Q.Hi, I am interested in getting a pair of custom earplugs. I don’t know what is the best ones to get? 3 of the options that I was looking at were the Perfect Fit CNP model, the Westone DefendEar style 40 custom-fit, & the Westone DefendEar industrial max custom high noise ear plugs. But am open to others as well if there’s something that better suits me.
I am not looking for earplugs for sleeping, or earplugs that allow you to hear some noise clearly (like talking etc...) or for listening/playing music. Am basically looking for something with the maximum noise elimination performance. I do not need them for hearing protection, like at a shooting range. Looking for something to deal with a high traffic/noisy motorcycles type of thing. I want custom plugs because sometimes other earplugs hurt my ears.
I would like to also ask about the disappear colors? I would prefer a color that is not very noticeable. Saw that the disappear colors don’t work if you add a certain kind of coat, slick-sim or something? Which I was interested in. Also thought about getting a beige color but don’t know if that would work? Finally I want to ask about the metal detectable option and what that is? Thank you.
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A.First, which model to choose. If you need maximum noise protection in a custom ear plug, then you do have some choices, and you picked some good places to start. The Perfect Fit CNP Model is the least expensive of the options you listed, but the downside is that the Slic Sil coating and the disappear color are not available for these.
Out of the Westone models, the Westone DefendEar Industrial Max gives you some neat accessories and some options that cost extra when you buy just the Westone Style 40, which is the same plug in essence. Both have the same solid custom design and offer high noise protection.
Any of these will meet your requirements well for hearing protection to defend against traffic noise, motorcycle noise, and other irritating daily background sounds.
Now, given that you're seeking a neutral color and a solid defense against a variety of daytime noises, it sounds like you're going to be using these custom plugs a great deal of the time in your day-to-day life. If that's the case, then I would actually suggest the Westone DefendEar Industrial Convertible. The industrial convertible will let you choose between maximum noise attenuation, and filtered attenuation, which is a great option when you want to hear voices and soft sounds, but still need protection from noise spikes. You can use the max mode the vast majority of the time, but you will be able to easily switch to the filtered mode to hear voices or other sounds for convenience and safety.
On to coating and colors. The Slic Sil anti-microbial coating is an excellent choice for custom plugs you'll be using every day. You are correc that the coating is not compatible with the disappear colors. You're not the only one who's had this question! To get the most subtle color compatible with Slic Sil coating, choose rose standard as the color. It is very close to the disappear color, and it works with Slic Sil.
Both the Slic Sil and rose standard color, plus the pop cord and zip pouch accessories (and initial engraving!) are included at no extra charge in the Westone industrial max and industrial convertible. If those (honestly very nice) features are a priority, these Westone models are definitely a better fit for you than the PerfectFit model.
Again, all things considered, I recommend the Westone DefendEar Industrial Convertible. The convertible is nearly identical to the max. There is a one dB (29 vs 28) difference in noise blocking, which is undetectable by most people. But with the ability to move the convertible's pop cord to the second hole to drop the NRR to 21, you'll find your high-NRR custom plugs to be an especially versatile and convenient solution in your daily life.
Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
Tom Bergman, Vice President
Ear Plug Superstore
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