Are earhuards the answer? I bought some a while ago but find them uncomfortable so don't really wear them.
I have heard you can buy these gel 'cushions' to go behind your ears that prevent impact. Has anyone used these? Do they work? If so where can I get them?
I don't think the gel cushions would do much. My ears were usually fucked up from bending (like when you pull out of a headlock/triangle), not from being compressed against my head. Headgear is uncomfortable, but some are better than others. Try a different brand. I use the cliff keen tornado, which I have found to be more comfortable than the asics ones I had before.
Rugby headgear looks more comfortable...I'm tempted to try that
I think that wearing headgear just takes some getting used to...after a while, you're either used to it, or just grateful that your ears aren't getting messed up so it doesn't bother you to wear it. Or you may have just gotten a lousy headgear.
i like the cliff keen halo. it's comfortable, and it's flat and smooth so it doesn't get caught up when you excape triangles, etc.
Get the chin cup with the Cliff Keen. The standard strap sometimes feels like it is choking you.
You can avoid a lot of cauliflower by tapping.
CK Halo...
Use technique/angles to break the grip instead of sheer force to pull your head out.
"Use technique/angles to break the grip instead of sheer force to pull your head out. "
I heard this advice a long time ago and have followed it ever since, and I've never got cauliflower ears.
There's a lot of pain and suffering in this sport. Some of it can be reduced by wearing approporiate equipment, like a cup, mouth guard, knee pads and headgear.
If you want to be sure you won't get those dead sexy ears that gets you lots of chicks, use headgear. Sure, you might be able to get away by being careful, but you can never be 100% sure.
It does take a while to get used to them. I hated wearing them at first, but you get used to it.
Tried to order Cliff Keen from amazon but they wont ship to the UK...I'll have to shop around
Has anyone tried the Brute Shockwave - it looks more comfortable/secure than most
JonR: Had same problem... Most stores w/good selection of headgear seem to be american and won't ship to Europe for some reason. I found Wrestler's World, though, and I think they will ship to Europe: http://www.suplay.com/