SMOKEUs ear plug review

[SMOKEU]

I've been hunting around for cheap ear plugs, and spending more doesn't always get you a better product. Here are the ones I tried:

Moldex Pocket Pak
257781

With these plugs, all you do is squeeze them, put them in the ear, then they expand to form a seal.

I tried these many times and I could never get them to work properly. I followed the instructions from the manufacturer, and nothing I tried worked. These ones would pop out and would never form a proper seal.




World's finest natural ear plugs
257782

With these plugs, you squeeze them gently for around 15 seconds to soften them, then push them into the ear where they mould to suit the individual ear. Not so hygenic because they're difficult to clean properly and your hands must be clean, otherwise you'll be pushing dirt into the ears. They do a very good job of keeping the noise out, but are a little tricky to insert.




3M Skull screws
257783

My favourite ear plugs of all. With these, all you do is pull the top of your earlobe up, push the ear plug in while slightly rotating it, and you're done! Fits nicely under my helmet, and very easy to clean and insert into the ears. These form a good seal and do a great job of keeping the noise out. Don't have to have clean hands either because you can hold onto the end of each plug preventing dirt from getting inside the ear.

[BoristheBiter]

I've been hunting around for cheap ear plugs, and spending more doesn't always get you a better product. Here are the ones I tried:

Moldex Pocket Pak
257781

With these plugs, all you do is squeeze them, put them in the ear, then they expand to form a seal.

I tried these many times and I could never get them to work properly. I followed the instructions from the manufacturer, and nothing I tried worked. These ones would pop out and would never form a proper seal.


.

What most fail to do is twist them while squeezing them, not flatten them, then you use the opposite hand to reach over your head and pull up the top of your ear.
This opens the ear canal.

[nodrog]

What most fail to do is twist them while squeezing them, not flatten them, then you use the opposite hand to reach over your head and pull up the top of your ear.
This opens the ear canal.

Just lick them abit first and they slide right in.

[SMOKEU]

What most fail to do is twist them while squeezing them, not flatten them, then you use the opposite hand to reach over your head and pull up the top of your ear.
This opens the ear canal.

Already tried that several times. Still doesn't work.

[superman]

Already tried that several times. Still doesn't work.

Your ears must not be suitable for Shinshi Shinshi. :laugh:

[Zedder]

I've been hunting around for cheap ear plugs, and spending more doesn't always get you a better product. Here are the ones I tried:

Moldex Pocket Pak
257781

With these plugs, all you do is squeeze them, put them in the ear, then they expand to form a seal.

I tried these many times and I could never get them to work properly. I followed the instructions from the manufacturer, and nothing I tried worked. These ones would pop out and would never form a proper seal.




World's finest natural ear plugs
257782

With these plugs, you squeeze them gently for around 15 seconds to soften them, then push them into the ear where they mould to suit the individual ear. Not so hygenic because they're difficult to clean properly and your hands must be clean, otherwise you'll be pushing dirt into the ears. They do a very good job of keeping the noise out, but are a little tricky to insert.




3M Skull screws
257783

My favourite ear plugs of all. With these, all you do is pull the top of your earlobe up, push the ear plug in while slightly rotating it, and you're done! Fits nicely under my helmet, and very easy to clean and insert into the ears. These form a good seal and do a great job of keeping the noise out. Don't have to have clean hands either because you can hold onto the end of each plug preventing dirt from getting inside the ear.

Thanks for the reviews. Who sells the skull screws?

[bogan]

The foam 'bullet' style ones were the best for me, but they were as far behind fitted ones as harley are to hondas, which is to say, louder, less comfortable, and harder to clean :shifty:

I realise this is a thread for cheap earplugs, but imo, fitted plugs are far better value for money.

[BoristheBiter]

Just lick them abit first and they slide right in.

Thats what they all say:innocent:

[nodrog]

Thats what they all say:innocent:

Im into Aural

[SMOKEU]

Your ears must not be suitable for Shinshi Shinshi. :laugh:

Everyone has slightly different ears. I was just trying to say what works for me.


Thanks for the reviews. Who sells the skull screws?

I got mine off Trademe about a month ago. I just had a look on there and can't find any more.

[oneofsix]

I haven't tried the 3m screw ins but find the 3m foam ones ok providing you follow the fitting method in this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kuGjv8ZAfv4

[Zedder]

The foam 'bullet' style ones were the best for me, but they were as far behind fitted ones as harley are to hondas, which is to say, louder, less comfortable, and harder to clean :shifty:

I realise this is a thread for cheap earplugs, but imo, fitted plugs are far better value for money.

It makes sense they're better 'cos they're customised. How much are they and where do ya get 'em?

[slofox]

Not so hygenic because they're difficult to clean properly and your hands must be clean, otherwise you'll be pushing dirt into the ears.

My earplugs seem to pull more dirt OUT of my ears than they poke in...:sick:

[SMOKEU]

My earplugs seem to pull more dirt OUT of my ears than they poke in...:sick:

Next time you're in the shower wash your ears out then.

[bogan]

It makes sense they're better 'cos they're customised. How much are they and where do ya get 'em?

Mine were 65 done by kiwiplugs down in waikanae. He now sell diy kits for 90 i think, which do might two sets iirc?

If you're auckland I think its plugsforlugs or someone whos does em up there, few threads on kb about em somewhere too.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Just lick them abit first and they slide right in.

I say that to all the girls too.

[superman]

I just get my dad to grab loads of the sealed packets of foam bright orange ones from Air New Zealand flights. Work just fine, filter out higher frequencies more readily and you still hear low grunts of engines. Cept when you start changing gear at 13,000rpm. :shutup:

[Zedder]

Mine were 65 done by kiwiplugs down in waikanae. He now sell diy kits for 90 i think, which do might two sets iirc?

If you're auckland I think its plugsforlugs or someone whos does em up there, few threads on kb about em somewhere too.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[willytheekid]

I don't use em...I like the sound of my bike :bleh:

...and I just scream louder if the wind noise gets to much:laugh:
257798


....Bloody good review smokeu!:niceone:

[Maha]

I don't use em...I like the sound of my bike :bleh:

...and I just scream louder if the wind noise gets to much:laugh:
257798

I dont understand the need to wear then either...personal thing I guess.

[BoristheBiter]

I dont understand the need to wear then either...personal thing I guess.

my hearing is bad enough so I don't want to make them worse and the wind noise from my helmet is very loud.

[Maha]

my hearing is bad enough so I don't want to make them worse and the wind noise from my helmet is very loud.

Whisper kit perhaps?

[bogan]

I don't use em...I like the sound of my bike :bleh:

...and I just scream louder if the wind noise gets to much:laugh:
257798


....Bloody good review smokeu!:niceone:

I got mine mainly for sleeping, as I thought the same about riding. But it turns out they let through a lot of the good low frequency noise, and by eliminating much more of the wind and road noise you actually hear the bike sounds better! Unless you're listening for rattley tappets or similar <_<

[willytheekid]

....Unless you're listening for rattley tappets or similar <_<

:facepalm:....damnit!...ya got me! :laugh:
257800

[slofox]

Next time you're in the shower wash your ears out then.

Ermmm...right. That'll be next July then...

[BoristheBiter]

Whisper kit perhaps?

they don't work as it is the wind coming through the vents that cause most of the noise.

Mind you, I could always slow down.

[Zedder]

I dont understand the need to wear then either...personal thing I guess.

I remember you writing about that a while ago Maha and I did try to do without them (plus tried things to reduce external noise) but then I read an article by a British ENT surgeon who claimed ear plugs reduced, not only noise, but fatigue as well.

He also reckoned using them improved his focus and alertness.

Anyway, it seems to work for me too, I just need to get a good, hard wearing and easy to clean set organised.

[slofox]

I don't use em...I like the sound of my bike :bleh:

I DO use 'em. I like being able to hear...:whistle:

[puddytat]

Yeah, i read something somwhere, that your hearing actually requires a large ammount of brain capacity,which is brain you're not using for other more important things than the white noise of wind.....

[Madness]

I want to know where I can buy some a single bud type audio earplug that doesn't cancel out half the farking music. Stereo sucks when you're half deaf.

[SMOKEU]

I remember you writing about that a while ago Maha and I did try to do without them (plus tried things to reduce external noise) but then I read an article by a British ENT surgeon who claimed ear plugs reduced, not only noise, but fatigue as well.

He also reckoned using them improved his focus and alertness.

Anyway, it seems to work for me too, I just need to get a good, hard wearing and easy to clean set organised.

I believe that. I have a noisy helmet so after a long-ish ride without ear plugs I feel drained, and get a headache.

[Kickaha]

I dont understand the need to wear then either...personal thing I guess.

I didn't used to either but after reading several articles about hearing loss related to wind noise etc started using them full time, took a bit of getting used to but now they're as important to me as wearing a helmet

I'd rather do what I can to retain as much of my hearing for a long as possible

[EJK]

<img src="http://img.ehowcdn.co.uk/article-page-main/ehow/images/a08/9a/c0/install-using-silicone-instead-grout-800x800.jpg" />

Thank me later

[Shadowjack]

I've tried all sorts of squeeze'n'shove ear plugs, but found, for me anyway, they were all limited in performance for one reason or another.
Late last year I bit the bullet and went for Plugz4Lugz.
Riding is now much quieter, and more comfortable and enjoyable, no post-ride headaches.

[Gremlin]

I dont understand the need to wear then either...personal thing I guess.
Generally (it might vary from helmet to helmet) the wind noise at 100kph is sufficient to give you permanent hearing loss over time.

I'd rather keep as much hearing as I can. On my third set of Plugz 4 Lugz now, and I'll have a 4th set made at Paeroa, as a backup.

[Buyasta]

World's finest natural ear plugs
257782

With these plugs, you squeeze them gently for around 15 seconds to soften them, then push them into the ear where they mould to suit the individual ear. Not so hygenic because they're difficult to clean properly and your hands must be clean, otherwise you'll be pushing dirt into the ears. They do a very good job of keeping the noise out, but are a little tricky to insert.

These are the ones I use, and although it's true they can get a bit nasty if you wear them long enough, if you order direct from the manufacturer, you can get them in larger packs at a fairly reasonable price, so it's not too much of an issue to change them when they get too dirty.
Having said that, I've been looking to find another solution, as these ones are just too effective - even if people shout, I find it almost impossible to understand what people are saying, so I tend to have to remove the helmet and plugs a lot more often than I would with less effective plugs.

About how effective are the skull screw ones, in comparison?

The plugz4lugz do sound like a great option, but not exactly convenient for those of us in the South Island. :(

[Kickaha]

The plugz4lugz do sound like a great option:(
They are, I had a set for three years until I lost them, I am sure there is someone in Chch that does them

[SMOKEU]

About how effective are the skull screw ones, in comparison?



I've never done a side by side comparison, but the Skull Screw ones may be slightly noisier than the wax ones. The fact that the Skull Screws are so easy and quick to remove and insert makes is a big selling point for me, as well as the fact that they are very easy to wash with a bit of liquid soap and water.

[Buyasta]

I've never done a side by side comparison, but the Skull Screw ones may be slightly noisier than the wax ones. The fact that the Skull Screws are so easy and quick to remove and insert makes is a big selling point for me, as well as the fact that they are very easy to wash with a bit of liquid soap and water.

Nice, I might grab a pair and give them a go - the other ones are great on a long ride if I'm by myself, but on a group ride when I want to actually be able to hear what people are saying if we're making a short stop, they're bloody annoying.

[Buyasta]

They are, I had a set for three years until I lost them, I am sure there is someone in Chch that does them

Hmmn, I had a quick google, and eventually found this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/67690-Custom-ear-plugs) thread... It's from 2008, so not sure if they're still operating, but once I've got my bike back on the road and have some spare cash laying about I might chuck them an email and find out.

[turtleman]

I use disposable earpugs from the local Husqvarna lawnmower/chainsaw franchise.
They're Husqvarna branded, my local franchise sells them for a dollar a pair. Seem to last well.
Chuck 'em when they're dirty enough and replace with a (cheap) new pair.

[awa355]

I could never work out why someone will shove earplugs into their ears to shut out the noise, then want to plug in ear phones. :wacko::wacko:

If I want music, I sing. My voice is in a class of its own.:nya::nya::nya::nya: I was told, my singing is like nothing ever heard before.


I use a pair of the tapered ribbed soft plugs from NZ Safety, They are brilliant. The foam ones would dislodge when slipping my helmet on.

[sleemanj]

When using Foam plugs, it is important to put them in correctly, lots of people just "stuff em in there", which results in a poor seal and the plug probably falling out. Here is the correct way...

2YHnEthIrcQ

[sugilite]

I dont understand the need to wear then either...personal thing I guess.

Your probably an expert at zoning out the noise, but your body still suffers from the stress of it (over longer trips). I really notice the extra fatigue if I forget mine.

[Maha]

Your probably an expert at zoning out the noise, but your body still suffers from the stress of it (over longer trips). I really notice the extra fatigue if I forget mine.

Like I said...personal thing..you either wear them or you dont.
Same as ATGATT....personal choice...
My new hemet is really quiet.

[sil3nt]

Ear plugs give me terrible headaches. Every footstep translates into a loud pounding in my head. Same for every bump I feel on the bike. I can never sit them properly in my ears anyway. Hardly any wind noise on my sport bike compared to my upright/touring bike so all is well so far.

[BoristheBiter]

Ear plugs give me terrible headaches. Every footstep translates into a loud pounding in my head. Same for every bump I feel on the bike. I can never sit them properly in my ears anyway. Hardly any wind noise on my sport bike compared to my upright/touring bike so all is well so far.

I would say go and get an ear check.

[p.dath]

I would say go and get an ear check.

+1. That is definitely not normal. Might be something that can be resolved.

[chasio]

The thing with hearing loss is that it is gradual and irreversible. So by the time you notice something is up with your hearing, you're f*cked for life. My mum suffers from tinnitus and I don't want it, thanks. It's just not a gamble I'm willing to take.

I wouldn't do more than about 10 minutes at highway speeds without wearing mine. I use an Alpine musician type set with adjustable attenuation if I remember them, 3M foam or Moldex from anywhere I can find them if not. Mind you, the shape of my aftermarket screen and where my helmet sits in the airflow make it very noisy indeed without them.

[insomnia01]

Got a audio set from Kiwiplugs ( David Taylor ) for @ $190 which also included a non-audio set, I have been riding without them & have noticed a huge differance in noise so have now gotten into the habit of always using them. I mostly going touring & noticed I feel better at the end of the day :clap:

[kiwigjt]

Hmmn, I had a quick google, and eventually found this (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/67690-Custom-ear-plugs) thread... It's from 2008, so not sure if they're still operating, but once I've got my bike back on the road and have some spare cash laying about I might chuck them an email and find out.

Did you end up contacting these people and if so what was the outcome?

[Buyasta]

Did you end up contacting these people and if so what was the outcome?

Nah, I still haven't gotten plugs made, I'm waiting till I've got enough spare cash.
After that earlier post though, I did get PMed by Plugz4Lugs letting me know they have a technician making them in Christchurch, I'll PM you the number.
Alternatively, after a little more digging around I found kiwiplugs.co.nz - you can just go to your local audiologist and get aural impressions made, then send them to him, and he'll make the plugs from those, which might be more convenient for you if you don't feel like coming down to Christchurch just to get them made, plus I seem to remember the Plugz4Lugz ones being more expensive, although I could be mistaken on that point.

[kiwigjt]

Nah, I still haven't gotten plugs made, I'm waiting till I've got enough spare cash.
After that earlier post though, I did get PMed by Plugz4Lugs letting me know they have a technician making them in Christchurch, I'll PM you the number.
Alternatively, after a little more digging around I found kiwiplugs.co.nz - you can just go to your local audiologist and get aural impressions made, then send them to him, and he'll make the plugs from those, which might be more convenient for you if you don't feel like coming down to Christchurch just to get them made, plus I seem to remember the Plugz4Lugz ones being more expensive, although I could be mistaken on that point.

I ended up going with kiwiplugs.co.nz and they are great. I didn't even have to go to an audiologist and send them my aural impression, I purchased the do-it-yourself kit and it was easy (did it without any help) and they work great. Really comfortable too. I am stoked with them, highly recommended, by me anyway. :niceone:

[Buyasta]

I ended up going with kiwiplugs.co.nz and they are great. I didn't even have to go to an audiologist and send them my aural impression, I purchased the do-it-yourself kit and it was easy (did it without any help) and they work great. Really comfortable too. I am stoked with them, highly recommended, by me anyway. :niceone:

Ah, good to know - I'd been considering the DIY kit but I was afraid I'd screw it up, so I'm glad to hear it's easy to do.

[awa355]

Ah, good to know - I'd been considering the DIY kit but I was afraid I'd screw it up, so I'm glad to hear it's easy to do.

Dont assume that money spent means better protection. I spent $120 at Opticon getting a set made, They are less effective than my $6.00 ribbed, plugs from NZ Safety.