Sony SRF-M80V S2 Sports Walkman Arm Band Radio with FM/AM, TV and Weather Channels
Sony’s lightweight SRFM80V S2 Sports Walkman fits snugly into a supplied wrap-around arm band for hands-free listening during workouts or travel. The radio’s ergonomic S2 Sports design places all function controls for easy access, and its LED is conveniently angled for easy reading when you’re on the run. Furthering its suitability for athletic training, the SRFM80V includes a stop watch with a single-button split timer. And, if you’d rather not wear the device on an arm, just affix the built-in belt clip to a waistband. Radio features include drift-free digital tuning across the weather, TV (VHF channels 2 to 13), and AM/FM stereo bands. And with the SRFM80V, weather is no obstacle–its water-resistant design blocks out moisture, and dirt (though do keep in mind that it’s not made for submersion in water). A local/distant (DX) switch optimizes reception of both near and distant stations, and a power-off timer shuts off the Walkman at your preset time to conserve batter (more…)
I purchased this to replace my old sports walkman when I forgot to take it with me on a month long overseas trip. I loved my old one (don’t have a model number, it’s about 10 years old). The reception was great, I could change stations by feel, and it took whatever abuse I gave it, which typically included dropping it on the pavement at least once a week.
I have to say I’m a bit disappointed with the SRF-M80V. When shopping I immediately noticed all the changes, and assumed they would all be for the better, but not so.
Pros: It’s lightweight, and the shape fits nicely on my arm. Running with it strapped to my arm doesn’t bug me the way I thought it might, and it’s a nice change from the radio pulling on my shorts. There is the option to strap it onto your shorts, but since it seems OK on my arm, I haven’t tried it yet. The reception equals the reception on my old one, and I’ve never had any complaints. The headphones are lightweight, and they’ve shortened the cord, which keeps the excess from flopping around, but limits what you can do with it. I’ve only dropped this one a couple times, and it hasn’t suffered, but the battery compartment does pop open.
Cons: It brags of 25 presets, but you can’t really do it by feel since they are numbered, and not just an up/down button. When I’m running, I’m not particular as long as it’s music and not talking. Scanning up and down worked pretty well for me. Grabbing my left arm with my right hand and looking slightly down to see what I’m doing while running is a bit awkward. Don’t know if it would be better hooked on my shorts or not. The buttons are not recessed, so if you bump anything you get instant station change, or even worse, just a tap up or down on the station you are on. You can use the “hold” feature to avoid this, but then you have to take it off hold if you want to change stations. I should probably purchase different headphones, but I’m trying to avoid spending the money. The headphones are OK, not great, not terrible. The short cord was annoying this morning when I hooked the radio to my camelbak for a bike ride and it kept pulling the phones back because it wasn’t long enough to drape over the backpack and up into my helmet. The worst feature is the volume control. For active sports, an up/down button would work best. Surprisingly they stuck with the dial method. And the placement couldn’t be worse. Everytime I grab this thing, I inadvertently hit that volume dial. I cannot count the number of times I have almost come out of my skin when I either turn it on and it’s been turned up too loud, or when I change the station and accidentally grab the volume dial. A word of advice: don’t ever turn this thing on with the headphones on your head, it could damage your hearing.
It’s nice that this radio has AM/FM/TV/WB, not that I can use anything but FM right now (living in the outback). Perhaps I will appreciate the 25 presets more when I get back to the states. But for me, since I use this radio exclusively for running and cycling, simpler would be better. A sports walkman designed for a blind person would be perfect for me, as I don’t want to look at it when I’m using it. If you’re looking for a portable radio with lots of features, you might like this. If you’re looking for something simple to use that will provide distraction from your own heavy breathing when exercising, think before buying this one.
When my older Sports Walkman finally died after inadvertent total water immersion, I originally replaced it with a SANGEAN clone from Radio Shack based on the sound quality – The Walkman had been a trooper, but was lacking in this regard. When, after a couple of months, the new radio proved inappropriate for my somewhat rough use, I got the new SONY S2. WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE!! I can find nothing to dislike here – design, features, quality are all superior. The sound quality easily surpasses that of the SANGEAN. It is easy to tune and reception of weaker stations is far better than any portable radio I’ve owned. For my purposes, I also find the volume control much easier to manipulate since the radio is typically out of sight when I’m using it- clipped to my waist in back or in a back pocket. Although I rarely use the armband, it is functional and comfortable. The clip, because of its design, holds better than those on previous models. Since I use it on outdoor treks I also find the weather band button helpful. I did a lot of shopping around before buying this radio and I don’t see how you can even come close to the features and quality for the price. The folks at SONY should give themselves a big pat on the back for having provided true innovation in this model. I liken my feelings about it to a commercial tagline for the vehicle I drive – “Everything you need, nothing you don’t.”
I find eabuds more functional than the headphones supplied, so it might be nice if they were offered as an option.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Switch from analog signal
I have owned this radio for years. I loved it. I listened to tv during my ten mile walks. However, I realized today that the tv part no longer works due to the switch from analog…
5.0 out of 5 stars
BUILT Sony TOUGH
I’m honestly very surprised at the reports of bad reception and shoddy construction. We *ARE* talking about the Sony S2 Sports Walkman Arm Band Radio with FM/AM, TV and Weather…
5.0 out of 5 stars
I felt obligated YES IT’S GOOD….
If anything I’m a gym aficionado when it comes to radio’s…. The iPods these day’s are superior especially when new abilities are coming out (no question about it).
2.0 out of 5 stars
Worked for 1 year
This product died after 1 year of use. The armband needed to be replaced a few months earlier, but I couldn’t find one online or at stores.
1.0 out of 5 stars
SAVE YOUR MONEY!!
I have owned many Sony Walkman radios. They have declined in quality over the years. I threw this one away because the quality was so inferior.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice radio but strap wears out over time
I really like the radio. It gives great reception and does the job well. The only drawback I have is the velcro armband strap that wears out over time.
5.0 out of 5 stars
How I Learned To LOVE This SRF-M80V Walkman!!
I bought this SRF-M80V Walkman about 4 years ago from Radio Shack because I like the features. AM/FM/TV digital tuning, 20 preset stations.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Despite Flaws, I Have Few Complaints
Despite the low ratings that other reviewers have given the Sony SRF-M80V S2, I’ve been pretty pleased with mine.
5.0 out of 5 stars
It Works Great For Me
I’ve had one of these for years. I use it every morning to listen to an NPR station that is about 50 miles away. Reception has been fine virtually everytime I’ve used it.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Decent…Needs Some Improvements
I like the channel preset buttons and the stop watch feature but…I do not like the volume control.