Earplugs

Ducati Forum

Help Support Ducati Forum:

Denver Rick

Denver Rick

Joined
Aug 16, 2012
Messages
452
Location
Denver, Colorado
I have posted them in a couple of threads. I have used them for years for various hearing protection required activities and always had pretty good luck with them. I am trying the EP3s right now (they were cheaper), but I don't like them as well so will be going back to EP4s after these wear out. I usually get a few months of daily wear out of a pair before they kind of start to harden up and not block as much noise. Amazon sells them as well.
 
**correction further down the thread**
 
Last edited:
WAfatboy said:
No but they don't appear to have a high enough rating. I've ridden with plugs rated at 32db reduction (typical Snore reducers from the pharmacy) but found that plugs rated for 110db work better and I can still hear the traffic etc.
Click to expand...

Where do you get 110s? I've never seen them that high. Even my Peltor Tactical headset isn't anywhere near that high.
 
Denver Rick said:
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
Click to expand...

-- E.A.R Classic - has been a good plug - be careful they make a few different ones..try these:

Classicâ„¢ Earplugs - Uncorded S-7028 - Uline

-- i've had plugs custom made...always came back to EAR - the customs would always unseal themselves due to the constant head turning, even after following the seal routine (wet them).....just never worked good enough, or easy enough as the EAR Classic....which are easy enough to carry (i usually use a few on a full ride)....i dont have to worry about dropping or cleaning them since i always have a fresh pair with me....and they go in quickly
 
RD16RR said:
-- E.A.R Classic - has been a good plug - be careful they make a few different ones..try these:

Classicâ„¢ Earplugs - Uncorded S-7028 - Uline

-- i've had plugs custom made...always came back to EAR - the customs would always unseal themselves due to the constant head turning, even after following the seal routine (wet them).....just never worked good enough, or easy enough as the EAR Classic....which are easy enough to carry (i usually use a few on a full ride)....i dont have to worry about dropping or cleaning them since i always have a fresh pair with me....and they go in quickly
Click to expand...

These are in the 20 range as well - same as my SureFires. I can't imagine you can hear the bike at 110, but maybe I'm wrong. I want to try a set nonetheless.
 
Denver Rick said:
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
Click to expand...

I have been using them for mainly gun shooting. They fit good and dont hurt as much in a long duration. EP3 is cheaper like mentioned before and they are the same.

I recommend.
 
WAfatboy said:
No but they don't appear to have a high enough rating. I've ridden with plugs rated at 32db reduction (typical Snore reducers from the pharmacy) but found that plugs rated for 110db work better and I can still hear the traffic etc.
Click to expand...

I myself, want to hear whats going on around me and not a complete silence.
 
Capt CF said:
Where do you get 110s? I've never seen them that high. Even my Peltor Tactical headset isn't anywhere near that high.
Click to expand...

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.
 
WAfatboy said:
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.
Click to expand...

Solid copy. We're on the same page now.
 
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
 
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.
 
Denver Rick said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
Last edited:
Denver Rick said:
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
Click to expand...

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.
 
littlejohn said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Capt CF said:
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.
Click to expand...

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

Register CTA

Register on Ducati Forum! This sidebar will go away, and you will see fewer ads.

Recent Discussions

Back
Top