Ear plugs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 292
Likes: 205
From: Kent WA
Ear plugs
I've seen plenty of threads about noise when driving at highway speeds and things like adding sound deadening material, but I've never seen anyone mention earplugs. I used to do a lot of motorcycle riding and wearing earplugs was standard procedure, especially when going on longer rides. It transformed the experience. A long day of riding with the howl of wind in your ears leaves you fatigued.
My 2017 GS is a real howler on the freeway, especially on concrete. Even more of an auditory onslaught if I want to cruise with the windows down or the top off. Wearing a comfortable pair of earplugs does wonders on longer trips. Just got back from a 2.5 day run that included a lot of high speed freeway time. Got to enjoy it with the windows down and my tunes blasting in total comfort for my ears. Highly recommend it.
My 2017 GS is a real howler on the freeway, especially on concrete. Even more of an auditory onslaught if I want to cruise with the windows down or the top off. Wearing a comfortable pair of earplugs does wonders on longer trips. Just got back from a 2.5 day run that included a lot of high speed freeway time. Got to enjoy it with the windows down and my tunes blasting in total comfort for my ears. Highly recommend it.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 719
From: Northeast MA & Mad Beach FL
I've seen plenty of threads about noise when driving at highway speeds and things like adding sound deadening material, but I've never seen anyone mention earplugs. I used to do a lot of motorcycle riding and wearing earplugs was standard procedure, especially when going on longer rides. It transformed the experience. A long day of riding with the howl of wind in your ears leaves you fatigued.
My 2017 GS is a real howler on the freeway, especially on concrete. Even more of an auditory onslaught if I want to cruise with the windows down or the top off. Wearing a comfortable pair of earplugs does wonders on longer trips. Just got back from a 2.5 day run that included a lot of high speed freeway time. Got to enjoy it with the windows down and my tunes blasting in total comfort for my ears. Highly recommend it.
My 2017 GS is a real howler on the freeway, especially on concrete. Even more of an auditory onslaught if I want to cruise with the windows down or the top off. Wearing a comfortable pair of earplugs does wonders on longer trips. Just got back from a 2.5 day run that included a lot of high speed freeway time. Got to enjoy it with the windows down and my tunes blasting in total comfort for my ears. Highly recommend it.
Check out these .. www.earpeace.com
I bought the HD ones. Pack of 3 and bought 2 packs so have 3 sets.
They have a hollow cylinder in the center of the earplug to let some sound in but still block out anything too loud.
Also come with 2 "different" center pieces for more or less sound.
Used by Musicians and Motorcyclists etc
I've used them a few times on long trips.
Last edited by Dif; Sep 25, 2017 at 01:10 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 292
Likes: 205
From: Kent WA
Regarding the "wrong car" comments, it's a question of comfort rather than need. For example, have you ever thought to use ear plugs on a commercial flight? Not something most people would think to do. They don't recognize the noise. But if you ever try it, you quickly realize just how loud it really is inside a plane. I didn't think to use earplugs when driving the GS until I saw a fellow sports car enthusiast using them in his Elise. I certainly don't need them, but it makes for a more pleasant cruise on those long stretches.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 192
From: Las Vegas NV
As a touring motorcyclist (100,000 miles in the last 8 years) I wear ear plugs on almost all my motorcycle rides, it's a huge help and drastically changes the comfort of my ride and how I feel that night. I do use them on airplanes as well. I do not however wear them in my Corvette, but I've considered doing so for freeway jaunts with the top down as it does get loud. One of the things I like about the Vette compared to my motorcycle is that I don't have to wear gear, so typically if it's too loud I just put the top up.
Last edited by VistaVette; Sep 26, 2017 at 07:11 AM.
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E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
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From: NE South Carolina
My 2014 Z51 was about like my Grand Sport-noisy! No problem as I bought it for performance.The sound system turns on automatically when I start the car. Gave up on XM or the radio. Have a flush mounted thumb drive with over 1000 songs that plays in shuffle mode. No back side of records etc
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Joined: Aug 2016
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From: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 725
Likes: 235
I have a big-block Cobra replica with side pipes. It is actually a very comfortable car, except for the noise, so I wear earplugs and have my kids do the same. You are right - it does transform the experience. I have a box of 250 pair of disposable Howard Leight foam earplugs, and they are very good. I may start to wear them in the GS if I plan to take the top off, and just keep a few pair in the car. Good idea.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 464
From: Raleigh/Cary NC
I too am a former motorcycle rider, and when I started riding again at around 30, I started wearing earplugs all the time.
Like the OP, I wear them in the plane, sometimes at the gym and in the car (depending on the car, natch). I also have some sound isolating in-ear monitors for my music, which I use on long trips in sports cars. Technically they (and ear plugs) are illegal, since I can't hear sirens, but I'm driving a red sports car, who would notice me?
Like the OP, I wear them in the plane, sometimes at the gym and in the car (depending on the car, natch). I also have some sound isolating in-ear monitors for my music, which I use on long trips in sports cars. Technically they (and ear plugs) are illegal, since I can't hear sirens, but I'm driving a red sports car, who would notice me?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,864
From: Virginia
Kind of reminds of the old saying "if you can't put up with the heat, get out of the kitchen."
As a touring motorcyclist (100,000 miles in the last 8 years) I wear ear plugs on almost all my motorcycle rides, it a huge help and drastically changes the comfort of my ride and how I feel that night. I do use them on airplanes as well. I do not however wear them in my Corvette, but I've considered doing so for freeway jaunts with the top down as it does get loud. One of the things I like about the Vette compared to my motorcycle is that I don't have to wear gear, so typically if it's too loud I just put the top up.
I will wear them sometimes on a plane, but then I'm not driving.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 192
From: Las Vegas NV
Kind of reminds of the old saying "if you can't put up with the heat, get out of the kitchen."
I never drive a bike with ear plugs, as even as loud as some are, being able to hear what's going on around you can be the different between avoiding a crash and not.
I will wear them sometimes on a plane, but then I'm not driving.
Last edited by VistaVette; Sep 25, 2017 at 04:31 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 56
From: Northwest Oregon
I wear electronic earplugs when I am the Range Safety Officer/Instructor with twelve rifles going off randomly around me. I would never wear earplugs driving my Corvette C-6 convertible or on a motorcycle.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Our various Corvettes have never been loud enough in normal driving that I felt like using ear plugs, though I won't knock people who use them.
But with the top removed and traveling at highway speeds, I use them every time. It's not the wind buffeting that tires me out, but the noise. I keep a set in the center console.
But with the top removed and traveling at highway speeds, I use them every time. It's not the wind buffeting that tires me out, but the noise. I keep a set in the center console.