Wired earplugs
Discussion
I'm looking for wired earplug-style earbuds for motorcycle use, mainly for phone calls and sat-nav. I don't want helmet speakers or a Cardo/Sena unit mounted externally because of wind noise. Has anyone used Plugfones, Etymotic, KZ IEMs, or custom moulded earplug speakers with a Bluetooth receiver in a jacket pocket? Looking for long-term real-world experience."
Is wind noise the main issue for not purchasing a Cardo?, because if so, don't let that put you off. I wear normal push in earplugs and I can hear music/phone calls perfectly fine through the cardo speakers even at high speed, usually the person on the other end of the call can't even tell I'm on a bike even though I'm cruising at 70mph with a noisy exhaust. I don't know of a better option to be honest.
Thank you for your suggestions. I have just bought a Schuberth Concept helmet which is noisy and it has been suggested that if you attached anything to the outside it would increase the wind noise. And rather than pull the lining out to install speakers I want to try wired earplugs that can be plugged into a Bluetooth transmitter say in my jacket pocket. I hope that makes sense of what I want.
Edited by Droppedmebike on Sunday 31st May 18:00
From a similar thread a few days ago
I tried wired Plugfone Guardians, found the supplied plugs to be useless. Tried making holes with a thin screwdriver in various earplugs, then shoving the plugfones in them. After some tedious testing, found 3M 1100 and Classics were the best, wind noise kept out and the headphones although a lot more bassy, could hear very well. No talking back though. I have a cheap Ebay Bluetooth remote for pause/play and volume, attached to mirror stalk. Great on motorways.
I tried wired Plugfone Guardians, found the supplied plugs to be useless. Tried making holes with a thin screwdriver in various earplugs, then shoving the plugfones in them. After some tedious testing, found 3M 1100 and Classics were the best, wind noise kept out and the headphones although a lot more bassy, could hear very well. No talking back though. I have a cheap Ebay Bluetooth remote for pause/play and volume, attached to mirror stalk. Great on motorways.
I had decibullz diy moulded earphones, then plugzz silicone ones done at the ingliston bike show.
The silicone ones are far better at eliminating wind noise at triple digit speeds.
When ordering the plugzz they will make the cable in any length , left right offset and plug configuration you ask them for.
The silicone ones are far better at eliminating wind noise at triple digit speeds.
When ordering the plugzz they will make the cable in any length , left right offset and plug configuration you ask them for.
Edited by OldGermanHeaps on Saturday 30th May 23:36
I got the 'Plugfone Liberate 2.0' (new, via ebay) and am really pleased with them.
Work exactly as described, wind blocking earplugs when off, decent sound when switched on, the neck 'yoke' means they don't fall on the floor when you take your helmet off and i can still hear exhaust / traffic well enough. (not tried the microphone though)
Work exactly as described, wind blocking earplugs when off, decent sound when switched on, the neck 'yoke' means they don't fall on the floor when you take your helmet off and i can still hear exhaust / traffic well enough. (not tried the microphone though)
I will bang my little drum again for custom made earplugs. Appreciate not everyone feels the same but for me they were a massive improvement over "regular" earplugs in terms of hearing protection and comfort. You can get them with speakers inside, and either wired or Bluetooth versions. Mine are wired but connected to a Cardo on the helmet, or I could simply plug them into a phone or Bluetooth receiver elsewhere.
I'll mention this as a leftfield alternative, although not specifically what you were asking for.
I've happily used regular ear plugs (whatever your choice may be) with bone conducting headphones with a degree of success. I can take calls etc. and if the phone is mounted to the bars in front of me, I can prod the screen/volume buttons as required (although this is rare).
Mine are OpenRun Pro by Shokz but there are plenty of others out there. Also works with angle grinders/vacuuming etc!
I've happily used regular ear plugs (whatever your choice may be) with bone conducting headphones with a degree of success. I can take calls etc. and if the phone is mounted to the bars in front of me, I can prod the screen/volume buttons as required (although this is rare).
Mine are OpenRun Pro by Shokz but there are plenty of others out there. Also works with angle grinders/vacuuming etc!
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