A few years ago, I reviewed a pair of custom earphones of the type that only musicians usually get to use. You know, those earphones with a custom mold of each ear. The fit and finish are amazing but the price? Ouch. Decibullz Custom Molded Earphones is a new brand looking to bring an affordable custom-fit approach to the masses.The cover of the box makes clear that these are unlike and off-the-shelf earphones you have seen. While all other earphones have small monitors that end in some kind of soft silicon gel designed to keep the earphones in place and block out some degree of ambient noise, these have that plus thermoplastic molds that are shaped to conform with your unique ears.
The back of the box says it all. You heat the molds, put them on the earphones, press them into each ear, allow them to conform to your unique ears and then wait for them to cool. Once cool, they hold the shape of your ears… unless you allow them to get overheated. More on that in a bit.
Here’s how the company describes the product.
This is the newest version of our popular earphone. This new earphone is the best earphone we have ever created! Better sound, better seal, and better fit. They are even easier to mold!
These earphones are easily and quickly molded to the unique shape of your ears. This creates a perfect fitting earphone that will never hurt and never fall out.
When I had a pair of JHAudio JH5 custom in-ear monitors made in 2010, I had to go to an audiologist and have them create the molds. It was an unpleasant, time-consuming and costly endeavor. (You can see the full review along with the pictures of my custom molds being made here.) Not only are these earphones far less expensive — $350 less to be precise — but you can make them in the comfort of your own home. Sure, the JH5 earphones are heads, tails — and ears — better sounding, but that isn’t my point. The Decibullz Custom Molded Earphones give you a custom fit without the hassle and expense of going to an audiologist.
Inside the box you get the earphones, a nice zippered carrying case (I love when companies don’t cheap out on the carrying case!), two extra inserts (so you have three different sizes from which to choose) and the ear molds.
I found the molding process to be relatively easy. I took my time to get it done right, and was still done within fifteen minutes. And the great news is that, if need be, I can even reshape them.
Video Review of the Decibullz Custom Molded Earphones
- One Set of Decibullz Custom Molds
- Silicone Molding Tray
- 3 sets of silicone tips S, M, L
- In-line remote and mic. for use with your smart phone
- Flat tangle-resistant cords
- Decibullz earphone case
- Upgraded premium sound engine for a rich full sound
From Decibullz:
This new design makes it easier than ever for users to create a perfect fitting and great sounding earphone. We have combined our unique molding material with a specially selected silicone tip. The soft tip aligns the earphone in the ear canal and creates a comfortable sound-isolating seal. The tip works in conjunction with the molding material that conforms to the concha (bowl part of the ear) to keep the earphone secure and comfortable. The molding material also creates a second seal for better sound and greater noise isolation. The new earphones have a very low profile so they can be easily used with hats and helmets.
Here’s a Video Look at the Process of Creating the Custom Molds
The Decibullz system makes molding your custom earphones extremely easy. Simply heat the thermoplastic molds in a cup of water in the microwave, snap on your earphones, and shape the molds to the unique shape of your ears.The molding material stays pliable at slightly above room temperature for several minutes. This allows it to be placed into the ear and molded safely.
Once the ear molds were shaped to my ears, they were ready to use. They are surprisingly comfortable and, once in place, stay in place. That’s especially important since the company is targeting these headphones to athletes.
As for sound? I like the Decibullz Custom Molded Earphones, but am not blown away by the sound they offer. It is clean, and it offers a decent range, but didn’t offer anything that really made them stand out. Then again, considering the fact that these are custom earphones for under $50, I’m not sure what I expected! Were they $150+, I might have something to complain about, but at under $50 they are a bargain!
If you are looking for an athletic earphone that will offer decent sound, has an inline microphone and remote, and stays in place comfortably, you really owe it to yourself to check out these earphones. Learn more and order yours here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Decibullz Custom Molded Earphones
What I Like: Nice carrying case; Custom molded earphones for under $50; Sound good and stay put
What Needs Improvement: Didn’t blow me away with the audio; I actually would have loved for these to come with two sets of molds in case the first ones don’t turn out right
