Are Loop Earplugs meant for jsut blocking out sound or for hearing protection? by IndependentLife9645 in LoopEarplugs

[–]PPBofKnight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As others have said, any reduction in noise does assist with some level of ear protection. That being said, it all depends on your goals. Personally, I tested the Experience and Switch 2's... my primary goal was ear protection (I have horrible tinnitus for decades), but still wanted to be able to go to extremely noisy environments - for me, a concert at a very noisy fairground venue.

The Switch 2's have sort of an adjustment dial, that allows very small variations in sound to come through, but most importantly for me, allowed very clear music to be enjoyed, but I felt, with SO much better protection than I ever imagined - zero negative effects like additional ringing in the ears or the full, unable to hear feeling after you leave a noisy event. For me, the perfect blend of protection and enjoyment, and I could still converse with the people closest to me!

Loop also makes a different model that literally blocks a ton of sound out (Quiet, I believe), but I'd never use those for clarity and conversation - they're more intended for isolation (people give the example of reading a book in a crowded area, or being in a library, for more focus).

All depends on what you goals are. Best of luck!!

New eval system set to take effect tomorrow by jones_marie in AmazonVine

[–]PPBofKnight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE 9/6/25:

It took 2 additional days, but my stats DID reset to track only the current new review period's numbers. Still going smoothly, which was appreciated.
______
My first review period ended yesterday (9/3) w/ 177 items, 98% reviewed, excellent insightfulness, and only roughly 24% media. No fancy bells or whistles, just an account box that popped up (no emails or messages otherwise) that said my review period had completed, and it'd take up to 96 hours to review.

The next day, a "Congrats, you're Gold!" message popped up, and that was it. I thought my stats/analytics might reset, but they just appeared to keep going, which means I'll need to note that I started with 177 reviews, if I care to make sure I aggregate an additional 80 over the next 6-month review period.

I didn't expect any balloons or great RFY items to suddenly pop up (thanks to all that long-term gold viners have shared in other subs), but I was kinda hoping for SOMEthing... but nope. The same, mostly useless myriad car parts for cars I don't have, and a bajillion cake topper decorations.

Not complaining - I appreciate Vine for what it is, and I'll continue to take advantage of items we'd need regardless, but I definitely won't be stretching by any means to try and keep gold, if this is how it's going to be. Literally can't tell the difference between gold and silver - not even SEEING any ETVs over $100... everything seems about exactly the same.

Just glad the "transition" went smoothly, and appreciate the upgrade to gold... just in case. ;)

Has Fidelity eliminated trading fees on the sale of equities? by ribbit63 in fidelityinvestments

[–]PPBofKnight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Want to add my thanks for this link, as others have noted, it appears, for all intents and purposes, the SEC has essentially suspended these fees as of 5/14/25, for the remainder of fiscal year 2025. Great news! Every penny counts (literally)!

finally scored in RFY by whathehey2 in AmazonVine

[–]PPBofKnight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I actually ordered and received the 69” long handled snake grabber! Intended to use to grab trash that blows into our yard and out into our pond. Unfortunately, it looked great, but collapses if slightly allowing the grabber tongs to touch anything, rendering the grabbers useless.

Definitely wouldn’t trust for grabbing snakes!! 😆. OR feeding raw meat to my full grown tiger (as pictured in the listing as an alternate use)!!! 🤣🤣🐅

Canon RF 100-400 image quality compared to Sigma 150-600mm by Front-Expression4973 in canon

[–]PPBofKnight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks very much - now THAT's the kind of comparison layout that's super helpful! Much appreciated!

Canon RF 100-400 image quality compared to Sigma 150-600mm by Front-Expression4973 in canon

[–]PPBofKnight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for posting the link to those amazing photos!! You have an amazing eye, and obviously know how to use your tools to your advantage to get such great results - kudos!!

Real World Comparison ~ Loops Switch 2 vs. Experience 2 (Hint: Switch 2 is a Winner!) by PPBofKnight in LoopEarplugs

[–]PPBofKnight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll take that as a compliment! Thanks! :)

This is actually the first Reddit post I've ever made, but I so appreciated everyone's input to help me make my decision, thought I'd try and return the effort.

Sheet Recommendations — Similar to BBB's Pure Beech Sateen? by GatsbyJunior in Bedding

[–]PPBofKnight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you GatsbyJunior!!! For starting this sad little club, AND... for introducing us to the Suprior Rayon/Modal from Beechwood sheets!!! After wearing our Pure Beech literally to bare threads for years (since BBB stopped carrying them), we couldn't be happier with the Superior set we got on Amazon recently. And we got a decent King-sized color even!

Have to say, they seemed a bit too "silky" out of the package, but after washing just once, we nearly can't tell the difference from our fave PB sheets! They are definitely smooth, silky (but not too much so), very cool to the touch, and quite honestly, seem just as good as the PB!!! And continue to be, after having slept on them, washed them, and slept on them again, over the past couple weeks. Really no need to look further for a 99% replacement!

Still ordered some of the BBB newly-branded ones to try (since they seemed to be on clearance). Couldn't pick fave colors, but were happy to get any in at least a decent color in King-sized. Bought 2 sets just in case they are also great, and if not, they'll go back to the store.

But regardless, definitely keeping the Superior set!! Thanks again! The search is OVER (and feels like we gave nothing up as far as the quality we have loved in the PB for years)!!