About 10 months after I got my QC2s, which was the first Christmas after they were released, the headband cracked. I was on a UA flight from NRT-JFK at the time and the purser taped them up for me. They have lasted until now, well out of warranty, but a week ago the headband basically crumbled. So while I might be able to tape it back up in some fashion Im thinking of getting a new pair of noise reduction headphones.

Options seem to be:

Try to wrangle a free pair of Bose since they have this problem

Buy another pair of Bose QC2s. I like the sound but honestly am a bit ticked off about the breaking and concerned that the new ones will do the same.

Buy another pair of NC headphones. There are some new Panasonics that are out that offer 18db of noise reduction and are about $199. Im thinking of those or are there others that people would suggest? Does anyone know anything about the Panasonics?

What about Sony or other brands of active NC headphones?

What about around the ear headphones that are passive noice canceling, any recs?

I dont think I want to pay more the what the QC2s cost but Im completely willing to go that high. I want something compact with a good case for traveling of course.

Things that I wont get so please dont bother suggesting are QC3s, Etys, Shures etc. I have a pair of ER6is and a pair of non-NC AKGs. I use them both but sometimes I want the NCs.

Thanks for any suggestions.