Helmet Wind Noise, Help!

[mswarrior]

Every uear I have the same trouble, Wind Noise.
I am currently using a JVC cs-12 full face helmet but have tried many others that always have the same affect. I have to use earplugs which are a pain. Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to the helmet to help reduce or eliminate the wind noise?

Any help would be great.

John

[sv-wolf]

Umm, no.

If you find out let me know.

I hate earplugs, but don't want to go deaf.

[muz]

slowing down is NOT an option

can you tell if the wind noise is coming from the bottom opening of your helmet, or the faceshield opening? I added a very small strip of foam weatherstripping to the corner of the seal around my faceshield and it quietened things up considerably. Even just a very small change in aerodynamic shape can make a big change in wind turbulence (which causes noise).

[mswarrior]

The wind noise is coming from the bottom, I've done the visor seal thing with no affect.

I was hoping someone may have heard of some sort of after market thingy being available. lol I'll keep fishing.

[Ockham]

Wear a halftie for awhile and I'm sure the full-face will be like the cone of silence.

[poppygene]

Earplugs are the only thing I've found that helps. I understand some of the pricier helmets are noticably quieter, like Shoei or Arai, but I've never owned one of either. Too rich for my blood!
BTW, so far I like the comfort of the disposable, foam-type plugs (AO-Safety is my personal favorite). I've found I can ride all day with them in and forget they're even there. Some guys like the custom-made plugs but I've never felt the need to go that route.

[JJ]

I have to use earplugs which are a pain. Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do to the helmet to help reduce or eliminate the wind noise?

Any help would be great.

John

Hey John!

Ear plugs serve more than one purpose. You can avoid an ear ache and there is always an outside chance that the ear ache could become more complicated and cause inner ear problems. That means loss of balance which sucks if you ride!

There are several types of ear plugs offering differennt levels of protection. If you were an airport employee working close to running jet engines you would wear a plug with a NNR (net noise reduction rating) of 28 db and maybe even ear muffs on top. The 28 NNR plugs are very uncomfortable. Most machine shop workers exposed to moderate noise could get by with a plug with a NNR of 12-14 db. For a biker thats plenty as well. 12-14 NNR plugs are less dense than the 28 NNR plug and as such there is less pressure in the ear canal.

There are also ear plugs which are smooth and these seem to cause less irritation as well. The ultimate are custom poured plugs and you would most likely get these from a hearing aid reseller.

If you go to a safety store you will be able to get samples of various plugs either for free or for just a few cents. Don't buy them from a hardware store or pharmacy because you'll pay a mint and not have very much selection.

Don't keep re-using disposable plugs, it's not sanitary and if you get re-usable ones keep them clean.

If you try to add 'weather strips' to your helment to reduce wind noise you may find that the temperature in your helmet will become uncomfortable!

good luck & let us know what you do

JJ

[ron b.]

while riding in the coldness of west virginia i wear a heavy neck cover. it forms a seal under my helmet and no air = no noise. i ware it in the summer with the vents open. and then there's always duct tape

[ronboskz650sr]

I use hearos foam plugs or silicone putty. Both are quite comfortable, at least for me. Chris and I wore the hearos for 240 miles Saturday, and I think I can speak for him too....very comfortable, and quiet, without cancelling the feel.

[mswarrior]

Thank you all for your input. I will try the different plugs and look into permanent ones being made. As for a permanent fix, I will keep my eyes and ears open and report if I find anything.

Cheers