Corvair,

Like Tennessean, I have worn a couple of sets of custom molded ear plugs.  They have cost me $50 for the first pair and $57 for the second pair, both purchased from vendors at motorcycle rallies.  They are easy to install and take out.  They cut the noise drastically.  The only two negatives are 1) some helmets push them in too far into the ear canal and cause a high pitch sound the whole time the helmet is on, 2) they wear out after a few years and must be replaced.

Like Stan, I have worn soft foam ear plugs that also drastically cut the noise drastically.  The negatives for these are 1) sometimes it takes more than one or two tries to get them in the ear canals where they do cut the noise drastically, 2) they cause pressure on the ear canal that can turn into a headache in 2 or 3 hours, 3) are supposed to used just once.  The positives beside great noise reduction is they are inexpensive and they can be reused a few times.  I use these when I cut my lawn.

My favorites are the one with the three soft cups like those shown here, http://www.earplugstore.com/moldex-comets-earplugs-bx.html , except I usually buy them for $1.50 a pair from Home Depot or Lowes.  They are easy to install, and they drop the noise level by 22-25 db, which is just enough to cut the wind noise, without losing all the relevant noises.  The custom molded and soft foam drop the noise level by 32-33 db, which IMHO is a little too much to be safe on a motorcycle.

Another good alternative are the ones where you put a stick into a cup like these, http://www.earplugstore.com/qureearpln26.html .  These are also easy to put in and have the noise reduction in the safe spot for motorcycle riding.  They are not quite as quite or as easy to install as the three soft cup variety.

Stay away from Silent Ear, http://www.earplugstore.com/silnatrubear.html .  There is nothing that keeps them in your ears, and they will work their way back out, leaving you with no hearing protection at all.

Fred 







     
Edited 1 time by Fredrider Apr 23 12 8:14 PM.