by Rick Schultz
Overall Rating: 
HOT!
- Thin Profile Earmuffs
- Up to 80% Wind Noise Reduction
- Easy on/off via hook and loop straps
- Ok to run through the washing machine after a ride
NOT!
- So far, no downside
Tested: New Wind Blox Focus
Price: $20.00 MSRP
Source: Bike Shops, Online Web Sites, https://www.wind-blox.com/purchase
Features: “Earmuffs” featuring wind noise reduction of up to 80 percent
Summary: This product really works!
WIND-BLOX FOCUS
Wind-Blox sent me their new FOCUS and wind noise blocking earmuffs. Last year, I reviewed their Wind-Blox Pro, a low-profile fabric strip that wraps around the front helmet straps to block 80 percent of wind noise. These worked extremely well, but were more ideal for warm weather rides. For winter, cyclists’ ears get cold, so Wind-Blox created a new product that not only reduces 80 percent of the wind noise, but also keeps your ears warm and toasty.
Test Fitting Before Ride
Slide Down When Weather Warming
Lately it’s been quite cold in SoCal by our standards. We’re not used to riding in 43 degree weather, so these came at the perfect time.
When I first opened the package, I had thought that these would drown out necessary noises like approaching cars. But once installed onto the helmet straps, they worked extremely well keeping my ears warm and drowning out most of the wind noise without affecting other noises and conversations.
Riding in a paceline, you need to be attentive — listening and watching everything. The last thing you need is a pair of earmuffs preventing you from safely hearing what’s going on. These are ideal. I can clearly hear those in front of me calling out road debris, etc. Actually, with the reduced wind noise, it’s even easier to hear those warnings.
Installation
Installation was extremely easy. These are made in two pieces, sewn along the front and back. Sandwiched in-between is a large piece of male/female hook and loop. To install, just pull the sides apart and slide each FOCUS onto each helmet strap then press together. That’s it.
If you want to wash them, removal is easy as well. Just pull the hook and loop straps apart and slide them off.
Adjustability
With the “U” (see photo) on the inside, all you need to do is slide the FOCUS up or down until comfortable. That’s it! Very easy.
The Ride
I use these now for every ride that is in the 40s. SoCal is a little strange for weather in that a ride can start at 43 degrees, and several hours later it is 72. What’s nice about the FOCUS is that you can easily remove it, or just leave it on for the rest of the ride.
One trick I found is when the weather starts warming, just slide them down slightly. Your ears can breath and the FOCUS still blocks the wind noise.
How did it work?
These are a great addition to Wind-Blox product line. These are warm and really block the wind noise. The wash easily and are designed and built well.
I highly recommend these!
These products look curiously like those sold by Cat Ears (same company?). Hearing aid wearers like me don’t seem to get effective wind noise reduction when using the strap versions because the hearing aid receivers are behind the ear. I solved that problem by wearing the full ear covers sold by Cat Ears. BUT when hot weather strikes the covers are way too warm. Repeated requests to Cat Ears for a lighter Polartec 100 ear cover would provide a cooler ear cover. An added bonus is that ear covers keep sun off sensitive ears. So, will Wind Blox make a super lightweight ear cover? Stay tuned…
I agree, a warm weather version to aid hearing would be outstanding.