Better is relative. It's extension vs speed in the bass. Most here prefer a bit more of something they refer to as 'decay' which is a very odd way to describe a higher Q. The GR10e has a medium high Q and the GR8e has a lowish Q. Some will prefer the bass character of the GR8e.
Obviously, customs are going to be more comfortable, LOL. I don't think anyone but you would have thought that was part of my statement. That said, of all non-custom tips, the stock ones are what I feel are both most comfortable and sonically correct for them. These are the same as the Ortofon tips and there's a reason they constantly get recommended for top universals. I obviously have no idea what your custom tips sound like. I doubt they actually help that much with noise on the GR10e because the greatest avenue of breakthrough once you have a seal as with all vented earphones, is the vent. If isolation were the goal, the GR8e would be the better choice.
It's not better than a GR10e but it's a preference thing and the GR8e is very solid and underappreciated.
As for going through the wash. Because they are vented, it's possible that the entire motor got wet. They will likely dry out and work well but I suspect they may have been compromised. I'd continue to enjoy them if I didn't notice a change.
