Which Motorcycle Ear Plugs Should You Use? | Run Through & Road Test

Ear Plugs are a subject in the motorcycle world which splits opinion... but if you buy them... which ones should you get?
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[@michaelmclarney1994]

Hi Sam, nice upload and I'm pleased to hear you rate cfg so highly. I bought the same pair about 18 months ago but haven't ridden since but hope to try them this month, work permitting. I was unlucky enough to ride for about 10 years before helmet noise hearing damage was reported in the press. Consequently, I have tinnitus quite bad and have hearing aids. My directional hearing is shot so I can't tell where sirens are coming from until I visually locate the source. Also, I can't have group conversations and struggle hearing people if there is background noise. I mention this in case anybody thinks earplugs are not worth the hassle or expense and hope they can learn from my misfortune

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you sir! That's a shame that the reports were too late for you, but good that you have them now! Hopefully stop any further damage. Appreciate you flagging that too for everyone else. Definitely agree that they are 100% worth it. Hope you manage to get on the bike soon bud

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes thanks mate, it's one of those things and there must be so many of my generation with the same problem. Hopefully everyone wears plugs, I won't ride without them and take whatever measures I can to prevent further damage.

[@albertol1529]

When I first learned to ride and passed in 2003, no-one told me to wear ear plugs. After 2 years, someone mentioned it to me in a shop when I was putting my helmet on. By then it was too late. I owned a Shoei X-Spirit which was meant to be one of the quietest helmets around. I also had a Schuberth S1, again, a quiet helmet. I rode around 20k miles in two years in all weathers. I have been deaf in my left ear and with diminished hearing in my right ear since 2005. Only idiots would ever say you don’t need ear plugs…I was riding a fully faired Aprilia Futura RST 1000, so imagine the noise if it was a naked bike. That was my very first bike after passing my test. I wish I had known about ear plugs.

[@SamVBikes]

Sorry you had to experience that! It baffles me that people will risk something as valuable as their hearing over something as simple as ear plugs nowadays. 10 years ago was a different story as the research and studies were nowhere near as in depth, but with all of the support and information now, it seems crazy people still choose to go without! Thanks for watching

[@albertol1529]

@@SamVBikes A guy I play football with, passed last September. When I got my new bike in November 2022, I was giving him riding tips. No-one had told him either!

[@cmdrglorny6471]

Got mine on order, nice and easy as there not far up the road at Southam ! Usually use the foam one's I use at work but have been thinking I should get some for the bike so bit the bullet and popped over on my day off .. anyways, safe riding and carry on enjoying the KTM ... (GS 1250 rider here ! ) 😉

[@SamVBikes]

Nice! Hopefully you'll love them. They come with some gel to use for the first few uses as the rubber is a little dry straight away, but after a few wears, you'll be good! Safe riding too!

[@NadeemWarsi-uf3ee]

Hi Sam like the way you laugh😅😅😅.thanks for sharing great video❤

[@Texas2Tires]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. On occasion, I come across riders that don't protect their hearing, really surprising. Like you, I don't want to wake up one day with hearing loss. I use two different types for ear protection. First are the cheapo honeywells when I'm making videos and when not making videos I use my apple ipods with noise cancellation, so I can listen to tunes.

[@SamVBikes]

Agreed! One of the other comments asked about using the Airpods for noise cancellation - how do you find them? My Galaxy Buds tend to amplify the noise of any strong wind. Also aren't they uncomfortable under the helmet?

[@HPAGlobalInsights]

@@SamVBikes They work really well. However, if you don't wear some type of helmet beanie they pop out when you take the helmet off and tend to move around while riding. I wear a balaclava which holds them in place during riding or when taking off the helmet. Obviously when the temperatures here in Texas go into the triple digits, wearing a balaclava is too hot. The balaclava also helps with wind noise.

[@martinnewman1967]

Hi Sam , had been thinking of CFG's for some time , seen this vid and it convinced me to crack on , called CFG and ended up at their HQ the next morning, moulds taken and ordered CF lites , can't wait for them to come , the team really looked after me , Cracking Service 😀

[@SamVBikes]

Ah amazing! Let me know how you get on with them. They take a few wears to get used to. They seem a little dry the first few times so use the gel they give you and you'll be good!

[@martinnewman1967]

Thanks Sam , will do , I wasn't sure if I would invest in the Lites or not as wasn't sure if they could bluetooth to multiple devices, when I was at CFG HQ they weren't sure either but allowed me to try and connect my Zumo and phone at the same time and both worked perfect with nav instructions and a phone call coming through simultaneously,,, very trick 😀

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh amazing! I love the guys at CFG, they are so happy to help out. Main reason I like to promote them so much. Same with my beloved Bikestop! All about keeping the customer happy and going the extra mile!

[@QuasarZX12]

For long years I use the EP4 SONIC DEFENDERS PLUS from EarPro. Best fit for me, and as two level of protection, with caps on and off. Very confortable made from soft silicone.

[@SamVBikes]

Good to know! I will look into them. Thanks for watching!

[@lifeonmarshmoto]

I always use ear plugs, they sre a must for me! I use the pinlock ear plugs, they are similar to the tree type, but without the stick out bit, really comfy! Had custom guard before and didnt get on with them, luckily they were issued by work so didnt pay for them 👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

I agree! Ahh yes, are those the black ones? With the red filter If I remember rightly. Glad you found some you get on well with!

[@Sion_Jones]

So many vloggers rate the CFG's. I know some are being sponsored, so take their reports with a pinch of salt. I had some made for me and was exited to finally get proper hearing protection after years of wearing nothing, then the foam plugs. The years of loud music on headphones and then no ear plugs on the bike has left me with very bad tinnitus. I have never been so disappointed in a product, especially a custom fitted one. When I put them in, they fit perfectly and are very comfortable, but as soon as I put the helmet on, they get slightly dislodged, breaking the seal and making them utterly useless. When I remove the helmet, one or both of them will fall out most of the time. They also loose the seal if a talk. I'm not sure if I was unlucky and got a poor impression made (looking at yours, the bit that goes into the ear canal looks a lot longer). I was so keen for them to work and the price would be fair for the perfect hearing protection. I went back to the reliable foam plugs and kept the CFG's as a back up, but after using them a few times, I realised that I might as well ride with nothing as they offer zero protection. I'm back on the cheap foam plugs and I've realised that they are the best option. A tip on putting them in: Using the opposite arm, reach behind your head and gently pull your ear lobe back and slightly out. This opens the ear canal slightly. gently roll the plug into a tube (don't squash it and roll as this might crease it) and insert it into the ear canal. I will wear one pair for a full day on a tour, then change. They never fall out and they get a good seal 99% of the time.

[@SamVBikes]

Thats a shame to hear. Have you spoken to CFG about them? The team are so helpful with trying to get things solved and make sure all customers are satisfied. It shocks me how many people just don't bother to follow up with them when they don't get on well with them. Especially paying for a custom product. I've never had mine dislodge regardless of how I put my helmet on or take it off. I suppose it depends on the level of protection you're after too. Personally I hated that the foam plugs and wax plugs just deaden everything. It made me feel really unaware on the bike although it would have been arguably better for protection. The CFG are a great middle ground in my opinion. Reducing the noise levels below what's dangerous but still giving the ability to hear car horns and other noises you may want to hear. I bought mine long before I started making videos on YT and wouldn't recommend them if I didn't have great things to say about them Appreciate you watching and your thoughts too. I hope you get them sorted

[@firebladeguy1956]

I've tried the Christmas tree plugs in the past but couldn't get on with them, they never quite sat right in my ears so I've always used the "cheap" foam ear plugs for many years up to now and been happy with them. I've got the Excel bike show coming up next month, if your ear plug company are there I'll get myself fitted up for a pair.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah I don't blame you! Cheap ones work well for the most part! CustomFitGuards should be there! Speak to Rich if you can and tell him I sent you!

[@markfromleeds]

Hi Sam, monitors are a game changer coupled with cardo. Big investment but you won’t be disappointed. As always love the honest review and waffle away. Keep on being you pal

[@SamVBikes]

I think I'll go for them when I eventually upgrade my CFGs. Makes sense! (Also love the name change!)

[@DonGerico]

Do you have a link, what are monitors?

[@markfromleeds]

@@DonGerico google custom fit guards 💂 r ultimate ears. Basically they are custom moulded earphones that block out loud noises to protect your ears and still allow you to hear your music, satnav or intercoms

[@SamVBikes]

Link in the description to CustomFitGuards too! Cheers MFL for the reply too! Ya legend

[@vishalprajapati8840]

Good content! Do you have any opinion about using something like AirPods Pro with noise cancellation? I always wonder if noise cancellation is as safe as noise restriction for one’s ear 🤔

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! I have Galaxy buds Pro from Samsung. The noise cancelling seems to amplify wind noise if its high wind. I'd assume the AirPods will do that same. I can't imagine they would be very comfortable to wear under a helmet either!

[@mickvincent7357]

I'm now happy with my CFG thanks to them for sorting me out great service.

[@SamVBikes]

Great! Having the back up of good service definitely makes them more worthwhile too

[@Paul-cf9op]

Hi Sam, I’ve had CFG’s since last year the same as you. I find after a while they hurt my ears, so long trips 100% use the cheapest ones. Also the wind noise is annoying i know we are riding motorbikes 🤣 but the cheapest ones to £99 is night and day difference ie like you say cheap ones are better for complete noise blockage but CFG for everything else not sure I would buy CFG’s again though not 100% sold on them just less faffing around. Anyway rant over, great video as always 👍.

[@SamVBikes]

Yes agreed. If you don't use them for a while, they can make your ears ache too but not sure if that counts for all earplugs. I used to get the same with the foam ones too. I know we are on motorbikes but if something helps to prevent fatigue, it means we can ride longer haha. I'd rather have ear plugs, heated waterproof gear, heated seat and all that instead of pretending to be a manly biker 😂😂 Thanks for watching bud!

[@MrBiggles]

Great Vid Sam thanks for doing it. I also have a set of CFG autos and find that they are pretty good at noise deadening but find that they do dislodge a bit. Maybe I should get them checked and maybe re made. Anyway atb 👍🏻

[@ConciergeMed]

Hi Sam. Thanks for this one. Apart from CFG being easier to fit + comfortable + you can hear everything like horns, do they stop wind noise as I can’t see why they would be better on any protection apart from the above points?

[@SamVBikes]

Yes they stop wind noise and generally deaden the surrounding noise too, while allowing those higher pitched noises through. Realistically they won't offer a higher level of protection than the foam plugs for example as they both reduce db level, but with the filter, it means you can still hear the noises you want

[@ConciergeMed]

@@SamVBikes Cheers 👍

[@user-fv1576]

Kinda need to try this on a motorway in order to confirm wind noise deadening.

[@bikingwithmike9320]

I have the Auritech ones and I find them frustrating. 9 times out of 10 I can’t get a decent seal and just put up with them. Plan on getting some CFG when I can!

[@SamVBikes]

Good to know! They are definitely better than the other options I tried. CFG have been so good to date. Love them! Thanks for watching!

[@leeharrison1659]

Great video Sam! I’m using foam plugs and always have. I’ve just messaged CFG to try and get sorted! Can you here Comms okay through the auto version? Cheers Lee

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! Let me know how you get on with CFG. Yes! I can hear the music/comms much clearer than I could before with the foamies! Thanks for watching as always bud

[@leeharrison1659]

@@SamVBikes cheers Sam, I only need one as I’m deaf one side ! I’ve messaged them and I can buy one only! Small advantage to being deaf 😉

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh interesting! I wonder if it's 50% off haha

[@leeharrison1659]

@@SamVBikes 😂, im hoping for 50% plus your 10% 🤔

[@SamVBikes]

@@leeharrison1659 Hahaha! That would be amazing!

[@mehdibb4186]

very informative vid, i pewrsonnaly use nattural wax earplugs . Quies form France or ohropax form germany. i find the latter work beter in teh winter and inverselywith nteh Quies whihc are harder.

[@piotrnowak2219]

Hi, very interesting comparison of earplugs in road traffic. These custom-molded earplugs look very promising, only do they actually reduce incoming noise or just cut some wind noise while driving, and won't they hurt your ears because they are made of a plastic that seems to be hard when molded? By the way, a great jacket, what model is it, if you can tell.

[@SamVBikes]

Thank you! They do reduce overall noise, but they allow the higher pitch noises through like horns, sirens etc. They are made of a rubber type material so are very comfortable! The jacket is a Knox Urbane Pro Mk2! It's fantastic for the summer

[@piotrnowak2219]

@@SamVBikes I can not find such custom molded plugs to be flexible, soft after being formed, the only ones I found on the internet that look very similar are Decibullz but I think these are hard, some reviewers say that when they are even transformed, they can hurt in a helmet despite the fact that they have made them well in the ears. Does yours have filter inside? I have not seen anyone in the area making such plugs to order. As for the jacket, it looks very neat, you can see that it is very breathable and, most importantly, thin

[@SamVBikes]

The CustomFitGuards are the same consistency as maybe a rubbery cheese. They are flexible and soft enough while also being a solid item which does not deform. I'm not sure where you are based though! They do have a filter in too!

[@matttownsend1652]

My CFG,I have to say, we're that uncomfortable that I stopped wearing them and brought some £20 pinlock xms tree plugs that are great.

[@SamVBikes]

Did you speak to cfg about it? They are great at retaking impressions and adjusting them

[@14biscuits]

I have both CFG Autos and the Sleep ones too, recommend both very highly!

[@SamVBikes]

I remember you saying the sleep ones work well for snoring wives that insist it's not them who snores 😂

[@14biscuits]

@@SamVBikes 😂😂😂 it did feel like it was aimed at me! 👍🏻

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! I also have the girlfriend who assures me she doesn't snore even though I'm the one nudging her to shut up at 3am 😂

[@14biscuits]

@@SamVBikes it's tough being perfect mate, isn't it? 😉😂

[@SamVBikes]

It is! Listening to the woes of others just thinking how we don't have those issues 😂

[@glenns001]

whats that jacket you have on? looks like a good summer one

[@SamVBikes]

It's the Knox Urbane Pro mk2. Really good for summer!

[@andreweley3907]

Me and my partner both use custom fit ear plugs and have no issues much better than the alternative

[@SamVBikes]

Definitely agree! They are so comfy too. No hassle getting the right seal

[@hermannschmidt9788]

I totally gave up on the generic models and will get myself custom-molded thingies soon. The KTM 1290 SAS has quite aggressive noises, no matter which screen I am using (R screen, S screen, MRA) with or without extra spoiler. Absolutely deadly for the hearing without plugs. The annoying effect with plugs is that although the wind noise is gone, the noise that is conducted through the helmet's material is a lot louder. Just put some in and knock on your earlobes. It's loud. Without plugs this doesn't do anything. I think this is also dependent on the helmet material and its intrinsic damping characteristics.

[@SamVBikes]

Agreed! I wouldn't dream of riding for any length of time without plugs on most bikes. I haven't noticed that but then maybe it's because I'm shorter so I don't notice it. Having said that, I have noticed the conductive noise when I have them in but don't hear it when I'm riding

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@SamVBikes I'm 1.87m and have the power parts high seat. It sure is worse for me. "Conductive noise" is the term I was missing :-) Air turbulences hit on the helmet shell and visor. When the visor of my Shoei NXR2 is open, it is unbearable at speeds above 50+ km/h. The visor is vibrating and conducting everything into the shell. I am very curious how the custom plugs will perform here.

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh not surprised you're having issues then! I'm surprised the MRA screen isn't any better! I'd be interested to see how they perform too. I have no issues riding naked bikes either

[@hermannschmidt9788]

@@SamVBikes The MRA + spoiler is actually my favorite. I managed to angle it more towards me (it uses spacers), which improved things a little. I've been riding sports bikes over the last years and they have much better aerodynamics. Was doing fine without plugs on country roads.

[@MikeTheBike58]

Surely people would use the ones that suit them the best.

[@SamVBikes]

Yep, like a lot of things. This is based on my experience obviously

[@Butterfly07949]

I'm a Marc from Leeds to. Great review and a great pug 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Thank you!

[@biggils8894]

Obviously you didn’t know how to put the foam plugs in. Wearing them for thirty years and not one problem with them coming out. They are actually the best for saving your hearing at 32/ 36 decibel reduction. And that’s not even enough ! Your eardrum is being worn out by everything that you hear. It’s actually a moving part and does degenerate over time.

[@SamVBikes]

I'm sure there's a proper technique... but after 2.5 years of wearing them every day, with 2 different helmets, with and without a balaclava etc, I couldn't get a consistent seal from one day to the next. Any form of ear protection is better than nothing, but yes we are playing a risky game even with these!

[@bazza8947]

I've found HearDefenders-DF plugs work well for me! Always good to try a few different brands to find something that works for you

[@SamVBikes]

Nice! Not tried them myself but definitely agree. Find something that works for you and run with it