Looking for Top Quality Ear Muffs....

[sonofeugene]

'Thought I'd ask here for advice. Thanks ahead of time.

I'm satisfied with my Peltor Tactical Sport electronic ear muffs, but they just barely fit me because of my big head. Also, they're a big bulky at the bottom and I frequently disrupt the seal around my ear when I shoot my long guns. So, I'm in the market for some new electronic ear muffs. Price isn't much of a factor as I value my hearing. (Kinda like shopping for motorcycle helmets.)

I've narrowed down my first choice to Pro Ears. Their electronics seem superior and except for some headband breakage, they seem to get excellent reviews. I'll be calling them about what model will fit me best and other things like do the three models I'm interested in have adjustable Gain and Volume settings (other than the volume knob), which has the best relief for long guns, and have they addressed the headband breakage with a new design. The three from Pro Ears I've narrowed it down to are: Predator, Stalker, ProTac Plus. Any comments on these three, especially, are appreciated.

I'm also intrigued by MSA Sordin but they only have a NRR rating of 18 and I'd like not to have to wear foam plugs at the same time I'm wearing the muffs. 18 is an even lower rating than my current muffs.

I also find the Walker offerings interesting, though I don't know anything about their electronics. And one model, at least, appears like it might be made by Pro Ears.

Finally, I don't want electronics that clip or shut off the sound entirely when a sound goes above the limit. That's one reason I like the Pro Ears.

So, any and all feedback and advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[AreWeFree]

I bought Pro Ears Tac Plus Gold and they are worth every penny.
Very comfortable, can wear them all day, sound quality is great, doesn't interfere with cheek weld when shooting long guns.

Edit: Here's a better deal, Model PT300-L-8 $240 shipped with a free hard case http://www.opticsplanet.com/pro-ears...ear-muffs.html

[sbcfd]

I just got the msa with gel cups. They are all day comfortable and do great as far as keeping a seal and noise reduction. I also have a large head (7 7/8)

[003]

http://www.proears.com/

As noted above, it is hard to beat Pro Ears. I have two sets of Pro Ears gold. A bit expensive, but worth every penny.

[russ69]

If you want top quality protection, custom ear plugs and a slim line ear muff is as good as it gets right now.

[Hairball]

I use MSA but they can be cost prohibitive. Don't be fooled by the NRR rating of 18. Here is some more info on them that may help.

https://trevoronthetrigger.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/msa-sordin-supreme-performance-the-misleading-nrr18db-rating/

[NYT]

msa sordins are one of the best, i own a pair. they were around $300.

second place id say goes to peltor comtac III which are right around the same cost.

[tradecraft]

Sordins all the way. Read more about the decibel rating claims.

[sonofeugene]

Interesting about the Sordin's sound rating. They're now running neck to neck with the Pro Ears.

Speaking of necks, for those of you who use the neck band style, how do you like them? I always thought that it was just a neck band and didn't realize that there is a thin strap that still goes over the top. How's comfort and stability compared to traditional neck bands? I kinda like the idea of wearing a hat when I shoot.

And does anyone know what the difference between the Sordin Pro X and Pro X/L is?

[sonofeugene]

Oh, and is there anyone in the South San Francisco Bay Area that carries them? I'd really like to try them on first before buying as fit is so important.

[NYT]

And does anyone know what the difference between the Sordin Pro X and Pro X/L is?

might be a sizing thing as both look to have the same specs and features. msa's website is garbage.

Oh, and is there anyone in the South San Francisco Bay Area that carries them? I'd really like to try them on first before buying as fit is so important.

just get them on amazon and return if the fit sucks. just an fyi, if you have an HSA, use your account, it qualifies as a hearing health item.

[sonofeugene]

Yea, I was going to go with Amazon if they have the right model. Thanks.

[TKM]

Pro Mag Gold NRR30.

[Twystd1]

I own ALL of the ears the OP was wondering about.

Most of us are biased to the ear protection that works for us. Guys with big heads adore one brand. Guys with small heads like another. Some folks are much more sensitive to cuncussion and for others it is no big deal.

There is NO PERFECT EAR MUFF FOR EVERY SHOOTER. ! !

That said. Here is what I like. And why............

The MSA Supreme are the best of the bunch for all day wear. The battery's last for a whole season. I would guess over 100 hours with good battery's.
They can stand being dropped in water or getting rained on. They don't break. And I can buy new gel cells (Hygienne kit) for under 30 bucks.

And I am about 17.5 percent better looking whilst wearing them.

There is also another piece of data that you haven't touched on regarding fittment.

If you have high cheek bones like me. A rifle or shotgun stock might hit the bottom of your ear protection when mounting an/or firing your rifle or shot gun. It is aggravating and a royal pain in the ear to have a magnum rifle lift your ear protection off during a shooting session.
Especially when the guy next to you fires off his .500 Smith and Wesson ported hand cannon just as your ear muff slips off your head.

Because of the way the MSA Suprems are designed. They seem to have the LEAST propensity to lift off my ears when shooting bench, prone or standing of all the ear gear that I own.

Also note that if you often wear a cap or warm weather gear on your noggin. MSA Supreme and Pro Ears have a neck band setup that works very, very well. And a cap, hat or helmet will fit over your head without bugging you. (Highly suggested)

I.E. https://www.amazon.com/MSA-Sordin-DI.../dp/B007ZBXY4Q

If using ANY electronic ear protection indoors. I HIGHLY suggest wearing some sort of "In Ear" protection as well. I use cheap foamies or the much better SureFire plugs under my muffs. Then simply turn up the volume on your electronic ears so you can hear your friends, the RSO and potential bad things coming your way.

NOTE: While writing this tome. I stopped to count how many pair of electronic ears I have at my shop (more at home)
I own 13 pair of assorted electronic ears. From 60 bucks a pair to well over 600 bucks a pair for a MICH kit (used).

Electronic ears have saved me from harm in more than one instance. They are worth buying and worth wearing at every range day.

-T

[mikeyr]

I went through this last year as I got into long range shooting and also more trap, I was having issues getting good cheek welds on my .308 with the muffs in the way and sometimes on trap the movement would create a gap small enough for the sound to get through.

I went with ESP custom ear plugs, super expensive and worth EVERY penny, I got mine with a no cost option that he does not list on the website. It allows me to turn off the amplication, basically making them in the ear plugs for maximum noise reduction and then turn the application back on so I can hear and talk to people. With them off I can work in the garage with my woodworking tools in silence, then hit the button and hear people talking to me. I have worn them all day and even gone to bed with them twice because they are so comfortable I forget they are in my ear. I also have put them on to watch TV with the TV super quiet so as to not wake up my wife, basically hearing aids that shut out the loud noises.