Headphones that help spare your hearing (Skullcandy Smokin Buds)

Member Name: cognition

Product:	Skullcandy Smokin Buds
Date:	12/11/08 (446 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lower volume levels needed because background noise is blocked out

Disadvantages: The lead is very thin and looks like it will not endure much abuse

Wearing Skullcandy Smokin Buds feels a bit like wearing earplugs, you know the ones that block out noise. And this is partly what the Skullcandys do as well. They block out the noise, ensuring the sound you want to hear isn't drowned out by the sounds of your surroundings. Wearing them takes a bit getting used to, but once you've gotten used to them, they are incredibly comfortable, and the sound is great!

The removal of unwanted noise means you need less volume in order to hear the details of the audio you are listening to. This has resulted in me sometimes listening to music at as low a volume setting as 3%, while I with normal headphones would usually listen to music at no lower volume than 30%.

These buds have a personal significance to me. I love music, and at the same time, I am very concious that I do not want to wear out my hearing. These buds allow me to enjoy my music at a considerably lower volume level because the background noise is filtered out. The decrease in volume this allows for puts less wear on my hearing.

I can't think of any downsides. The lead does look a bit thin, and I don't think it would endure much abuse. But these buds have been with me for a couple of months now, and they are showing no signs of wear, and I have not been particularly careful in my handling of them. So maybe my fear has no ground. Only time will tell. Also, there is no indicator on the buds, which one is Right and which one is Left.

They are so good, though, that if I broke them, I would buy a new pair!

In terms of price, I paid £12.50 for mine on Ebay, from the USA. Prices in the UK seem to range from about the same and up to £20.

Update: The lead is indeed very thin, and my pair of ear buds broke after about half a year of rough use. I would really like a new pair, but haven't invested in one yet, as they were really not that cheap.

Summary: Enjoy your music with more clarity at lower volume levels!

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