ear protection

[ekkthree]

i've been getting by with some cheapo muffs from ebay. 28 nrr for $10 and it's suited me fine to get started in shooting. it actually works quite well but there's a part of me that wonders if i'm missing out on 'good' ear pro.
what do you use after trying others?
do electronic muffs neutralize all noise? if so, how do you have a conversation/hear the ro?

fwiw, i prefer the over the ear type cuz they're just easier to use consistently. i've had times when i didn't quite get a good seal with the foam plugs and i don't know that until a shot goes off

[Blademan21]

Buy the best ear protection you can afford. Earring lose is not reversible. For outdoors GOOD earmuffs work pretty good. But for indoor shooting i suggest a supplement like plugs and the muffs.
Four years ago I spent some serious cash for some SportEars by Axil.They have 4 setting and a volume control as well. I can hear a conversation yet when a shot goes off it instantly blocks the noise. I have had mine for 4 years and i love them.
The model I bought was not cheap. The pair set me back $2400 but it was well worth it. Good luck in your research.



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[FeuerFrei]

I have been using Howard Leights for 7 years. Very good for price. $50 on Amazon.
Electronics allow voice levels to pass through to you.
I also use Surefire sonic defenders ear plugs at times. Way better than foam IMO.

No need for me to double up using both types at the same time, but can be done.

[E Michael]

Tag

[Heydeck52]

I recently purchased MSA Sordin Pros with gel cups. Owned the HL's before.

The sordins are great. Really comfortable wearing all day for a match and noise reduction is good to me. I still double up when shooting indoors. My only regret was getting the over the head version vs the behind the head/neck. I have a big ole' grape and I have to put them on a certain wait to make sure they seal.

[ChuckDizzle]

The best ear protection around are those "cheap" disposable foam inserts.

Buy a gross from 3M. All the fancy more expensive ones are less reliable for NRR.

[Dirtlaw]

Learned the Hard Way

Buy the best ear protection you can afford. Earring lose is not reversible. For outdoors GOOD earmuffs work pretty good. But for indoor shooting i suggest a supplement like plugs and the muffs.
Four years ago I spent some serious cash for some SportEars by Axil.They have 4 setting and a volume control as well. I can hear a conversation yet when a shot goes off it instantly blocks the noise. I have had mine for 4 years and i love them.
The model I bought was not cheap. The pair set me back $2400 but it was well worth it. Good luck in your research.


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Well stated. I learned the hard way. Now I can't even hear my wife so well. Where can I get a set of SportEars????

[Blademan21]

Well stated. I learned the hard way. Now I can't even hear my wife so well. Where can I get a set of SportEars????

Axil Custom Plugs has a web. Just Google the name and be prepared for sticker shock. Everything has gone up in 5 years.They can be used as a hearing ad and be worn all day or used only when at the range. Just don't wear them in the shower. When I bought mine my wife could no longer whisper behind my back.

[NYT]

just get the highest NRR rated protection you can find. 3M plugs usually get you about 30, add a headset and youre at 40ish approximately. that will bring the sound of a gunshot (140 db) down to safer levels.

the big thing though is to use the plugs properly. i cant tell you how many times i have had to show people how to get them fitted correctly.

[code_blue]

The Peltor Sport Tacs are pretty comfy and provide clearance for cheek welds. I specifically got the 300 series. I do recommend that you upgrade it by also getting a cushioned head band from US Tactical Sewing.

[ChuckDizzle]

just get the highest NRR rated protection you can find. 3M plugs usually get you about 30, add a headset and youre at 40ish approximately. that will bring the sound of a gunshot (140 db) down to safer levels.

the big thing though is to use the plugs properly. i cant tell you how many times i have had to show people how to get them fitted correctly.

So true, not many people know to roll them for inserting and to lift the ear canal open.

[XDJYo]

Hearing loss is permanent. Don't cheap out on it.

Use GOOD foam earplugs. I use 3M 32(?) NRR. I look for the highest NRR I can get.

I mostly shoot indoors, so that means I double-up on hearing protection. I use those foam earplugs + Howard Leight Impact Sport earpro at 23(?) NRR. They're electronic, so they're supposed to allow normal conversation etc, but cut-off gun shots. However, they don't work perfectly.

The "Best" hearing protection for you isn't necessarily the most expensive. Test out which is best for you. I would however, start with GOOD foam earplugs and learn how to use them. You can't just put them in. You have to know how to roll em. I usually bring at least 3 plugs with me each time since there is always one side that won't seal correctly.

Another thing to consider is what eye protection you're using. Some glasses designs won't allow the rubber to seal correctly on the ear muffs. Both my wife and I use ESS Crossbows which have thin arms so as not to break the seal.

Speaking as a life-long tinnitus sufferer, protect your hearing, it's the only one you've got.

[r739]

Howard Leights for many years....

[Ora Serrata]

I usually double up whether indoors or outdoors. I buy a 50 box of the foamies at Harbor Freight & Tool for $8, and use Howard Leights on top. The microphones work really well, and I can hear conversations even with the foamies in.

Another nice thing about using both is I don't need to jam the foamies in as far so it's a bit more comfortable.

[ekkthree]

the foam plugs i referenced above are actually really good 30nrr and if sealed correctly are quieter than my muffs. yes, i know how to roll them up and insert to get a good seal. but doing that multiple times a session got tiresome and i did mess up a couple times hence the muffs which are easy peasy. one thing i don't like about the muffs is how sweaty i get around the ears during the summer.

for actual protection, are we targeting 27-30 ish nrr as good? if so, mine are fine but i may still look for some slimmer profile replacements and keep these as loaners.