Helmet-Friendly, Sound Isolating Earbuds

A while back I wrote a piece on how to wire a motorcycle helmet so that it has both internal speakers and an 1/8" audio jack. In that post I make little mention of which earbuds I prefer to wear while riding. I've since started incorporating Plugfones, an audio-active, construction-grade protective ear plug that began as a KickStarter campaign.

Earbuds act as a two-fold solution, providing both protection and clearer communication. There's also the added luxury of in-ride music, receiving phone calls or voice guided gps along favorite routes. Either way, calming audible environmental variables helps riders maintain a "relaxed yet alert" state of awareness.

The most obvious problem motorcyclists face when using standard earbuds is shape. Helmets are designed to fit snugly, so internal protrusions can eventually spell agony over the course of many hours. Construction earplugs don't (usually) cause this as they're contoured for better fitment.

That's precisely what the good people over at Plugfones did. Available in a few different colors, they include both cone rubber (my preference) and compression foam tips. Flexible wiring feeds directly into their outer hub without any need for a hard plastic guide. Shown below, the white earbuds are of typical design and uncomfortable when worn under a motorcycle helmet. In the next photo, Plugfones route into the ear canal without any sideward obstruction.

Because no elbow guides are required, nothing is pressing against your inner ear while you ride. That means no migraines over the course of your route. It also means superior sound isolation for clear and focused motorcycling, a benefit that surrounding vehicles often lack.

As a degreed musician, my impression of Plugfone's overall fidelity leaves something to be desired ... but this isn't a recording studio environment! Even if it were, Plugfones sound significantly better than a mid-grade pair of Skullcandies. That's thanks to Plugfone's range of audible frequencies working in conjunction with their ergonomically sealed design.

So, if you're looking for an affordable pair of sound isolating, helmet-friendly earbuds with decent audio quality to boot, look no further than Plugfones construction-grade, audio-active ear plugs. After five thousand plus miles of riding, mine are still as good as new. Balancing the measurement of bang versus buck, both sides of the Plugfones scale are tipped in your favor.

What Audio Solutions Do You Employ When Riding Your Motorcycle?

There are other audio solutions on the market. Which ones have you tried? What do you like/dislike about them and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment and/or write an article!