Earplugs - Page 2

Ray916MN · Feb 27th 2013, 10:33 AM

I use Howard Leight MAX plugs. NRR33. Inexpensive and fit great. Although they are supposed to be single use, I generally get about 3 days of riding on a set before I toss them and start on a new set.

Howard Leight | MAX Earplugs

Capt CF · Feb 27th 2013, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by WAfatboy

Guys as i posted i did think about this and I ducked off and did some research and checked the packaging on the ones I have and it says 'hearing protection for up to 110db', and when I looked up the product in more detail I could see it was only 27db reduction ProBell Disposable Uncorded Earplugs - EPYU - Earplugs - Hearing Protection

Did some more research into some other plugs I have used in the past and found them all to be similarly rated.

HOWEVER it's the frequency of noise that they block that seems to be the defining factor - I used a similar plug last week that higher rated (32db) and was pretty ineffective but it was a 'snore blocker', whereas the ones I bought that were 27db were industrial so perhaps they are designed to block differe t frequencies. I prefer the industrial ones because they block out the mechanical chatter but also retain some of the bass but without being 'boomy'.

Reality is that personal preference will define which plugs work best for you so you'll probably need to try a few. The basic disposable ones do the job really well if you find the right brand for you, and you can buy in bulk!

As an aside I spent $165 on a custom fit lab produced pair and they were crap compared to these $0.95 plugs.

Sorry for the bum steer at the beginning of the thread.

Solid copy. We're on the same page now.

LArider · Feb 27th 2013, 06:14 PM

Just have to share my experience with Fit-Ear custom plugs. I just received them today and took a quick ride through Mulholland and I have to say this is first time I finished a ride without massive ear ringing!

I have used basic plugs in the past and Bose ear buds for the radar detector, but both were just 'okay' and I always had the ears ringing. I ride with RPM's generally between 5-8k and with the Termi's it's WAY loud. I purchase the M-2 and while they are somewhat expensive I think they are well worth the $$$ and takes a lot of the edge away.

Cheers!

Motorcycle Stereo Plugs « Fit-Ear

anthem · Feb 27th 2013, 07:24 PM

I think some of the best plugs out there are the electronic hunting ones. They block anything above 85db and allow other things through. Engine/cars - even people talking I can pick up quite well and anything beyond that is just attenuated.

Custom fitted to your ear canal (need ear impressions made). NRR around 40 for loud sounds -which is equivalent to double plugging for those who know what that term means.

Not cheap but neither is my hearing. Will set you back anywhere from 700-1000 depending upon model and specs.

littlejohn · Feb 27th 2013, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by Denver Rick

Has anybody used these SureFire reusable earplugs? I've been using basic foam, but pain to get a consistent seal. I've considered the custom, but would rather not spend over $100 for ear plugs. Anybody have any particular ear plugs they recommend?

SureFire EarPro Sonic Defenders EP4 PLUS Variable Noise Reduction Shooter's Ear Plugs (NRR 24) (1 Pair w/Carry Case) - Consumer Packaged Reusable Ear Plugs

I took the captains advice after reading the other thread re: earplugs and initally I didn't like the sonic defenders at all. I purchased the small ones and couldn't get them to stay in for more than a few mins on riding.
Eventually I discovered that if you give them a bit of a lick, they go in much easier and they stay in.
I like them a lot... much more than any of the disposable ones I've used in the past.

I like the fact there are 2 options for how much noise you can filter out.
1. Plug in = filters pretty much everything so you can hear yourself breathing and chewing
or
2. Plug out = only stuff >85db?. Will reduce the noise level but you'll still be able to clearly hear most things.

I did end up buying another pair, but a medium and they fit even better. for ~USD$15 /pr on ebay, it's pretty hard to beat them for value.

bradp51 · Feb 27th 2013, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by Denver Rick

Has anybody used these SureFire reusable earplugs? I've been using basic foam, but pain to get a consistent seal. I've considered the custom, but would rather not spend over $100 for ear plugs. Anybody have any particular ear plugs they recommend?

SureFire EarPro Sonic Defenders EP4 PLUS Variable Noise Reduction Shooter's Ear Plugs (NRR 24) (1 Pair w/Carry Case) - Consumer Packaged Reusable Ear Plugs

I have some of these for shooting but found them uncomfortable. So do not use them anymore.

I found custom moulded that I bought at Phillip Is last year much better. Also good for music on the bike and the ride on lawn mower. John Deere of course.

TransNone13 · Feb 27th 2013, 08:07 PM

The surefires are cheap AND great. I wear them for my occupation and racing.

Capt CF · Feb 28th 2013, 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by littlejohn

I took the captains advice after reading the other thread re: earplugs and initally I didn't like the sonic defenders at all. I purchased the small ones and couldn't get them to stay in for more than a few mins on riding.
Eventually I discovered that if you give them a bit of a lick, they go in much easier and they stay in.
I like them a lot... much more than any of the disposable ones I've used in the past.

I like the fact there are 2 options for how much noise you can filter out.
1. Plug in = filters pretty much everything so you can hear yourself breathing and chewing
or
2. Plug out = only stuff >85db?. Will reduce the noise level but you'll still be able to clearly hear most things.

I did end up buying another pair, but a medium and they fit even better. for ~USD$15 /pr on ebay, it's pretty hard to beat them for value.

Good on ya for posting the licking bit. In the morning after a shower they go in fine, but when leaving the office I have to give them a bit of a lick as well to make sure they stay seated.

TransNone13 · Feb 28th 2013, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by Capt CF

Good on ya for posting the licking bit. In the morning after a shower they go in fine, but when leaving the office I have to give them a bit of a lick as well to make sure they stay seated.

Never heard of t the adage, "lick it before you stick it"?

MUNDMAN · Feb 28th 2013, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by TransNone13

Never heard of t the adage, "lick it before you stick it"?

I think that meant sonething else and if it doesn't.....It should