I want to have music in my upcoming marathon without fear of being disqualified for having headphones. Doing a google search, I found these Safe Sound Personal Speakers (SSPS-1) made by Safe Sound Sports. They only cost $19.95 and had free shipping. They arrived very fast, like only two days later. I was excited to try them out.
First, the speakers are powered by the mp3. I hooked them up to my iPod Shuffle and turned it on. I could barely hear anything. I turned up the volume to the max, and I could hear a little better, but they were still really quiet. I had planned to wear them on a lanyard, but I think that I would barely be able to hear them.
Speaking of lanyard…The website says “Safe Sound Personal Speakers can be worn as a lanyard, hanging around the neck which is great for guys who like to exercise with their shirt off.” There was no lanyard in the package. No problem. I looked for someway to attach a lanyard to the speakers, but didn’t see any. I finally figured out that you are supposed to use the speaker wires themselves as the lanyard. I don’t like this design as the wires would be too easy to rip out of the speakers if they snagged something. I do like the way the speaker snap together though. I just wish they had a small hole or something to attached a regular adjustable lanyard. But then wearing them on a lanyard, I don’t think there would be very audible.
Okay, next I tried attaching them to the collar of my running shirt. I don’t have singlet with strap to attach them to like the cute girl in the picture on the website. The speakers were pointing outward and looked kind of goofy attached to my collar. But they were a little more easy to hear placed here. Another location I tried attaching them was on the band of my running hat. I actually liked this location best. The speakers were a little closer to my ears. What I might try to do is see if I can secure the ipod shuffle to my hat, and the speakers as well. So if I take off my hat, everything will still be attached.
The clips on the back of the speakers are plastic and will attach securely to fabric. The clips are pretty tight, and might break is you try to attach them to anything too thick. The clips will also detach from the back of the speakers if they are to be use in a lanyard more.
I trying hooping up the speakers to my 1gig Sandisk Sansa. It has a little more wattage than the Ipod shuffle. So the music coming out of the speakers was a little louder. So they may work better with a louder mp3 player.
I was just playing with them in the house. I will trying hooking them up to something, and trying them during a short run.
I have also been researching bone-conduction systems. I found one made in Japan called the VONIA Bone Conduction Sports Headband made by Thanko. But it isn’t supposed to be released to the US till maybe late March. I will keep looking.
I got mine yesterday lol told ya I would panic! I like them. I too use a shuffle and I attached them to the bill of my ballcap, pointed down towards my face and IMO for me they are plently loud. I also clip my shuffle to my cap so then all the wires can be tucked under the cap which means no snagging! Of course all of these opinions are based on about 10 mins of use. I might change some of my love for them
Comment by washgirl — January 11, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Hey Washgirl. I am still going to play with them. Did you bin your wires to the under side of the cap, or will they fall out when you take the hat off? I just had an idea of attaching the shuffle to the bill of the cap also. Then I could just have the wire tied with a twist tie. I will have to try that when I get home tonight. I am glad you like them! The jury is still out for me.
Comment by Rob — January 11, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Do you think it will be loud enough to be used outdoor ?
Comment by Play Free Games — January 11, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
I think this speakers will decrease the players battery life or shorter playing time, as it consumes more power rather than headphones.
Comment by domeinregistratie — January 11, 2008 @ 2:22 pm
I don’t think they will use more battery power then headphones at the same volume setting. For me, it only needs to last three and a half hours.
Comment by Rob — January 11, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
I did not pin the wires up yet but thought about that earlier. I have one speaker on the brim right at my temple I did have the shuffle on the brim briefly but it annoyed me sight wise…so I ended up putting it on the hat next to my ear. Made it much easier to turn it up and down. Yes I did get outside with it today and it worked just fine while I was running roadside….I did wear it today while I worked too and felt the need to turn it down while inside a house but I could still hear it. My kids said they hear it real well while they are in the same room with me….Still lovin it! (But as stated before I have a box of crap I used to love lol)
Comment by washgirl — January 11, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
LOL wish I could edit…I have both speakers on the brim right at the edge where it meets the hat….And looking at my cap that I usually wear I will be using the hem thing to put the wires in and maybe put a pin or velcro there to keep it in…..
Comment by washgirl — January 11, 2008 @ 10:39 pm
The ipod has a feature that allows a person to set the maximum output of the ipod. It can be modified when your ipod is hooked up to your computer. Some mp3′s we tested were underpowered, but for the most part the speakers will work with the majority of units on the market. I just use a $20 dollar armband FM radio I got at Target and it’s plenty loud. Enjoy!
Comment by Chris — January 12, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
Terrible company to do business with.
I have waited 4 weeks for my order – and when I actually managed to speak to some retard named Chris (who i guess runs the company) the response i got was “oh yeah, I’m a little behind”
Terrible – don’t waste your time.
Comment by Deeqin — August 6, 2010 @ 5:41 pm
When I ordered my headphones from Safe Sound on 7/27/10, there was no shipping options, so I called and left a message. I have since sent messages and called, with no response. I agree with Deeqin (above) that SAFE SOUND IS A TERRIBLE COMPANY AND I AM CONSIDERING REPORTING THEM TO THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL. I STILL HAVEN’T GOTTEN MY HEADPHONES OR A RESPONSE!
Comment by Anne — August 12, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
I have called several times, sent emails and no response
I’m likely out the money on these. I would not reccomend this company to anyone.
Comment by Ken Patterson — August 12, 2010 @ 5:44 pm
I too ordered a set (silver) on 7/27/10. It said free delivery. I have been waiting for these to come in the mail. I went online today and checked my receipt and it says NOT YET SHIPPED. I called the number listed and left a voicemail but I am guessing I won’t hear anything back. I did check my credit card statement and noticed I haven’t been charged for this but have a receipt showing payment. I have a race in 2 weeks.. I’m bummed.
Comment by Ash — August 14, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Ya, these guys suck. I’m not planning to receive mine that I ordered weeks ago. They don’t return calls or emails.
Comment by Pissed — August 16, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
Wow! Sorry you guys are having such issues with them. I got mine. Wasn’t too impressed. Most marathons have lifted the ban on headphones, so I just wear my headphones. Have done a few races with no music such as my two Ironman races where mp3 players are banned. Still prefer music when I can have it. I hope you get your speakers!
Comment by Rob — August 16, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
I did not even recieve the speakers. I tried to inquire as to a delivery date as i had a deadline and recieve no response from 3 emails and 4 voice mails. Find somewhere else unless you can wait for months for these speakers.
Their company has no idea how to do business.
Comment by Sarah — August 17, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
So glad I saw this string. I have been waiting 3 weeks for my order as well with no response to my 3 emails and when I tried to call the voicemail box was full and wouldn’t allow me to leave a message. Going to report to Better Business Bureau. I’m in sales and this is no way to have a successful sales business. However…does anyone have any other options? Running in a race in 5 days and they don’t allow earphones but will allow the speakers. Thanks!
Comment by Wende — August 23, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
WalMart.com as well as I believe Amazon.com sell a accessory kit that inclusdes passive speakers that you can clip to clothing. I’ve provided the description and link below. My co-worker had a pair and I tried them yesterday (although to just walk my dog) and I was pretty impressed. I walk in an area with traffic and non-traffice and seemed to work well. Plus good thing about walmart at least is easy return policy. I placed my order today. Hope this may help some of you.
Ematic 10-in-1 Universal Accessory Kit for iPod/iPhone and MP3 Players with 2 chargers
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ematic-10-in-1-Universal-Accessory-Kit-for-iPod-iPhone-and-MP3-Players-with-2-chargers/12509998
Comment by Janine — August 26, 2010 @ 7:30 am
Hello all,
My name is Garry. I own a company called Tuck Away Tunes. I designed a similar speaker system that is held in place by magnets. I answer my emails and phone calls. Feel free to check out my website or contact me if you have any questions. I appologize if this is considered spam, but I am just trying to help.
Thank you!
Garry Dean
Comment by Garry Dean — December 5, 2010 @ 1:21 am
After seeing this thread, I did check out “Tuck Way Tunes”, but the website does not appear to function. I went with the Safe Sound and couldn’t be happier. I ordered them on a Saturday and had them on Thursday morning. I didn’t notice any of the above issues. Thanks to the company for making a great product and for shipping quickly!
Comment by Amelia — September 29, 2011 @ 6:57 pm