[iHelp]

The Grado headband from J$... is quite amazing. Please note this is the V2. Ordered from head-direct for $20 with $5 shipping.

As you can see, it's about 2x the size of a quarter, and it bit wider than the stock vinyl headband. It feels very high quality, very smooth lambskin and no frayed stitching (better than most clothing!). The padding could a bit thicker, but it's not a problem. Feels very durable. In fact, there is a piece of plastic holding all of the headband conformed correctly (when on the headphone).
Replacing the old headband
Seriously, it sucks. By "firm" and "JUST PUSH HARD!", they're not joking. It takes some effort to apply the headband. But when they are on, they are snug.

Oh, if you're wondering, after the J$ headband is on, the block snaps back into place without glue. In fact, it's almost as sturdy.
Improvements
Yes, they are much comfier. It would seem dumb not to do this.

The metal headband is concealed. The only problem is that the headphone slides more easily. So you can't rock out as much. So what. Also, the headphone itself is heavier. Not too much, but it's noticeable.

Pics:

A definite buy

 

[Drag0n]

I was thinking about getting a black one for my 225. Looks nice. Thanks for the review!

Did you just pull the band right out of the block, or are you implying the block snaps in half to open it?
Sometimes on my SR80, the band pulls right out of the black and i just push it back in.

 

[googleborg]

looks like a great buy for grado owners, even cheap headphones like panasonic RP-HTX7's have a better build than £250 stock grados :/

 

[iHelp]

Don't worry. The block stays intact. Pulled it right out. Twist and tug.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Drag0n /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was thinking about getting a black one for my 225. Looks nice. Thanks for the review! Did you just pull the band right out of the block, or are you implying the block snaps in half to open it? Sometimes on my SR80, the band pulls right out of the black and i just push it back in.

 

[sampson_smith]

Good for you on discovering these awesome headbands. I have a V3 black one and could not be more happy with the build quality, look and comfort. JMoney is a stand-up guy and MOT.

 

[mrarroyo]

I have a V2 band which I installed on an SR80. Both the looks and comfort went up!

 

[iHelp]

The vinyl is untouchable now lol. J$ is top-notch.
Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have a V2 band which I installed on an SR80. Both the looks and comfort went up!

 

[Drag0n]

Ugh my wallet!!! lol

 

[cck5]

i love my beyer band but jmoney band looks sick

 

[music_man]

i would like this for my ps1000. i am pretty afraid of "cracking" the block open on a pair of $1,800 headphones. also i am worried something will go wrong while i am muscling it on. maybe my dealer will do it. they have a repair dept. does this void grados warranty?

music_man

 

[stang]

I did it with my SR-225 when I had them, extremely easy, only took like 2 minutes. Cost me $20 I think it was, for the V3, when "Fatman" 'traded' it for money to put toward the head-fi community I think it was, something like that anyway

. Only got 2 minutes with it as I sold the SR-225 the same day

Not something that is needed though, IMHO.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by music_man /img/forum/go_quote.gif i would like this for my ps1000. i am pretty afraid of "cracking" the block open on a pair of $1,800 headphones. also i am worried something will go wrong while i am muscling it on. maybe my dealer will do it. they have a repair dept. does this void grados warranty? music_man

What don't you like of the PS1000 stock leather headband?

 

[music_man]

it's fine. i just was under the impression this is better?

music_man

 

[563]

MM, If it ain't broke, absolutely don't fix it!!!

 

[music_man]

yes, i am thinking i better leave well enough alone. especially the way grados sometimes fall apart if you sneeze wrong. i'm not bashing them i love mine.

music_man