SMOKEUs ear plug review

[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]

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
Attachment 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 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.

If I want music, I sing. My voice is in a class of its own. 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...

[youtube]2YHnEthIrcQ[/youtube]

[sugilite:Me]

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.