- Joined
- Jul 20, 2011
- Messages
- 3,419
I had an opportunity to compare Tony Eisenhower’s (TE) waterproof headphones to Mal’s SurffoneS for the Equinox 800. My thoughts below:
TE Waterproof Headphones:
Mal’s SurffoneS:
* SurffoneS use the dark blue MSA Left/Right Medium ear muffs (Noise Reduction Rating 25). TE uses the white MSA Left/Right Low (NRR 21). The difference in ambient noise cancellation is HUGE. Part of the difference is likely because TE has drilled holes in the headphone cups to allow water to drain and this reduces the NRR.
* TE uses a straight headphone jack. SurffoneS use a 90° jack. I like the 90° jack for cable management, but this is a matter of preference.
* TE headphones are completely waterproof. The TE headphone jack has a waterproof gasket that is screwed into the EQ 800 for a water tight seal. The headphone connection for the SurffoneS just plugs in. It is not waterproof and could pop out of the EQ800 if given a good tug; however, the 90° jack reduces the chances of this happening.
* SurffoneS use a much thicker and more durable cable than TE. Mal’s cable also has redundant connections to the speakers in case one of the wires fails.
* TE headphones are lighter. This is primarily due to the weight of the cable on the SurffoneS.
* SurffoneS are made with better quality materials (see photo). The thicker cable and better protected connections to the earphone cups reduce opportunities for failure.
* The tones on the SurffoneS and TE headphones are about the same. If not for the difference in ambient noise, I imagine the volume would be about the same also.
* At the time of this writing, TE cost $175 including shipping to the lower 48. SurffoneS cost $133 including shipping from the UK.
The big differences between these two headphones is the quality of assembly and a choice between ambient noise cancellation and being waterproof. While on the beach, it’s very important to hear tones over the wind, waves, and rain. The ambient noise reduction of the SurffoneS is superior to the TE headphones. I do not intend to submerge my EQ800, so when I hunt in the rain, I will use the WM08 wireless module under my jacket. The quality of the SurffoneS assembly is noticeably better than TE. For $40 less, my choice was the SurffoneS, but if you absolutely need waterproof headphones, then TE is what you need.
Raider Regards,
R5
TE Waterproof Headphones:
Mal’s SurffoneS:
* SurffoneS use the dark blue MSA Left/Right Medium ear muffs (Noise Reduction Rating 25). TE uses the white MSA Left/Right Low (NRR 21). The difference in ambient noise cancellation is HUGE. Part of the difference is likely because TE has drilled holes in the headphone cups to allow water to drain and this reduces the NRR.
* TE uses a straight headphone jack. SurffoneS use a 90° jack. I like the 90° jack for cable management, but this is a matter of preference.
* TE headphones are completely waterproof. The TE headphone jack has a waterproof gasket that is screwed into the EQ 800 for a water tight seal. The headphone connection for the SurffoneS just plugs in. It is not waterproof and could pop out of the EQ800 if given a good tug; however, the 90° jack reduces the chances of this happening.
* SurffoneS use a much thicker and more durable cable than TE. Mal’s cable also has redundant connections to the speakers in case one of the wires fails.
* TE headphones are lighter. This is primarily due to the weight of the cable on the SurffoneS.
* SurffoneS are made with better quality materials (see photo). The thicker cable and better protected connections to the earphone cups reduce opportunities for failure.
* The tones on the SurffoneS and TE headphones are about the same. If not for the difference in ambient noise, I imagine the volume would be about the same also.
* At the time of this writing, TE cost $175 including shipping to the lower 48. SurffoneS cost $133 including shipping from the UK.
The big differences between these two headphones is the quality of assembly and a choice between ambient noise cancellation and being waterproof. While on the beach, it’s very important to hear tones over the wind, waves, and rain. The ambient noise reduction of the SurffoneS is superior to the TE headphones. I do not intend to submerge my EQ800, so when I hunt in the rain, I will use the WM08 wireless module under my jacket. The quality of the SurffoneS assembly is noticeably better than TE. For $40 less, my choice was the SurffoneS, but if you absolutely need waterproof headphones, then TE is what you need.
Raider Regards,
R5
Have you been talking to Lama? 
