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In 2025, Loop announced a partnership with McLaren Racing for a new pair of limited-edition McLaren Racing x Loop Switch 2 earplugs. The pair features the racing team’s iconic McLaren Papaya colorways with Loop’s sleek and cozy design. Cut to a year later, after announcement and release, I put the earplugs through their paces during the Miami Grand Prix.
Taking place during race weekend at the Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens, the weather was hot and sticky with the very humid and sweltering 87-degree South Florida heat beating down on those who couldn’t find shade, like myself. While I was very sweaty, as I baked in the sun, my ears, however, certainly looked cool and stylish with the McLaren Racing x Loop Switch 2 earplugs I used during sprints and qualifying rounds leading up to race day.
Rudie Obias
The earplugs fit snuggly and securely in my ears, while the roar of engines were reduced to a dull rumble, so I could pay attention to the race instead of being annoyed with the cheers from the crowd. It was a surprise to hear the difference between having the earplug in my ears compared to when they were removed. Experiencing the dampened sounds to the actual sounds of the track was like going from soft and gentle to harsh and abrasive at a moment’s notice.
To customize my race day experience, the McLaren Racing x Loop Switch 2 earplugs feature three modes of noise-reduction — quiet, experience and engage — which toggle back and forth with a dial on each earplug. This was ideal when I wanted to focus in on the race itself, but then toggle the noise reduction lower to talk with my friends sitting next to me about a driver attacking for better position.
The McLaren Racing x Loop Switch 2 earplugs were very comfortable to wear throughout the entire race weekend. Usually, I find most earplugs either stiff with hard plastic or too squishy with foam, but the McLaren Racing x Loop Switch 2 earplugs feel very comfortable and lightweight for all-day use. In fact, the earplugs come with four interchangeable eartips for a better seal and comfort, depending on your ear sizes.
Rudie Obias
And as a bonus, you could also pick up the Loop Link, which makes it possible to wear the earplugs like a fashionable necklace with a very clever magnet system. This way you don’t have to dig into your pockets or purse to find the earplugs when you need them during a loud event. Instead, you place them in your ears to block out noise when its loud, but then let them dangle around your neck for easy access when its not.
Otherwise, the earplugs come in a heavy-duty hard plastic clamshell case with Loop and McLaren Racing branding. The case is small, compact and durable, but could get lost if you have a lot of other things in your pockets or purse.
Starting at $64.95, the McLaren Racing x Loop Switch 2 sets the bar for premium earplugs, thanks to their custom fit, stylish looks, unique design and overall effectiveness for noise reduction in loud atmospheres, like motorsports events, concerts and music festivals.
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