When comparing Klipsch Image S4i Rugged vs GrizzlyBuds, the Slant community recommends Klipsch Image S4i Rugged for most people. In the question“What are the best rugged and durable earbuds & IEMs that last?” Klipsch Image S4i Rugged is ranked 7th while GrizzlyBuds is ranked 18th. The most important reason people chose Klipsch Image S4i Rugged is:
Klipsch S4 earphones have excellent response at both the high and low ends of the audible spectrum, providing clean and undistorted sound.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Crisp treble and solid bass
Klipsch S4 earphones have excellent response at both the high and low ends of the audible spectrum, providing clean and undistorted sound.
Pro Clear call quality
The built in mic provides a good experience when talking on the phone.
Pro Numerous controls accessed with 3 buttons
The S4i's buttons recognize combination presses, tap patterns and held buttons, allowing access to many features: call answering, voice control, song titles, etc. These controls are intended for use with iPhones.
Pro Very secure fit
These headphones come with four different sets of silicone plug tips, allowing a snug fit for nearly any size or shape of ear.
Pro Built for outdoor and sports use
Klipsch S4i Rugged earphones are designed to withstand extreme conditions in both activity and environment.
Pro Sustainable design
GrizzlyBuds are committed to reducing consumer waste. Each part can be individually replaced, meaning that no working parts need to be thrown away if just one piece breaks.
Pro Replacement parts are cheap
If one of the speakers goes out, it costs $14 to replace. If the cable goes out, it costs $11. Note that the assembled product is only $2 less than building it from parts.
Pro Good sound with excellent bass response
GrizzlyBuds' sound quality exceeds expectations for their price range.
Pro Extremely durable
Replaceable parts aside, GrizzlyBuds are built not to break in the first place. Earphone components are housed in aluminum cylinders, and the cable is reinforced with kevlar.
Cons
Con Controls are designed for Apple products
The built in controls are only guaranteed to work with iPhone 3GS and onward. (The Klipsch S4a, designed for Android devices, does not have a rugged version.)
Con Sketchy company
These originally appeared on Kickstarter as "IRONBuds", for which the company never delivered on their promised product. What they did deliver suffered from poor construction quality, and looks exactly like what is pictured here. The custom components that allow the parts to be swappable might have more value if they could be sourced from other companies or were held together with enough glue to keep them from falling apart in the first place.
Con No option for controls or mic
Despite a replaceable cable, GrizzlyBuds does not offer anything beyond basic headphone function.