I used a set of in-the-ear buds and made a molded silicone set of custom earplugs. Wow, what a difference. Cuts wind noise, can hear my music and comm with the volume turned way down. The caller usually doesn't know I'm riding during calls because I can hear them so easily that I talk normally. Great if you're ditching work.
They are easy and inexpensive to make. If you don't end up using them for riding they're a great way to listen to music without ambient noise interfering.
I'm trying to post a pic. Technology vexes me. I'll keep trying.
Wow...I'm surprised at how many listen to tunes/phone etc while riding.
I prefer to ride with no added sound at all. Years ago, maybe, but not in a long time...not even in the car.
Interesting...
Wow...I'm surprised at how many listen to tunes/phone etc while riding.
I prefer to ride with no added sound at all. Years ago, maybe, but not in a long time...not even in the car.
Interesting...
Wow...I'm surprised at how many listen to tunes/phone etc while riding.
I prefer to ride with no added sound at all. Years ago, maybe, but not in a long time...not even in the car.
Interesting...
Thanks Connie1.
Last night I gave it a try and made two set of custom ear monitors. However, I don't know if these are going to work for me with my current helmet of choice. I have a very tight fitting Shoei X-Eleven. Using a Wick-it helmet liner and the first set of monitors in my ears, I put on my helmet without too much trouble. Although, when I took off my helmet it felt like my ears were getting ripped off. So, I made another set, this time a bit smaller, taking off some of the bulk before it set. They sound awesome, however, I haven't tried this set with my helmet yet. If I can get my helmet off with my ears still connected to my head, then I won't be needing to try the Quiet Ride Muffs. I hate having such large ears!!!
Scgoan – Great review, thanks! 2 questions. . .
How are they in the hot weather? They don’t look like they’d breathe well.
Do you think it’s possible to mount the mini-pump internally like behind the mouth guard? I stow my helmet in the luggage bag and I’m sure it won’t fit with anything external.
Wow...I'm surprised at how many listen to tunes/phone etc while riding.
I prefer to ride with no added sound at all. Years ago, maybe, but not in a long time...not even in the car.
Interesting...
I gave the custom ear molds a good try. Although, they are really great for listening to music at home and exercising, IMHO, not good enough at blocking the wind noise. I think it is because I'm so used to my ear plugs that block almost all sound. I also didn't like to the feeling of the helmet pressing against the molds in my ears. My ears were sore after about ten minutes of riding.
In my search for the perfect listening experience, this morning I went ahead and purchased a set of the Quiet Ride Muffs. I was concerned that they might not work in my tight fitting helmet, so I emailed Al, the inventer of the Quiet Ride Muffs. Al stated that he hasn't come across a helmet that it didn't work in and guarenteed that if it didn't fit, that I could return them for a full refund. I'm hopeful! Before stumbling on this design, I was trying to design something very simlar to this invention. We'll see! As soon as I receive the package, I'll post pictures and a review. If I'm happy with them and if there is an interest on the forum for these, maybe Al could setup a group buy.
You need custom ear mold done by a professional. That professional also needs to know how to make the mold for noise protection. For noise protection, the mold should be done using a bite block. This keeps the jaw open and limits movement while taking the impression. The ear canal is more open when the jaw is open, so the mold will be larger than had you made the impression with the mouth closed. This gives a tighter fitting ear plug, which will block more sound.
Honestly, I don't need anything in my ears anymore. I'm sold on these ear muffs. For the first time, the wind noise is reduced enough where I can listen to my tunes at 50% volume without having anything in my ears. Could these be designed to be quieter? Sure. But are these quiet enough? You betcha!
I was only commenting on the ear plug issue since it may help others who aren't going to use the ear muffs. A little knowledge in anatomy helps wonders when making ear molds.
I know. I was just reiterating how happy I am with the ear muffs.
How are they in the hot weather? They don’t look like they’d breathe well.