Latest news with #LoopSwitch2
Stuff.tv
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
I wore a pair of Loop earplugs to the F1 – now I wouldn't attend a race or festival without them
I've been to a few Formula 1 races over the years, and one thing never changes: they're loud. Gloriously, thrillingly loud – but also the kind of loud that makes your ears ring for hours afterwards. This year at the Miami Grand Prix, I tried something new: the McLaren F1 Team x Loop Switch 2 earplugs. Honestly? I don't think I'll ever go back to a race (or a festival) without them. Now, I've used earplugs before. The cheap foam ones they hand out at concerts. They're fine for cutting noise, but they also cut out everything else – conversations, atmosphere, the good stuff. They feel like stuffing insulation into your head. The Loops were different. First off, they look good, more like a pair of the best wireless earbuds than earplugs. McLaren's papaya orange accents give them a clean, minimal, jewellery-like look. They're not chunky or clinical. No one stared at me, wondering if I was trying to sleep through the Grand Prix. In fact, a couple of people asked where I got them. But here's the real magic: I could still hear everything I wanted to – the roar of the engines, the commentary, even people chatting beside me – without any of the painfully sharp, high-decibel chaos that usually builds up during the day. When you're standing trackside and the cars scream past at 190mph, it's thrilling. But those loud sounds do get exhausting fast (for me, anyway). With the Loop Switch 2 in, the edge was taken off just enough that I could enjoy the spectacle without my ears begging for mercy. I started the day in Experience mode, which brings the volume down a notch (23dB reduction), but still lets a lot of the environment through. It was perfect for watching the action without feeling disconnected. When we moved closer to the grid for the pre-race build-up (and while watching the loud Porsche Cup support race), I clicked the dial into Quiet mode (26 dB reduction) – the max protection setting. It really helped. Later in the day, when we were queuing for food or just hanging out, Engage mode came into its own. This mode (20dB reduction) softens the background noise while keeping voices crystal clear. I didn't have to shout to be heard, and I didn't feel like I had pillows over my ears. Being able to switch modes on the fly like that, with just a twist of the dial. The fit was surprisingly comfortable, too. You get four different tip sizes in the box, and once I'd found the right ones, they stayed in all day without any irritation or need to adjust them. That's more than I can say for the cheap foam ones I used to wear for half an hour before binning them. And that's another point: these aren't throwaways. They're built to last. Washable, reusable, and they come with a neat little case that clips onto your bag or belt. No more fishing around in your pocket for a crumpled pair of foam plugs wrapped in a napkin. If you're into racing, or you've ever left a gig or festival with your ears ringing like an old landline, I honestly think Loop's Switch 2 earplugs are worth it. The Loop Switch 2 earplugs are priced at $64.95 in the US and £59.95 in the UK Liked this? I tested the Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 noise-cancelling earbuds and while excellent they make this one key compromise
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
McLaren F1 announces new partnership with Loop
Photo by Paddocker/NurPhoto via Getty Images The defending Formula 1 Constructors' Champions are off to a hot start on the track. Lando Norris began the season with a win at the Australian Grand Prix, and teammate Oscar Piastri continued the team's good fortunes with a win at the Chinese Grand Prix. That gives McLaren three consecutive victories, dating back to Norris' win in the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Now, the team is announcing a first-of-its-kind partnership with Loop, as the Belgian company is becoming McLaren's first-ever earplug partner. According to a press release, the new McLaren Formula 1 Team x Loop Switch 2 earplugs 'combine precision engineering with sound innovation to enhance off-track performance and recovery.' The Loop Switch 2 earplugs will be used by the team members, and are 'designed to give team members precise control over their sound environment.' Advertisement The Loop Switch 2 earplugs have three settings, ranging from quiet mode to engage mode. 'The partnership with Loop embodies our commitment to performance and giving our team every advantage. Both Loop Earplugs and McLaren Racing share a passion for precision design and this collaboration brings something truly unique to both our team and our fans,' said Matt Dennington, McLaren's Co-Chief Commercial Officer. McLaren fans can find the Loop Earplugs at both the team store as well as Loop's website.
