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
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.
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.