Safer Cycling Through Sound Engineering™
Product Selection Guide and Comparison Charts
Wind Noise is a complex phenomenon spanning aerodynamics, acoustics, and the physiology of human hearing. The amount experienced depends on factors like: 1) speed, 2) riding position, 3) head shape, 4) turbulence, and so on. With Cat-Ears, wind noise levels are reduced by 14-16 dBA between 20 and 20k Hz. This is a reduction in sound pressure level of approximately 75%. But microphones and ears behave differently. And while the amount of perceived wind noise reduction averages approximately 60%, we stand behind our products as the most effective devices of their kind on the market. Material effectiveness has also been tested at Antioch University.
Cat-Ears has products for all types of cycling
Competitive
Add a competitive edge with Cat-Ears.
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Train with Cat-Ears for increased stamina and performance (reduced wind noise gives competitive cyclists the illusion they are moving slower, so they train harder).
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Hear teammates and support with ease.
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Hear approaching competition.
Casual
Enjoy your surroundings with Cat-Ears.
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Hear the natural surroundings.
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Enjoy a peaceful ride.
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Hear fellow cyclists' conversation.
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Hear call outs in group rides.
Commute
Experience a safer commute with Cat-Ears.
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Hear approaching traffic.
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Be more aware of your surroundings.
AirStreamz
Recommended Use
Casual, Competitive, Commute
AirStreamz are great for any type of cycling. Similar in performance to the Classic, without the faux fur look.
Materials
AirStreamz are made from soft pile materials that interact with oncoming wind (dampen / dissipate / deflect) - reducing the intensity of noise producing wind turbulence. Attach with VELCRO Brand hook and loop
Wind Noise Reduction
Perceived Wind Noise reduction of approximately 60%
Size
AirStreamz are approximately 2.75 inches in length, 1.125 inches wide, and .75 inches deep when attached
Comfort
AirStreamz are made of soft breathable fabric. Excellent for warm weather, they help wick away sweat.
AirStreamz Slim
Recommended Use
Competitive
Though smaller in size, the Slim still provides excellent wind noise reduction. Recommended for competitive cycling. Not recommended for those with hearing issues.
Materials
AirStreamz Slim are made from soft pile materials that interact with oncoming wind (dampen / dissipate / deflect) - reducing the intensity of noise producing wind turbulence. Attach with VELCRO Brand hook and loop.
Wind Noise Reduction
Perceived Wind Noise Reduction of approximately 55%
Size
AirStreamz Slim are approximately 2.75 inches in length, 1 inch wide and .625 inches deep when attached
Comfort
AirStreamz Slim are made of soft breathable fabric. Excellent for warm weather, they help wick away sweat.
AirStreamz XL
Recommended Use
Casual, Competitive, Commute
The XL is recommended for those bothered by wind noise, have hearing issues, or wear BTE Hearing Aids
Materials
AirStreamz XL are made from soft pile materials that interact with oncoming wind (dampen / dissipate / deflect) - reducing the intensity of noise producing wind turbulence. Attach with VELCRO Brand hook and loop
Wind Noise Reduction
Perceived Wind Noise Reduction of approximately 60%
Size
AirStreamz XL are approximately 4 inches in length, 1.125 inches wide, and .75 inches deep when attached
Comfort
AirStreamz XL are made of soft breathable fabric. Excellent for warm weather, they help wick away sweat.
Classic
Recommended Use
Casual, Commute
The Classic reduce the most wind noise. Recommended for those bothered by wind noise, have hearing issues, or wear in ear hearing aids.
Materials
Classic are made from soft faux fur materials that 'quiet and diffuse' oncoming wind - making the shear layer gentle and causing the noise producing turbulence to move away from your ears. Attach with VELCRO Brand hook and loop.
Wind Noise Reduction
Perceived Wind Noise Reduction of approximately 65%
Size
The Classic are approximately 2.5 inches in length, 1.5 inches wide, and 1 inch deep when attached.
Comfort
Classic are made from soft breathable faux fur fabric.
AirStreamz™
AirStreamz Slim
AirStreamz XL™
Classic™
With Cat-Ears, measured wind noise levels are reduced by about 15 dBA between 20 and 20,000 Hz. This represents a reduction in sound pressure levels (SPL) of between 75% and 85%. But microphones and human hearing behave differently, and human perceived loudness reduction is lower than measured SPL reduction. Accordingly, we apply a very conservative loudness 'correction factor' to our SPL data to provide a more realistic indication of the wind noise reduction in actual use. We hope you find this information useful. Please contact us with any product questions.
Cat-Ears don't eliminate wind noise. Even the finest ear plugs don't eliminate wind noise. However, Cat-Ears reduce wind noise to considerably lower levels... providing improved situational awareness / safety when cycling.
Perceived Reduction in Wind Noise
Airstreamz™ have the highest moisture permeability so they stay cool and dry on hotter days.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding our products. We can help you choose the right product.
* Average Wind Noise Reduction Between 10 and 30 MPH. Experience based feedback confirms these WNR percentages as conservative.
Based on exhaustive road, trail, wind tunnel, and independent industry testing,
we stand behind our products as the most effective devices of their kind on the market.