[tomb]

Everyone says the foam tips last the least and then they stop buying them. I agree with the former, but strongly disagree with the latter. Comply tips will always be my choice for the best listening experience with IEMs. Having them wear out is just something you need to accept if you want the best listening.

 

[ProtegeManiac]

If we make these variables constant, is it possible to judge whether tips or pads last longer?

But how, exactly?

Because one of the variables is pressure. And you can't make this constant because

1. The clamping force needed to keep a headphone in place sans headbanging is probably a lot lower than the pressure that your ear canal has to put on the tips that fit you just to keep them in place

2. The materials won't even be the same in many cases. Even if you control for both to be foam it's rarely the same kind of foam.

3. There's velour or leather around the earpad. Controlling variables for the purpose of comparing these two very different applications has no real world application because those variables are always going to be there and affecting service life.