LG HBS-730

When this arrived, it came in a little plastic bag and it had REFURB-W in orange stamped onto the left arm, next to the LG sticker. As you can imagine I was a little skeptical given it is being sold as "Retail Packaging". I read other reviews some saying that you can't run with it, or that it was difficult, others saying it was fine - so I was concerned about that also - given the primary reason I purchased it was to run outside.So my first run, I paired it up with my iPhone 5s (worked in 2 seconds), it was easy enough and the little voice told me how much battery I had left etc. Started my Nike app with my running playlist and popped the iPhone into my back pocket and started to run. The music was quite quiet, and it kept cutting out every 2 seconds, so I took the iPhone out of my back pocket to check the volume and the music started playing fine. Turned the volume up to max on the phone and down a bit on the headset and the volume was now great. Put the phone back into my back pocket and the sound kept cutting out again. I took the phone out of my pocket again (I don't use any cover or anything and my iPhone pairs really well with all other Bluetooth devices I use) and while holding it in my hand the music played perfectly again. So clearly the Bluetooth was being blocked by my body and so couldn't reach the iPhone in my back pocket. My running shorts only have 1 pocket and I was 2km from home by this point, so I had to run the next 8km with the phone in my hand - which was very annoying! About every 500m the earphones started to feel like they were going to fall out (I have normal size ear canals - and use the medium size proper full in-ear earphones with no problem), and the sound got quieter and quieter as they moved further out of position - so I had to keep pushing them back in. After about 5km even when I pushed the earpiece back in the sound was still quiet, so I checked the earpieces for blockages etc - and they were fine. By this time I was 5km from home and ready to give these headphones the worst review of my life on Amazon - that would show LG!Anyway - the songs had become almost inaudible, gradually getting quieter and quieter as I continued to run - I figured the battery must be running out or something. While skipping over a song using the on-board remote, I inadvertently pressed the play/pause button (which actually gave me a update on how far I had run instead of pausing for some reason), suddenly the music started blaring out really loudly again. Eventually I got home - slightly less annoyed as the volume on the music had remained high for the rest of the run.On a bright note, the device stays underneath your top (t-shirt) even when running at a very fast pace, and doesn't bounce around (I think other reviewers maybe had the device outside their t-shirt and it does bounce around a lot). I now wear my running shorts backwards, so the pocket is at the front - which works well and I have swapped the standard earphones for a pair of the proper in ear ones (from my Etymotics headphones - not part of this item). The volume problem hasn't occurred again, the Bluetooth doesn't cut out now, and the earpieces don't fall out of my ears.Other reviews had problems with the buttons not working - I haven't experience that - the forward track/backward track works with the iPhone and Nike app, the volume control works fine after the initial problem - and is has good range. You can answer the phone and use it - the sounds is great, and the microphone is crystal clear for the person on the other end.So all in all - 3 stars as a device for running with - because it would be much better if I didn't have to wear my running shorts backwards! For gym exercise the earpieces probably stay in fine - and I guess you generally don't put the phone in your back pocket because you would sit on it.

I loved my HBS-700 until I dropped them and they smashed - my fault. Instantly went to buy another 700 and saw the 730 so thought I'd give them a try. Here's my comparison between the two:VOLUME:The 730's main flaw is that you have only a limited amount of variation on the volume via the headset (plus 3 or minus 3 from the phone setting). This means you have to use the phone volume to turn it to an 'average' volume and then the headset controls will only go up another 3 or down another 3 notches. This isn't restricted on the 700. It's like having a remote control for your TV but if you want to turn it right the way down, having to get up and change the 'average' volume on the TV itself. Unacceptable, especially if you work in environments where noise factor is very variable. However, on both headsets the volume level is easily loud enough for most circumstances.Winner: HBS-700EASE OF USE:Both headsets have a very simple button configuration and I've never had a problem with my head movement pressing any of the buttons inadvertently (as mentioned in another review). The headsets have a next/previous pair of buttons plus a play/pause button on the right side of the headset; and the volume controls and call button on the left side with a sliding on/off switch. Simple enough. The design is great in that the call and play'pause buttons are the ones at the front of the headset so easily accessed under your collar.One thing I do like about the 730 over the 700 is the voice information as you turn the device on. It will tell you the battery level (high, medium, low, very low please charge now) and the connection status (connected, ready to pair).Winner: HBS-730.COMFORT:Both headsets are exactly the same as far as I can tell. The earplugs are very comfortable and fit perfectly (something I've often had loads of trouble with) and you do get three different sizes of buds. I use them for both sweaty physical stuff and sometimes listening to the radio in bed and both work very well. The earbuds don't slide out if I'm having a particularly sweaty workout so perfect in that respect. The neckband itself doesn't ever seem to get caught on my skin (I often wear only a T-Shirt) and under a shirt collar it's no issue at all. Would be nice if they were a little lighter, but that's nit-picking.Winner: DRAWSOUND QUALITY:Excellent from both headsets, especially considering the fact that you cannot plug in your own earphones (something that definitely worried me when buying them first time). The 730 has a deeper bass sound but not so much so that you can really notice it day-to-day (I like music but I'm not an aficionado). If you really concentrate then you can notice that the 730 gives a more enveloping sound than the 700 but I'd have to say if there's a big price difference between the two headsets I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you really are looking for that extra richness that the 730 gives you.Winner: HBS-730CONCLUSION:For me, the biggest bug bear is the volume on the HBS-730. I managed to fix the 700 that I broke (hence why I decided to do this comparison review) and I often find myself using the 700 when I know I'm going to have to be using the volume a lot. Both sets perform very well, however. I'm just glad I managed to rescue my HBS-700 as they are still as good as the HBS-730. I would personally make the deciding factor on the price and how much you really need a slightly richer sound from the 730. If it's just radio you listen to a work then definitely go for the 700 and save yourself a few pounds. For those who like a more enveloping music experience and always have it set at maximum volume anyway, then the 730 is the way to go. You'll be happy either way I reckon.