Why you should consider ear plugs for dirt bike riding

When it comes to dirt bike protective gear, most people think helmets, gear sets, knee braces and boots, but earplugs very rarely come to mind. 

While earplugs aren't a common form of protection in motocross and enduro riding, although they're becoming more and more popular amongst professional and recreational riders across the world. 

Earplugs are designed for one main thing, and that's noise reduction. We all know how loud dirt bikes can be, and over time, they have can definitely damage your hearing.

Earplugs aren't made to completely rule out noise - that would be dangerous riding a dirt bike, and most certainly would ruin the experience.

They're engineered to reduce the overall noise while still allowing you to hear your dirt bike and any competition that may be lurking behind your rear wheel. 

So should you consider earplugs for dirt bike riding?

Well, that depends on the riding you do, and whether or not you already experience hearing problems or issues. In most cases, the safest option is to wear plugs.

However, if you're a trail and enduro rider, where the bike is typically in lower revs for the majority of the ride, and therefore there's a lower level of decibels, then you can get away without using earplugs. 

If you're racing motocross, where the bike is almost always at its loudest, and not to mention 39 other bikes as well, this can start to impact your hearing, especially if you race weekend after weekend, year after year. 

In this case, we highly recommend using earplugs to prevent any further damage to your ears. 

Custom or off the shelf earplugs?
Earplugs come in a few different options, such as custom molded, off the shelf silicone plugs, and disposable one-use foam plugs that you find on a worksite - we do not recommend this style of earplug for motocross and off-road riding. 

An off the shelf silicone plug will provide good results, can be used time after time, and they're a super affordable option. 

Custom-molded earplugs are the best option for riders, although they will come at an increased cost. Custom motorcycle earplugs will be the most comfortable, offer the greatest protection, and have a low profile, meaning they won't get caught in your helmet liner.