Westone UM2 earphones -- Removable cable Y/N???

[BartmanPDX]

Howdy!

I've done some searching and am about ready to get some new earphones for IEM. I'm currently running some Sennheiser IE6 earphones, but my singer has now suddenly discovered the great world of IEM and wants to keep them. I've been lusting after some Westone UM2s for a while.

My question is this -- I noticed the UM2s have the option of getting them with a removable cable. The models with the removable cable have a clear protector over the cable right near the earphone. Does that make them fit/sit in your ears better or worse than the ones with the attached cable? I'm not sure I understand why a removable cable is useful, but my main concern is to get a set of earphones that stay in as well as possible. I have been known to "bang head" while rocking and I don't want them coming out.

Anyone have experience with both Westone UM2 models who can comment on whether or not the removable cable is a good idea/fit?

Many thanks in advance!!!!

[jmeyers44]

I think it's worth the extra money to get a removable cable. I ran Shure E4's for a long time and the cable eventually did wear out on the bend at the ear. I do know that the Westone has a wire reinforcement at the ear which holds the bend in place so you are not bending and unbending the wire. But it's still worth it to me to have the removable cable. If you think about it the cable is the thing most likely to get damaged. I would be shocked if the cable did come out of the earpiece while headbanging. Just my opinion.

[rockstarbassist]

I didn't know they offer them w/ removable cables now. Very cool.
I've had both pairs of mine (wired, with custom-fitted tips) for years and they both are still awesome. I never had any problems headbanging or moving around and them getting snagged. Just use a mini clip from work and hook it to your shirt in the back with enough slack to move around, problem solved.

[steveksux]

They're pretty expensive to replace if only the cable breaks.

Removable cables protect your investment in the IEMs, which are NOT cheap..

Randy

[BartmanPDX]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

I think Steve's right. While I had worried about the integrity of the connection (one more potential fail point) on the removable models, the greater danger is of something happening to the cable. Accidents do happen.

I think I'll be getting a set with the removable cable pretty soon.

[rockstarbassist]

Actually Westone will just send you a brand new pair if yours break. They did for me. I'd rather have a brand new pair if/when/never something happens.
And you have to extremely go out of your way to break them like you're saying. I've caught mine more than once and they never had issues.
I'd think having removable pieces just adds one more thing that can go wrong and break bu YMMV.

[walterw]

nah, removable is the way to go. the connections are typically not any issue.

sure, they might send you an entire replacement unit, but you're out of luck until it arrives. a spare cable and you're back up and running in 5 minutes.

westone came out with a removable version of the UM3X about 3 months after i bought mine

[svtb15]

UM2 do not have removable cable,,,,, the UM2 RC does..
I use ES2 westones.. I love them....

[Robin Ruscio]

A little late on this thread, but I was searching for whether to get the removable cables for the UM3x's.

Any more updates or thoughts from those in the field?

[squiresuzuki]

Definitely. If the cables break, you won't want to buy a whole new set!