u/TenPotato

I want to be able to achieve results like I have on the first pic, which is the raw image edited in Lightroom using Velvia vivid simulation. On the right is the sooc image, although nice it lacks the pop.

Also they look underexposed. I know it’s a skill issue, so trying to understand where I’m going wrong. All photos were taken in Auto using Astia.

I’ve been using earplugs for more than 8 years now, mainly because I used to attend a lot of concerts and developed some tinnitus from them. Here are some of the products I’ve used over the years and what I recommend.

1. Bananaz concert earplugs (1st from left): Silicone flanged plugs that come with a filter. I haven’t used them much for motorcycling. They’re okay for city use when there isn’t a lot of wind hitting your face. They do a decent job of cutting out harsh noises like horns and sirens. Not recommended for highways or long touring. My ears start aching after a while. Cost me around ₹1500.

2. Pinlock moto plugs (middle left): Similar to Bananaz. I bought them because they’re marketed for motorcycles. The keychain storage is very convenient. However, they’re pretty much useless on the highway—you can still hear wind noise above 80 km/h. Good enough for city rides, but not recommended for touring. Their NRR isn’t very high either. Slightly louder than Bananaz. I only use them for city commutes. My ears start aching after about an hour.

3. 3M disposable earplugs (middle right): The cheapest ear protection you can get. Better than Pinlock, in my opinion. Buy a bunch and stash them in your riding jacket. I don’t use these anymore since I’ve found better options, but they’re comfortable for long hours. Not reusable.

4. Mack’s Ultra Soft (rightmost): The BEST earplugs for any situation. Extremely quiet while still allowing you to hear traffic at a much lower volume. They cut down wind noise significantly and are very comfortable to wear. A box comes with 100 plugs, and each pair can be reused a few times. It costs around ₹2500 for the box, and I’ve only used half of mine in two years. I 100% recommend these.

5. Loop earplugs (not in picture): Similar to Pinlock, but worse. Heavily marketed, but not a great product for motorcycling. Skip them.

6. Pacato musician earplugs (not in picture): Recommended by a drummer. Really good if you can find them. I used them a lot but sadly lost my pair. Similar design to Pinlock, with filters. I wore these to a MotoGP race and my ears were perfectly fine. For context, MotoGP bikes are insanely loud, easily crossing 130 dB. These were also relatively cheap, around ₹1200 for the pair.

My observation:

Foam plugs are miles better than any silicon based plugs.