Earplugs or whisper kit (or both)?

[BMWST?]

My r100gs is noisy for me.I dont get buffeting but i sit in a zone of acellerated or at least slightly turbulent air.Are whisper kits(i wear a shoei raid) worth it?.I dont like the foam earplugs (one of my ears has a very small channel) are the custom made type any better comfort wise?.I will wear foam plugs if thats what the voices of experience advise.
voice your experiences please

[Ghost_Bullet]

I have a whisper kit on my shoi, and that works ok.
But especially longer trips, I used to wear the foam type plugs, but all types ended up giving me grief, and cause discomfort.
I ended up getting those Moulded plugs from the plugs4lugs guys. They are not as effective as foam plugs, but added to the whisper kit, I can wear them all day long and not feel any pain, or ringing ears from a days glorious riding.

[Neon]

How many different types of foam plugs have you tried? I found that some were very uncomfortable (such as EARsoft FX), while others are fine (such as Moldex Spark Plugs). I can't comment on custom moulded plugs although I gather there is a slight trade-off in terms of noise reduction for improved comfort.

I also use a NOJ Quietrider cuff around the bottom of my helmet, which cuts down the wind noise quite a bit, but not entirely. The downside to this product is that it is useless in the rain, as the elastic cuff around the bottom edge wicks water in around your neck.

I always wear ear plugs, but on long trips even with the wind cuff and a balaclava, I still get ringing in my ears after a couple of hours riding. :(

[BMWST?]

How many different types of foam plugs have you tried? I found that some were very uncomfortable (such as EARsoft FX), while others are fine (such as Moldex Spark Plugs). I can't comment on custom moulded plugs although I gather there is a slight trade-off in terms of noise reduction for improved comfort.

I also use a NOJ Quietrider cuff around the bottom of my helmet, which cuts down the wind noise quite a bit, but not entirely. The downside to this product is that it is useless in the rain, as the elastic cuff around the bottom edge wicks water in around your neck.

I always wear ear plugs, but on long trips even with the wind cuff and a balaclava, I still get ringing in my ears after a couple of hours riding. :(

I used to wear ear plugs in my previous life on my K100rs which dumped the air of the screen right at the base of my helmet.I havent tried earplugs in this incarnation.
Find a better solution,ringing ears aint good it points to ear damage.

[Hawkeye]

I ended up getting those Moulded plugs from the plugs4lugs guys. They are not as effective as foam plugs.

Strange one this. I've tried quite a few different types of plugs and have never been happier than when I got a set made by Plugz4Lugz. Could ride all day in them and never had an issue. Extremely comfortable and great at blocking the noise.
Unfortunately, I lost one of the plugs and have been waiting for them to pass through Welly again to get another set.

There is another guy in Kapiti that makes custom ones but my understanding is he works from moulds that you have to get made by a specialist. (could be wrong on this).

[Gremlin]

both are my preference. I've used a whisper kit for a few years now, but it doesn't stop all the noise. plugz 4 lugz is also very good, but I've found they start hurting when riding in excess of 1000km at a time

[sinned]

The whisper kit for the Shoei Raid2 works really well. I didn't need it when I had a naked as there was no airflow from a screen. Try this test; when riding put you hand up under the helmet - if the noise level drops then a whisper kit will reduce the noise. I also wear molded earplugs as my ear channels are small and plugs don't stay in. To make molded earplugs work properly you need to apply some lubricant - auragel for molded earplugs from your pharmacy.

Answer: you always need earplugs and may need a whisper kit.

No matter what you do wind noise will present a danger to your hearing.

[Laava]

Funny you should mention this as I have a simlar problem with the moulded foam plugs. My left ear just won't accept them unless pushed in so far that it hurts. I have a whisper kit on my Multitec but would prefer plugs if they were a decent fit. The Whisper kit makes for discomfort in summer, other than that it is OK

[mugins]

I also have a Shoei (xr1000) with wisper kit and also always use plugs as well. Bikes loud and love the sound but get sick on the wind noise .Sounds like you need to get custom plugs.:yes:

[HenryDorsetCase]

My r100gs is noisy for me.I dont get buffeting but i sit in a zone of acellerated or at least slightly turbulent air.Are whisper kits(i wear a shoei raid) worth it?.I dont like the foam earplugs (one of my ears has a very small channel) are the custom made type any better comfort wise?.I will wear foam plugs if thats what the voices of experience advise.
voice your experiences please

The whisper kit is worthwhile for a Shoei Raid definitely. I wear foam earplugs if I am going to be over about an hour at highway speeds, but other than that dont bother.

[BMWST?]

Try this test; when riding put you hand up under the helmet - if the noise level drops then a whisper kit will reduce the noise.

yes,if i hold my hand flat, hard under the bottom of the helmet and hard into my head at about the same line as my ear,the wind noise is reduced somewhat.

[greenman]

I've got the same problem with my earholes being too little for foam plugs.
So What I've done is to get the Howard-Leigh airsoft plugs, and cut them down until they fit correctly, by carefully reducing the diameter of the wee fins on them.

[Rover]

I always wear earplugs. But there are many different types of ear plugs available. I find the foam roll up ones difficult to get in and kept falling out. At Safety shops like NZ safety they have a full range. The foam roll up ones are less than 50c/packet. The next three have cords that connect the ear plugs.There are cone plastic plugs on a cord that cost around .75c. Good for small ears but for me not comfortable after a while. Next up foam balls on a string, somewhere around $2.50 a pair, these were more comfortable, then there is the all soft plastic Rocket brand name, around $5.00 a pair. I find these very comfortable and being plastic easily cleaned for using the next time. So I go with the Rocket band ear plugs. There is another brand very similar.
Plus there is a right and wrong way to insert ear plugs. By placing your arm up and over your head straightens and widens the ear canal allowing best inserting. They can show you how at the Safety shop.

[KoroJ]

......There is another guy in Kapiti that makes custom ones but my understanding is he works from moulds that you have to get made by a specialist. (could be wrong on this).

David Taylor is his name and he's on info@kiwiplugs.co.nz

He made me a set of Molded Audio Plugs that I feed the MP3 through and I've worn them through GC's, Southern Cross and TT2000 in comfort. A dab of vaseline or auralgel is essential for comfort and helps seal them for better attenuation. He makes the ear plugs directly but makes the audio ones from a mold (that he makes himself) He seems to be exactly the same as PlugsforLugs.

I have a Raid 2 which I think is crap and would be concerned that a whisper kit would further reduce an already poor airflow through the helmet enhancing the fogging properties in inclement weather. I'm considering a new Shoei Qwest as these are touted as being 40 or 60% quieter than the Raid2.

Another cheap alternative to the Whisper kit would be a scarf....not so comfortable in Summer but!

[boman]

Plugs. for Lugs. Recommend them. I have two Pairs. Would not ride without them

[BMWST?]

I have a Raid 2 which I think is crap and would be concerned that a whisper kit would further reduce an already poor airflow through the helmet enhancing the fogging properties in inclement weather. I'm considering a new Shoei Qwest as these are touted as being 40 or 60% quieter than the Raid2.

Another cheap alternative to the Whisper kit would be a scarf....not so comfortable in Summer but!

interesting ,i was looking at Shoeis but i found the raid fit me better than the next model up so i bought it!

[NZsarge]

Ear Man Pro is the handle of the guy hear on KB, he lurks around Kapiti. I have had a set from both Plugs 4 Lugz and Ear Man Pro, I prefered Ear Man Pro's product, found them more comfortable. But both would be fine if fitted plugs are the way you want to go. IMHO they are indeed the way to go...

[banditrider]

I've got Plugs for lugs but as someone has mentioned, they do tend to hurt your ears a little if worn for long periods of time day after day. In terms of noise reduction & comfort I reckon you cannot go past the cheap disposable foam plugs - I always try to have some with me for when my ears start getting sore from the custom plugs.

I also have a whisper kit on my Shoei XR-1000 and while it helps with the noise I would always recommend plugs as well.

[davebullet]

Since you are in wellington - See david @ kiwiplugs.co.nz.

He's based in Waikanae. He knows his ears!

I just got a pair made on the spot by him. Some of the fancier ones (with headphones etc... )take time, but the basic model ($65) he does on the spot and you ride away with them. Guaranteed for 7 years.

Much better than earbuddies which I used previously. a) the new plugs block out noise better. b) they'll last longer. and they also feel very comfortable since they are specifically contoured to your ear. I found the ear buddies gave me a sore canal (of the ear variety people) after a couple of hours.

I've just finished a 8 hour stint with the new babies - ears feel fine!

Highly recommended.

[Flip]

Does anybody in Chch do these custom plugs?

[Gremlin]

I have a whisper kit on my Multitec but would prefer plugs if they were a decent fit. The Whisper kit makes for discomfort in summer, other than that it is OK
I have the multitec with whisper kit and still have my XR1000 with whisper kit. I had to stop wearing the chin guard on the XR1000 as the opening was so small with the whole kit in, I struggled like hell to get my head in (picture a helmet on top of head with person dancing around hanging on the helmet with both arms :facepalm:)

The multitec is great, as you can flip the front up and get the helmet on easily, then close, allowing the whole whisper kit to be fitted. Haven't found any venting issues, the top vent works better than the XR1000's. The included pinlock is a must for cold nights etc.

Where do you get hold of this auragel stuff? For my 2nd pair of plugz 4 lugz, I had them trimmed down, so they stuck out less, and was thinking I needed a 3rd pair, but I'll try this auragel stuff first...

[Ghost_Bullet]

Does anybody in Chch do these custom plugs?

Could be worth a try? Close to bottom.


http://www.earmold.com.au/earmold-australia-agents.html

[Spuds1234]

Does anybody in Chch do these custom plugs?

Any hearing clinic should be able to make a pair of plugs.

You may find that you have to go somewhere a bit more expensive to get ones that are molded to work with head phones.

Also they will be about $120 (thats what mine cost last time I got some).

[NZsarge]

Since you are in wellington - See david @ kiwiplugs.co.nz.

This is the chap known as Ear Man Pro here on KB but you did a much better job of explaining things.

He's based in Waikanae. He knows his ears!

I just got a pair made on the spot by him. Some of the fancier ones (with headphones etc... )take time, but the basic model ($65) he does on the spot and you ride away with them. Guaranteed for 7 years.

Much better than earbuddies which I used previously. a) the new plugs block out noise better. b) they'll last longer. and they also feel very comfortable since they are specifically contoured to your ear. I found the ear buddies gave me a sore canal (of the ear variety people) after a couple of hours.

I've just finished a 8 hour stint with the new babies - ears feel fine!

Highly recommended.

Yeah I agree, really comfortable.... if you don't loose them....:doh:

[Spyke]

if you want the best disposable you should get these, mix of bees wax lanolin, and cotton.

[KoroJ]

interesting ,i was looking at Shoeis but i found the raid fit me better than the next model up so i bought it!

The Raid 2 is very comfortable (for my noggin anyway) but it doesn't have rear vents. Therefore, to get any draw through the helmet one needs the top vent open, which is bloody noisy and allows water in when it's raining. On a long wet ride, I end up with a cold &/or wet patch on the top of my head as well as water dripping down the inside of the visor.

The Qwest seems just as snug, but has better venting, the 'pull-in' on the last click of the visor is probably why it's supposedly quieter and it comes with a pinlock. I've only tried one on and not test ridden them though, but it looks like that with the airplugs, and I'll be able to turn the volume down a bit more.

[slofox]

I use plugz4lugz. They give me better attenuation than any other plug I have used and I can wear them for hours at a time in perfect comfort. I am a little surprised that some posts on here report discomfort - not my experience at all. I usually spit on 'em to get them to fit easily - always available (unless you have recently scared shit out of yourself with your lunatic riding...)

I have a Raid II with a whisper kit which I find pretty good. Probably a little quieter than my Arai. Pity it doesn't fit as well as the Arai...:angry:

[Highlander]

Strange one this. I've tried quite a few different types of plugs and have never been happier than when I got a set made by Plugz4Lugz. Could ride all day in them and never had an issue. Extremely comfortable and great at blocking the noise....

Me too, I have 2 set from Plugz4lugz, one plain that I sleep in when working nights and use sometimes on the bikes, one with the speakers fitted so I can listen to music.


... plugz 4 lugz is also very good, but I've found they start hurting when riding in excess of 1000km at a time

Hadn't noticed the 1000km ear hurt, usually by that point my butt and shoulders and pretty much everything else is starting to hurt and fatigue is setting in maybe I just don't notice the ears hurting. Hats off to you 1600km day guys, fantastic effort I'm not prepared to try (yet).

[Gremlin]

After using the XR1000 over the weekend, a helmet definitely plays a part, ie, ear space. Not enough in the XR1000 (remembering both helmets have speakers set up) means the ears would normally flatten against the side of your head. Pain in the XR came within 500km...

Because the plugs are in, and are solid compared to the ear, the ear cannot flex like normal, and this is where the pain comes from. Thinking I might speak to them again on a 3rd pair, see just how small we can make some, as the alternative is not wearing them, so some sort of hearing protection is desirable.

I still believe plugz are the best, just trying to find the right fit (har har) for my requirements.

[robboh]

I have got a whisper kit somewhere for my Shoei xr1000. I tried it once and found it almost impossible to get into the helmet with it & plugz4lugz together. I must try it again now that my helmet is looser. (My theory is that cheekpads on helmets should have you chewing your inside cheeks if you open your mouth when helmets is new).

I've got the speaker version for trips plus straight plugs for more serious stuff. Missus has them as well for sleeping after night shifts and we both used them at f1 in Melbourne last year. Great product in my opinion. If they are uncomfortable or aren't attenuating noise the u aren't putting them in properly or else you need a fitting review. Obviously you need room for them (or any ear plug) in your helmet. One reason I like shoeis and hate arais, shoeis have room for my ears. Arais just fold em up and never feel comfortable (for me; you either are typically a Shoei head or an Arai head :-) )

After that, foam plugs would be my suggestion. If you can't get these in your ears and keep them in, then like 90% of people I see using them, you aren't fitting them right. You need to roll the entire barrel of the plug down very tight and skinny. Then lick the tip (or use gel) and QUICKLY insert. Most people are too slow getting them into their ears before they expand again. And if thats the case, they fall out and dont do jack all in terms of attenuation. Previous comment about pulling earlobe back with arm over head very valid here too.

You should feel them slide right into the canal, but not to point where they touch the edge of your inner ear (that hurts and is uncomfortable longer term). With most foams the flat part of the plug is almost flush with the edge of the front of my ear lobe (the bit closest to your nose). Then the next bit is important. Keep your finger holding against the flat bit until the plug expands fully and seats in your ear. NOW you can let go. This will take several secs for a new pair or else anything up to 30 secs for a used pair. At that point it should almost form a vacumn and be quite hard to dislodge. I useually then tug on them slightly to get rid of any positive pressure which might have formed as the plug expanded.

When an ear plug is properly in place you should have a very different sound coming from the world and be able to hear yourself eating VERY audibly. It's not just quieter, but almost like u are in a vacumn. Biggest errors I see are not rolling tight enough, or pointy enough, or down the plug far enough. And then not getting them in the hole quick enough, and then not holding them long enough to expand properly.

HTH
Rob

[ellipsis]

....was wondering if there was a thought filter that was kinda cheap, not chinese and in various colours,in a washable latex instead of foam...im gettin really fucked off humming inane fucking ditties when i should be lookin at where im meant to be goin'...if i wasnt thinking so much , im sure life would be a lot easier...especially on those that are surrounded by me...

[sinned]

if you want the best disposable you should get these, mix of bees wax lanolin, and cotton.
I got a twin pack and tried them out on the Capital 1000Kms Cruise and a few rides since. The most comfortable of all the plugs tried. All day riding and no pain. Thanks for the recommendation.


After using the XR1000 over the weekend, a helmet definitely plays a part, ie, ear space. Not enough in the XR1000 (remembering both helmets have speakers set up) means the ears would normally flatten against the side of your head. Pain in the XR came within 500km...

Because the plugs are in, and are solid compared to the ear, the ear cannot flex like normal, and this is where the pain comes from. Thinking I might speak to them again on a 3rd pair, see just how small we can make some, as the alternative is not wearing them, so some sort of hearing protection is desirable.

I still believe plugz are the best, just trying to find the right fit (har har) for my requirements.
I have two sets of moulded plugs; one with string joining and another set trimmed back so it sits well in the ear. Until I got the beeswax ones they were the best.

I don't even know the beeswax plugs are in the ear - had to check a few times now I know they don't come out. The noise attenuation may be a little less than the moulded plugs but they stay in place, don't loosen up and have what appears to be consistent attenuation. Why they work so well is in my humble opinion related to the softness with body heat. To put them in your massage between finger and thumb for 10 seconds and like Bluetac the stuff softens - then push into ear channel and shape to fully fill outer ear. The body temperature keeps them soft and pliable so they don't harden up, shrink and come loose or fall out like other pliable plugs. I think they will last until the material gets dirty - could be a long time if you wash hands before inserting.

Best by far.

Bought mine from http://www.earplugsonline.com/ and got the travel pack - I am about to buy more even though these will last me a long time. There is a seller on Trademe but delivery requires courier etc so easier to buy direct and get them within a week.

I have tried 30 different plugs - see my collection.

224282224281

[Urano]

plugs.
always wear them, except if you are going to reach the shop at the end of the street and you plan to get there at 40 kmh or less.
the whisper strips are something to hate as soon as it gets colder...