Doesn?t affect gas mileage and is silent. The foam is pretty stiff but still slightly flexible. This mic has the same specs as one of the Blue Mics which my brother has. AND you should get a spectacle cord. I have small ears so they fit well inside the cups. Ilove that you can hang each one at whatever height you like. IT?S GOT 4 FULL RANGE SPEAKERS , 2 ON EACH SIDE OF YOUR NECK THAT DELIVER 3D THEATER SOUND QUALITY. I did not test this, but it looked to me that if you over tightened screws it could effect the integrety of the outer support rods, since it would dent/bend the metal of the tube. It?s simple, not much packaging, and nothing to really think about. I am left with one day to return and cant because I cannot go into anUPS store, due to underlying health conditions.