DownBeats all the way!
I wanted to buy a good pair of ear plugs for attending concerts and live shows, which I do frequently. I was torn between these and the Etymotic Research ER20-SMC Plugs so I ordered both. They are very similar especially in terms of sound quality (most won't notice a difference, although I do believe I prefer the DownBeats sound-wise,)but the DBs are far more comfortable in the ear. I recently went on a trip and couldn't find my DBs, so I took the Etys and also realized that they are even more uncomfortable when laying, unless you sleep on your back. I prefer the case on the Etys as it opens and closes quietly, but performance and comfort are the most important qualities in ear plugs. My friend also tried both and prefers the Etys, but only because he fears the short DownBeats will get stuck somehow. Ha.
Rating: 5 stars