Earplugs Review

[Striple]

Sometimes it's the small things that matter. High-quality gear and equipment can make a significant difference for rider performance and safety, both on the street and on the track, and earplugs are one of those items that are easily overlooked. Over the past few years I've gone through a whole array of different types and styles of earplugs in an attempt to find the model with the best combination of fit and noise reduction. I've finally arrived at a model that I feel comfortable recommending as the best (non-custom) plugs that I've been able to find.

They're called Skull Screws, and are made by 3M/Hearos. Like most earplugs that are used for motorcycling, Skull Screws are made of soft foam, and feature a push-to-fit style fitment that quickly seals the auditory canal without having to pull the plug back out and adjust it. Their noise reduction rating (NRR) is 30 dB, although I have seen them advertised with an NRR of 32 dB. Either way, I've found that rating to be plenty sufficient for just about any type of riding, be that commuting, touring, or track use. They're very comfortable even for long-distance riding, and their shape and design keep them from folding when being inserted into the ear. They're also washable and reusable, and a single pair can usually last me several weeks. The fact that Skull Screws are available in corded format makes them that much better -- no more having to look for or replace the single earplug that ran off during a gas stop.

If you're looking for some good earplugs that are cheap and reusable, then you may want to give these plugs a shot.

[DemonDuck]

I will have to give them a try. Where do you get them? I have to admit that I usually only wear earplugs when at the track but if these fit well and still allow me to listen to my music and allow me to hear when on the phone then I might change my ways.

[Striple]

There are a bunch of places online where you can get them. Amazon, Discount Safety Gear, and a bunch of other places sell them. I strongly prefer the corded version, and usually just buy about a dozen or so to save on shipping cost. $20 will typically get you enough to last you at least a year.

[milesmiles]

Good review on something people don't consider all that much. Any riding over 15min I wear plugs. It's amazing how much noise can wear you down after a long ride. Maddox buys a set that blocks out louder noises, but lets voices and such pass. I need to give those a try

[DarcShadow]

Do get noise from the cord? The few times I've used plugs with a cord the cord would create a fair amount of noise from the wind causing it to vibrate or just turning my head and the cord rubbing again my neck/helmet/what ever.

[Striple]

Nope, I've never noticed any of what you're describing, and I've been using different corded models for a while.

[2track]

Good review Striple, Ive used them, they Suck !!! Jk I have used some like them, they use a similar kind at GM they just dont say that there screwing your skull. My wife's Dad has brought several home in the past. I really didn't like them to much they felt like they went to far into the ear canal before they would seal up. So in essence I guess my ears were getting deep screwed.

[Firewa11]

You can buy earplugs in the pharmacy section of Walmart with a NRR of 33 dB...

[Striple]

Yeah, but its not the NRR alone that makes good ear plugs. To me, fitment and durability are more important than the NRR, and ultimately the whole package has to be good. I've tried all the cheapos that you can buy at the store, plus a whole array of earplug models from motorcycle and industrial websites. Short of getting custom-made earplugs, I've found these to be the best. YMMV.

[dufremle]

The regular foam earplugs work for me. I would like to get custom ones with speakers, but they are way too expensive.

[Firewa11]

Yeah, the custom ones are stupid expensive. I picked up a big tub of the orange foam / plasticy kind with the blue cord in individually wrapped plastic bags at Cabela's several years ago for like $15. I still have some, and they are awesome.