ear protection

[sonofeugene]

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

No, they do not neutralize all noise. The electronics are NOT like the noise canceling technology you find in headphones. What the electronics in shooting muffs do is amplify outside sounds (like talking) so you can hear what's going on around you even though you are wearing the muffs. Then, when a very loud noise occurs, like a gunshot, the electronics instantly lower the intensity of the gunshot to a reasonable level (or in cheaper muffs, completely turn off the speakers).

There are two types of electronic muffs. The cheaper ones cut off all sound from the speakers when a shot occurs. So, when holding a conversation with someone during gunshots, the sound from the speakers is completely shut off when a gunshot occurs making it difficult to hold a conversation. The good electronic muffs don't just shut everything off, they keep the speakers active but lower loud sounds to a much lower level, thus keeping what you're hearing through the speakers uninterrupted. That's the way to go.

I've had a pair of these for years and they work really well:

https://www.amazon.com/Peltor-97451-Tactical-Sport-Earmuff/dp/B000Q04MRG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1541788493&sr=8-8&keywords=peltor+ear+muffs

And I more recently got a pair of MSR Sordins which I like a lot. Both, though, are a tight fit on my extra large bean (one of the tribulations of a huge brain ) and I may get myself a set of Sordins with the band that goes around the back.

Another muff I'm tempted to try are those from Pro Ear.

http://proears.com

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who's tried both the Sardines (darn spell checker!) and Pro Ear. Pros/cons of each.

I'm not sure, but I think the Howard Leight electronic muffs cut all sound when a shot occurs. Maybe they've improved their electronics, though.

[Vlad 11]

I have sensitive hearing and have been thru dozens of headmuffs. The best ive found, By Far, are the Clearamour. They are amazing, read the reviews. $15 bucks @ amazon right now. You cant go wrong

For slimline, the Pro fo Sho are a close second, and cheap too

[Flintlock Tom]

I have always used Howard Leights for indoor and outdoor. I find them very effective though slightly uncomfortable (but tolerable).
This week I was out in the woods shooting a couple AR15s but discovered that I had left my muffs at home. I found some plugs in my shooting bag that I had never used: Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders. I guess I had bought them as back-ups and forgot about them."
I plugged them in and was surprised at how comfortable and effective they are.
I still prefer the electronic muffs because I like to be able to hear people and critters around me in the woods.

[God Bless America]

I got the gel cups for my HL's and what a difference. Noisefighters. Can wear glasses with them.

[phdo]

[Alvaro_svt]

I got the gel cups for my HL's and what a difference. Noisefighters. Can wear glasses with them.

Using gel cups here from NF as well with my Walker Razors ($40 on Amazon). I double up and use 3M foam earplugs with the Razors indoor and outdoor.

[NoHeavyHitter]

I've got the MSA Sordin Pro behind-the-neck set and they are ideal for someone - like a range officer who needs all-day long comfort and the best in sound rendition. I'm sure glad I threw down for mine. I can easily wear pretty much whatever kind of hat that I want with these..

That said, my Howard Leight "impact sport" muffs do an excellent job and I keep a pair for a loner set and for unplanned shooting where I don't have anything better. You'll need to double up with either at indoor ranges. The main difference is the sound quality. With my Sordin Pro's, I can tell which direction that sounds are coming from far better than just "left or right" ear.

[Preston-CLB]

I recently purchased a set of Peltor (passive) muffs ($20 at Walmart), and had a chance to use them at the range yesterday.

I doubled up with foam plugs while shooting my G17 and my friend's .45 Glock. The difference between plugs only and doubled up was amazing. I actually shot better since the shot noise did not make me flinch.

Not only was shooting more fun, but at 70 years old, I want my hearing to stay as good as it is.
-P

[Eureka1911]

I use Howard Leight Impact Pro outside. Add foam plugs with them indoors. Very happy.

[hmvan]

Another vote for Howard Leights, but IMO, I think any electronic ear pro is going to be good.


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[sonofeugene]

Another vote for Howard Leights, but IMO, I think any electronic ear pro is going to be good.


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The difference between various electronic muffs can be significant. Check this video out:



Of course, Pro Ears isn't the only one to have this technology, but many electronic muffs don't.

[SahmDan]

About a year ago I switched to Muffs that were designed specifically for heavy industrial use. They carry a 35nrr which was 33% better than the old 28nrr Muffs that I used previously.

They're stored away right now or I'd list the name, but I did get them from Amazon.

My wife is already hard of hearing for other reasons, so she doubles up with 32nrr foam plugs.

[dummykid]

I have both MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X and Peltor Comtac III, and I like both

[L84CABO]

I have both MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X and Peltor Comtac III, and I like both

But if you could only have one, which would it be and why?

[Jel]

Well stated. I learned the hard way. Now I can't even hear my wife so well.

This could be a good or a bad thing. Hehehe.