Shoei RF1000 & Etymotic ER6I earphones

[SparkyBlue]

My Shoei RF900 was due for replacement, and my endless experiments with earphones/speakers continues.

helmet: The RF1000 is a vastly better product than the previous 900 model. It is much lighter, and slightly shorter in length which really helps for longer rides. Seems to react less to buffeting and cross winds. Also, very much quieter.

earphones: after trying ~4 different ways to use a radio in my helmet, the Etymotic er6i model is the best solution I've tried so far. They double as both earplugs and a pipe for music. Attenuation is very good for noise and with the new lid, the combination is the quietest so far, even using custom fitted earplugs in the past.

With a sport bike windshield height, helmet speakers are what I would have liked to use, but the wind noise is just too much. As helmet tech development continues, hopefully more viable solutions will appear that don't require sticking something in your ear.

ps "The name "etymotic" means "true to the ear" and is pronounced "et-im-oh-tik." :giveup:

[4734]

I have used ER6i for the past couple of years with my Arai Quantum with great results. After a year or so the cheek pads felt worn and a bit dirty. I learned that Arai offers new pads of several different thicknesses (is that a word?) stock, thinner and thicker in 10mm increments. I ordered a 10mm thicker than stock pads and the fit is much better and very quiet.

Helmets are like shoes, you gotta try them on to see what fits right.

[pacman]

Thanks for the Etymotic review. I've been eying them for a while now.

[GregH]

The Etymotic er6i's are the best speakers I've ever owned. The sound is pure - you can hear Eric Clapton taking a breath during "Pretending." Some people complain there isn't enough bass but the bass is exactly as recorded. You'll want to work with your equalizer to get the mix just where you like it. Also, treat the wires with care because they're thin.
They seal great, too. I always wear them on airplanes.

If you like your music you'll like the er6i's.
They're great.

[Spook]

I wear them with my X11 and they work great.

[M38A1]

I wear them with my X11 and they work great.

That's what I wanted to hear. Santa brought me a pair of the ER6i's for Christmas and what little I've used them, they are like no other earbud I've experienced.

....and just today I was trying on the X11's to replace my old RF800. :eek2:

[bluedogok]

I just bought my second pair, a new black set for using on the bike and the old white ones to use at work. Buy.com had them for $74.99, they have the white ER6i for $72.99.

Buy.com - Etymotic (http://www.buy.com/retail/searchresults.asp?querytype=home&qu=etymotic&qxt=home&display=col&dclksa=1)

[pacman]

What's the difference between the ER6i and ER6i-B?

[Texfire]

The ER6i-B models are black.

[Hairsmith]

My Shoei RF1000 is the most ill fitting uncomfortable leaks in the rain and has almost nonexistent ventilation. Yes I am less than pleased with it. If I was doing a track day It would be on my head, I do think it is a safe helmet.

Etymotic ER6I..... WOW.... GREAT, comfortable Quiet, and I have directly compared mine with Bose headphones (the over the ear headphones) the ER6I is just as good sounding if not better,,,,,,

[SparkyBlue]

My Shoei RF1000 is the most ill fitting uncomfortable leaks in the rain and has almost nonexistent ventilation.

Hmmm, just the opposite for me. I know head shape is important as I can't wear an Arai. I rode in the rain last weekend and it didn't leak either. Maybe you got a bad sample.

[Tx Rider]

Hmm, how much do a pair of these plugs go for?

The left side went out on my EAR inc. custom molded plugs, I might want to try these if they aren't any more than sending mine in for repairs.

[SparkyBlue]

Hmm, how much do a pair of these plugs go for?

The left side went out on my EAR inc. custom molded plugs, I might want to try these if they aren't any more than sending mine in for repairs.

Ebay ~ $80 including shipping, seller wind130

[punk_emo_tx]

The ER6i-B models are black.


FYI the black ones have a right angle plug.

[pacman]

The ER6i-B models are black.

Well, now I feel stupid. :lol2:

So functionally they're the same, just different colors and different angle plug?

[bluedogok]

Well, now I feel stupid. :lol2:

So functionally they're the same, just different colors and different angle plug?
EGGSACTLEY......

[ToroGuy]

I use the same combination (RF1000 helmet & ER6I earbuds with XM INNO) every day. I really like the combination. I find the ventilation on the RF1000 very good, BUT mine does leak down the inside of the shield in the rain (either with shield all the way down or one click up)...annoying but doesn't override the otherwise great fit and performance of the helmet.

The ER6I's sound GREAT with just the right level of noise reduction as earplugs...and I hear every note and word at any speed without adjusting volume!! BUT after ~9 months of daily use for 76 mile commute and occasional 300 - 600 mile weekend rides, one side of the ER6I went out...replaced the filter...no improvement. Called Etymotic and they gave me return instructions. They determined the earbud tube that holds the filter was cracked on both sides and sent me a new set gratis.

I am very satisfied with the service, just be warned that the ER6I are a bit on the flimsy side for daily motorcycle use.

[Spook]

Don't pull on the wires, to get them out.

[jbh]

I use these plugs also with a RF1000, and have been for about a year now. I like them, they stay in well. I also use them on the riding mower and with the weedeater. I generally do not like to wear them for more than 3 hours at a time as my ear canal gets a little sore.

I have had them yanked out several times snagging them on the mower or weedeater handles and they are starting to have a little static. As spook said remove them properly. I will definately buy them again.

[behindbars]

Don't pull on the wires, to get them out.

That's the only way I can get them out of my ears. I don't know if my earholes are freakishly large or what but for me to get a proper fit with great sound I have to push them babys up against my brain. I love the sound.

[SparkyBlue]

I pull the wires too. Looking close I see they make a couple of turns, my guess is to provide a resitance anchor point

[GregH]

Just be careful because those wires are delicate. ...But the sound is fantastic!

[1TallTXn]

Just be careful because those wires are delicate. ...But the sound is fantastic!
I've a pair of ER6i's that I've had for about 8mo now. I use them all the time on the bike and just with the iPod. I love the sound!

Just yesterday I noticed that the left ear wasn't working, got to messing with it and found that it broke inside the connector. I'm working with Etymotic to see if we can get a replacement worked out.

I have to pull on the cord to get them out of my ear as well and there's nothing wrong on that end. I guess I need to stop winding the earphones around the iPod when I'm not using it. suspect that puts some extra stress on that connector. Maybe i should get the black ones next... :ponder: