pro musician. prefers the longer stem.
Middle aged pro musician.<br />Very good plugs. I have larger ear canal, and typically find triple flange plugs go in to far and become irritating and uncomfortable. I had used ER 20 and alpine plugs, as well as custom molded with etymotic filter.  I prefer the long stem. The longer stem is not so long that you couldn't wear this under a helmet. The shorter stem is rather short. I have big bass playing fingers, and the longer stem helps me get a grip.<br /><br />about custom plugs-<br />The custom ones are good - perhaps the best- BUT: I have had at least 5 custom plugs with mostly poor result considering the price. Sometimes they are cast poorly and don't seal in the canal; sometimes they are cut poorly for the filter, and the filter pops out or leaks. Sometimes there's a problem with the molds made at the lab. Not one pair of custom plugs have I had both a good seal in the canal and reliable filter seal/retention. And what happens when you lose one?  You spend hundreds of dollars to do it all over again...<br />So I choose to save $100+ and buy these, replacing as necessary.<br /><br />compared to comparable plugs- the ER20 and Alpine Musicsafe<br />The other plugs wear out faster than these. They also fit a little smaller. They all attenuate about the same, but I prefer the downbeat. The good case low price fur and durability stand out.  I keep these on my keys. I can't do that with the others. The cases for the others don't hold up stay closed, etc.<br /><br />The ER-20 and its siblings are triple flange, which I avoid for comfort reasons, but they are good.  The Alpine are also good. I find them to be quite comfortable, but the tips wear out quickly, and require more frequent replacement than these downbeats.  The Alpine case is similar, but made of plastic- it does not stay closed/on the keyring. Then they are gone. boo.  Downbeats win.<br /><br />Plus, here's a bonus for me- these buds fit perfectly on my etymotic earphones. I love those earphones- highly recommend*- but the tips wear out over time. I keep a pair of downbeats and my headphones in the same pack.  Win.
Rating: 5 stars