Ear Plugs

[bros400]

Whats the best ear plugs you have found for cuting back the wind noise. Im starting to suffer from my ears playing up after rides more and more.. i try and wher ear plugs almost every time i ride now.

But im wondering if there is better ones around that what i have (ones my mum got from the air port.)

Daniel

[vifferman]

Whats the best ear plugs you have found for cuting back the wind noise. Im starting to suffer from my ears playing up after rides more and more.. i try and wher ear plugs almost every time i ride now.

But im wondering if there is better ones around that what i have (ones my mum got from the air port.)

Daniel

I use those cheap disposable orange 3M ones.
And wash and re-use them.
Comfort-wise, they're good for a couple of hours, and seem to block the tinnitus-inducing wind noise, while allowing me to still hear the engine and that sort of thing.

[StoneChucker]

I recently tried a pair of Class 5 X-Treme Brand (highest noise protection) disposable ear plugs (the ones you compress, and jam in your ear) - Available from NZ Safety Ltd on Adelaide Rd, Newtown, Wgtn for I think $76 for 200 pairs. They are really good, but I would only use them on LONG rides, since on the short ride I was on, I couldn't communicate with fellow riders at traffic lights, or hear the remarks from pedestrians I almost ran over (I like to hear the abuse, so I can give it back ) hehe, partly joking of course.

They also have single units available, some with a cord attaching the two plugs ($0.88 each from memory)

All personal preferance I guess.
Dave.

[StoneChucker]

My first helmet, a FHM entry level brand was terrible with regards to wind noise. I bought a new HJC with my current bike( ), and it cuts out enough wind noise so I don't really need ear plugs anyway.

Just another option
So, if you plan to buy more than 1843 pairs of ear plugs ($0.38, disposable - no cord)), it would be worth your while to spend $700 on a relatively good helmet

[Yokai]

I've got a Zeus fliptop. The noise is Ok - a little deafening, but it's a nice helmet... I think it would be better with a windscreen - I put my hand in front of my face to change the airflow on my ride yesterday, and it was much quieter...

*shrug* time for a visit to Givi I think!

Yo

[dhunt]

Is your new helmet still quite noisy then? I guess you need to make sure you've got the plugs in right, I know sometimes I have noisy trips than others depend on how good a job I've got them in. Also riding in the wind is noisier than riding on a calm day.

[Dodgyiti]

You can try a helmet on in the shop, and OK it fits, but asking to burn up and down the open road for wind noise is unfortunatly pushing the envelope a little. :disapint:
I have been unlucky each time I have bought a helmet. They all fit perfectly, but were wind noisy like anything each and every time.
I would be very interested in which ones are nice and quiet folks...

[rodgerd]

I use those cheap disposable orange 3M ones.
And wash and re-use them.
Comfort-wise, they're good for a couple of hours, and seem to block the tinnitus-inducing wind noise, while allowing me to still hear the engine and that sort of thing.

I'll second the recommendation. I notice a real difference in how fresh I feel if I ride the same road with and without plugs.

[Devil]

From the musical days of the heavy metal kinda, i have a pair of $55 ish hi-fi earplugs which are excellent. Cut the sound level right down without muffling or distorting anything, the only downside is the stubs on the end (that you grab) stick out a little way so they can bump/rub on the helmet padding which can be a little off putting.
Id give them a 9/10 for comfort and a 10/10 for noise quality.

On saying that, ive just got a 3 pair pack of the squishy yellow ones for $2.50 that I keep in the jacket for emergencies. They're not too bad, although id prefer not to have to wear earplugs, but thats life.

[vifferman]

I've got a Zeus fliptop. The noise is Ok - a little deafening, but it's a nice helmet... I think it would be better with a windscreen - I put my hand in front of my face to change the airflow on my ride yesterday, and it was much quieter...

*shrug* time for a visit to Givi I think!

Yo

Be aware that some screens can make the wind noise worse; depends where the resultant airflow is, and whether it's smooth or turbulent. If the airflow is at chest height, it should make it less noisy than if it's directed higher towards your helmet. The ultimate can be something which pushes the airflow above your helmet, but this may result in more turbulence and buffeting as the low-pressure area behind the screen can have a vortex behind it, which at some speeds could coincide with where you are. It may also take a lot more power to push through the air, and may mean reduced helmet ventilation.

Another consideration is mounting: if you buy a fork/handlebar mounted screen, it may affect the bike's handling in crosswinds.

I'm not trying to put you off, just alert you to some things to be aware of when choosing a screen, so you enjoy the result rather than curse it.

[Motoracer]

Ah FFS! That's what I forgot yesterday for racing! To wear the freakin earplugs.

[Two Smoker]

Ah FFS! That's what I forgot yesterday for racing! To wear the freakin earplugs.

i fucking told you to put them in LOL....... ah well, next time in April aye (you better do the track day too....)

I have only just started wearing earplugs, and it has made a huge difference..... especially since my riding is done "cough, cough" at the speed limit..... i can concentrate more and focus on my riding better....

Most racers wear them too

[Hitcher]

I use the yellow grommet type (with the blue connecting cord) that you get from Protector Safety or other similar outlets. Outstandingly good. Very comfortable and easy to use.

Never buy the hearing protectors that bike shops sell, unless you like spending four to five times more than you can get for superior protection elsewhere.

[sedge]

I get some good ones from the Chemist, bell shaped squishy ones, they come in a lilttle platic carry case with four pairs I think... they are rated at 36Db not 33Db like most of them. Being bell shaped they actually stay in my ear for a change, unlike the flat ones which pop out all the time (need more earwax to stick them in I guess)

Two cases a year is all it takes (I wear them a couple of hours every day commuting), they get a little sticky after three months or so... heh heh.

Sedge.

[Motu]

I hate ear plugs,I will stop when I get to gravel or go off road and take them out - I just can't think with them in.But I now have some Alpine ear plugs and they are great - just takes out the wind noise,I don't feel like my ears are blocked....I can hear the bike,people talking to me,even with the bike running,can hear cars,police sirens and sparrows farting.But they are a hassle to fit correctly,and the filters will contact the outer ear if not in right,then they hurt like hell.Got them in right on sunday and left them in for my whole ride,only taking them out when I got to Puke.They go in deep and I use a pair of small pliers to get them out - must look a bit strange to see me going into my ears with needle nose pliers - but people lead such boring lives watching a motorcyclist extracting earplugs with pliers will supply them with after dinner discussions for days.