Not sure if this is the proper topic for this or not, but from what I've read I think it is. Gonna just start it off with my story.
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So I got the UM3X about a month ago, and I'm quite happy. A bit less bassy and less soundstage than my Klipsch X10, but better in the rest of the spectrum which is what I wanted. However, being unhappy with having to buy Comply Foams a lot, and not liking the Klipsch Gels or Shure Olives on them, I decided, why not, and decided to get custom tips for them.
Having read that Westone offers their own tips (The UM56) I decided to look them up. On their site, however, they're listed as motorcycle plugs? Anyone know about this, did they change it? Regardless, I found a distributor for their stuff, and made an appointment.
At first, when I made the call, the person who answered didn't really understand what I was asking, but after speaking to someone else she said they'd probably be able to do what I wanted, just to speak with the audiologist when I go in. I figure that's fine, on my way.
Arrived there at 11am today, greeted promptly by the receptionist, filled out a few forms, and was called by the doctor. Feel kinda bad that I don't remember his name, that'd probably be a good idea for this thread, but yeah. I talked to him a bit about what I wanted, he checked their site, was confused as I was about the UM56 tips, but made the molds for me anyway. He discussed how he had swimming plugs from Westone, as well as regular noise cancelling plugs from them, and recommended them, so I was glad I made that choice.
Discussed a lot of the choices I had, between Silicon and Vinyl, talked to me about the pros and cons of both, and said Silicon would be better because it's soft and you can get used to it easier, and it doesn't shrink over time like the other materials. After a bit of general chat, he takes out the putty and mixes it, then makes the molds. He's not a fan of the bite block he says, but I keep my jaw slack as I've read that it's better to have them open mouthed than closed.
He calls up Westone during this time, asking about the material they offer and what they're called, and then talks about it after he removes the impressions from my ears. Apparently they're now called the Style 56 tips (anyone know about this?) and again recommended Silicon as that's what the person he spoke to suggested. I opt for Silicon in R for the Right and B for the Left.
From what he told me, prices would be $25 per ear if I want them to take home and send them off myself (to another company etc), or $75 per for them to do everything, so I ended up paying $150 for the impressions+tips, and they cover shipping both ways. Turn around time they said was around 10 days, though I'd have to go there to pick them up, which is only a 5 minute drive.
All in all, I'm quite happy with the experience so far, hopefully the impressions were well done and the tips come out good. I'll update this within a week or two as soon as I get the tips, and hopefully my new S9 arrives as well.
The location in question is Tustin Hearing Center located in Tustin, CA . I really should have gotten the doctor's name, but when I get more information I'll edit my post with it