This is the second RODE WS2 that I have purchased, as I now have two RODE Procaster microphones, so one for each of them. They are really secure and do not pull off the mic easily. The reduction in plosives is okay, probably not as good as a metal pop shield secured in front of the microphone, however, these are really designed for outside use to prevent wind noise. Thus, you could say that these WS2 are dual-purpose. For now, I am using mine indoors, but I know if I get another Zoom portable recorder, then I could use the WS2 in the field.
When new out of the packet, they have a very slight aroma (you need to touch your nose to it to pick it up), smelling like a new car seat, or faint rubber/plastic smell. It is not bad. The reason I mention is that I have seen reviews at online retailers complaining about the smell. If used in an area where smoking occurs, I would hazard a guess that these foam pad filters would pick up those odours. However, I think that the WS2 is probably washable in warm soapy water and would not take long to dry either once rinsed. So, this is a definite pro, as is the fact that they definitely protect the metal head at the end of the microphone, from dust or even if banged or dropped onto a table etc. Finally, they look good too - there is an aesthetic appeal of a foam windshield sitting on top of a mic.
