into what is required of a sports-style headphone. Each set in the company's active line is lightweight and stays securely on the head during activity--the MDR-AS100W is no exception. These 'phones feature a thin, adjustable headband that works to keep the earbuds in place without putting undue weight on the head. However, the earbuds themselves aren't the most comfortable we've used. They have a bit of a unique design, with the standard hard plastic discs you find on stock earbuds (such as those that come with the iPod), which rest just inside the cartilage of the ear. The discs feature protrusions to which you attach the silicone ear fittings, which are then inserted into the ear to port in the audio and achieve the best possible sound. Unfortunately, the discs pressed uncomfortably on our ears, and despite Sony including three sizes of sleeves, we weren't able to truly fit the tips into our ears. On the plus side, the headphones are stylishly understated, with a black and silver band and just a hint of red accenting, so if the Sennheiser Sport line was a little too bright and flashy for you, the MDRs are a good alternative.
