The Suunto Wing 2 bone conduction headset emerges as a sophisticated evolution of its predecessor, refined in both design and performance while maintaining the features that originally set the series apart. Retailing at $179 in either a sleek black or a vibrant coral orange finish, the Wing 2 positions itself not only as a practical tool for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts but also as a technologically advanced piece of audio equipment that emphasizes both safety and convenience. For individuals who rely on music as a source of drive and endurance during strenuous workouts, this headset proves particularly compelling. In my own training, music is more than background noise—it is an essential motivator, particularly the energetic rhythms of classic rock. For this reason, I require a headset that seamlessly connects with my smartwatch or smartphone while delivering clarity, durability, and comfort. Over time, I have found bone conduction headphones to be unmatched in terms of comfort and wearability during exercise, and among the many I have tested, the Suunto Wing 2 clearly stands out as the most impressive in years.
Reflecting on my testing experience with the original Suunto Wing model, I recall being highly satisfied with its built-in LED safety lighting, extended battery capacity, and innovative head motion–based controls. The successor takes this foundation to new levels of refinement: the Wing 2 now introduces enhanced audio clarity, the addition of two extra safety light functions, and all of this at a lower launch price point—$20 less than its predecessor. By incorporating these improvements, Suunto has effectively created a device that exemplifies the current pinnacle of bone conduction performance for athletes and commuters alike.
Another dimension of the Suunto Wing 2 worth emphasizing is its integration with the company’s ecosystem of watches, such as the recently released Suunto Race 2. When paired together, the headphones provide voice feedback in real time, reading aloud key training metrics such as pace, distance, and heart rate. This feature is particularly advantageous because it reduces the need to glance repeatedly at a watch mid-run or mid-ride, keeping one’s focus undistracted while ensuring precise awareness of performance statistics. This type of seamless technology integration demonstrates how hardware previously thought of as separate—watches for fitness tracking and headphones for audio—can now collaborate fluidly to elevate training routines.
From a physical design perspective, the Wing 2 prioritizes both stability and user safety. Its behind-the-neck structure guarantees a secure fit even during high-intensity exercise that involves vigorous movement or sudden directional changes. Equally important, the open-ear bone conduction format allows users to remain fully attuned to their surroundings while enjoying music or voice prompts, a crucial benefit for pedestrians, cyclists, and runners in urban or mixed-use environments. Such situational awareness can mean the difference between safety and risk, making this design highly practical for outdoor training.
Battery life remains another signature strength. The headset itself can operate for up to 12 hours per charge, and with the inclusion of a portable battery bank—provided in the box—users gain an additional 24 hours of playback time. Fast-charging capabilities mean that a mere 10-minute recharge yields up to three hours of listening, ensuring minimal downtime even for demanding schedules. Suunto’s decision to improve upon its original charging cradle by redesigning elements on the Wing 2 further underscores this focus on practicality. By shifting to a single elongated button layout, the design now accommodates a universal USB-C charging port, which adds the flexibility of quick charging through standard cables as well as enabling on-the-go charging directly through the bank when necessary.
Beyond power management, usability has also been enhanced through the inclusion of a multi-function button located at the outer edge above the ear. This button provides convenient access to a wide array of functions, from activating LED lights to calling up voice assistant services, as well as managing calls, songs, and various unique motion controls that utilize head gestures. In doing so, Suunto has succeeded in streamlining the user experience without overcomplicating the interface.
A major point of advancement with the Wing 2 lies in its expanded safety lighting system. Building upon the already effective LED safety lights of the original Wing, the newer headset introduces specialized cycling features such as turn and brake signals. When in this mode, a turn of the head activates the corresponding side LED, effectively functioning as a turn indicator for cyclists, while deceleration or coming to a halt produces a flashing pattern on both lights to alert vehicles or pedestrians following behind. Additionally, the cadence sync mode, designed with runners in mind, rhythmically pulses the lights in harmony with an individual’s gait, enhancing nighttime visibility much like a personal beacon. For those who train outdoors after dark, this illumination feature dramatically improves visibility to both vehicles and fellow pedestrians, mitigating potential risks.
While music is my primary focus during workouts, I occasionally need to stay reachable by phone. Suunto accommodates this with dual microphones enhanced by AI-powered environmental noise reduction and a fine metal mesh designed to filter disruptive wind. This ensures conversations remain intelligible on both ends, even when moving at brisk speeds—Suunto claims clarity is maintained at velocities approaching 30 kilometers per hour. For trail runners, hikers, and outdoor athletes who occasionally need to take calls in unpredictable environments, such robust communication capability is invaluable.
Ultimately, the Wing 2 demonstrates Suunto’s clear commitment to elevating functionality while retaining the safety-first ethos that distinguished the series from the beginning. By integrating refined light controls, notable sound upgrades, and optimized charging versatility, the Wing 2 emerges as not merely an incremental update but rather a holistic reimagining that targets the genuine needs of outdoor athletes. Paired with a Suunto watch, this headset becomes a comprehensive training companion, offering auditory support and critical performance insights in tandem. It is worth noting, however, that neither the Wing 2 nor Suunto’s watches currently support integrated applications for popular streaming platforms like Spotify, which could be a limitation for users who rely heavily on subscription-based music services. Nonetheless, as a seamless blend of safety, technological sophistication, and ergonomic design, the Suunto Wing 2 defines a new standard for bone conduction headsets.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/i-put-my-shokz-away-within-seconds-of-testing-these-bone-conduction-headphones/
