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tl;dr Something is better than nothing. Doubling doesn't double protection. I think fit is most important factor.
Motorcycle rider here. Well-fitting foam plugs are the best in reduction of noise to ear. Custom molded plugs are more efficient regarding ease of handling and I own multiple pairs, but can definitely discern a difference between NRR 33 soft foam plugs and custom molded silicone.
Fit is very, very important. In listening to riders relate their experiences with foam plugs, it is obvious they don't insert correctly. (I know, that's what SHE said. If you are going to go there, then where were you when I mentioned having my ears flanked by a silicone pair?)
Double protection is better, muffs and plugs, but as mentioned by previous posters it does NOT double effectiveness.
Another issue, is when you talk, yawn or turn your head, the jaw jostles ear plugs or changes 'seal' of muffs. You can hear the difference.
Even with good plugs and a fairly quiet helmet, the wind noise leaves my ears ringing or hearing a faint whooshing sound for a while. I'm old enough that I shot as a kid/young adult with no ear protection. Rode motorcycles with no helmet, thus no ear protection. My tinnitus only seems to come on when fans are droning. Having the a/c on is worse than riding or shooting.
Given that my belief is, "Fit is the most important element.", look into custom molded plugs--usually found at gun shows, definitely at any motorcycle show. Or learn to put in a foam plug and if you just can't get the hang of it, use those reusable types that look like a toy ray gun made of silicone. (Yeah, they look like other types of silicone toys, but sheesh, get yer head out of the gutter mateys!)
My wife works in safety and compliance with an airline. A co-worker with degree in the subject matter agrees with my anecdotal experience that foam plugs deliver a better reduction than custom-molded plugs. But again, if you get a better, more consistent fit with molded, that's better than poorly inserted foam. (OK, have at that sentence for some sophomoric fun!)
I have been curious about the custom plugs. Anyone recommend anything specific to buy or to avoid?
Motorcycle rider here. Well-fitting foam plugs are the best in reduction of noise to ear. Custom molded plugs are more efficient regarding ease of handling and I own multiple pairs, but can definitely discern a difference between NRR 33 soft foam plugs and custom molded silicone.
Fit is very, very important. In listening to riders relate their experiences with foam plugs, it is obvious they don't insert correctly. (I know, that's what SHE said. If you are going to go there, then where were you when I mentioned having my ears flanked by a silicone pair?)
Double protection is better, muffs and plugs, but as mentioned by previous posters it does NOT double effectiveness.
Another issue, is when you talk, yawn or turn your head, the jaw jostles ear plugs or changes 'seal' of muffs. You can hear the difference.
Even with good plugs and a fairly quiet helmet, the wind noise leaves my ears ringing or hearing a faint whooshing sound for a while. I'm old enough that I shot as a kid/young adult with no ear protection. Rode motorcycles with no helmet, thus no ear protection. My tinnitus only seems to come on when fans are droning. Having the a/c on is worse than riding or shooting.
Given that my belief is, "Fit is the most important element.", look into custom molded plugs--usually found at gun shows, definitely at any motorcycle show. Or learn to put in a foam plug and if you just can't get the hang of it, use those reusable types that look like a toy ray gun made of silicone. (Yeah, they look like other types of silicone toys, but sheesh, get yer head out of the gutter mateys!)
My wife works in safety and compliance with an airline. A co-worker with degree in the subject matter agrees with my anecdotal experience that foam plugs deliver a better reduction than custom-molded plugs. But again, if you get a better, more consistent fit with molded, that's better than poorly inserted foam. (OK, have at that sentence for some sophomoric fun!)
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