SOULWIT Headband Cover for Audio Technica ATH M50, M50X, M50XWH, M50XBT, M50XBT2, M50S/LE Headphones, Replacement Headstrap Pad Repair Part (Black)

I looked forever to find this product, black, but for the ATH M40. It just didn't exist in any color other than brown (ew). So I bought this one, which is for the ATH M50, and it fits just fine. Anyone who doesn't want a brown replacement cover for their black ATH M40s, should consider just buying this one instead. The one main negative to this product is in the installation directions. They aren't great. Despite that, I was able to do this in less than fifteen minutes. Anyone with enough patience and skill can manage this if they take their time, use common sense, and carefully observe how the old one was put together. Everything you need is included, even a piece of tape for the headphone wire and the screwdriver you need for disassembly. Removing the old one was simple, and getting the new one on was only slightly tricky. This could be due to the fact that I was putting an ATH M50 cover onto an ATH M40 but they're so similar in size that I doubt it. It's just a bit of a tight fit, which is necessary to preserve that factory look. Practice getting the alignment right before you remove the backing from the tape. Once you stick the tape onto the headband, carefully stretch the fabric around the band until the foam section is correctly aligned, stick the velcro together, and reassemble. I had to manage the wire inside the headband and make sure it didn't get pinched during reassembly, I don't know if that would be the same on the ATH M50. I assume so, because there is a piece of tape in just the right spot for you to stick the wire on to hold it still. The tape isn't super-sticky but it doesn't need to be; the velcro is doing the heavy lifting there. Despite being used for headphones not in the recommended list, fit and finish were just fine. The material feels about the same as what I replaced, just typical pleather over a thin foam cushion. The foam is thicker in this replacement than what was originally in it. That's a plus. And, the color matches. After installation, the headband replacement looks like it belongs there. It looks really close to factory, actually. It only lacks the brand name logo that the original had, and I don't care about that. The cushion is slightly thicker, which adds a small amount of comfort to what was already a comfortable-to-wear headphone. Looking at it now, no one can tell I've had these for almost a decade. Very pleased with this product and would recommend.

The product bundle includes the replacement headband, a screwdriver for the headphone clip screws, a spare strip of adhesive, and a set of written directions with illustrations. I feel that if one reads and studies the instructions carefully first then the process is quite easy. The replacement headband has small notches to help effectively guide where it should line up with the original hardware. Test the alignment once before exposing the adhesive and you should be fine. Once attached the replacement leather is thinner than the original but still soft and comfortable. It flattens out nicely and fits in with look of the headphones. It does exactly what I needed with little fuss, and extended the life of my headphones.

Very nice quality and very easy to install. I highly recommend.

Overall they look perfectly fine. Obviously they don't have the branding but you'd have a difficult time seeing they're a replacement headband if you didn't know the name should be across the top. I only have 2 complaints. The illustrations specifically say to keep the bottom foam intact and show it there while the adhesive band is attached to the top of the headphones. The video instructions, as well as a video I found on youtube from a 3rd party, shows the bottom foam removed and the adhesive band attached at the bottom of the headband. I followed the videos' instructions and it seems to have worked fine. If you're confused about that, ignore the illustrations, follow the video. Also the bottom foam that was originally on the headphones is slightly thicker so the headphones sit slightly differently on your head and feel slightly less comfortable. Definitely not so much that it's a big deal though. Just might be a consideration for some people.

Fits well, looks great, and fits very similar to OEM. I use these headphones every day, so heavy ware had my old leather tattered (over 4 years of use!) haven't had these on long but will update on how they hold up! Just as comfortable as OEM, my foam was a bit work from all the use on the old pad so it's nice that they give you a new foam pad.

My original headband was falling apart and this replacement was reasonably priced. It doesn’t say Audio Technica on it but it was easy to install. Only time will tell how long it lasts. Overall I’m happy with my purchase!

Solid! Looks brand new.

The headband cover is undersize with respect to the M50X. You will not be able to stretch the cover to clip under the plastic cover ends of the M50X. I had to use duct tape finish these ends. Its a pity - because the soulwit material is otherwise very nice.