Ear defenders

[Rick101]

I'm after a set of Ear defenders with FM radio functionality for attending race events, Le Mans etc.

Have had a quick look on Amazon but there doesn't seem to be a great deal between them. Most seem to be £40-£60.

With it being such a 'quiet' year at Le mans for '17, should I just save my money?

Has anyone any recommendations?

[corozin]

I never bothered with ear defenders but you should get the best quality ear plugs you can find if you expect to get any sleep at Le Mans. Not just because the noise now comes from the lower formulae (the Corvettes in particular) but also the campsites are pretty lively through the night. The Danes like to set off fireworks above the tents at 04:30am for example...

[DS240]

I would recommend the Peltor FM ear defenders. They are a touch more expensive but they have proven to be robust and reliable.

We've bought cheaper ones and found them to be rubbish. I justify the more expensive option as they will last many years if looked after.

I've got a set with the ambient sound also. I can hear conversations and general atmosphere, but the loud noise is cancelled out. Bit more expensive though.

I've always gone for manual tuning also rather than digital so don't know what they are like. Sometimes radio le mans seems to be fade out and compete against the circuit commentary so a small adjustment is needed.

I rank them as essential items for le mans. The noisier cars, as good as they sound can become a bit tiring on top of general tiredness.

[Rick101]

I saw the Peltor and was recalled a lot of people using them at previous Le Mans.

These ones?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PELTOR-FM-Radio-Headset-H...


Thanks for the tip.

Edited by Rick101 on Thursday 16th February 23:54

[DS240]

Yeah, we have one of those. Probably used it on 6-7 Le Mans trips now. Though it does just sit in a box until each Le Mans trip.

If you search Peltor FM alert, you'll find the model I have personally. I find the ambient listening good for conversation and atmosphere, but you can shut it off completely for peace and quiet or to listen to the radio a bit clearer. But dearer, but if Motorsport or Le Mans is a regular thing, you'll get many years usage out of them.

I've got a number of peltor sets now. Bought them for myself then got them for others coming on the trip. Bought two cheap pairs a couple of years ago for some who it was likely to be a one off visit. They were rubbish and broke after that one trip.

[rubystone]

Rick101 said:

I saw the Peltor and was recalled a lot of people using them at previous Le Mans.

These ones?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PELTOR-FM-Radio-Headset-H...


Thanks for the tip.

Edited by Rick101 on Thursday 16th February 23:54

That's what I use for the 3 days at the British GP. Comfortable too unlike some cheap defenders. I've done the past 11 British GPs with mine. Might not be there this year because of the date shift though.

[24lemons]

Rick101 said:

I saw the Peltor and was recalled a lot of people using them at previous Le Mans.

These ones?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PELTOR-FM-Radio-Headset-H...


Thanks for the tip.

Edited by Rick101 on Thursday 16th February 23:54

I use those and they are superb. Very comfortable to wear for long periods of time and no headphone wires or lanyard to get tangled up in!

[coppice]

corozin said:

I never bothered with ear defenders but you should get the best quality ear plugs you can find if you expect to get any sleep at Le Mans.

Neither did I until I had a perforated ear drum from an F1 V10 and also serious hearing loss in both ears. If cars are painfully loud they are damaging your hearing - take it from a victim of 40 years of aural abuse...

[DubaiMike]

Rick101 said:

I saw the Peltor and was recalled a lot of people using them at previous Le Mans.

These ones?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PELTOR-FM-Radio-Headset-H...


Thanks for the tip.

Edited by Rick101 on Thursday 16th February 23:54

I've had a pair of those since 2012. I've only used them at Le Mans and a couple of other races, maybe 8 times in all. This year the cable between the earpieces began to break up and expose the copper of the wires inside. They are crackly now and will soon be unusable. Has anyone else experienced this? The retailer is dismissive because of their age, but I think they should last longer than this.

[Krikkit]

Might be worth contacting Peltier direct, but I can see why the retailer isn't interested.