Anyone tried any other headphone shells?

[Sven]

Since my original tutorial on building your own headset several years ago, always used the Howard Leight Thunder 29 shells.
They are no longer made and have to resort to another shell. A shell that is comfy that you can wear all day without your ears hurting or undue pressure
on your head. So I am looking for something else to try. The closest to the Thunder 29's are the ProEars Ultra 28 and 33 that many of the metal detector headphone companies now use.
But the cost is up there about $36.00 each. Trying to find something a bit cheaper.

Anyone ever try these shells?
The popular Chefphones from the UK use the Howard Leight L1F, L2F (folding models) cost about $16.00
They also make the non folding models L1, L2, cost $9-11.00
Just a bit concerned about the wire bracket that hold the ear cup.

There's also the Clarity C1, C1F cost $9-12.00
These would be an excellent buy, if they are comfy.

And the MSA shell that Chefphones now uses as well as the last model made by Ratphones.
Shell cost, cheapest found on the web $27.00

Any thoughts?

I found a really, really cheap source of coiled headphone cord, haven't tried it yet, the idea popped into my head.
You can find these cords in just about any corner of the house, garage sales, thrift stores, ebay etc.
for a couple bucks or free. What are they? CELL PHONE electric battery chargers. Not sure if they are long or strong enough.

 

[duggr]

Sven

The prices are so high...I remember Rick the maker of the Rat Phones say that he
preferred the Original rats he made with the Howard Leigh muffs over the MSA Sordin Muff...
Your thoughts on the headphone cord could work, I haven't tried it myself But I had the same
thought about the headphone cord a month or so ago when I plugged my cellphone into my car charger..
The last cord I purchased cost me $15.00 alone....not counting the mini XLR connector i will install
on one end....So i will have $20.00 on the cord alone

http://www.ebay.com/itm/230692171957?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_3657wt_952

 

[Sven]

I think I'm going to order a couple different shells and see what they are like. Mainly for the PI detectors I am building for water use.
Curious on the Clarity C1, T1 for comfort, specs seem to indicate that they might be an ideal set:
Uniform headband pressure for all head sizes, providing better comfort for long-term wear
Inner-ventilated headband minimizes pressure on the head, breathes easier in warm/humid climates
Non-deforming outer headband withstands rough treatment in the toughest workplaces
Will report back after I get them. Will be getting the non-folding type.

 

[Sven]

for one of each of C1, T1, L1
Cost me $41.00 for all three which includes shipping from the US to Canada.

 

[duggr]

I used a set of Black Magic headphones that was made from Bilsom Muffs...These were really
comfortable over the ear style but used Paper cone speakers.....The DepthMaster superphone 2001
used bilsom muffs also but the headband was built cheap and not of the same quality as the black magic
headphones were. The black magic originally had volume controls for each ear but i removed the pots...

 

[Goodrat]

You could always fly to Switzerland and get the originals
http://www.artilux.ch/Lieferprogramm/Gehorschutz/Faltbare/faltbare.html

 

[joecoin]

Why not modify some noise reduction muffs? Do a search for "noise reduction earmuff" and click on shopping. I see units sarting at $7.

 

[stasys]

For me best pe,ltor, in the rest head phones my finger stuck between frame and cup when I want to lift or adjust. In your photos Sven all the frames have this design, very little space between cup and frame except Leightning L2f

 

[Sven]

You could always fly to Switzerland and get the originals
http://www.artilux.ch/Lieferprogramm/Gehorschutz/Faltbare/faltbare.html

Might be awhile, haven't decided which kit plane to buy and build http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/kits/index.html

Will have to rethink that since I only need a few shells for myself

 

[Sven]

n/t

 

[Goodrat]

You can't fit a jack in these, but these are the same as the the smaller cups you see with vinyl pads.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/direct-sound-direct-sound-hp-25-extreme-black-iso-headphones.
These guys used to buy from switzerland, but now have them made themselves in china I think. At least that was their plan a few years ago.
They also make the full size cup but I don't see them without speakers and a chord like this one.

 

[Sven]

for one of each of C1, T1, L1
Cost me $41.00 for all three which includes shipping from the US to Canada.

All 3 headsets came in, nice builds for the price.
Neither one was the folding type just to keep costs down.
Basically want to build a new headset for my PI water machine that is almost finished.

C1 ($8.40), T1 ($8.40) were a bit too snug, with a little effort bending the headband they now feel pretty good.

Most comfy set was the L1 ($8.57). To make them fit not so snug, had to bent the head band again. This resulted in with one problem, guess my head is a bit longer than most. Could not adjust the earcups down enough to fit completely over my ears. Needed just a bit more length.So I pulled down as far as I could on the headphone adjustment rods and squeezed them to get some extra length. They fit really nice now but, could still use about 1/2" of extra length on the adjustment rods. After some thought, I can modify the rods by snipping them and adding a length of round tube, then solder them back, not a big deal. Then they should fit perfect.

As for coiled cord have been using this shielded mono guitar cord. It does have two center wires and a shielded coax like outer wire. Very flexible and sure is tough to cut, even with a scalpel blade. The two center wires attach to the plug tip. I bought it from THE SOURCE in Canada, in the US it's Radio Shack. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102962

If you want the ultimate in comfort, the ProEars are still the best but, the price is up there. $36.00 each. Just can't find these cheap anywhere.
http://www.earplugstore.com/pro-ears-ultra-28.html