Which are the Best Custom Ear Plugs

[billythefish]

Hi All,

Just wondered if any of you have used custom ear plugs and if so, what do you recommend? I've tried both ACS and Ultimate Ear and although some improvement still get quite a bit of wind noise. What do the pros use?

 

[soofsayer]

I use foam.

I had some custom moulded ones done once by a bloke exhibiting in a BMW dealership. Expensive. I know it's not an answer to your question but in my experience I found foam (I use hearos) beats the custom ones for reducing wind noise, and I find them more comfortable.

I thought most racers use foam?

 

[alex]

My custom ones do not block noise as well as 3M 1100 Ear Plugs.
But the custom fit ones have speaker drivers built in so are still good for touring. They are from http://www.ultimateear.com/

 

[Certi]

I've got a pair of the ACS Pro-27 custom moulded ones. I do still get some wind noise, but that might be more to do with my helmet.

 

[Kennybush]

I use emtec molded plugs at work (very noisy engine room) and love them. Been using them for years, find them very comfy as well. Never tried wearing them on the bike though, just use foam ones if I'm going for a long run

 

[MacRR]

I bought some custom made ones at the bike show last year, I don't wear them as they press into my ear once my helmets on and are too uncomfortable to use. I also suffer from mild tinnitus and despite having a 'filter' fitted it makes the condition worse when I'm wearing them too. So a total waste of money, foam ones much better for me.

 

[Sissymc7]

i never wear m , like riding with baffle in

 

[2002sportevo]

I had some custom fit ones made after getting fitted at the Scottish bike show last year......I used them once and then reverted back to the disposable foam type ones.....

They were not as quiet as the foam ones and also not as comfy despite being custom fit !

 

[JimmyMac]

I had ultimate ear ones made a few years ago and they kinda make me feel seasick so I very rarely use them, foam ones were better. Truth be told 99% of the time just put my iPod in and have the music about 90% turned up.
I knew this is really bad for your ears so I wouldn't advise it to a youngster.

JimmyMac

 

[RickS1K]

I use Ultimate Ear, and don't suffer from any of the issues described above. If I am doing big distances in a day they can get uncomfortable after 3/4 hours (i.e. when you only refuel and keep going without taking helmet off). Biggest issue with foam is them getting knocked out of a good position when you put your lid on, which is why I stopped using them.

If I am riding in town I don't tend to use ear plugs at all, but you'd be daft to ride without some form of ear protection at any speed (60+) as it's the wind noise that deafens you

 

[alex]

Yeah I don't suffer from mine, assuming I put them in correctly! Ultimate Ear will make new ones with the moulds you keep and you can send them back for adjustment if they are not suitable first time.

 

[MacRR]

The ones I bought were from Mercury hearing, maybe Ultimate Ear are better. I switch between 2 bikes and 3 helmets depending on what I'm doing and how the mood takes me and I find the helmet / screen combo has a very big impact on wind noise.

 

[billythefish]

Thanks for all the replies. I have a Schuberth S2 Sports helmet (which is supposed to be really quiet) and I only get wind noise on one side. If I press the helmet in to my head it creates a seal and then perfect but often have to reapply as the seal breaks. I've got both Schuberth and ACS looking in to it. Who knows! On a separate note; FullSix carbon fibre arriving next week so can't wait.

 

[r25sti]

i have never bothered until this year, me and the missis had a set of the ultimate ones made each and we went for the ones that dont block out all the sound as i feel you need to hear some thing. it dose take a bit to get used to then and after 3 rides of around 200miles each time were very pleased with them. the main thing i noticed after the first trip was i felt less fatigued.

 

[JimmyMac]

Biggest issue with foam is them getting knocked out of a good position when you put your lid on, which is why I stopped using them.

Hi Rick, I always wear a tight fitting Oxford balaclava (Summer one), it helps me keep my ear plugs in position whilst putting on and removing helmet. It also keeps your helmet from getting any grease or sweat on the inside.

JimmyMac

 

[richy170]

I have been using the ultimate ear for a few years now and have found them extremely comfortable and blocking out a significant amount of noise. I forgot them yesterday and immediately noticed how loud the bike is without them. They have also brought out a little cream to apply to them. This makes them easier to slide in and has provided a slightly better seal.

 

[Tommy]

Two pages on ear plugs wtf has biking come too.

 

[MacRR]

Pardon?!

 

[soofsayer]

Hi Rick, I always wear a tight fitting Oxford balaclava (Summer one), it helps me keep my ear plugs in position whilst putting on and removing helmet. It also keeps your helmet from getting any grease or sweat on the inside. JimmyMac

I do that. Thought it was just me looking a numpty putting a balaclava on during fine weather lol.