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This Old Runner Writes

 

Review of Padmate S30 Bone Conduction Headphones + 20% Discount Code

2/20/2022

 
Disclaimer: I received a pair of Padmate S30 Bone Conduction Headphones to test and review. Opinions are my own. 

New! Padmate S30 Bone Conduction Headphones

Padmate just released their newest product, the Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones. They sent me a pair  before launch to test and review. 
I tested my Padmate S30s while running (of course), working and painting for over two weeks.

If you're curious about bone conduction headphones, keep reading for a full review. Grab my 20% OFF discount code at the end of this article!
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Image Credit: Padmate

What's in the Box?

My Padmate S30 headphones arrived in a box inside a padded envelope. Inside the box were the wireless bluetooth headphones, earplugs and a USB Type C charging cord.

The box has a custom cutout foam layer that cradles the headphones and accessories box. Everything arrived intact. There was a quick guide card with user instructions and tips.
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I appreciate the minimalist packaging. My headphones arrived in perfect condition. (Image: ThisOldRunner)
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The USB Type C cord lets me plug into a computer or USB outlet to charge. (Image: ThisOldRunner)

Padmate S30 Color Options

The headphones sent to me were black, but they're available in orange and green, too. I like the black ones for both work and play.

​I'm thinking orange for my next pair — who wouldn't feel energized running in bright colors?!
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Padmate S30 Gray with Orange Headphones
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Padmate S30 Green Headphones

5 Reasons I Wear Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones are perfect for people who like to listen to music or podcasts while exercising outside. Below are my top 5 reasons for wearing Padmate S30s.
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Situational awareness is easy with the open ear design. (Image Credit: Padmate)
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You can wear Padmates S30 with glasses and hats. (Image Credit: Padmate)

1. Situational Awareness

I love listening to music or podcasts while running. But, when you're wearing earbuds or over ear headphones all you hear is your music. That's not good if you run in the city like I do.

After a couple of scary situations, I reassessed my earbuds. First, I went to wearing just one. Next, I discovered bone conduction headphones, and that changed everything.

Open ear bone conduction headphones let me stay aware of my environment. I can hear traffic. I know when another runner, biker or hiker is approaching from behind. I can say hello to a friend or neighbor without shouting over my music.

​I always feel safe and aware of my surroundings in Padmate S30 headphones.

2. Lightweight and Flexible

For me, there's nothing worse than carrying a lot of  stuff on a run. I don't want a tangle of cords or extra things to hold. 

Often, I forget I'm wearing Padmate S30 headphones because they're lightweight (26 grams). They slip over my ear lobes and rest on the bone in front of my ear. 

The flexible headband and pods make it easy to open them wide and wrap around my ears. If I want to take them off, but keep them close, I rest them around my neck. 

They retain their shape, so they stay put. The smooth, light plastic is secure and pleasant in both positions. 

3. Easy to Wear with Glasses and Hats

I live in Florida. That means a hat and sunnies is non-negotiable when running. One of the best things about these headphones is I can comfortably wear them WITH both a hat and sunglasses.

4. Hands Free Calls 

The built-in microphone lets me take and make phone calls on the Padmate S30. I can answer or end a call with a single click while hiking, biking, running, gardening or walking.

I love this feature when I'm expecting a call but don't want to delay my workout. Even better, I can use my headphones to coordinate post-race meet ups — while I'm still running the race.

5. Sweat Proof and Water-Resistant

Again, I live in Florida so sweating and rain are always part of my running experience.

​
The Padmate S30 is water-resistant. That means it resists and repels water to some degree, but not entirely. You can't submerge the headphones in a pool. You can wear them during a super sweaty strenuous workout or a run in wet weather. 

​
There's a flap over the charging port to keep it safe from moisture. I love running in the rain, so water-resistance is important to me.

There are other benefits, like hearing protection and NO APP required, but these are my top 5 non-negotiables for my running headphones.

Specifications

  • Wireless Bluetooth 5.0
  • Charging Time: 1.5-2 Hours
  • Music and Call Time: 8 Hours
  • Standby Time: 15 Days
  • Connection Distance: 10 Yards
  • IPX5 Rated Water and Sweat Resistant
  • USB Charging Cord
  • Charge Using DC5V Charger or Computer
  • Charge at Least Every 2 Months to Maintain Battery Performance
  • Use a Dry Towel to Clean Sweat and Water Off Surface
  • Allow to Dry Completely (2 hours) Before Charging
  • Sounds Best at Medium Volume
  • Extreme High Volume May Cause Vibration and Discomfort

Function Button

Padmate S30 operates using one multi-function button. On the outer right side of the headphones is the microphone and function button. 
Close up of function button on Padmate S30 headphones.
Multi-function button is used to power on and off, pause, use an assistant like Siri or Google, and advance to next song. (Image Credit: ThisOldRunner)
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Padmate S30 comes with a USB Type 5 charging cord can be used with a computer or DC5V charger. (Image Credit: ThisOldRunner)
How the Function Button Works:
  • Press 2-3 seconds to power on or off

  • Click 1x to Pause or Play
  • Click 1x to Answer or End a Call

  • Click 2x to Call Your Assistant ("Hey Siri" or "Okay Google" or "Alexa")

  • Click 3x to Advance to Next Song
    ​
  • Click 4x to Return to Previous Song

I really like that the button clicks 'cause it gives you audible confirmation. But, the number of clicks needed can be clunky if you're doing it on the run.

There's no volume button on the headphones. If you sync to a phone or computer and want to change the volume you must do it on your device.

Lack of volume control is disappointing, but not a deal breaker for me. If I encounter a friend while I'm running, I click 1x to pause my music while we chat. 
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Close the flap over the charging port before use to keep moisture out. (Image Credit: ThisOldRunner)
Water resistant Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones shown in orange and gray model.
Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones are water-resistant and water-repellant. Water and sweat won't penetrate the plastic case, but you cannot immerse them in water because of the charging port. Simply wipe your headphones with a towel after workouts to keep them clean and dry. (Image Credit: Padmate)

My Conclusion After Two Weeks of Testing

​Padmate lets me choose my playlist or podcast, hit play and go. I love that.
​
I had a good experience with these headphones. They held their charge for at least 8 hours. (Maybe longer!)

I like the way they fit on my head. They stayed put during long runs and sweaty hill repeats. 

When using them with my computer and phone they stayed connected. I could travel at least 10 yards away before losing my connection. That's useful when working from home.

Padmate provides ear plugs in case you want to plug your ears and just listen. This should only be done when you're in a safe place, like traveling on a plane or sitting in your living room. But remember, bone conduction headphones aren't designed to provide over-the-ear headphone sound quality.

The Padmate S30 is the perfect companion for hands-free music and calls while working out.

​Is there anything I'd change about these affordable, comfy headphones?
I'd add volume controls to the headset if the price stayed the same. Otherwise, I'm good.

​If you're looking for an affordable pair of headphones for walking, biking, running, HIIT workouts, gardening, etc., grab the discount code below and get a pair.

SAVE 20% on Padmate S30 with My Discount Code

The Padmate S30 bone conduction headphones retail for just $59. Use my 20% off code "RUNNER20" and the price drops to $47.20.

They are definitely worth the price if you're looking for safe, functional headphones that let you maintain situational awareness. 

Free Shipping in USA Only

If you live in the USA, Padmate will ship for FREE.

If you use my discount "RUNNER20" and live in the USA, your headphones cost $47.20 DELIVERED!

​That's a great price for entry level bone conduction headphones!
Photo of Padmate S30 checkout using discount code RUNNER20 to SAVE 20%
SAVE 20% on Padmate S30 Bone Conduction Headphones When You Use Discount Code "RUNNER20" at Checkout

#PadmateS30 #BoneConductionHeadphones #Padmate #SportsHeadphones #Discount #RunnerGear #PromoCode #ThisOldRunner #GearDiscounts #Headphones

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  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Brand Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races >
      • REVIEW: 2021 Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K 5K
      • Hot Chocolate 15K Watercolor Journal
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts