Brainwave Generator vs. Hemi-sync

[MinstruelZ]

Has anyone experienced the Monroe Institute's Gateway Series or their other hemi-sync products to compare to the Brainwave Generator that we're all so familiar with? I've had almost zero success with bwgen as far as I can tell. I'm using the one that came with Mastering Astral Projection and I'm only on week 5/6, but I haven't noticed anything outstanding with the bwgen.

[Stookie]

I've heard good things about the MAP program, so if it's not working for you, I wouldn't spend money on Gateway. From my experience, binaural beats can help the brain create the right state for projection, but doesn't necessarily make it any easier. If you can already achieve this state on your own, it may make it quicker, but it doesn't really facilitate the process.

In other words, I think that a person who has a strong intent and desire to project is going to do it regardless.

[interception]

You can use all the crystals and special oils and various other crutches out there, but at the end of the day your body/mind has to be in the right state to project. That state is better achieved through consistent natural training and exercises. It is not something that can be forced. When you are ready on a mind, emotion and spirit level, you will project. Be patient.

I have not used the Gateway products. I have used bwgen for a while to experience it, but I noticed very little real effect and subsequently dropped it.

My opinion: don't rely on external crutches.

[CFTraveler]

Has anyone experienced the Monroe Institute's Gateway Series or their other hemi-sync products to compare to the Brainwave Generator that we're all so familiar with? I've had almost zero success with bwgen as far as I can tell. I'm using the one that came with Mastering Astral Projection and I'm only on week 5/6, but I haven't noticed anything outstanding with the bwgen.

The Gateway Series is a more generalized type of Hemi Sync product than the BWGen, because like the name says, it's a program designed to take you to basic focus levels and then go on from there, towards whatever your goal is, not specifically AP.  (Of course, there are Gateway tapes that are for AP, as part of the program, not as the sole purpose of it.)
Another Monroe Institute product available is Hemi Sync Support for Journeys Out of the Body, which is more focused, much like MAP.
If you don't like the BWGen because you have to use a PC to listen to it, there are CD companion sets for MAP, using similar technology (binaural beats) with a guided meditation as part of the package.
I've used both MAP CD, BWGen and HSSfor JOOB, and liked them all.
I know many people that used Gateway and loved it because it taught them what focus levels feel like.  Of course, my understanding is that they're very expensive, but everyone I know that has them say they're worth it.

[DH]

I've used the first Gateway set that helps you reach focus 10 and experiment with it.  It was extremely helpful for me.  I've always had trouble settling my mind to concentrate and visualize, but these exercises helped me overcome the obstacles and set the stage for more consistent AP and OB experiences.  The cost is about $100 per set--less if you shop around -- but this first Gateway set has been well worth the money.

[MinstruelZ]

I should clarify my bwgen experience. I shouldn't say I've had zero success with the bwgen that comes with MAP. The only ones I've gotten to are weeks 1-5 which aren't supposed to take you out of body. The lucid dream presets haven't done much for me, but the trance induction and meditation presets are pretty good.

That's a good point about not having to use a PC to listen to the Gateway CD's, CFTraveler. It really is a little annoying to have to be close enough to the laptop so that the headphones will reach. It would be really fancy to have them on my iPod.

Thanks for the great input from everyone.