was thinking of getting those conical ones again [they look like little white xmas trees] but figured i'd see if there was something else out there.
not going to spend an arm & a leg on these, but want something better than foam.

etymotic, like $14. (those are the xmas trees.) they're excellent.

technically i use these when i swim, but they're great.

I still use the foam ones, but I should invest in something better, cause at 34, my hearing is going quick....sigh.

or, if you're looking for the conical ones, go here: http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/search.aspx?HKW=earplugs&UID=200609111029244847686059

this is what i have and they're fantastic.

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

ditto.

is the sound difference compared to regular plugs really impressive? the regular plugs really muddy up the sound.

yes. there is a chart on etymotic's website about how it lessens the sound instead of muffling it. i can also speak from experience of switching from foam to etymotic ear plugs.

I use whatever we order for the concert security crew people. I always snag a pair or two before going to a show. I think right now we have the Howard Leight Laser Light earplugs with the little string connector piece.

ahh, yeh, those etymotics were the onesi had years ago.
have to find a dealer in nyc.

Man, they only have a dealer in Columbus, OH. Are they washable, or do you only use them a few times before they are trash?

I think all earplugs should be skin tones instead of bright orange.

you can wash them out. i've used mine for almost two years now. and that covers just under 100 shows.

you should get on that.

ohhhhhh snap.

etymotics are the only one that sounds decent, have tried a few

what is the Noise reduction rating (NNR) in dBs on those plugs?

Howard Leight MultiMax Ear Plugs -- NNR=31 dBs

cheap and disposable

EDIT: the etys are only 20 dBs.....meh

The Howard Leight Laser Light that I have right now have a NRR of 32db.
They are disposable as well.

I'm guessing you're speaking of ones for musician use?

Here's what I use as a concert goer:

Are great for letting enough sound in where you can hear the different instruments in the mix.

In a bind:

Hearos, featuring some of the highest decibel reduction you can find:

[img][321:500]http://www.hearos.com/images/products/hearos-00531-big.jpg[/img]

20 db reduction doesn't come close to cutting it for me, but it's certainly much better than nothing.

These are the best/most comfortable disposable earplugs I've tried and use them every time I go to a concert. You can find them at most home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.

For those new to foam earplugs, make sure you read the instructions and practice wearing them a few times before you try them out at a concert. It's an awkward process at first, but as a tip, try to twist and compress them as hard as you can for a minute or two and then insert them into your ear canal. If you don't compress them for a long enough period of time, they expand too quickly and you'll have an extremely difficult time shoving them into your ears.

I tried the fancy plastic ones and they aren't comfortable for all ear canals. My ears canals are very small and the plastic puts too much pressure on them, so dispoable foam plugs are the only reasonable option for me. Fortunately, if you put them in properly, you don't even notice them after a while.

If you're concerned about pushing earwax down your ear canal, pick up an Ototek Loop from a drug store and use it periodically. You'll thank me later.

I decided to try earplugs when I saw Lightning Bolt, but they worked too well, so I took them out.

i put the knots from my hoody into my ears
it works better than you'd think

just dont go chewin on em later unless you like tater