Q: Would like feedback on custom earplugs for shooting...

[gunn]

Hi,
I'd like to solicit some feedback from folks on custom earpieces. I don't like the earmmuffs and I'm looking to upgrade from the standard earplugs I use today. For reference, I currently use something like this. I think they cost me $5.

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/blshearpl.html

Ideally, I'd like something that would allow me to hear normal speech but squelches out gunshots.

If this is a bad idea, please let me know why I should use muffs instead. I don't like them because I mostly shoot rifles and I don't like how they affect my cheek weld.

Here's what I found in the custom/semi custom world:

Cabelas self-molding plugs. Solid. - $15

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0037460227874a

Hocks Noise Brakers

http://www.noisebrakers.com/howitworks.php

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/honobr.html

- $18 for generic
- $130 for custom molded Hocks Noise Brakers

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/blshearpl.html

- $10 for shooting specific BlastBuster VNR Shooting Plugs

Sonic Valve II

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/sonicvalveii.html

- $8 for generic
- $115 for custom molded

SportEAR Clear-Shot & RapidFIRE
-$999 to $1.5K [retarded pricing]

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&id=0034848

[The Bacon Eater]

I have been looking for something different too.

[dgey]

spend the most money you are comfortable with. I wear double, plugs and headset when shooting. your hearing is precious... when I was young and dumb, I attended a lot of concerts..., sat in the front or near the front all of the time. Never gave it much thought. People used to say it's going to hurt your hearing..., blah, blah, blah... I'm 49 and now have tininitus. My ears constantly ring. I can still hear just fine, but it's never silent... protect your hearing.

[ripcurlksm]

ive been using these for outdoor/trap shooting

http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders

They are no good for indoor shooting, so I am on the lookout for cheap, slim muffs or quality plugs

[RickD6023]

I shoot mostly outdoors and use custom molded ear plugs from Ear Plugs USA. I love them, especially when I'm doing a defensive pistol shoot. When I shoot indoors I tend to use both plugs and muffs.

[tmuller]

I've heard good things about these but never tried them. I stick to soft plugs and head gear...mine are slim so they don't affect my cheek weld.

[elenius]

Buy one of these packs and try 28 different kinds:

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html

And I agree with double plugging. Ear plugs + ear muffs. The Peltor shotgunner's ear muffs are nice and thin, and don't get in the way of rifle shooting.

[berto]

Buy one of these packs and try 28 different kinds:

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html

And I agree with double plugging. Ear plugs + ear muffs. The Peltor shotgunner's ear muffs are nice and thin, and don't get in the way of rifle shooting.

Excellent link. I'm having trouble finding foam plugs that work in my ears. Link is just what I need to find a set or more that work for me.

[shoupdawg]

I went to the Glendale Gun Show back in November and they had custom molded earplugs. I personally think they are too gimmicky but it was fun watching the lady prep, mold, custom fit, make, and then fit it on a customer.

If you're going all out, I'd go that route at the next gun show. Good luck.

[dfletcher]

Just FYI - for those of you with Kaiser, they make the custom molded ear plugs also. Found that out last year during a few visits. Not sure how much they cost, I think $40.00 or so.

[RudyN]

Thanks on the info about Kaiser. I will have to check them out as I only live about one mile from my local Kaiser Medical Center.

[ldivinag]

yup... $40 at gun shows.

make sure to no rush them and not get them when you are hungry and need to leave... lol...

[elenius]

What kind of NRR do you get with those molded ones?

[Corbin Dallas]

Indoors I wear 33dba foamies and peltor electronic 6's. No issues at all.

Outdoors I wear custom made ear plugs. (Pistol of course) For rifle outdoors I wear the 33dba foamies.

[gotgunz]

I use a pair I had made at the Reno Show about 12+ years ago (I am probably due for new ones). As others have stated, you can not correct damage to your hearing!

I spent over 20 years messing around in drag racing and specifically in Top Fuel. I never used ear plugs and I am now paying the price. Constant ringing and mostly tone deaf... when in crowds all I hear is 'noise' and half of what the wife and kid say comes through as mumbling. I have had to learn to read lips to get along in life.

If I had it to do over again I would not change a thing other than the use of ear plugs.

Get whatever blocks the noise the best and is comfortable enough that you use them faithfully everytime you load up a mag to shoot!