What works: Ear plugs.

[Semper Gumby]

Part of riding is being able to listen to music (at a low level  ).  The stuff I listen I listen to is very low key and soft and not conducive to riding a motorcycle.  So I have been suffering for years with sort of solutions like custom molded ear plugs and the like that don't really work that well.

I have just tried a set of Etymotc ER-6i

http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx

These work fantastic.  I bought them from the company for $99 but I found out later they can be had elsewhere for less.  They work great with my iPod Nano with no need for a volume booster.  The Wires do not transmit wind noise to the ear.

Now I think I'm ready for an Auto comm system so I can have GMRS radio for bike to bike with my Georgia group riders.

They are small and can be hard to pullout so I (on recommend from another Internet user) put a 4 inch loop of monofiliment fishing line wrapped around the end to make them easy to pull out gently since I have fat fingers.

Strongly recommended.   8-)

Stuff I listen to:

http://www.hos.com/   free on Sundays!
http://www.wglt.org/streams/blues.phtml  Waaaay cool blues stream free on the Internet 24-7!

[not-so-fast-ed]

Hearts Of Space is really neat, Bill.

I also ordered the earplugs.  I'm sure I mentioned I was looking for a better set.
Thanks for the heads up.

Ed

[Semper Gumby]

These work great.  I happened to luck out that the rubber fitting fit my ear canal.  They come with a larger set just incase and foam tips if you need more comfort.

The fishing line thing is important.  I'll post a picture later.

[wilcom]

Do the units work as full fledged ear plugs for noise reduction?

I ride with ear plugs and want maximum protection to save what hearing I have left(too many miles "without earplugs") but I would like to incorporate my radar detector ( which I can't hear with earplugs and barley without plugs) and would like to monitor the CB for Highway Patrol officer alerts from the truckers.

Would these keep me communicated while offering ear protection?

Thanks

[Semper Gumby]

Yes!!  About 30db of passive noise reduction.  They are better than the custom molded plugs I had been using.

I have used them behind the fairing of my R65 and out in the wind on the louder BSA A65 Firebird Scrambler -- both to good effect.

 [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[R65_Mark]

If you are really serious about noise attenuation with or without 'phone/coms/music then the products from Sensaphonics are well respected in the professional automobile racing world.

Here's their website:

www.sensaphonics.com


I heard (sic) Dawn Flinn, an Indianapolis based audiologist who specializes in hearing conservation for professional musicians and racecar drivers, speak on the topic at last year's International Council of Motorsport Sciences conference.  She impressed the assembled crowd of trauma doctors and others in the audience.  The biggest takeaways I got were the benefits of attenuation and comfort that come with a good custom fitted set of earpieces.

I've not worked with her, but know many that have.  Her website is here:

www.eareverything.com

Mark

[not-so-fast-ed]

Bill, These Etymotic are the best I've used!  I'm using them with the flanged eartips and they seal great.
Only problem so far is they are so efficient I have to use almost the lowest volume setting!
Thanks,
Ed

[Semper Gumby]

Bill, These Etymotic are the best I've used!  I'm using them with the flanged eartips and they seal great.
Only problem so far is they are so efficient I have to use almost the lowest volume setting!
Thanks,
Ed

Another Satisfied Customer!  

Ed.  I think that is the point - to use/need less volume so that you don't damage your hearing!!!  Glad it worked for you.