How They Compare
Cat-Ears / AirStreamz compared to a similar looking wind-blocking product introduced a year after Cat-Ears.
Using sophisticated ChatGPT audio-analysis tools, wind-tunnel recordings were examined to provide an objective, data-driven comparison of how each design reduces aerodynamic wind noise across the audible spectrum.
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Cat-Ears are designed to calm the wind.
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Wind-Blox are designed to block the wind.
Cat-Ears vs. Wind-Blox — Wind-Noise Reduction (8 m/s)
Test Overview
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Air speed: 8 m/s (18 mph)
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Calibration: Quest CA-126 (110 dB @ 1 kHz)
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Recording: 96 kHz, calibrated to 40.996 Pa/FS
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Analysis: A-weighted broadband SPL, 1/6-octave (20–20 kHz), and full-octave comparisons
Overall Results (A-weighted)
Configuration Overall dB(A) Reduction vs Baseline
Baseline (no protection) 81.8 dB(A)
Wind-Blox 71.1–10.6 dB(A) ~50%
Cat-Ears 63.1–18.7 dB(A) ~73%
*Perceived reduction estimated from 10 dB ≈ half as loud.
What the Spectra Show (20–20,000 Hz, 1/6-octave)
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Baseline: Strong low-frequency energy from ~60–400 Hz, peaking near ~250 Hz (the “wind roar” band).
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Wind-Blox: ~10 dB(A) reduction concentrated in 125–500 Hz; some residual energy below 100 Hz.
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Cat-Ears: Deepest reduction below 400 Hz, where perceived wind noise is most sensitive—driving the ~19 dB(A) overall improvement.
Interpretation
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Cat-Ears deliver the largest overall reduction, resulting in the quietest ride and best clarity for ambient sounds.
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Wind-Blox provide a solid, practical reduction (~10 dB(A) / ~50% perceived), primarily in the mid-to-lower bands.
Conclusion
At 8 m/s, both products significantly outperform the unprotected baseline. Cat-Ears show the strongest performance (≈18.7 dB(A) / (~73% perceived reduction), while Wind-Blox achieve ≈10.6 dB(A) / (~50% perceived reduction). The spectral data confirm that controlling turbulence in the 60–400 Hz range is key to suppressing perceived wind noise.
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Smoother Spectral Profile: Cat-Ears maintain a more uniform attenuation across frequencies, while Wind-Blox reductions are concentrated between 125–500 Hz, leaving more mid-band fluctuations and residual low-frequency pressure peaks.
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Higher Overall Attenuation: Across the 20 Hz–20 kHz spectrum, Cat-Ears achieve an 18.7 dB(A) total reduction versus the baseline, while Wind-Blox achieve about 10.6 dB(A)—translating to roughly 70–75 % vs 50 % perceived noise reduction.
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Greater Low-Frequency Reduction: Cat-Ears show a significantly larger decrease in energy below 400 Hz, cutting the deep “roar” region of wind noise by roughly 8–10 dB(A) more than Wind-Blox.
Gemini 2.5 Pro Summary
This test, conducted at an airspeed of 8 m/s, confirms that both wind noise reduction (WNR) products effectively reduce the intense, low-frequency pressure fluctuations characteristic of wind noise. The results show that Cat-Ears delivered the superior performance, achieving an 18.7 dB(A) reduction (perceived as 73% quieter) by effectively suppressing turbulence below 400 Hz. In contrast, Wind-Blox achieved a 10.6 dB(A) reduction (perceived as approximately 50% quieter), with its performance concentrated slightly higher in the mid-to-lower frequency bands. The spectral analysis reveals that controlling the hydrodynamic pseudo-sound—the strong low-frequency energy peaking near 250 Hz (referred to as the "wind roar" band)—is the key mechanism for achieving the largest gains in perceived acoustic clarity and noise reduction.
Hear the Difference Between Products @ 8 m/s (18 mph)
Cat-Ears / AirStreamz also have more Left and Right Yaw effectiveness.
While Wind-Blox claims to reduce ~80% of wind noise, the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) noted:
"ACA's opinion is the product blocks +/- up to 50% of wind noise".
MATLAB analysis of the Wind-Blox website audio files (with and without their product) also concluded that the wind noise reduction is closer to 50%.
Cat-Ears A/S are made in the USA. The Wind-Blox product originates from Pakistan.