custom earplugs or helmet speakers

[brianbmw]

I would like to listen to my ipod while riding and i'm wondering about my options. I have tried quite a few sets of regular earbuds and they just don't work very well when i put my helmet on. I'm leaning towards custom speaker ear plugs like the ones earplugco.com sells. What do you think. I don't really want to spend much more then $150.

 

Brian

[smiller]

Etymotic ER6i, great isolation and audio quality, $50 on Amazon right now.

[brianbmw]

I've tried quite a few like those and the don't seem to stay in when i put my helmet on.

 

Brian

[bakerzdosen]

You might want to try reading over here as Darrell pointed out in the other thread on the topic. The Q-jay's would seem to be perfect for you (other than going slightly over your budget.)

[smiller]

One thing to be sure to check when considering earphones is their ability to isolate outside noise, a critical (hearing) safety issue on a motorcycle. If the earphones do not provide enough isolation the user will be tempted to raise the volume to compensate and hear the music clearly, and this can easily result in unsafe sound levels. Etymotic is one of the few manufacturers who publishes real NRR (noise reduction ratings) for their products, and they are quite good in this regard. Others may be too, but be sure to research this particular quality as you make your choice.

 

 

 

[marcopolo]

I tried Etymotic ER6i's, including all of their supplied ear tips. I found that they didn't cut out nearly enough ambient noise for me (nothing approaching that of the custom-molded earplugs I was used to wearing). I then tried Arizona Al's custom audio plugs and found they worked quite well. Al's a member of this board, but that's not why I'm mentioning my satisfaction. Ear canals are a funny thing. What works for one person, may not work for another. To me, you have a much better chance of success with some type of custom-molded plug, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all plug. YMMV.

[brianbmw]

Does Arizona Al have a web site? How do i contact him.

 

Brian

[EffBee]

Does Arizona Al have a web site? How do i contact him.

 

Brian

 

customearlplugs@cox.net

[smiller]

I tried Etymotic ER6i's, including all of their supplied ear tips. I found that they didn't cut out nearly enough ambient noise for me (nothing approaching that of the custom-molded earplugs I was used to wearing)

The mid-to-high 20's dB isolation of the ER6i is about the maximum you're going to get from any earphone (earplugs do better but that's another story.) If you weren't getting sufficient isolation it's likely that you didn't have them inserted properly. That said, 'inserted properly' is pretty deep and some people don't like the feeling of this and custom molds can give as good isolation with more comfort, so that route may be better for some. As you noted everyone is different in this respect.

[dsquare]

For the past 3 years I have used custom fitted stereo earplugs with both my ZUMO and Ipod. Noise isolation and sound quality is fabulous. I get GPS directions, MP3 songs, and XM radio from the Zumo 550 and I can plug in my ipod shuttle anytime. For me, it's the best solution to excellent ear protection and super clear - not loud - sound reception with all day comfort.

[Fugu]

I would like to listen to my ipod while riding and i'm wondering about my options. I have tried quite a few sets of regular earbuds and they just don't work very well when i put my helmet on. I'm leaning towards custom speaker ear plugs like the ones earplugco.com sells. What do you think. I don't really want to spend much more then $150.

 

Brian

 

Yeah, well I spent money on a lot of hifi ear speakers w/ isolation....

 

I should have bought Arizona Al's plugs first. They are all I use on the bike now, period.

 

They do not have the fidelity of some other ear speakers in a quiet setting, but on the bike, they are so good at noise isolation that they end up sounding better than higher end audio plugs.

 

And the comfort cannot be beaten.