Blackouts?

So I currently use the classic EMG 81/85 combo in my ESP, but i recently heard about Seymor Duncan Blackouts and checked some reviews. I found a few various reviews here and there and all of them are very positive, many even saying better than EMG's. My question is this: Has anyone here had any experience and/or know anything about them?

Anyone...?

Not me but I do like the EMG's tho

depends on what you want. if you or your band has a huge, loose sound, passive pickups would be the way to go. using passive pickups will make your tone slightly warmer and you will blend in with the rest of your music. active pickups will makes you stand out because the tone is sharp and crisp. so it really just depends on what youre going for...the two pickups are nothing alike and sound nothing alike. ive got active pickups in two of my guitars, but passive pickups in my bass and one other guitar. i like passive pickups for bass because, im not an incredible bass player, so they help my playing blend in with the guitars riffs. but for playing leads and such, since i play mostly metal, i wouldnt use anything but active pickups 'cause i want the guitar to stand out.

I understand the difference between active and passive, but BOTH pickups are active. EMG's and the Blackouts. Rereading my first post I realize I didn't actually make that very clear... my bad. Good to see a fellow metal player :)

hehe oops! i just figured they were passive. well...now you now the tonal difference between passive and active pickups hehe...

Ya well a bunch of people claim these to be "EMG killers" but I wonder if thats just new product hype or if theirs any truth? Thats why I'm asking because thats a pretty bold statement and it's made me curious...

i dunno man...EMG's are pretty f***ing awesome.

I don't know if they're EMG killers but Seymour Duncan pickups are always warmer and not as sharp sounding. If you wanna go screaming yelling chugging soaring lead hardcore metal go with EMGs Classic Metal Seymour Duncan.

EMG has been developing the active pickup technology since the 70's, due to their popularity I think other companies are making their own active pickups so that they keep up... That certainly does not mean the blackouts are worse by any means, just something to think about.