Motorola Boom 2+ Bluetooth Headset w/CLA Black

I purchased this as a replacement to my HX550, probably the best Bluetooth earpiece I've ever used. Mine has been solid for many years until a few days ago (speaker issue) so I found this as a possible replacement. I noted the number of negative reviews as a result of boom breakage but thought I'd give it a shot anyway. After receiving the Boom 2, it was pretty obvious to me why there are so many people breaking the booms off and I'm rather surprised Motorola hasn't figured it out yet, though maybe they aren't trying. The design flaw becomes evident with a side by side comparison with my HX550. I suspect most people are actually breaking these when the boom is folded or being folded, not when extended. On the HX550, the boom lays completely flat against the back of the unit when folded. With the Boom 2, the boom only makes contact with the body for less than 1/8" past the hinge point when folded with the remainder of the boom canted about 1/4" above the body at it's highest point. This coupled with a perceived slight increase in the thickness of the body without moving the boom hinge point to compensate causes the boom to stand well proud of the body, with the small contact area acting as a fulcrum. A bit of pressure on the end of the boom when folded closed (the boom now acting as a lever) focuses stress on the hinge and could easily cause the boom to crack at this location (where everyone's booms appear to be breaking based on other reviews here). Stick it in the pocket of your jeans and sit down a couple of times, it might just snap due to the compression. Even letting the boom snap closed repeatedly (how most people likely close it) would seem to have the potential to cause breakage at the hinge. See the included photo if the text above doesn't register, it will probably/hopefully make more sense. I also noted a few negative reviews due to breakage of the plastic bezel around the button on the face of the body. Again, in comparison with the HX550, it seems rather clear why this is happening. Without testing the plastic itself, I would say the bezel on the Boom 2 is made of cheaper and thinner plastic based on feel. As well, the amount of plastic between the hole for the button and the edge of the bezel is reduced. In my mind, these two factors could certainly lead to breakage if being a little rough plugging/unplugging the charging cable or dropping the item from height on a hard surface (tile/concrete floor). If you're a bit more like a "bull in a china shop" with things or use your earpiece in rough/harsh environments, this one might not be a good choice for you. Mine spends most of it's time on my desktop or the center console of my car when not in my ear, so I suspect it may fare better than others. YMMV. 04/03/2019 UPDATE: I've dropped this item from my original 4 star rating to a 1 star, I would have reduced it to none if possible. Since my initial review, I have used the Boom 2 only twice (been sitting on my desk otherwise) and I noticed just today that the bezel around the button is now cracked at three places - and at the exact same place other reviewer's photos are showing cracks as well. Swing and a miss for Motorola on this one, I think they've gone too far in "economizing" a previously solid design. Shame the HX550 isn't available anymore. Do yourself a favor and buy a different Bluetooth earpiece.