Earplugs????

[Duc Buz]

Never have but may give it a shot.

[RBX QB]

i have never wore earplugs, i have chopped d&d exhaust. i have though about it but i have a bluetooth helmet with built in speakers so plugs would interfere with me hearing the speakers

False.

I ride with plugs all the time, and can hear my comm system just fine (& iPod). Also able to take phone calls when needed (on the freeway, no less). Effectively, the plugs only eliminate the excessive wind noise. The speakers are so close to your ear canal, that the plugs don't really hinder what they put out. It does take some effort to ensure the speakers are lined up with your ears for best sound, but after that you're good to go.

I would say that choice of ear plugs comes in to play... I've used the foam things, and now have some rubber ones I picked up at Guitar Center (22db, I think). Comm system might be a factor, too. I keep mine at full volume when I have the plugs in. Without plugs (which happens rarely), I have to drop the volume by half, or else my ears start bleeding.

My opinion is, try them once, then decide. The foam ones are cheap enough that it's not a cost issue. If it helps keep your hearing longer...

[Triple J]

i have never wore earplugs, i have chopped d&d exhaust. i have though about it but i have a bluetooth helmet with built in speakers so plugs would interfere with me hearing the speakers

No worries, Tinnitus will interfere with you hearing anything in the future. 

[Slide Panda]

i have never wore earplugs, i have chopped d&d exhaust. i have though about it but i have a bluetooth helmet with built in speakers so plugs would interfere with me hearing the speakers

I've got a radio on a speaker in my helmet and it's more clear with earplugs.

[lawmaster891]

i may have to try them out then. i can get them from work so ill have to grab a few pairs

[R0CKETMAN]

No worries, Tinnitus will interfere with you hearing anything in the future. 

So true. Wear your plugs fellas..

[bevel]

I remember my very first ride on my bike - taking it from a friend's house home for the first time.

Halfway home, I stopped at a drug store, bought a 10pk of plugs, and have never gone more then 2 miles without them since.

BEST. INVESTMENT. EVER.

Howard Leight MAX plugs, 33db reduction foam disposables. I buy them in bulk and swap out to a new pair every few weeks.

[BoDiddley]

I wear my trap shooting plugs which last forever.  If you can track down a large trap shooting event you can get them made on the spot for around $40.00.   At least that was the cost the last time I bought them.  Custom fit, different colors and comfortable as they can get.  Do a search for large local or state trapshoots, thier are always vendors that will fix you up in about 20 minutes.

[Monsterlover]

I bought a pair of Big Ear custom plugs at a show once.  They squirt what looks like RTV into your ear and it hardens up.  They coat with silicone or something and mail them to you a couple weeks later.

I do like them, but I think they have changed shape over the last 4 years or so.  It's possible my ears have also changed shape, but i wouldn't think they've changed much.

For the most part, I use these $20 JVC ear buds with the foam things on backwards (keeps them from working out of my ears) and I listen to music when I ride.  Sound is good, wind noise reduction is as good as (sometimes better I think) than the Big Ear custom ones.

BTW  Big Ear wanted $300 for stereo ear buds

None for me

[docwoody]

Tried this out last night. I just used some cheap disposable foam ear plugs I acquired from a shooting range. At first it was kind of weird to me but then I realized after a few miles my concentration level was way higher than it normally was. I also felt more like one with my bike. For now on I will never ride without them. Try it out sometime and share your experience.

[Privateer]

Tried this out last night. I just used some cheap disposable foam ear plugs I acquired from a shooting range. At first it was kind of weird to me but then I realized after a few miles my concentration level was way higher than it normally was. I also felt more like one with my bike. For now on I will never ride without them. Try it out sometime and share your experience.

not sure if it was stated anywhere in this thread, but you'll also find that over long rides you'll feel less fatigue.

[thought]

Best option:

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Earplugs-Uncorded-NRR33/dp/B0013A0C0Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_0

After getting that box... you just never really run out for a long long time.

[Ak1nza]

I use these earplugs when I ride freeway and/or long distance:

http://www.earpeace.com/

I also use the foam ones, although I tend to have an issue getting a proper seal on my left ear canal with the foam ones, and it takes me a few minutes each time to get it right.  With the Ear Peace plugs it's fairly easy to get it seated right.  I would definitely recommend them.  I even use them with my Sena bluetooth comms system. 

 I don't get fast enough to have wind noise riding in the city here in New York, so no plugs when I'm ripping around the city.

[Goat_Herder]

http://www.earpeace.com/

Good thread.  I am going to look into some hearing protection, especially after my last long(er) distance trip.  My ears were ringing after a day of riding.  Since then, I am becoming more aware of wind noise even during daily commute. 

I will definitely look into the Ear Peace.

[JohnEE]

I bought some 3M ones from lowes the other day.

these ones


-26db. They work great, cuts out all of the wind noise and most of the exhaust too......guess i'll have to get new pipes 
It's wierd having such a quiet ride.