It works perfectly without the case on but I don?t like to take the case off. These are the second most comfortable headphones Ive ever worn behind the Sennheiser 598, with both I can wear them for 8+ hours a day and completely forget that Im still wearing them at the end of the day. When they work, its great, but its getting to the point already where its dropping more than playing. Its easy to use with a single bike, and the bike goes on and off with no fuss. I needed a way to secure the smaller parts of my mobility scooter when using a lift with them and these are perfect. Its a pain to unfold and check, then refold and repack something that you are not really intending to use. Nice case and shock mount also a plus! I?m size nine. $80 for ONE waist eraser and NO refunds. And good luck pulling an earbud out to talk to someone without accidentally turning them back on.