Alternative Approaches
Wind noise reduction alternatives come and go. 'Similar-looking' products are below:
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Wind-Blox (China and/or Pakistan)
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RPBKE Wind Noise Blocker (China)
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Dair Fu Wind Noise Blocker (China)
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HEBRAR Wind Noise Blocker (China)
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And there may be a couple / few more
Wind-Blox were introduced a year after Cat-Ears. The other 'Blockers' were introduced more recently.
These products are basically pieces of closed cell foam covered in cloth, with hook and loop fasteners.
Performance Testing:
These products claim to reduce wind noise by approximately 80%. Because this is an extraordinary claim, we tested them ourselves (road and wind tunnel). All four blocking products reduced wind noise by approximately 50%. Independent testing by the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) reached a similar conclusion, estimating Wind-Blox's performance at approximately 50%, as shown below.
"ACA's opinion is product blocks +/- up to 50% of wind noise. Please note, product is not eligible for return if it has been used."
An 80% Reduction Is Implausible
A solid blocker redirects airflow but cannot eliminate the turbulent flow that generates wind noise. Because turbulence simply moves around the blocker, a small shield cannot physically stop over 80% of bicycle wind noise. This conclusion follows directly from first-principles fluid mechanics. ChatGPT
"They don’t fit well with sunglasses and make them almost impossible to wear."
And while these products claim otherwise, closed-cell foam material can interfere with ambient sound perception.
"Cat-Ears don't restrict hearing, while others I've tried do." - P. Finley
Cat-Ears / AirStreamz address the source of wind noise - not just its path. Our proprietary materials manage turbulence and move the strongest airflow away from the ear.
No hype. No miracle claims. Just 15 years of Following the Physics. That's why Cat-Ears / AirStreamz have become the best-selling and highest-rated wind-noise reduction products in cycling.