Triple Flange Eartips Long Stem vs Standard: What's the Difference?

Quick answer

Choose the long stem version if you use a BEAN, Music•PRO MP-9•15, HD•15, GSP•1, GSP•15, or EB•15; choose the standard version if you use ETY•Kids, HD5 Safety, mc3, mc2, mc5, or the Home Hearing Test. Both seal deeply, but the long stem reaches farther into the ear canal, while the standard stem sits closer to the earphone body. If you are unsure, match the model list first, then adjust size for comfort.

Etymotic triple flange eartips are known for deep insertion and a strong seal, but not all triple flange tips are the same. The long stem and standard versions look similar at a glance, yet they fit different earphone models and sit differently in your ear. That difference affects comfort, seal, and how the earphone feels during long listening sessions.

This comparison breaks down the long stem vs standard triple flange eartips using the supplied catalog facts. You will see which models each fits, how stem length changes fit depth, and when to choose one over the other. The goal is simple: help you pick the pair that stays comfortable and seals reliably for your ears and your Etymotic earphones.

What long stem and standard triple flange eartips share

Both the ER38-18CLL Large Clear 3-Flange Long Stem Eartips and the ER38-18CL Large Clear 3-Flange Eartips are triple flange designs. That means three flexible flanges create multiple points of contact in the ear canal, which is the core reason Etymotic triple flange tips seal so well. Each package includes 10 eartips, and both are listed at the same catalog price of USD 15.00.

They also share the same clear material and large size. If you already like the seal of a triple flange tip, the main decision is not shape or material. It is stem length and model compatibility. That is where the two versions diverge.

• Both are large, clear, triple flange eartips sold in packs of 10.
• Both rely on multiple flange contact points for a deep seal.
• The real difference is stem length and which earphone models each fits.

Long stem eartips: deeper fit, specific models

The ER38-18CLL Large Clear 3-Flange Long Stem Eartips are built for The BEAN, Music•PRO MP-9•15, HD•15, GSP•1, GSP•15, and EB•15. The longer stem extends the tip farther from the earphone nozzle, which can help you reach a deeper insertion depth. For some listeners, that deeper fit improves seal and isolation because the flanges sit farther into the ear canal.

The trade-off is that a longer stem is less forgiving if your ear canal is short or sensitive. Deep insertion can feel intrusive at first, and it takes practice to insert consistently. If you already use one of the compatible models and want the deepest possible seal, the long stem version is the intended choice.

• Long stem fits The BEAN, Music•PRO MP-9•15, HD•15, GSP•1, GSP•15, and EB•15.
• Deeper insertion can improve seal and isolation when it fits your ear.
• If insertion feels too deep, try a smaller size or switch to a standard stem model.

Standard stem eartips: shorter reach, different model list

The ER38-18CL Large Clear 3-Flange Eartips are the standard stem version. They fit ETY•Kids, HD5 Safety, mc3, mc2, mc5, and the Home Hearing Test. Because the stem is shorter, the tip sits closer to the earphone body. That can make insertion feel less deep and often feels more approachable for new users or for ears that are sensitive to deep placement.

The shorter stem does not mean a weak seal. Triple flange tips still create multiple contact points. But if your ear canal is longer or you struggle to get a consistent seal, the longer stem version may reach farther and seal more reliably. Match the model list first, because the two versions are not interchangeable across every earphone.

• Standard stem fits ETY•Kids, HD5 Safety, mc3, mc2, mc5, and the Home Hearing Test.
• Shorter stem can feel less intrusive for sensitive ears.
• Do not force a long stem tip onto a model listed only for the standard version.

How stem length changes fit depth and comfort

Stem length directly affects how far the flanges travel into your ear canal. A longer stem gives you more reach, which can help if your ear canal is longer or if you need a deeper seal to get consistent bass and isolation. A shorter stem keeps the earphone body closer to the outside of your ear, which many people find easier to insert and remove.

Comfort is personal. Some listeners prefer the secure, locked-in feel of a deeper fit. Others find that any deep insertion feels uncomfortable after 30 minutes. Neither version is universally better. The right choice depends on your ear canal shape, your patience with insertion technique, and which Etymotic model you own.

• Longer stem equals more reach and potentially deeper seal.
• Shorter stem equals easier insertion and less depth for sensitive ears.
• Try both if your model supports only one version, consider a different Etymotic earphone or tip style.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Fit depth: Long stem reaches deeper into the ear canal; standard stem sits closer to the earphone body. Deeper is not automatically better. Choose based on your ear canal length and comfort.
• Model compatibility: Long stem fits The BEAN, Music•PRO MP-9•15, HD•15, GSP•1, GSP•15, and EB•15. Standard stem fits ETY•Kids, HD5 Safety, mc3, mc2, mc5, and Home Hearing Test. Check your earphone model first. The two versions are not universally interchangeable.
• Comfort and insertion: Long stem can feel more intrusive but may seal more reliably for longer ear canals. Standard stem is often easier to insert and remove. If you are new to deep insertion, start with the standard stem version for your model.
• Alternative option: Dual Flange Eartips are softer and more comfortable while sealing just as well as traditional 3-flange tips, per the catalog description. If triple flange tips feel too firm or too deep, try dual flange before giving up on the fit.

Product facts

• ER38-18CLL Large Clear 3-Flange Long Stem Eartips: Package of 10 eartips. For use with The BEAN, Music•PRO MP-9•15, HD•15, GSP•1, GSP•15 and EB•15. If you own one of these models, this is the long stem triple flange option designed for your earphone. The 10-pack gives you spare pairs for replacement or travel.
• ER38-18CL Large Clear 3-Flange Eartips: Package of 10 eartips. For use with ETY•Kids, HD5 Safety, mc3, mc2, mc5 and Home Hearing Test. If you own one of these models, this standard stem version is the correct fit. Choosing the wrong stem length can affect both compatibility and insertion depth.
• Dual Flange Eartips: The Dual Flange Ear tip is an evolution in Etymotic design. Traditionally, using a 3-flange device, Etymotic ear tips allowed for 3 potential points of contact in the ear canal that seals the ear better than the single dome silicone tips on many products. What they have done with the Dual Flange ear tip is created a tip that is softer, more comfortable, and seals just as well as their traditional 3-flange tip. If you find triple flange tips too deep or too firm, dual flange tips offer a softer, more comfortable alternative with a comparable seal. They are worth considering if comfort is your main concern.

Which one should you choose?

Choose long stem if you:

• Own The BEAN, Music•PRO MP-9•15, HD•15, GSP•1, GSP•15, or EB•15.
• Want the deepest possible seal and isolation from a triple flange tip.
• Have longer ear canals or struggle to get a consistent seal with shorter tips.

Choose standard stem if you:

• Own ETY•Kids, HD5 Safety, mc3, mc2, mc5, or the Home Hearing Test.
• Prefer a shallower fit that is easier to insert and remove.
• Find deep insertion uncomfortable or are new to triple flange eartips.

The long stem vs standard triple flange decision comes down to your earphone model and how deep you want the tip to sit. Match the model list first, then choose the stem length that gives you a comfortable, consistent seal. If triple flange tips feel too firm, the Dual Flange Eartips are a softer alternative worth trying. With the right pair, you get the seal and isolation Etymotic earphones are known for.