they are cheap and they sound great.. gettem at radio shack.. also do a search on torx x2 helmet speakers

Yes, I noticed that. There are other models with comparable prices, noise reduction, etc. I notice, though, that Etymotic doesn't seem to specify a NRR for their earphones and earplugs these days, just a "noise reduction" number.

Anyway, the newer MC5 has a noise reduction rating the same as the ER4, and according to an older chart the ER4, with foam tips, had a NRR of 32, which is comparable to good foam plugs.

Of course then one adds to the total amount of noise in the ear by adding music, loud enough to hear clearly over the wind noise that does get by the plugs. My experience has been that you need to pump up the bass since that is the frequency range that plugs are least effective at isolating (plus some noise is transmitted directly through your skull from your helmet). It should be possible to listen at a fairly modest level with good quality, though.

They are cheap, the Skull Candy Ink'd earbuds sound great for the money. I'm a little doubtful about their NRR, however. I guess NRR 20, maximum, based on my experience with good earplugs and how much noise gets through, compared to my Skull Cands buds which I use when working out in the gym.

Have these with my last bike. Haven't used them yet this season. IASUS Concepts Throat mics /Headsets

The Etymotic HF5 has a noise reduction rating up to -35db. It's more pricey (~$150) than the MC5, but not as much as the old ER4. I think I paid $300 for those, way back when. They do NOT fit under my helmet.

The new HF and MC series stick out further than the ER6i for me, but I can get them under the helmet. I have small ear canals. I'm also happy I have a half dozen pairs of ER6i's. At my age, it could be a lifetime supply.

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-Tom (DL650AL2) (KA1TOX) (E-I-E-I-O)

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Yeah, I noticed that the new models all seem to have the longer stems like the ER4, not the nice compact style that the ER6 was. I haven't had the pleasure of using a set, and I suppose I won't, now.

I have a set of custom molded earplug earphones I had done several years ago, but for me they just don't seem to seal all that well, so the NRR is not what it could be. Also the wires are rather stiff and transmit quite a bit of noise.

I bought some cheapie helmet speakers and mounted them in the ear pockets of my HJC IS MAX.Then I cut some memory foam and packed it around the speakers.The speakers sit against my ears and block alot of noise and the speakers have a short cord that go's right to the edge of the helmet.They work well with my iPod and iPhone and now that I know it works I will get some good speakers with bass!!.


Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

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1982 GS850..BLACK SUNSHINE,the tripod
2007 DL996AR..BRUTUS
Ah screw it,I'm goin ridin !!!!!!!!

After too many years of frustration with all sorts of earbuds I broke down a bought a pair of Big Ear BE-1C's. They were doing a demo at the local Harley dealer. Not cheap for sure - they are custom fit to the contour of your ear. The beauty is they block the outside sound so you don't have to have the music blaring in your ear to hear it. The sound is good and since the volume is relatively low you can still hear sirens over the music. You can use them for earplugs without music too.

The weirdest thing I noticed is the engine sounded completely different. I guess the wind noise was blocking the engine noise. Freaked me out at first. I thought something was wrong.

Worth the money if you like music and want something that works.

The HF and MC type are not nearly as long as the ER4, but they don't tuck in as well as the ER6i.

I do have a set of custom molds that were made through a good local audiologist. They are designed to accept ER6i earbuds and are more comfortable to wear than the ER6i by itself, though I tend not to use them, only because they take slightly longer to insert. This guy uses ER6i buds himself when he travels by plane, so I didn't have to fill him in about anything.

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-Tom (DL650AL2) (KA1TOX) (E-I-E-I-O)

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I'd never ride with ear buds or helmet speakers. I'll see if I can find the thread I read on the subject, but riding with earbuds is a good way to damage your hearing. Some/most of us ride with earplugs in just to bring wind noise down to a tolerable level. If you are adding in music to be heard over the existing noise, you are going to be at a level that will damage your hearing. Hearing, once damaged, does not recover. I use my hearing to make a living. Being the deaf rockstar using your ears to hold up your sunglasses really isn't as cool as you once thought it would be. Hearing loss is a bitch.

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'03 DL1000 - "The Vee"
Mod list - Oxford heated overgrips, Garmin GPS w/Aquabox RAM mount, T1 Concepts double-bubble windscreen, mirror extenders, Givi V35 saddlebags and engine guards, Kappa top box, Richland Rick fork brace and peg lowering kit, Gafler braided front brake & clutch lines, K&N air filter, Pyramid Fenda Extenda, GO Cruise throttle lock, Touratech folding shift lever, Radiator guard, GSXR 4 piston brakes with SV Racing brackets, Yosh timing cover, Murphs Kits center stand, SW Motech crossbar, Eastern Beaver headlight relay.