[martin99]

So far the list of casualties is approximately as follows.

Ultimate ears 5 ( on my 3rd pair, all replaced under warrantee, problems have been firstly the cable, and while that was been replaced the ear piece disintegrated!))
Sony? Wire broke at ear piece
Shure EC'2s as above
Senheiser CX350 plug has come apart...
and several others..

No I'm happy to admit I'm a ham fisted oaf, however can anyone recommend a sturdy set of phones that wont self destruct in 13 months. ( i keep the UE's for sunday best)

[Drubbing]

They're all pretty much the same; you sacrifice durability for compactness.

If you've toasted even some good ones, it's going to come down to treating them more gently - no getting around that.

Having said that, don't know if anyone sells them where you are, but the Vsonic Ro2pro2 are quite robust. Nice thick cord and 'durable-looking' drivers.

Sound 50 times better than a CX300 too for around the same price (at least here in Aus they are). Dark, bassy but not overwhelming, recessed treble and good mids.