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Earplugs and be-seen gear/tech?

9K views 59 replies 39 participants last post by  Macdoc 
#1 ·
Two areas I'm looking for help with, and I feel like this is broad enough that it doesn't really belong in the gear superthread - but move me if you feel differently!

1) Earplugs for riding. My ears usually hurt pretty bad from various types of earplugs after a few hours of riding, but foam has been the least painful. Earbuds like skullcandy etc can only last a half hour. What are some good earplug options (foam and non-foam), and how might they compare in comfort and function?
A few I'm considering:
a) https://www.alpinehearingprotection.com/earplugs/motosafe/
b) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LDSPSP...UTF8&colid=2YY4TSGW52GAM&coliid=IWF4SPRKA2FP0
c) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JXYH04...TF8&colid=2YY4TSGW52GAM&coliid=I1GNOESP1Z2IQI

2) Reflective stickers and bits for the bike and my helmet - any suggestions here for things I can add to my v-strom to be more visible? Already have aux lights, flashing tail light, and partially hi-viz riding gear. I can't seem to find a good place to get hi-viz AND reflective material - it all seems to be either hi-viz OR reflective, not both. Thanks friends!

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Your absolute best, most comfy solution for earplugs will be a set of custom molded ones.

Before getting them I tried a bunch and narrowed down to the "rocket" style.. These worked well but after several days of all day riding my ears would need a break and I would put in the foam ones for a few days.

Now I never experience any discomfort and always wear my ear protection.

There have been many heated discussion about hi-vis, extra lighting, etc. and I suspect this will turn into another heated discussion.

I used to put on reflective tape, etc. but no longer feel it actually increases safety in any meaningful way. I am very big on the concepts of the SMIDSY links in my signature as they address how we are perceived and some techniques that increase our odds. (Not against reflective tape or hi-viz, just don't think it really matter in most crash situations.)

..Tom
 
#4 ·
Going to do some reading now! Part of the hi-viz was actually aesthetic - since I just love bright colors. SO, if a little visibility is attached with that, I won't complain. It won't make me LESS visible, right? :p
 
#3 ·
1. for visibility tapes, SOLAS is the best. SOLAS = Safety of Life at Sea. Google it and pick your vendor.
2. ear plugs seem to be a trial and error process. I use SkullCandy buds plugged into my GPS and they really cut the noise. Sorry your ears can't handle them for more than 30 minutes. Consider custom made. Two routes -- DIY or pay the pros. The pros do a great job but are expensive. Some of them include https://www.plugfones.com/ or Radians Safety - Radians Custom Molded Earplugs or https://www.plugup.com/default.asp etc..... Places like Cabela's have kits for making custom ear plugs (for shooters and the like). You can have them as just ear plugs or as we did for my wife, add in ear buds.
 
#6 ·
I am using these earplugs.

3m earplugs

They work well and are comfortable(for me). They are cheap and last several rides before they are toast. The box I have will probably last a very long time.
 
#48 ·
Trying to work out what class they are from the packaging as the details don't say. I work in the power industry where noise levels can be quite high. We use a brand called "Moldex". We used to use either Decidamp or E.A.R. brands. I found the cylindrical plugs easier to insert and seemed to be a better fit. But the Moldex ones have a greater attenuation and for the most part, fit OK.

The V-Strom's windscreen is a prick of a design. I think that the bike would be better off without it, given how much wind noise it generates. It's OK if I crouch down (I'd have bought a sports bike if that was the case) or if I stand up. So, for me the best earplugs that I can get are a necessity.

Oh, disposable earplugs are meant to be single use, only. Ear infection being the main reason, I think. Plus, once they've been squished, compressed and so on, their effectiveness is reduced.
 
#8 ·
hi viz helmet deal

This will probably spark a debate about Snell vs EU standard, the more you spend, the safer you are, anyone who buys anything other than an Arai should have their license revoked, etc. etc., but I recently got a Kabuto Kamui helmet in hi viz yellow for $100, comes with the pinlock anti-fog shield (which works a treat but is a major PITA to install) and I love it. I especially like the idea of hi-viz in a helmet, since it's the highest, most visible point on the bike. It's pretty bright and gaudy, but hey, I can't see it when I'm wearing it, so it doesn't bug me.

Hope I'm not breaking the rules, but here's a link to the place where I bought it, motorcycle closeouts dot com: Kabuto Kamui Helmet - $99.95 closeout special! In stock NOW! :: MSRP: $249.95

I wear a L Shoei and HJC, and the Kabuto Kamui, also in L, fits well. A little snug at first, but either it's conforming to my head or I'm conforming to the helmet-- either way, comfortable, stays put even at speed, doesn't flop around on my head, and it's not too loud. Hopefully i will never have occasion to test its durability (or that of any helmet!)

I wear "nonoise" brand earplugs, btw, so helmet roar isn't much of a concern except for short jaunts where I skip the plugs. And on that subject, I also suffered horribly from aching ear-holes (canals?) with any earplugs after about 30 minutes. The no-noise plugs are soft rubber, and seem to fit my tiny ear-holes well without generating the feeling that my head is about to explode from the ears inward.

I also scored an Aerostich Darien jacket in Hi Viz off Ebay, so I guess I've kinda got a Captain Safety theme going. Really, I wasn't looking specifically for hi-viz, just some kinda decent gear with armor, and the price was right. In the limited riding I've done with it, I DO suspect that people are more likely to notice you with ridiculously bright gear, like maybe I'm some kind of traffic enforcement or something. Can't hurt, doesn't bother me to not look "cool" so what the hey. FWIW, previous jacket for the past 25+ years was a Hein Gericke, in black since that's the only color you could get back then. It"s still in good shape, and fits my haggard form like a glove. But my aging, brittle bones could probably use the protection of TPE armor, should my brightly painted helmet fail to save me from collision with a texting moron.

Happy riding, stay safe out there!
Captain Safety
Jim B.
Grove City, OH!
 
#9 ·
#45 ·
Add me to the Howard Leight group
 
#10 ·
I went custom on the earplugs which good for 5 years. Can't post a link due to low post count. Google DBBlockers.


As for Hi Viz, kind of a no brainer. Had a buddy ahead of me a while back and a guy almost left turned into him but reckons he saw me 50m back and that made him pull up. I was hi viz, buddy was in grey/black.
 
#11 ·
For ears... molds are awesome, but can be expensive. Maybe try the M6 Pro Ear monitors. I'm a professional musician and I've used all sorts of custom and off-the shelf ear monitors, and I keep a pair of M6 monitors in my bag. They work great under a helmet and definitely lower the noise floor.

Visibility... I wear white helmets. Not as "cool" as flat black but I kinda like it.
 
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#12 ·
I've used many of the cheapo foam earplugs from a few jobs working in engineering/manufacturing shops. These are my favorite. They are very soft, so they don't exert a lot of pressure on the ear canal when using them. I actually sleep with them in every night, that's how comfortable they are. My stash from my last job is running out, I'm actually going to have to buy some.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-SuperFit-Uncorded-Conservation-312-1256/dp/B008MCUIW8

Search eBay or Amazon for "reflective yellow tape" there's lots of hi-viz options
 
#15 ·
#51 ·
#17 · (Edited)
I know you are looking for earplugs but I thought I'd throw these Earphones (earbuds) in this thread for those interested. I scoured the web until I found a decent set for longer rides and these fit the bill entirely. The are memory foam tipped so they expand in your ear like earplugs and block out most of the unwanted noise but still allow the important sounds through (ie. police, fire, EMS). They have a disconnect at the earbud itself, so in the case of a collision they would stay in you helmet and the wire simply disconnects. Lastly, the over the ear style means that as you pull your helmet down they kind get cinched down, and pulled more into your ears. Sound quality is amazing though a tiny bit weak on the bass. Lot's of professional performers use these on stage and I now know why.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SE215-K-Isolating-Earphones-MicroDriver/dp/B004PNZFZ8

SE215-K
Sound Isolating Earphones


The SE215 delivers detailed sound with enhanced bass. A detachable cable with formable wire enables easy replacement and a secure, comfortable fit onstage or on-the-go. Sound Isolating sleeves in multiple sizes provide up to 37 dB of isolation and a customized fit.

Evolved from personal monitor technology that's been road-tested by pro musicians, the SE215 offers detailed sound for personal listening or professional monitoring.

 
#18 ·
I had a pair of custom ear plugs made when I was into shoot a lot of Trap. I now only use disposable foam ones.

Over time your ears change and the plugs need to be remade to so they fit right. They need to be cleaned regularly (daily with soap and water) which most people never do. Almost everyone I've ever witnessed who had "custom" molded ear plugs the first thing they did before sticking them in their ear was put it in their mouth to "lube" them up. Not only are they sticking a dirty ear plug in their mouth (because most do not wash them at all just stick them in a sealed up pill bottle to ferment) they then jam a spit moistened germ laden ear plug to continue to breed bacteria in your warm moist sealed "ear oven".

Now I use disposable foam ear plugs (new pair each morning) in individual packages so they are clean when I open the package. Not only are they as comfortable they are about 1000% more sanitary.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Absolutely brilliant earphones and durable. You can get extra foam tips from Westone instead of Comply.
The 215s are modular so if something breaks you don't toss them..

A thin Oxford Balaclava helps both earplugs and earphones stay in play and a fresher helmet.

Second recommendation for the Howard Leigh....I just buy a box of 200 and set for years....they come in individual pairs and I just toss a handful in the luggage ....riding or not....I reuse them many times. They are REALLY quiet.

Not only are they sticking a dirty ear plug in their mouth (because most do not wash them at all just stick them in a sealed up pill bottle to ferment) they then jam a spit moistened germ laden ear plug to continue to breed bacteria in your warm moist sealed "ear oven".
I think your mother over protected you from grubbing in the dirt as a kid. There is nothing in mouth or ear that's going to give you issues.....washing with detergent tho ....not so "healthy". >:)

I've been using earplugs and earphones for years and moisten them in my mouth and put them in my ears and I resuse both .....
 
#20 ·
I've never used ear plugs for anything to be honest. They did not exist when I started riding.:wink2: Always just an open face. Then I spent quite a few years fronting a pub rock band as well and my ears would be ringing going home. After all that I still do not have any noises in them. No, I am not deaf, just no tinnitus,:grin2: They are ok.:smile2: If I do get some I just will not know what to blame though.

Coops.
 
#21 ·
When I was younger I did all the stupid things to my ears - concerts, the super loud stereo, gas weedwacker, chainsaw, etc.. sometimes for hours when clearing property. And then there was the time I set off the 357 without my muffs on.. oww.. my right ear still isn't the same (high freq attenuation).

So after a couple of more recent motorcycle-related bouts of tinnitus, including one that lasted almost six months, I won't ride past the grocery store without putting them in. Even when I realize it after buckling the lid and gloves on, I take them back off and insert them, lol. It's just not worth it.

I mainly use Hearos and they work fine. Easy to roll between your fingers, pop in, and hold for a couple sec.. Then throw them away at the end of the day (not good to reuse). I even prefer the engine sound without all the white noise.. I keep them in tankbag, riding jacket pockets, etc. I even use them for mowing the lawn, long airplane trips, and computer server rooms..
 
#23 ·
Tons of replies, thank you! I will have to do some more trial and error with the earplugs, but if not I know I can at least go a couple hours at a time with the disposable 3M's.

For the hi-viz, at the very least I can just don my entirely hi-viz rainsuit and just call it a day :p
 
#26 ·
ORDERED. I will move on to some of the non-foam/reusable ones if none of these are super great. They are certainly cheap enough that I don't care about buying more - reusable wouldn't really save me much money if I have to spend $40+ dollars per set. The one advantage of the reusables that was interesting was the filtered (hi-fi) part of them - might still be worth a shot.
 
#25 ·
Custom earplugs may well work well for you. You'd have to get a set made and try them. I have a set and I don't care for them. My ear canals seem to change shape and size as I move my head and/or jaw, so they don't seal as well as they could. I didn't find them particularly comfortable.

If maximum noise reduction is your goal, foam earplugs are hard to beat. Which will work best for you will depend on the shape and size of your ear canals.

I'm currently using Howard Leight Laser Lites, and they're pretty good. However, of all the plugs I've tried I'd have to say that EAR Ear-soft neons are the absolute softest earplugs, which put the least pressure on the inside of your ear. They're a little on the small (narrow) side, though, so may not fill your ear canals sufficiently if they're really large. I think they also make an even smaller (thinner) model for people with narrow ear canals.
 
#28 ·
Man, have I suffered through the great earplug search as well... The roll up foam plugs were a pain to put in then to realize once you start riding that you don't have one in as well as the other. They also cut the noise level down too much for me to hear the music well. Of the non-foam plugs I had okay luck with Hearos Rock & Roll after cutting the stem down a little shorter but have something hard in my ear became uncomfortable after some time. Also, the rubber plugs tended to slip out with movement. I've also tried the wax plugs and those were not good either.

So, I ran across the 3m Express Plugs and fell in love. I cut the stem down shorter so it doesn't rub my helmet but leave them long enough to remove easily. Just push them in and no waiting for them to expand. They are 25nrr so I can still hear my music. When I'm riding it's like I'm not wearing earplugs at all.

I normally will order them from ebay so I can get smaller quantities but I'll probably just get a larger amount next time. I use them when mowing or using the impact wrench etc.. It's just they are so easy to put in and remove that I use them at times when I wouldn't mess with other plugs.

Good luck.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Earplugs-Conservation-Assorted-311-1115/dp/B008MCU53K
 
#30 ·
Hm, I will try those out! I feel the same pain - mostly I'm tired of earplugs getting disloged every time I put on or take off my helmet. And I don't really notice the leak until I start riding!
 
#29 ·
when I go shooting, I wear earmuffs, they work better than any earplug I have ever tried, and more comfortable as well. Same with when I'm out cutting wood, my chainsaw hat has built in earmuffs.......

Why aren't helmets made that way ? or are they, I really can't hear much when I have a helmet on
 
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