This is my comparative review to Downbeats and Vibes at a Metallica concert
We were taking our kids to their first concert (Metallica) so trying to appear to be a responsible parent we decided to buy earplugs for the entire family.  I was torn between the Vibes and the DownBeats. (Vibes being an Amazon Choice and appearing to be more of a name brand, Downbeats having a 1/2 star better rating and a better price) I ended up ordering 3 sets of each for our family of 4 so we had 2 extra pairs to swap if needed.<br /><br />At the house, a day before the concert, I gave my wife and I the Vibes (rated at less of a DB drop) and the kids the  Downbeats (higher DB drop) Everyone liked what I got them except for me, Apparently I have small ear canals. (Im 6'4", this is the 1st time I have every had to go with the small in my life) Even with the smallest cushions they uncomfortable. I could just still feel the rigid plastic inside. . I tried keeping them in for about 10 minutes thinking I would get use to them but I couldn't take it. I then put in the Downbeats and loved them, they felt so much better.<br /><br />So now that I had tainted both pairs with my earwax I figured id give both a try with my headphones hooked up to my computer. I could tell no difference at all in sound quality. The DownBeats did obviously block just a little more sound, like they were rated to do, but I was happy.<br /><br />Fast forward to the concert and I put in my DownBeats and was really disappointed. This is not how a concert was supposed to sound! I know they say high fidelity but everything was just muddled.  Frustrated I took them out, but wanting to be a good role model for my kids I thought I would try the Vibes to see if they were any better and they were! I kept them in for probably half of the concert. (Apparently concentrating on a concert made me forget they were uncomfortable vs just sitting at my computer) I will say the Vibes still made the concert less enjoyable, which is why I took them out depending on the song. But they were tolerable. I just didn't like the sound of the concert with the DownBeats at all. With the Vibes the concert sounded right, but you still didnt get that concert experience but they werent that bad. Im guessing my opiton would be the same for even higher priced earplugs as the Vibes. Quiet music at a concert just isnt the same.<br /><br />Final Verdict Vibes = 4 Star and my loud Concert.  They had great sound quality but their rigid nature made them uncomfortable.  While I was able to completely ignore the comfort while concentrating on the rock concert in front of me they are also sold for Fitness classes, Riding a motor cycle and there is no way I could wear them long term for other purposes.<br /><br />DownBeats = 4Star and my recommendation for anything but a rock concert.  They sounded good in my headphones at my computer. They were super comfortable. Id have no problem wearing them all day for the other things they have listed like "Airshows and motorcycles"
Rating: 4 stars