[LaCuffia]

I still don't understand the rationale for manufacturing such a great headphone with crap pad material. It's like having a Ferrari with polyester upholstery.

I am afraid of washing them because then I wouldn't be able to return them if the feel is still not right. I'll give it a few more days and see if my ears develop the necessary calluses lol.

 

[stacker45]

I guess the g pads would be better because they wouldn't touch the ear but I hear the bass is lessened. Sucks because I finally experienced the Grado sound and am very impressed. A softer pad would be perfect. I don't get that jaw soreness either like I do with a lot of over the ear headphoness

 
With the G-cush you not only get lees bass, you get more treble presence, and a bigger soundstage.
 
 

 

 
You're very mature for your age!

 

[kurosaki123]

I still don't understand the rationale for manufacturing such a great headphone with crap pad material. It's like having a Ferrari with polyester upholstery.

I am afraid of washing them because then I wouldn't be able to return them if the feel is still not right. I'll give it a few more days and see if my ears develop the necessary calluses lol.

The pads will soften up via the natural oil from our ears. Initially, the pads are rough on the edges. But after three days, they soften up, now I feel they are a bit squishy lol

 

[LaCuffia]

Good to know thanks. They sound too great to give up on them so easily.

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

Also, they might irritate you less if you reduce the clamping force by gently bending the headband a bit. I did this with my 225e and now these headphones are insanely comfortable. So comfortable I am now slightly bothered by the clamping force on my HE-400S, which is in and of itself a deliciously comfortable headphone.
 
And yes, the oils from your ears will soften the pads in a few days.

 

[stacker45]

I still don't understand the rationale for manufacturing such a great headphone with crap pad material. It's like having a Ferrari with polyester upholstery.

I am afraid of washing them because then I wouldn't be able to return them if the feel is still not right. I'll give it a few more days and see if my ears develop the necessary calluses lol.

 
What you need to understand is that Grado is a small familly owned buisness, and they build their headphones by hand.

 
According to some people, the phrase above, pretty much gives Grado the ultimate excuse.

 
I don't agree.

 

[LaCuffia]

I understand the family business thing but they can probably get softer foam fabric from China for like pennies.

The clamp force was perfect right out of the box but it might help to ease it a bit.

Thanks for all your input. Hopefully I'll be able stay in the Grado fan club!

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

Once they do soften up though, they're mighty comfy (at least IMO), so it may just be a question of breaking them in. And the pads do last for many years, so they're durable.

 

[LaCuffia]

I had the 400s for a short time and liked them a lot although the clamping was a bit much. Good to know the Grados are comparable in terms of comfort for you.

I really like other aspects of the Grado design though so that's encouraging. The fabric feel is just the last piece of the puzzle to make it close to a perfect headphone for me.

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

I haven't tried them myself, but I know TTVJ makes flats that many people swear by for comfort. Could be worth looking into.
 
If you love the sound, it's worth finding a solution to your comfort problem!

 

[joseph69]

I have to say, that everyone complaining about the clamping force/irritating cushions are just not adjusting/wearing Grados the correct way…at all. I've posted so many times how to find complete comfort, that I can't bring myself to post it again. Though, I will say again that I wear my Grados for 3-5 hrs almost every night with no issues at all after correctly adjusting the clamping force (which should be minimum force being their foam and aren't made to seal anyway) and the hight as well. Stop being afraid to adjust the headband, just do it a little at a time. I've also never had to wash my cushions to soften them up either. 

 

[LaCuffia]

I'll keep working at it. Just got them today

Is the G series the only one with the over the ear design?

 

[GrouchoMarx1933]

I'm also using mine for about 3-5 hours per day, although that's not always without interruption.

 

[zazex]

   
What you need to understand is that Grado is a small familly owned buisness, and they build their headphones by hand.

 
According to some people, the phrase above, pretty much gives Grado the ultimate excuse.

 
I don't agree.

 
The "ultimate excuse" for what, exactly?

 

[joseph69]

I'll keep working at it. Just got them today
Is the G series the only one with the over the ear design?

Congratulations and enjoy!
I'm sure once you adjust/wear them correctly you will have no comfort issues.
Only the GS/PS1K come with the (G) cushions.
 

  I'm also using mine for about 3-5 hours per day, although that's not always without interruption.

And how are you making out with the comfort so far?
I believe it was you that I replied to about how to adjust the headband, correct?