Earplugs while riding spyder

[dltang]

I have never worn ear plugs while riding. One time I tried a pair of those twist and mold foam ones and didn't like the way they fit or felt. On our way home from Cleveland on the banner run we hit some pretty windy weather. I commented to Brian on how loud the wind was and I could barely hear my music form my helmet headset. He told me I had better think about ear plugs or I would go deaf. So I started doing some research on the various brands, disposable vs reusable. There is so much information and personal opinion out there that I decided to order a test package. Aerostitch offers a couple of different test packages that give you some variety to try different brands. I chose a text package of reusable ear plugs that had most of the brands I was reading favorable reviews on. What I discovered once I found some plugs that fit well, was that I really enjoy the ride without all that noise. Wow, what a difference. I also wanted to make sure I could hear my music so I hooked up my ipod and spent the better part of today, doing errands and taking the long way on both the expressway and side roads. I narrowed it down to 3 different pair of plugs and then rode some more with each of those sets in. I made sure to pay attention to fit, sound, engine noise, wind noise, ability to hear my music and comfort with the helmet on. Here are my personal results. First of all the brands I tested were:
Howard Leight Fusion, Howard Leight Airsoft, Moldex Rockets, North Com-Fit, and Aearo E.A.R UltraFit.

My number one choice is the Howard Leight Fusion in regular size, the small just didn't block out the noise for me. These blocked out the most wind at high speeds while allowing me to hear my music from my ipod the best. At slow speed or at idle, it seemed I could hear the engine or muffler more than the other two that I liked but it was still much quieter than with no plugs at all. Also, these were by far the most comfortable of all the plugs. I barely new I had them in and couldn't even feel them after a short time. One thing I did learn though, you must insert them properly to get the full benefit of the earplug. I didn't have them in all the way in one of my trials and all of a sudden everything was really loud again. By the way, for you techies out there, the NRR Attenuation on this plug is 27dB.

These next two are almost identical for me in blocking out engine noise, wind and traffic. They also both allow me to hear my music at about the same level, which I wish was a bit better. They are the Aearo E.A.R. Ultrafit and the Moldex Rocket. Of the two, the Aearo E.A.R. is the more comfortable one for riding. I could always feel the Moldex Rocket and it almost seemed like it was starting to hurt after a while of riding. If I lost my Fusions for some reason my second choice would be to grab the set of Aearo E.A.R.'s that I have. The NRR Attenuation on the E.A.R Ultrafit is 21 dB and the NRR Attenuation of the Moldex Rocket is 26dB.

I absolutely disliked the Com-Fit North and the Howard Leight Airsoft plugs, they just didn't even fit my ears very well so I never even took them out on a test ride.

Well, I hope this information is helpful to someone else who may be thinking about earplugs.

 

[tatt2r]

did you ever find out what was wrong with spyder

 

[dltang]

did you ever find out what was wrong with spyder

Oil Pressure Sensor was bad. See this thread Spyder is home It runs like a charm right now so I am hoping it continues that way and all is well for the trip.

 

[Firefly]

I wear them on longer trips and higher speeds, but they are as necessary in town - especially with the CHAD. Cheap orange ones from Harbor Freight work just fine - can buy a couple hundred pair for like $5. Roll between fingers - stuff in - ride. I'll reuse them a few times and then pitch em - something about putting them back in too many times freaks me out.

 

[WaltH]

I tried earplugs for a time, years ago. I gave it up from concern about possible contamination caused by unclean hands when inserting the earplugs, or reinserting them. When I am on the road all day, I am anything but clean.

Deb: Have you considered this aspect of the use of earplugs?

 

[ataDude]

.
Thanks for the review, Deb!
.

 

[dltang]

I wear them on longer trips and higher speeds, but they are as necessary in town - especially with the CHAD. Cheap orange ones from Harbor Freight work just fine - can buy a couple hundred pair for like $5. Roll between fingers - stuff in - ride. I'll reuse them a few times and then pitch em - something about putting them back in too many times freaks me out.

These aren't that expensive either and as I mentioned, I do not like the rolled up foam ones. I don't like the way they fit or feel in my ear. Brian has a whole lot of those and that is what he uses. I agree for quick trips into town, they aren't necessary either, I was just doing all my tests on all my plugs both with in town and highway riding for comparison.

I tried earplugs for a time, years ago. I gave it up from concern about possible contamination caused by unclean hands when inserting the earplugs, or reinserting them. When I am on the road all day, I am anything but clean.

Deb: Have you considered this aspect of the use of earplugs?

The ones I purchased you don't touch the part that goes down in the ear, they have a short stem for inserting and removing. Also as they are reusable they can be washed and disinfected regularly. So I am okay with this. I don't want to put anything dirty in my ear either. Also they have a carrying case to keep them clean when not in my ears.

 

[NancysToy]

Earplugs are an old standby for long distance touring riders. Mmakes the ride so much more enjoyable, and really increases your endurance. You will notice the difference in improved hearing after a long ride. It is nice to sit around and chat after a ride without straining to hear the words. Glad you found some that fit properly. I have a real difficult time in that department, and have never been able to wear any of the disposables, or a lot of the various brands on the market. Heck, at my last MRI they had to try four pairs before they finally got some to go in, stay put and do their job. If you have fit problems, there are vendors, especially at some of the big rallies, that will mold custom earplugs to fit your ears.

BTW, I'm not sure there is much of the body that is dirtier than your ears. As long as you don't have a punctured ear drum, and the skin is intact, the ear should be no more prone to external infection than the rest of your nooks and crannies. Reasonably clean, but not sterile, seems to work fine. I have never had an ear infection or irritation in many many years of riding with earplugs.

Oh, and for the doubters, you hear the engine, approaching traffic, and your comms just fine. A little lower volume, but fine. What is mostly missing is the high pitched wind noise. I do believe earplugs may be illegal in some states, however. Don't take them out if you are pulled over.
-Scotty

 

[nickcaro]

hearos

I ride with these everyday and this is the best price I can find;
http://www.americarx.com/Products/20657.html

I buy 30 packs at a time and keep them in a sunglass case in my trunk. Plugs are not for everyone and you'll hear 20 different opinions from 5 different people.

If I'm going above 40 mph, I put them on regardless of distance.

 

[bone crusher]

This is what I use and I love them...I've tried others...on a few bike sites, these are rated the best for function, comfort, etc...

Amazon.com: Moldex Earplugs Pura-Fit, No Cord, Model 6800 -- Box of 200 Pair: Home Improvement

 

[Bimjo]

I use these - Silent Ear plugs because of the NRR rating. It's the highest I've found.

When I'm listening to music I wear Etymotic ER-6i ear buds, which have a NRR of 26, so they make decent ear plugs if you decide to kill the music. iPod goes in an inside jacket pocket with a remote control strapped to my right arm to control the tunes.

Because the ER-6i's are so efficient as ear plugs you can leave the music volume down quite a bit and still hear both the music and traffic noise.

 

[Motza]

I use these - Silent Ear plugs because of the NRR rating. It's the highest I've found.

When I'm listening to music I wear Etymotic ER-6i ear buds, which have a NRR of 26, so they make decent ear plugs if you decide to kill the music. iPod goes in an inside jacket pocket with a remote control strapped to my right arm to control the tunes.

Because the ER-6i's are so efficient as ear plugs you can leave the music volume down quite a bit and still hear both the music and traffic noise.

I GOT SOME OF THOSE IN MY TACKLE BOX..I use them for jigging smallies and crappies. HA

 

[dltang]

I ride with these everyday and this is the best price I can find;
http://www.americarx.com/Products/20657.html

I buy 30 packs at a time and keep them in a sunglass case in my trunk. Plugs are not for everyone and you'll hear 20 different opinions from 5 different people.

If I'm going above 40 mph, I put them on regardless of distance.

This is what I use and I love them...I've tried others...on a few bike sites, these are rated the best for function, comfort, etc...

Amazon.com: Moldex Earplugs Pura-Fit, No Cord, Model 6800 -- Box of 200 Pair: Home Improvement

Nick, I saw those very same plugs at the drug store today and I did look at them. Bone Crusher I have read great reviews on the Moldex Pura-fit as well. Once again, for whatever reason, for me, I just don't care for the rolled foam that expands. I have tried two or three different ones of that type now and they just don't do it for me. With all the reading I've been doing one thing is unanimous though, PROPER FIT, is the most important thing. So it is a good thing they make so many options so that we can find the ones that fit each of us the best.

 

[dltang]

I use these - Silent Ear plugs because of the NRR rating. It's the highest I've found.

When I'm listening to music I wear Etymotic ER-6i ear buds, which have a NRR of 26, so they make decent ear plugs if you decide to kill the music. iPod goes in an inside jacket pocket with a remote control strapped to my right arm to control the tunes.

Because the ER-6i's are so efficient as ear plugs you can leave the music volume down quite a bit and still hear both the music and traffic noise.

Bimjo, I would have liked to try some of the Silent Ears, they look comfortable and have great review. Right now I am pretty happy with what I have found though.

 

[bone crusher]

Nick, I saw those very same plugs at the drug store today and I did look at them. Bone Crusher I have read great reviews on the Moldex Pura-fit as well. Once again, for whatever reason, for me, I just don't care for the rolled foam that expands. I have tried two or three different ones of that type now and they just don't do it for me. With all the reading I've been doing one thing is unanimous though, PROPER FIT, is the most important thing. So it is a good thing they make so many options so that we can find the ones that fit each of us the best.

The key is to get the tightest comfortable fit. The reason why foam is good is because it doesn't leave any gaps.

I find the 6800s to be quite comfortable...like anything, they take a bit of getting used to...however, they work great...I can still hear my navi commands from my zumo 550 via the scala rider 2...

Also, the price point is good...I think it was about 24.00 delivered for 200 pairs...it's gonna take a while to go through that many...

Actually, I'm losing more when they fly out of my pocket because I forget to zip up than from wearing out....you can get a lot of uses out of them...

My sentiment...whatever you use, use it...no question there is deafness caused by motorcycle riding...esp. with wind, LOUD pipes, etc...

If you listen to music while you ride, you are definitely doing damage...I've seen people with ipod earbuds while riding...wow!

 

[daddydarko]

Pfft. I don't need earplugs.

What??

:joke:

I had a tire blow up in my face last year and lost some hearing there. I 'm going to try a few different plug options this weekend to retain what little is left!

 

[bone crusher]

Pfft. I don't need earplugs.

What??

:joke:

I had a tire blow up in my face last year and lost some hearing there. I 'm going to try a few different plug options this weekend to retain what little is left!

Goes along with your paint problems!

 

[Some Guy]

I have never worn ear plugs while riding. One time I tried a pair of those twist and mold foam ones and didn't like the way they fit or felt. On our way home from Cleveland on the banner run we hit some pretty windy weather. I commented to Brian on how loud the wind was and I could barely hear my music form my helmet headset. He told me I had better think about ear plugs or I would go deaf.

I was wearing ear plugs that whole trip. THAT'S WHY I WAS YELLING EVERY TIME WE STOPPED!

I've been using cheap ones and your research is totally awesome! :bowdown:

Keep up the good...uh...GREAT work! :firstplace:

 

[nudle]

:cheers: I just turn off my hearing aids no more wind noise, now I can enjoy the ride.

 

[dltang]

I was wearing ear plugs that whole trip. THAT'S WHY I WAS YELLING EVERY TIME WE STOPPED!

I've been using cheap ones and your research is totally awesome! :bowdown:

Keep up the good...uh...GREAT work! :firstplace:

You know, it is interesting that everyone keeps talking about the disposables being so cheap. Well, these aren't all that expensive for the reusables either. The ones that I really like the best I found at the Earplug Superstore for $2.95 a pair or a 10 pack for $18.95 and since they are reusable, I guess that makes them a very good deal.

My second choice plugs, the E.A.R. Ultra fits are only $1.95 a pair or a 10 pack for $17.95. So basically cost is not a factor here.

Here is the website, EarPlug Superstore I wish I would have found this site before I ordered my sample set from Aerostich, I would have saved a few bucks actually and I could have picked exactly which plugs I wanted to test.

So Mike, are you riding anywhere this weekend? I don't know what are plans are but if it is nice, I wouldn't mind a short journey. I was going to see if Rando and Bonnie wanted to go out for a ride and get Bonnie used to some group sypder rides. I will let you know. I have to check with Brian as well.