Ear Buds

Looking to get some opinions on ear buds from those that ride while listening to music.

My daughter managed to destroy my Bose buds that I was using. I like Bose, and not opposed to getting another one, but figured I as to see "who likes what" and why.

Aside from the Bose sound, I also liked that they had different silicone adapters that could be changed to fit more snugly in the ear, and they laid relatively flat once in your ear, making it easier to put my helmet on (or off).

I tried using my other kid's iPod buds, but those things are just terrible - fit, sound, you name it.

Suggestions, and why?

Thanks folks.

 

Seinheiser (sp) Sport 2 ear buds. These are water resistant so if it's a hot day and your head is sweating you can dunk them in water to wash them off with no ill affects. They have a good bass response and are small enough to sit flush with your head so putting on a helmet is easy. They come with 3 different sized adapters as well. the plug is built at a right angle as well so it's compact. A nice touch is that one side wire is longer than the order so the wire to your iPod runs down the left side of your body instead down the middle getting caught in your zipper... We all know how much of a (w)itch that can be!

 

Or you can get some custom molded ones that cut out the bad sounds at the same time. They stay put in your ear better from what I hear.

 

I've tried the putty ones that dry very hard. Annoying. Skull Candy works very well for me.

 

I just use skullcandy. Cheap enough but decent sound.

 

Excellent Topic......just went through this again.

Last year I bought a set of Shure SE210 for about $200. They are (without doubt) the best pair of headphones I've ever used. They tucked in nicely under the helmet, cut wind noise dramatically (totally eliminated the need for ear plugs in the bike kit), and music from iPod came through beautifully. Other little things I loved......the extension cable was included, if you need it. For longer rides, I'd just mount it on near the tank.....that way I could walk away from the bike without taking the headphones out. The various shapes and sizes of gel inserts that came with it were excellent, and the carrying case was top quality. All in all, I LOVED this set until I lost it. I still have hopes of finding them, but if they don't show up in the next 2 to 3 weeks, I'll buy another pair.....the exact same ones.

For the time being, I'm using a new backup pair......Ear Candy Smokin' Earbuds. $40, decent comfort, decent sound, adjustable volume on the cord. They're solid for the price, but there's a reason they're a backup!

 

you can always put the speakers in the helmet.
link
http://vfrworld.com/forums/anything-goes/21875-mp3-player-helmet.html

 

Klipsch has also entered the headphone market and I've heard nothing but praise from their earbuds although I have not personally had a chance to use or listen to them. Just throwing it out there for ideas.

IMAGE X10 Headphones, Earphones, Noise-Isolating Headphones

 

Thanks Meatloaf - Usually price isn't a concern of mine, but $350 for a pair of earbuds is a little more than I was looking to spend!:jaw:

But good to know, as I like to compare things to get the most bang for the buck that I can.

They do have some other ones on their sight as well - I just opened the page to the most expensive ones. Klipsch makes some good stuff from what I hear.

 

If you go to New and used Shure SE210, you can find these buds new for as low as $CDN123.32 shipped to Canada! I would imagine that US shipping is even cheaper.

 

Pliskin, check their other products. The link I gave is just the page I was on. Their other sets go down to $50 or so. They have a wide selection depending on what you are looking for.

 

I use these and they are excellent!

Etymotic Research, Inc. - ER•6i Isolator Earphones

Easy helmet on/off and great sound. Bass could be a little better, but I'm very pleased with them.

 

+1 on these.

I have gone through 3 or 4 pairs of earbud style ones. Skull Candy, Shure and some of the other popular brands. I must admit, the Shure sounded the best, in relation to better bass, however the ER-6i's did the best job of blocking all outside noise, and were the most snug in the ear after putting helmet on, taking helmet off. If the Shure was a 100 /100 on quality, the ER-6i would be an 85. I ended up buying a pair with the integrated microphone also, however they are not as good for riding, as they stick too far out of the ear.
The bass on the ER-6i could be better, however its adequate..or good enough. Would not consider a different pair for the time being. Cant beat it for price, comfort, quality, and noise blocking.

 

my $0.02: Skullcandies. I use em, they fit snug and have decent quality sound... not as good as Bose, but far cheaper, target carries em for like $12

 

The absolute best on the market are the permanent implants. The sound is just like being there with Lady Gaga.

www.tunesinyerear.com

 

I use jvc marshmallow. super cheap decent noise canceling just because they seal in your ears pretty good. and they are real low profile. I have them in my ear for 8 hours a day and are very comfy. they fit like ear plugs and if you get them seated correctly they give realy good bass response. Of course i am far from a audiophile.

 

These are a cheap version of custom. I have them and wear them when riding. they offer good sound etc. The short coming is in noise reduction. It is not as good as it can be.

Fuze Custom Earphones Headphones | Easy & Affordable Custom Fit Earphones in 15 Minutes

 

I use Sony MDR-EX55 ear buds. They're OK, but I wanted something to block more wind noise inside my helmet. There is a company called Comply that makes ear buds and foam replacement tips for many other brands. They claim to block out more noise. I picked some up to try with my Sony's and ... no dice. They're no better than the original Sony silicone tips. Comply has an NR series with longer foam tips that should do a better job of blocking noise. The NR-10s claim 29 dB reduction, which is close to that claimed by the ear plugs I use (35 dB).

My opinion on in-helmet speakers is that you'll go deaf using them. They do nothing to block wind, and you need to turn them up that much more to overcome the noise.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with nearly any of the options here, as long as they block outside noise. I have the Bose in-ear phones, and while they sound great, they do absolutely nothing to block outside noise. They're an open-air style. A cheap set to try for starters is the Skull Candy brand. You can get them at Target or Walmart for $20 or so.

 

Thanks guys. Good info, good opinions, and prices across the board to let me compare. I'll pick up something one of these days - maybe check and see what AMEX has for rewards. ( Got more points with them than I know what to do with).

 

I like shure earphones. Great noise isolation.