Question- Do you ride with Earplugs?

[Rare Air]

I have done long rides with and without...what does CSC riders prefer?

[tecknojoe]

If I remember, and I'm going somewhere that I'll reach highways speeds, then yes.

I don't want long term ear damage

[Matty]

Sometimes....

[bulldog]

Always! After reading what damage that "wind noise" can do it scared me too much to risk it. Plus I get less fatigued on rides

[Rare Air]

Is there a certain brand that anyone recommends? I know some people are concerned about not being able to hear cars, horns, and such.

[cdbouncer]

Always! I just use the orange ones you can buy in the hunting sections of stores...like Walmart.

I'm going to go to Boulder this year to get some awesome custom ones tho...

[bulldog]

Is there a certain brand that anyone recommends? I know some people are concerned about not being able to hear cars, horns, and such. I just use the cheap throw away kind because they get dirty pretty fast. I do tend to get the softest ones because those mold best for me. No issues hearing cars, horns, or anything at all.

Good article on the risks of Wind Noise aka;The Silent Killer
http://www.hearingtestlabs.com/motorcycle.htm


http://www.hearingtestlabs.com/motorcycle-graph.gif

http://www.hearingtestlabs.com/hearing-graph2.gif

[~Barn~]

Say again?

[bulldog]

If I remember, and I'm going somewhere that I'll reach highways speeds, then yes.

I don't want long term ear damage

[Quoted from Article]
But these helmets still produce wind noise readings of 110 to 116dB's, from 35mph to highway speeds. When reflecting back to the comparison chart, 116dB will only be suitable for 15 minutes of riding a day.

[usmcab35]

i normally use ear buds on long trips but have used ear plugs too, im not to worried as the military has already done a number on my hearing... I have a set of the custom molded ones for my duties while on the aircraft at work, they are nice but sure they cost a few bucks if i had to pay for them.

[Jmetz]

I wear ear plugs must of the time. I use the green ones usually available in the sleep aid section. I did a comparison to the ones I found in the hunting section and they actually rated better. I have a scala rider and I will say I can't hear it most of the time (which sucks) and I also can't hear when people try to talk to me before I take one out. I can hear most noise just fine, engine, honking, emergency vehicles, etc.

[Matt]

I always wear ear protection. I have a pair of custom silicone ear plugs that work great. Someone from ear-inc was down at PPIR years ago and made them.

[Wrider]

If I'll be on the interstate for more than 15 minutes I do.

FWIW the highest dB attenuation rating I've ever seen for foam disposable ear plugs is 29 dB from the orange store-brand Walgreens ones, until I hit Bass Pro a few weeks ago. They have some green plugs that are rated for 31 dB. Popped them in from Denver to the Springs and had much much less fatigue going on when I got home.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I don't use earplugs, I just put in my earbuds and crank up the tunes to drown out the wind noise! :)

[Jmetz]

If I'll be on the interstate for more than 15 minutes I do.

FWIW the highest dB attenuation rating I've ever seen for foam disposable ear plugs is 29 dB from the orange store-brand Walgreens ones, until I hit Bass Pro a few weeks ago. They have some green plugs that are rated for 31 dB. Popped them in from Denver to the Springs and had much much less fatigue going on when I got home.

I believe the green ones I use are also rated at 31db.

[GuitarX]

Always. If you don't, you'll regret it later in life. Having been in loud rock bands for most of my adult life I'm very sensitive to hearing issues.

I also find that I ride much smoother and come back home much less stressed/tired thanks to the lower noise levels as well.

[Ghosty]

After reading what damage that "wind noise" can do it scared me too much to risk it. Plus I get less fatigued on rides
+1. Not always, I need to get better about that. And yeah, the same yellow & orange ones I have for the shooting range.

[asp_125]

Most of the ones I can get at work are 31-32dB attenuation. I thought a few dBs didn't make a difference but I tried some of those wax ones rated for 20 something dB and I could tell the difference.

[GuitarX]

Here's a place that has boatloads of different types of ear plugs, and you can buy them in bulk to make it cheaper. Just an FYI. Hopefully this link works:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/earplugs/hearing-protection/safety/ecatalog/N-b2d?Ndr=basedimid10071&cm_sp=Banner-_-Safety-_-Hearing+Protection&sst=subset

[Ghost]

Always! After reading what damage that "wind noise" can do it scared me too much to risk it. Plus I get less fatigued on rides

I learned about that the hard way and now have diminished hearing as a result.

A bit late, but now I never ride without ear plugs.

I find the orange ones uncomfortable after about an hour. The HearOs ones you can get at shops are better but still hurt on any 6+ hr ride.

Someday I'd like custom, but not in the cards atm.

Plus, I tend to lose and drop them, so maybe the cheapness of the hearo ones makes them best.

[asp_125]

+1, I've noticed diminished senstivity to certain frequencies (esp higher ones) compared to say a decade ago. I now wear earplugs even using the lawnmower and power saws.

[Ghosty]

Here's a place that has boatloads of different types of ear plugs, and you can buy them in bulk to make it cheaper. Just an FYI. Hopefully this link works:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/earplugs/hearing-protection/safety/ecatalog/N-b2d?Ndr=basedimid10071&cm_sp=Banner-_-Safety-_-Hearing+Protection&sst=subset

Nice find, thx!

[BC14]

I got mine(http://www.earinc.com/p1-nonelectronic-chameleon.php) from EAR Inc in Boulder a couple years ago. Custom fit, since I have odd shaped canals and the foamies or rubber ones really irritated the hell outta me, and gave me a splitting headache. I can wear the custom silicone ones I have for all day (12+ hours of riding) without any problems. Wish I had gotten them sooner than I did, but oh well.

[Ghost]

I got mine(http://www.earinc.com/p1-nonelectronic-chameleon.php) from EAR Inc in Boulder a couple years ago. Custom fit, since I have odd shaped canals and the foamies or rubber ones really irritated the hell outta me, and gave me a splitting headache. I can wear the custom silicone ones I have for all day (12+ hours of riding) without any problems. Wish I had gotten them sooner than I did, but oh well.

How much was the total with fitting + plugs?

[BC14]

How much was the total with fitting + plugs?
Believe it was $110. Pricey, but WELL worth it. They are still in like new shape after, well, thousands of hours of wearing them. I got the "slim line" ones that they design for helmets. Can't even tell I'm wearing them unless you see them from the side. They let you keep the plug forms so that you can get others made(earphones, etc) in the future without needing to do the fitting again. Took about a week to get the silicone ones. They do the "instamold" right there on the spot for a little less money, but they don't hold up as well over time, I'm told. Their shop is right behind Avery brewing, so grab a pint after you're done there :p

[Ghost]

Believe it was $110. Pricey, but WELL worth it. They are still in like new shape after, well, thousands of hours of wearing them. I got the "slim line" ones that they design for helmets. Can't even tell I'm wearing them unless you see them from the side. They let you keep the plug forms so that you can get others made(earphones, etc) in the future without needing to do the fitting again. Took about a week to get the silicone ones. They do the "instamold" right there on the spot for a little less money, but they don't hold up as well over time, I'm told. There shop is right behind Avery brewing, so grab a pint after you're done there :p

I tend to ride 6+ hours, and my ears are #@$@% killing me after about an hour, and usually I have to stop after 2 just to take the damn things out for 20-30min.

I think I may just have to pony up the $$ in order to actually enjoy riding again.

Thanks for the info!

[BC14]

I tend to ride 6+ hours, and my ears are #@$@% killing me after about an hour, and usually I have to stop after 2 just to take the damn things out for 20-30min.

I think I may just have to pony up the $$ in order to actually enjoy riding again.

Thanks for the info!
You're welcome, and enjoy pain free saving of your hearing. Believe me, once you go the custom route, you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it years ago. I know I was.

[FZRguy]

I always wear earplugs when riding, cutting the grass, concerts, shooting, anything LOUD. I just get the cheap Hearos foam plugs at Walgreens.

http://www.hearos.com/

[bulldog]

I got mine(http://www.earinc.com/p1-nonelectronic-chameleon.php) from EAR Inc in Boulder a couple years ago. Custom fit, since I have odd shaped canals and the foamies or rubber ones really irritated the hell outta me, and gave me a splitting headache. I can wear the custom silicone ones I have for all day (12+ hours of riding) without any problems. Wish I had gotten them sooner than I did, but oh well. Nice, I am going to lok into getting a pair too. I assume they just go into your ear easily? That is my biggest issue with the cheap foams ones; they are a pain to get on correctly sometimes and would love some that are easy to put in.

[salsashark]

Nice, I am going to lok into getting a pair too. I assume they just go into your ear easily? That is my biggest issue with the cheap foams ones; they are a pain to get on correctly sometimes and would love some that are easy to put in.

They're definitely worth it. I had a set made last year while at MotoGP. I have the ones with earbuds in them that work with bluetooth headsets.

They're comfortable enough to wear all day... I also use them on airplanes. Work better then any of the noise cancelling head phones I've tried.

[bulldog]

They're definitely worth it. I had a set made last year while at MotoGP. I have the ones with earbuds in them that work with bluetooth headsets.

They're comfortable enough to wear all day... I also use them on airplanes. Work better then any of the noise cancelling head phones I've tried. They go in easily?

Tired of rolling up the foam ones and hoping it makes a good seal the first time

[salsashark]

Easy? Well that's a matter of opinion.

They only go in one way and it takes a bit of practice, but once you get used to them then yes. The other nice thing is that once their seated, there's not movement or adjustment needed. I found that the foamies sometimes move when you put on your helmet. No movement with the silicon.

[Sean]

Interstate and highways (above 70mph)- earplugs. Just the crappy foam ones.

Around town (mostly under 65)- nothing. I listen to my Sena SMH5 speakers in my helmet.

[Ted]

Always! I just use the orange ones you can buy in the hunting sections of stores...like Walmart.

I'm going to go to Boulder this year to get some awesome custom ones tho...

Where in Boulder ?

I always wear ear plugs... I use the cheap 3M foam orange ones i get from Home Depot. I believe they are rated at 32dB. I don't reuse them because they are less effective after first use, at least in my experience. They work great for me around town. Use them in the canyons too, but i am looking for something better to use in the canyons .

[BC14]

They go in easily?

Tired of rolling up the foam ones and hoping it makes a good seal the first time
Basically rotate them into place and they seat/seal. The guys at the shop give you pointers on getting them in.

[Jmetz]

Wonder if we could get a group discount..

[bulldog]

Wonder if we could get a group discount.. I'd be in for that!

[cdbouncer]

I'd be in for the discount!!!

[Ghosty]

Wonder if we could get a group discount..
+1, I'm already deaf as a 90yr old geezer from two decades of concerts and headphones, no need to make it worse.

[Ghost]

Wonder if we could get a group discount..

I'd join in, I'm thinking the comfort alone would be worth it.

And I like the idea of taking off my helmet and not finding at least one ear plug on the ground every time.

[Jmetz]

I sent them an email, we'll see if they are up for it.

[Ghost]

I sent them an email, we'll see if they are up for it.

Sweet.

[bulldog]

I sent them an email, we'll see if they are up for it. Thanks Josh. Keep me posted :)

[aerofaze]

I never considered using earplugs until after my first longer roadtrip 2.5 years ago, which was about 5 hrs in one day. After that experience, I bought a large box of the soft disposable plugs by 3M from Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-hardware-safety-security-personal-hearing-protection/3m-tekk-protection-ultra-soft-disposable-earplugs-80-pack-196456.html) (same as Ted (http://www.cosportbikeclub.org/forums/showpost.php?p=673678&postcount=34) above - $15 for an 80-pack).

Now, if I know I'll be riding for at least an hour, I use them. They've never bothered me and work well.

[HOTCARCASS]

On the track I used them. Just the crappy cheap ones. I would really get a kick out of a custom set with ear buds in them. I suppose loud music through the buds is probably worse then wind or as bad. My hearing is really damaged from Marshall Stacks and Guns Oh yeah wind. Saying "what" to everybody after they say something is a drag! So to you younger guys take care of the ear holes.

[BC14]

The monitor style custom ones are great since they block out all the noise, and then you have to use very little volume to hear the music.

[BC14]

I sent them an email, we'll see if they are up for it.
I'd be interested in getting a set of the earphone ones, so hopefully they can do a group buy dealio.

[Jmetz]

Negotiations have begun. Hopefully we can get something locked down.

[salsashark]

The monitor style custom ones are great since they block out all the noise, and then you have to use very little volume to hear the music.

:yes:

[asp_125]

Anyone heard of BigEar inc? A rider at work had a set made up from their local CO distributer. http://www.bigearinc.com/index.php?option=com_contact&view=category&id=26&Itemid=148

[CaptGoodvibes]

Yes. 99.9999% of the time. I have the cheap, roll between your fingers kind. I'll gladly play 'catch up' to a group ride so I can deal with my ear plugs at the parking lot.

[Jmetz]

I like how every link takes me to their contact page.

[asp_125]

I like how every link takes me to their contact page.

Website fail.

[FZRguy]

There's actually a right and wrong way to put the foam plugs in your ear. You know to roll them, then take your oppisite hand and grab the top of your ear, pull up and back as you insert the plug with the other hand. It will seat much better using this technique.

[Wrider]

There's actually a right and wrong way to put the foam plugs in your ear. You know to roll them, then take your oppisite hand and grab the top of your ear, pull up and back as you insert the plug with the other hand. It will seat much better using this technique.

Agreed, although for me that doesn't work well. I tend to roll them until you can't roll them any more, then push them in from the back of the ear, slightly into the canal. They seat much better this way, and any other way it kills my ears after about 20 min.

[Rocket01]

I rode for a few years w/o ear plugs--that was dumb. I'm pretty sure that, and trance music, had something to do with premature hearing loss. I went to Laguna Seca for the 2010 GP race and picked up a pricey, but amazing, custom formed ear plug headphones. Now I can jam out and keep my hearing. http://www.fit-ear.com/products-page/motorcycle-stereo-plugs/single-driver1/

[chasemr2]

^ $425 :shock:

[tecknojoe]

Wonder if we could get a group discount..

Consider me in for this.

Salsa, are the headphone ones wireless or do you have coards dangling out of the helmet?

[CaptGoodvibes]

There's actually a right and wrong way to put the foam plugs in your ear. You know to roll them, then take your oppisite hand and grab the top of your ear, pull up and back as you insert the plug with the other hand. It will seat much better using this technique.

Here's the video that changed my mind about foam plugs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEObOaHp6Bg

[G35CO]

Here's the video that changed my mind about foam plugs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEObOaHp6Bg
Great video

[bulldog]

Here's the video that changed my mind about foam plugs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEObOaHp6Bg Yup, good video.

Although already knew all that and was hoping to get some new tips. Ok, this may br gross, but if you really can't get the foam earplug in correctly with the above video tips lick the earplug right before you insert it and it slides in easier (or if you have some water available wet your fingers after rolling earplug. Would only recommend doing this on a new earplug unless you like the taste of earwax :D Kind of gross but it works; especially when you are in a hurry and the riding pack is leaving you.

[G35CO]

Anyone using helmet wind noise blocker?

[Rare Air]

After reading this thread I would like some custom ones but I have some gnarly cauliflower ear due to college wrestling. Afraid if i got custom ones that my ears might get worse since I am still in the wrestling room coaching.

Decisions, decisions.

[salsashark]

Consider me in for this.

Salsa, are the headphone ones wireless or do you have coards dangling out of the helmet?

Corded... Like the ones posted above, but I opted for the cheaper silicon ones... They were around 230'sh

As for the dangling. I just tuck the cord into the collar of my jacket. No fuss...

[JDK1962]

Count me in on the Earinc group order.

[YrDaDy]

If I'm going on a decent ride, I just put my Sony Earbuds (headphones) in my ears.. they fit well and I can listen to music without much noise.

Bought them for around $50 a few years back from RadioShack.

[tecknojoe]

Corded... Like the ones posted above, but I opted for the cheaper silicon ones... They were around 230'sh

As for the dangling. I just tuck the cord into the collar of my jacket. No fuss...

I'll stick with the regular ones then

[BHeth]

Always wear them. Only time I don't is if I have been diagnosing/working on a bike and need to hear the little noises.

I really like the blue Hearos from Walgreens. Super soft and work great. They are a bit bigger in circumference than the orange and purple ones I have from Home Depot and fit my ears better. I can reuse them several times before they start to go off.

The absolute best OTC I have used are the moldable ones from http://earplugsonline.com/. They mold into the ear, seem to last forever, and are very comfortable. These take a little longer to put in, so I usually only use them for long rides. If I am canyon riding and taking lots of smoke breaks, I just stuff in the regular type plugs.

[ATL]

Depending on price, I could be interested on a Group buy for some really nice ear protection. I'm also around Boulder many times a week.

-Chris

[VryfastRR]

Interested in the group buy. Any word on that?

[Jmetz]

Still in the works. The gentleman I've been working with said he was gonna be out this week but would relay to his partner. I sent him an email this morning to get an update. Waiting to hear back.

[Ghosty]

Been using the Hearos lately, a Godsend. I can't even stand to ride without plugs nowadays. My Icon helmet is getting a nasty high-pitched whistling noise at highway speeds, it's painful!

[Jmetz]

So far I have interest from.

Bulldog
CD Bouncer
Ghosty
Ghost
BC14
TecknoJoe
JDK1962
ATL
VeryfastRR
Jmetz

[Ghosty]

Yep, I'm in. Need to see the costs on the regular ones vs. the ones that are also music headphone/earbuds.

[asp_125]

Any idea what NRR these will be? 33dB? >33?

[bulldog]

Yep, I'm in. Need to see the costs on the regular ones vs. the ones that are also music headphone/earbuds. Yeah I would be interested in that too

[Wrider]

Depends on prices and NRR rating but I'm a tender "in".

[asp_125]

Depends on prices and NRR rating but I'm a tender "in".

+1 tentative "in" .. just the tip.

[Jmetz]

I'll find out.

[sweck]

So far I have interest from.

Bulldog
CD Bouncer
Ghosty
Ghost
BC14
TecknoJoe
JDK1962
ATL
VeryfastRR
Jmetz

tentative "in". curious on pricing.

[G35CO]

Yep, I'm in. Need to see the costs on the regular ones vs. the ones that are also music headphone/earbuds.
+1

[cdbouncer]

Any new news on this??

The guy I was talking to at Ear, Inc said the custom ones take about 10 days to 2 weeks to get....summer is here and my cheapo orange plugs suck!

:multi:

[Ghosty]

One downside to using ear protection. I'm so much happier "cruising" at 80-90mph on the highway, vs. with no earplugs. With no plugs the windnoise is so high, it's almost painful. With plugs, even going 100+ is just like a walk in the park, smooth gentle "flying" down the road, it's very Zen-like.

So yes, I'm blaming my next big speeding ticket on earplugs, lol!

[Ghost]

Yep, still interested

[Jmetz]

Still waiting to hear back. The guy said he'd be back in the office Wednesday.

[Ghost]

Still waiting to hear back. The guy said he'd be back in the office Wednesday.

No worries, my phone didn't want to copy the quote, but I was just trying to respond to your interest list.

[Zanatos]

I'm interested too, but it all depends on the price.

[LivingPools]

Blue foamy hearos do the trick for me, but my wife could really use a custom pair, so +1 for me on a group buy!

[Jmetz]

Alright ladies and gents, here's the deal. After going back and forth with Andrew (the main rep) and making it clear from the get go we were looking for a group discount, he dropped it in the lap of an independent rep. He did not give her full disclosure and let her know that we were looking for the discount. So when I talked with her (she is very nice and helpful btw) I made her aware and she talked with Andrew. Andrew told her that they don't really do discounts. So on her own accord she will offer the CSC a standing $10 discount. I apologized to her for having it dropped in her lap the way it was. I don't think that was too cool.

So that's where it's at. Here is her info, she is very nice and actually works out of her husbands motorcycle shop. It's mostly Harleys but hey.. :)

$10 CSC DISCOUNT (you must mention you're CSC)
Traci Morin
Hear No Evil Custom Earplug Company
Longmont CO
303-648-4081 ext 101
www.hearnoevilearplugs.com

Edit: She will do 10% off if we get 25 in one sitting.

If you guys want I'll check with that other company that was posted.

[BC14]

Thanks for doing the leg work Josh, but $10 is just not gonna help me out. I was hoping for 10-15% on the iPlugs, since those are pretty darn pricey as it stands.

[Jmetz]

Yeah I let her know that most of us were probably looking for a more substantial discount.

I can look into the other company if there's interest.

[Jmetz]

Update:

She will do 10% if we get at least 25 people in one sitting.

[cdbouncer]

If you need me for the 25 I'm in...need to know by June 20 tho. I'm going to get a pair after that on my own ;)

[Jmetz]

Official group buy thread.

http://cosportbikeclub.org/forums/showthread.php?p=677201#post677201