Helmet-friendly ear buds.

[Furbo]

The proprietary helmet system for my helmet (HJC I91) is way more than the helmet cost. I am using Airpod Pro 2 but they are not comfortable and there is no chance of using them for speech.

Does anyone use anything generic and good?

[Shooter McGavin]

I've tried loads of generic ones over the years. Some bog standard small size Sennheiser wired ear buds were my favourite, good for music and filtered out a decent amount of wind noise.

The best for fit is Ultimate Ear, but they are bespoke made to your lugs.

Mine are 15yrs old now, but they are about to go back for a second expensive repair.

[Condi]

I got some Ultimate Ear ones a few months ago and they've been a game changer. Really good fit and with the speakers can listen to music or podcasts without all the wind noise. Might sound over the top, but they've really improved my enjoyment of riding.

No doubt other custom fit products are just as good, can only comment on the Ultimate Ear ones.

[hiccy18]

I used Sennheiser wired earphones in the past, could do long motorway journeys without ringing ears. Ultimate Ears get spoken highly of, I assume with good reasons but I swear by 3M plugs and turning the volume up for Comms, don't listen to music when I'm riding.

[Furbo]

hiccy18 said:

I used Sennheiser wired earphones in the past, could do long motorway journeys without ringing ears. Ultimate Ears get spoken highly of, I assume with good reasons but I swear by 3M plugs and turning the volume up for Comms, don't listen to music when I'm riding.

The one bike I'd use them on is my Transalp and the phone integration is crap. If I can find a solution with a mic I can use Siri to control music, calls etc.

[P675]

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.

[-Cappo-]

I use a Sena (have done for years) with the “HD” speakers, which definitely produce higher volume levels, and then 3M foam earplugs. I can listen to music, chat with mates, and make/take phone calls with that setup.

I do however look forward to at least 103 posts about the different types of solution you purchase and then rule out, and which ones you end up with for Thursdays, which ones for Sundays, and especially which ones for damp Bank Holidays