Cat-Ears vs. Wind Blocking
Wind noise reduction alternatives come and go. 'Similar-looking' products are below:
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Wind-Blox (originate from SE Asia)
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RPBKE Wind Noise Blocker (China)
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Dair Fu Wind Noise Blocker (China)
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And we believe there is another one
Wind-Blox were introduced a year after Cat-Ears. The others were introduced more recently.
Evidently, there is nothing proprietary or patented about Wind-Blox. So everyone can make them.
These products are basically closed-cell foam covered in fabric, with hook-and-loop strap attachment.
Performance Testing:
Since these products claim to reduce wind noise by about 80%, we decided to test them in our wind tunnel.
The correct wind noise reduction percentage is ~50% for all three products - vs. ~70% for Cat-Ears / AirStreamz. Independently tested by the Adventure Cycling Association, they estimated Wind-Blox's performance at +/- 50%.
And while these products claim otherwise, blocking the wind+sound interferes with ambient sound perception.
"Cat-Ears don't restrict hearing, while others I've tried do." - P. Finley
Misleading or exaggerated performance claims may sell products, but they don’t create satisfied customers.
It's no surprise that Wind-Blox have occasionally been flagged by Amazon as a "Frequently Returned Item."
At Cat-Ears®, we don't rely on exaggerated claims, marketing hype, or miracle promises. For 15 years, we have focused on understanding the physics of wind noise and developing products grounded in real world testing.
Wind noise is a fluid-dynamics problem, and effective solutions begin with understanding the underlying flow physics. Our approach is simple: study the problem, measure the results, and let performance speak for itself.
That's why cyclists around the world have made Cat-Ears® / AirStreamz the best-selling and highest-rated wind-noise reduction products in cycling.