What is the Difference Between the XP REACTOR & the XP DEFENDER?
This is the main question we receive.
The XP REACTOR and XP DEFENDER are designed with different purposes in mind as follows:
XP REACTOR- Offers a very advanced filter with no ability to turn it to an OPEN or CLOSED POSITION. The sound filter inside is the most advanced of it’s kind. It’s dynamic mesh technology allows soft to normal sounds to pass through with very little interference- only reducing these sounds by 5 dB. The lowest you will find of any product like this. Then when loud impulse sounds come through, the mesh filtering process will dissipate the sound coming in and give you 33 dB of noise reduction- the highest noise reduction you will find among comparable products. This is a very unique and high tech little ear plug with the world’s most advanced sound filter inside.
The XP REACTOR is perfect for environments where you want to maintain as close to normal hearing as possible, but have the protection against random, loud sounds coming through as needed. Environments like stadiums, concerts, dance/night clubs, etc. are where you want the XP REACTOR. You can do more extreme activities like shooting, mechanics, etc. and get the protection against loud impulse sounds, but we recommend the XP DEFENDER for more extreme environments like these.
XP DEFENDER- Offers a switch valve where you can easily toggle at the push of a button between an OPEN and CLOSED position. The OPEN position allows you to have much more normal hearing (please note that it WILL NOT BE normal hearing as your ears will still be plugged, but more normal hearing and very usable and functional. You should not have to hassle with pulling foamy plugs in and out to hear- just toggle. Then toggle back to closed position when you want more full hearing protection. PLEASE NOTE: The XP DEFENDER offers a very advanced mesh/ultra thin disc sound filter inside that protects your hearing similar to the XP REACTOR when it is in the OPEN position. You can still do more extreme activities i.e. shooting, mechanics, etc. and have protection in the OPEN position against impulse sounds coming through. So you will still have 5-33 dB noise reduction rating in the OPEN position. But then you can close it off for total sound reduction for air conduction hearing. (Air conduction hearing is the hearing you get through your ear canal vs. bone conduction hearing you get through sound passing through the ‘bone’ or skull.)
The XP DEFENDER is designed for environments where you want the option to turn normal sound back on or turn it off. Extreme environments like shooting, mechanics, construction, auto racing, industrial, military, law enforcement, firemen, etc. are where you will appreciate the XP DEFENDER.
Less extreme environments like air travel, sleeping/snoring, certain type of concerts, etc. are also great for the XP DEFENDER switch ability.
Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have more questions around this.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 11:24
When the XP DEFENDER is in the OPEN Position, Does it React Like the XP REACTOR?
Yes it does. The XP DEFENDER has a highly advanced mesh/ultra thin disc sound filter inside. Even in the OPEN position it will give you comparable hearing protection to the XP REACTOR- 5 dB off noise reduction on soft to normal sounds and 33 dB noise reduction on loud impulse sounds. Then you can turn it to the CLOSED position and have more full shut off on all sounds.
In the XP REACTOR the sound filter is made with very high-tech mesh blend. The XP DEFENDER uses a high-tech mesh blend also with an ultra thin metal disc inside providing you the protection as stated above.
Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have additional questions on this so we can always improve our FAQ’s.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Do These Come in Different Sizes?
Yes. These have two size options that come standard with every pair. Our Standard size fits most every small to normal ear perfect. Our large size takes care of the rest. These two sizes have handled every ear we have tested them on better than any plug we have sold before or tested from other products on the market. These little ear plugs are the best fitting we have ever seen for any audience or set of ears.
We will also offer child size tips for really small ears when needed.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 12:53
When Do We Find Out About Color Options?
At the end of the campaign, we send out surveys to all of you to get your shipping information, emails and contact info. This is when we get your color selection. We will announce the color selection options in the next week to ten days. Please watch for our surveys at the end and let us know which colors you choose.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Are These Washable and Reusable?
Yes. Luke warm water and mild soap are perfect to wash these with as needed, so you can reuse them indefinitely. Much nicer than having to replace foams- and they are much more comfortable to wear than roomies and much more practical due to the sound filter instead of only sound blocking of foamies.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
How Long Do These Little Ear Plugs Last?
These will last indefinitely if you take good care of them. Historically, on ear plugs like these, we have seen people reordering every year or two by their own preference, but you can go much longer on a pair if you take good care of them.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Can I Sleep in These?
Yes. Due to the small size (compare to other large bulky ear plugs out there now), and the ultra-soft silicone we use in these ear plugs, these are perfect for sleeping in all night and not even noticing, but just getting a great nights sleep!
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
What Accessory Options Come With These?
We will offer the following:
1- A small neoprene, water durable carry case for your convenience. 2- A small keychain carabiner for your carry case. 3- A very sleek lanyard to use as needed- easily put on or taken off. 4-Additional sound filters for specific environments- easily swapped out as needed. 5- Additional silicone tips as needed. 6- Additional colors as preferred.
Right now we are well on track to hit our $200K stretch goal, which would give the carry case, carabiners and lanyards to all our backers for free! Please help us make this happen by sharing with your family and friends.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Can We Place A Custom Pledge Allowing Us to Receive a Different Mix of Products Than the Rewards Packages Listed?
Absolutely. We are here to please. Simply choose the XP REACTOR Single for $19 or more. Then pledge the amount you wish according to the pricing below.
1 pair- $19 2-4 pairs- $18 per pair x the number of pairs you wish to receive 5 or more pairs- $16 per pair x the number of pairs you wish to receive
THEN, WHEN WE SEND OUT YOUR SURVEY, please fill out the selection of product you wish to receive in the notes.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
How Do I Change My Pledge? What If I'm an Early Bird Backer and Want to Change My Pledge?
If you just need to change your pledge, then simply cancel out your old pledge and redo a whole new pledge. That’s it. Very clean and simple.
If you are an early bird backer, we have not found a way on the KS platform to work that out. Therefore, unless we find a better way and announce it to you later, then please keep your pledge as it is, thereby keeping your early bird status. Then when we send the survey out, please note the changes- on your survey- you wished to make and we will take care of it. If you are adding to your order, we will reach out to you for a credit card to handle the difference. This is the only way we know how to handle it. Again if we discover a better way, we will announce it.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Cheaper International/Rest of World Shipping???
We have posted new reward packages that have changed the international/rest of world shipping from $12 to $9 for single or double pair rewards- slightly higher on larger orders requiring larger packs accordingly. The $9 includes a tracking number from our office to your door. This is the standard international option on all rewards packages now, as that is what the vast majority of our backers requested on our earlier survey.
We have posted one reward for other international backers so they can choose to receive the $5 international shipping that includes a tracking number from us to their local postal service. If they wish to receive more than one pair for rewards, they can simply pledge a high amount according to the other packages list and then tell us their selection in the surveys we send out at the end of the campaign.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Will Have These Ear Plugs Certified by ANSI or Other Rating Agencies? And Will We Post These Results?
Of Course. We sell to many of the largest corporations, mass retailer and sporting good retailers in the world. We have to have this to be able to do that and we take our reputation very seriously. We are finishing a new website for AXIL this month. This is where you will begin seeing our results an all our products. We have different agencies and ratings that we use for different purposes. We will post next week the final listing of the certifications and agencies that we will go for these products. Please Stay tuned!
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Which Ear Plug is Best for Shooting?
Both will give you protection against the loud impulse sound of shooting. However, we prefer the XP DEFENDER as you can turn it in the OPEN or CLOSED position as you choose/need plus you still get XP REACTOR-like protection in the OPEN position.
Last updated: May 04, 2017 12:21
Will These Fit Small Children?
We will offer child size tips for small children as an additional option for little children.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 12:53
How Do I Adjust My International Shipping to the Lower Cost?
One of two ways: 1- Simply adjust your original pledge down by $3. 2- If that doesn’t work, then cancel your original pledge and re-pledge to one of the new reward packages.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 12:56
How Can I Double Up On My Rewards?
Simply pledge 2x the amount of that reward and we will know that you want that double up on. No need to double up on the shipping. Thanks for doubling up!!!
Last updated: May 10, 2017 12:58
Will These Completely Shut Off All Sounds?
The XP Defender- in the Open position- and the XP Reactor will not shut out all sounds but rather protect you from incoming harsh sounds. The XP Defender- in the Closed position- will shut out loud all loud sounds. However, this is a reduction of sound- Noise Reduction Rating- so you will still have some sound pass through every ear plug in the world plus through the bone/skull in your head. So no ear plug will give you complete shut off of sound, but rather reduce the incoming sounds. The Xp Defender will give you some of the very best sound shut off of any ear plug on the market.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:02
What Is The Difference Between a NRR Rating and An Amount of Noise Reduction Against Impulse Sounds?
NRR is a certification for the physical blocking of sound i.e. a straight ear plug will reduce the incoming sound by 30 decibels. A sound filter is different and does not go by a NRR rating, as it’s not the physical plug that we are referring to, but rather what is happening inside of the sound filters. If it is filtering or dissipating sound, this effect will reduce the sound down by 33 dB also, but by filtering- not by a physical blocking- hence the 33 dB of noise reduction against impulse sounds rather than an NRR rating.
The XP Reactor will protect your hearing by a physical blocking- NRR- of 5 dB, but then when loud impulse sounds come through, it will filter those sounds out and reduce them by 33 dB. The XP Defender will do the same in the Open position, but will operate solely on dB NRR when in the closed position.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:13
Does the XP Defender- When in the Open Position- React the Same Way As the XP Reactor?
Yes It Does!
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:16
When Will Colors Be Announced?
Monday, May 15, 2017
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:18
When Will Surveys Be Sent Out?
We will start sending surveys on Monday, May 22, 2017- right after the campaign closes.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:18
Are These Digital, Electronic or Bluetooth? Will These Options/Features be Available in the Future?
These are not digital, Bluetooth or electronic. These are non-electronic ear plugs with the most advanced sound filters of any ear plugs on the market.
You can check out our new www.GoAxil.com website, the end of May to see our full line of electronic, 100% Digital, etc. Stay tuned for Bluetooth announcements later this year.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:23
Can I Wear These In Varying Altitudes?
The XP Reactor and The XP Defender- in the open position- will work great for varying altitudes as they do not provide a complete ear seal. Most people also can use a complete plug in varying altitudes just fine. Carefully test your own ears accordingly to find the right solution for you.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:23
Will These Affect the Music Quality or Acoustics at a Concert?
These will only reduce the overall sound by 5 dB, which is great for concerts, hardly noticeable, while still giving you the protection against harsh loud or distorted sounds coming through. The XP Reactor is our favorite for concerts as you put them in and forget about it!
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:28
Do These Come with Different Sound Filters? What Are the Customization Opportunities for These Ear Plugs?
Every reward will come with our very best all-purpose sound filter. We will offer additional application specific filters that you can purchase and easily swap out as you wish. The customization referred to on these plugs is referencing the interchangeable tips. For more customization of ear plugs, please see our new website the end of this month- May- at www.GoAxil.com.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:28
Can You Share the Frequency Response Graph on Both of These Models and the Xp Defender for Open and Closed Positions?
Absolutely! We will post these on our new website once they come through the final testing and certifications. We have manufactured and designed ear plugs for a long time and know the end results of these will mirror our initial testing of these in the development phase. There will be no change. We will post everything once we receive it from the certification agencies.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:38
Do The XP Defender's Only Provide 8 dB of Protection When in the Closed Position or Do They Offer 3 Levels of Protection?
When in the Open Position, they act like the XP Reactor’s- 5 dB of NRR or 33 dB of noise reduction against loud impulse sounds. When in the Closed position, they go entirely to a Noise Reduction Rating of 20 dB NRR- so in essence you can have three different levels of hearing protection accordingly.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:38
Do These Protect Against Sounds of 33 dB or Do They Also Work Against Sounds of 80, 90 dB or more?
The 33 dB reference is the amount of sound that this reduces sounds by. So this applies to all sounds over 80 dB. These are two different reference points one is the amount of protection (33 dB of noise reduction) or 80 or 90 dB, which is the loudness of the oncoming sounds that require being protected against.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:38
Which Is Best for Power Tools?
Either will protect, but we prefer the XP Defender so we can shut it off when we choose to for more full, constant protection.
Last updated: May 10, 2017 13:38
Current Estimated Shipping Date: August 2017
All your rewards should be shipped by August 2017.
Last Updated At: 06/02/17 | See Kickstarter UpdateWhat is BackerKit?
BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!
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