I just ordered a pair to evaluate and use when I ride. It's awfully loud now with my new exhaust installed. Time to preserve my hearing! The product description says they help with sound levels above 80dB.
Anyone use them? Worse case scenario I will pull out the foam plugs and use them since they are tried and true.
http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders (http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders)
I've been using these plugs for the past year and think they're just brilliant. I originally used the EP-3 models (with the double flange) but replaced them with the EP-4 version (with the triple flange) when the first pair wore out; the EP-4 version seems to fit and stay sealed in my ear better, but they both work really well. The plugs stay seated really well, are incredibly comfortable, and fit great under my helmet (an Arai Corsair V). They do wear out and are a little bit of a pain to keep clean, but they're far and away the most comfortable and effective plugs I've ever used. I bet I've recommended them to twenty other riders. Excellent choice.
Thanks for the reply. I had to return them to get the EP-4's. My ear canals are too big for the EP-3.
I'm just patiently waiting..
Do you wear the EP-4's with the plug plugged in or open and allow the Hocks noise braker do it's thing?
I use the EP4s as well, and have been for 3 years or so - love 'em. Seem to last me 6-9 months of everyday use. I run thru dishwasher after 4-6 months of use, kind of refurbishes them. I keep the plug plugged. [thumbsup]
Anyone use these and not like them?
Plugs are a new concept to me and now I can't ride without them, strictly wind noise.
Foam plugs are working for the most part but I hate 'em, I suck at getting them in.
These look like the cats ass.
I just got my replacement plugs in. I won't get to test them out until tomorrow. Did anyone notice a huge difference between plugged and not plugged when riding? I referring to the plug on the noise brake.
I guess I'll find out tomorrow anyway.
So I finally got to ride around in them today "at speed" which is usually my slow poke pace of 65-70 mph.
I'll just get down to the nitty gritty.
Helmet: Shoei RF-1000
Bike: 696 (w/ Leo Vince exhaust; no DB killers) in 5th gear
On a sound level of 1-10, 10 being "loud" for me:
No ear plugs: 8
Sonic Defender uncapped: 6
Sonic Defender capped: 5
They are comfortable and during the ride I didn't feel them in my ears. I guess I was too busy concentration on the sound. The Sonic Defenders dulled the sound down but still allowed me to hear pretty well. My ears felt slightly muffled. I think it's good enough to preserve your hearing while allowing you to hear what is around you.
With that said, if you're looking for the best sound reduction device, you can't beat cheap foam plugs.
I recommend these if you're looking for something that will help save your hearing but still allow you to hear your environment.
I have been using these for a few years now and I love them. I unplug them if I am on a group ride and need to be able to talk to people at brief stops.
They also come apart for cleaning. They break down into three pieces and they are much easier to clean that way.
thanks guys i am definitely going to order 2 pair of these. ive been looking for a performance ear plug that doesnt cost 100 bucks! [bacon]
I've been using these now for a couple weeks, EP-3's.
I've only used them with the 'plug' in so far.
I find them as effective as foam plugs, or close enough to say so, WAY easier to get in for
me, aka I can do it with one hand.
Still iffy getting the helmet OFF, even pulling bottom open with straps, without dislodging
the plugs, but I can reach in and remove before hand.
Had trouble dislodging foam plugs when putting the lid on, none such with these.
I don't have a problem taking off my helmet. They stay in pretty well. I cannot ride without them now. It knocks down the wind noise and exhaust noise down a notch for a more comfortable ride. They aren't as quiet as foam plugs but they do a damn good job.
[beer]
Cheapo foam plugs all the time for me, if I manage to get them in properly that is. The little bastards get stubborn after a few rides and either fully expand before I can get them seated or don't expand at all. That's how I know when to replace.
I have Termis with midpipe and do NOT want tinnitus. The wind though is actually what gets you. I have an old diesel car. It has '4/90' air conditioning. I wear ear plugs when I drive it as well.