Does anyone have recommendations on earphones that also provide noise isolation? In particular, what are you experiences in custom molded ($$$!) vs regular earphones? It seems custom molded are >$100, but in ear isolation can be found for $50.
Region: NJ
Car #: 12
Year : 1997 Posts: 137
Status: Offline
posted
I currently own both that I purchased from Racing Electronics. The non custom ear pieces gave me good sound but the fit was a bit uncomfortable. Not too uncomfortable you couldn't last a SM race, but they would tend to move when you put your helmet on. The custom ear piece fit absolutely perfect. They are very comfortable and block out almost all noise except for your spotter. However, I also didn't like the fact that I couldn't here the car very well, so I compromised. Now I use the custom ear pieces but I only where 1, my right ear. I just tuck the other one in my suit. For me, this is the best of both worlds. Great comfort, great sound, and I can still hear the car out of the left ear. The other guys I race with,including my brother, don't have a problem with hearing the car, they wear both and love the custom ear phones from Racing Electronics. From racing elec. the difference in price is not all that big. I wouldn't mess with the universal fit. I keep my non customs for a spare.
Region: NASA So Cal. & CalClub
Car #: 27
Year : 99 Posts: 199
Status: Offline
posted
For less than $20 I got a product called podfitkit. You take a pair of some old but working earpieces (I used a pair of the ipod earbuds and shaved off the plastic extension that contains the cord), mix up the silicone based "podfitkit" stick the earbuds comfortably in your ears (remember not to have the earpieces extend out of your ear due to the pressure your helmet will place on them.) then pack the podfitkit around the earpieces to fill up rest of the outside of your ear. In a couple of minutes you have custom molded earphones that block out most of the noise and provides great sound. They have lasted 4 years now.
-------------------- 31st in the nation. If I could keep the car on the track and put on the oil cap I could be in the top 20.
Region: NASA MA
Car #: 50
Year : '96 Posts: 318
Status: Offline
posted
you may want to peruse some motorcycle forums; this is a common problem in that application. etymotics are commonly recommended (off the shelf). if there is a motorcycle show near you, there is almost always a vendor doing custom fit plugs. an upside of that is if you go on friday afternoon, you can sit and watch tv friday night with your helmet on and see how they feel. if not perfect, you can go back the next day and have them fix 'em up.
all that said, for whatever reason i can not wear in-ear 'speakers'. i've tried 5-6 different ones, but they all hurt after 20-30 minutes. you can get in-helmet speakers that mount inside the liner as an alternative.
-------------------- Rob Gibson RJ Racing 2010 NASA Nationals TTE Champion 2008/2009 WERC Champion 2007 NASA SoCal SM Champion rjracing.net Weekend-Racer.com
Region: NASA SE
Car #: 88
Year : '90 Posts: 395
Status: Offline
posted
I just saw this thread, but I'll add my 2 cents...
My wife is an audiologist & has been making my custom molds for years: regular plugs for when I'm in the car or mowing the lawn, musicians' plugs which are great for concerts and of course, my molds for my helmet/radio.
The comfort level is so much better than generic fits and foamies.
Region: NWR / Oregon
Car #: 88
Year : 95 Posts: 2000
Status: Offline
posted
Silly Putty is only $2
(edit: There is a trick to the foam buds. With one hand, grab the top of your ear, pull up and back. That straightens out your ear canal so the bud will slip right in.)
-------------------- Keith Novak (Will work for tires)
Region: New England
Car #: 92 Posts: 1993
Status: Offline
posted
The squish foamy ones didn't work for me, they didn't want to say in.
The semi custom ones don't block outside noise much at all.
I went to an audiologist (hearing aid shop) and got molds made. Then sent them to Racing Electronics and they made up custom ear buds. Total cost was about $200. I trimmed the depth that mine go into my ear a bit. This made them much more comfortable.
This has gone down as one of the best racing investments I ever made, hands down.
You can hear the car better with these in (less distortion) than you can without them. And I'm much more comfortable during and after the race.
Don't do as I did (trying non custom). Go right for the professional custom ear buds. You will not be sorry.
Region: NER
Car #: 7
Year : 1999 Posts: 636
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by Keith in WA: No I find the squish-em-up foam buds fit my ears quite comfortably so no need.
Me too, but no radio here.
-------------------- -Cy Supported by LTD Racing & Speed Shack - New England's Premier Auto Accessory Store Rt1 AutoMile - Norwood, MA http://www.speedshackonline.com
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