Motorcyclists Style 4RT Ear plug review.

[jeff]

I've been riding motorcycles on the street for a little over 10 years and have been using ear plugs for about the last 8 of those years.

I was searching for the best ear plugs for reducing wind noise while riding and figured I would give the Westone 4RT plugs a try. These are custom plugs that require getting molds done for your ears, the molds are sent out and then custom plugs are made and sent back.

I couldn't find any reviews or information on the plugs online outside of the information listed on Westones site.

Designed primarily for motorcyclists to wear under a helmet to help eliminate wind noise, the 4RT is made in our soft vinyl material and features a hollow canal style for greatest comfort. Low profile, canal style earpieces feature a handy removal filament.

That's it.....

So I figured, what the heck, I'll give it a go, worst case, it's $120.00 down the drain.

The plugs are very soft and very comfortable, however I noticed as soon as I put them in, they reduced sound levels very little. Most foam ear plugs I buy OTC reduce sounds by 33db These seemed like maybe half of that...

I called up Westone and the technician explained that they are not for reducing sounds, however, they are designed to reduce wind noise while allowing you to still hear everything else. Ok fair enough.

Next step. Trial ride.

I put them in and without a doubt it does reduce wind noise, however, not by that much. It sounds to be about half as good as riding with foam plugs.

So in the end. I have zero doubt that I will never ride with these plugs as they do not offer enough wind noise protection. I'll keep them around for when I go to noisy places where I need to take the edge off, as in a bar or busy restaurant type place.

Next step is to try the Westone 40 series plugs, its a full solid plug, the tech said it is rated at 39DB reducing but fills your whole ear. If it keeps the wind noise out, I'm game. Yet another $120.00 risk.




For the record, when not using custom plugs I find that these red/orange one time use plugs are the best out there 33db reduction in sound. It's what I normally wear when riding motorcycles.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B0013A0C0Y

[George777]

Most ENT's can do this in their offices.

Growing up, I had chronic ear problems, multiple sets of tubes, and several other ear surgeries. Since I can't get the inside of my ears wet, my ENT molded and made a set for me that not only kept the water out, but drastically reduced external noise. I still use them to this day.

Insurance paid for mine. Might be something you want to consider, since these guys do this stuff for a living...

[jeff]

Originally Posted by George777

Most ENT's can do this in their offices.

Growing up, I had chronic ear problems, multiple sets of tubes, and several other ear surgeries. Since I can't get the inside of my ears wet, my ENT molded and made a set for me that not only kept the water out, but drastically reduced external noise. I still use them to this day.

Insurance paid for mine. Might be something you want to consider, since these guys do this stuff for a living...

Who do you think did my molds?

[George777]

Carry on, then. lol

[jeff]

Here we go. The new style 40 plugs are done. These are pretty much the most extreme they offer. I had to sign a waver due to using them for motorcycles.

What do I think?



Much better then their motorcycle plugs, however that's not saying much =(

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thum...-ear-plugs.jpg

Using those as a base, if 0 out of 10 the foam one time use plugs are a 10. I'd rate the style 40 plugs a 7. They fit great as expected but as for wind protection.... anything after 40mph becomes an issue.

So in the end, without a doubt the orange throw away plugs are the winner. I also picked up a case of 200 pair for around $25 shipped from Amazon.com

Thankfully in the end I'm only out $135 and I still have 2 sets of worth while plugs to wear when at a club/bar Although I have clear custom plugs with filters in them for that... I guess I'll leave a set in each car.