Which electronic muffs? Caldwell or Howard Leight

[DaveFJ80]

EDIT: I just got the Howard Leights today ($46.90 + shipping from Enviro Safety Products). Testing them out in the office, they obviously don't muffle as well as my 28db NRR Peltor's, but they still work good by themself. With the electronics turned on, I can hear faint sounds really well (chair creaking, keyboard clicking, soft sounds from the computer speakers). Can't wait to try these out at the range this weekend, at the indoor range & doubled up with foam plugs.

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I know this subject has been beaten to death, but I did a search and didn't find any good threads with some info on these muffs (well some on the Howard Leights, but no comparasons with the Caldwell muffs).

Turner's has both of these on sale this week, through next Thursday. I was have some Peltor H10A and Peltor Bulls Eye 7 muffs, but was looking for some decent electronic muffs that didn't cost too much, but still work effectively and have a decent NRR rating. I was looking into a cheap pair that I could use for a defensive handgun course, as wearing my Peltors with foam plugs, I can't hear anyone talk (which is good when I'm shooting alone at the indoor range).


Out of these two, the Caldwell Platinum Series G3 electonic muffs or the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic muffs, are the Howard Leights really that much better and worth the extra $20? Or do they both work about the same, have similar NRR ratings, and I should just get the cheaper Caldwell muffs?

Or do you have another recommendation that's in the same price range?

[socalshooting]

I have some cheap caldwell $20 electronic muffs that does the job but pretty flimsy. I don't use it that much (use peltor combat plugs instead) so I don't really care.

[DaveFJ80]

I just read on some other websites that the Caldwell muffs don't block out the wind noises, so if it's windy outside then you really hear the howl of the wind in the muffs.

Can anyone confirm or deny the same thing happening with the Howard Leight muffs?

[Dr Rockso]

I've been outside with the Howard Leight muffs on fairly windy days and haven't noticed any problem with wind noise. Usually I keep the volume low enough that it doesn't noticeably amplify background noises.

[KING_PALM]

i have howards and they are super solid.
my problem is that my head is a lil small for my pair so i have to wear a hat.

[duckman1]

I have the Howard Leight muffs ($19.99). They work ok on the range and my sons use them to mow the lawn.

[lawaia]

I love my Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs. I like them much better than the Peltor 6S. Never tried the Coldwell.

[Sh00tFurst]

I like the H. Leights. Never tried the other one. Low-profile is why I went with it.

I sure do love me some muff.

[winnre]

I got Peltor in 2005 because it fit under my helmet, but it was $100. Hmm maybe I need to look for comfort now!

[pepsi2451]

I got my Howard Leight muffs yesterday and tried them out today. I haven't tried any other electronic muffs to compare them to but they seem to work great. I shot .223 .45 and 9mm outdoors and they seemed to block the noise good enough for me. It was easy to carry on a conversation with my friend. They are fairly comfortable and low profile. Overall I'm very happy with them.

[mousegun]

Have some older Caldwell monos and a little more recent stereo set. They work well.
They have some wind noise, but it's never been a problem.
I bought 'em cheap so didn't expect much.
They have exceeded my expectations.

[bohoki]

the howard ones have better squishiyness on the earpads

[bobnfloyd]

I have the Howard Leights. I like them a lot for their electronic aspect, but their passive NRR is fairly low. I find that I wear ear plugs and crank up the electronic magnification to maximize hearing protection and still hear what people want to say to me when I'm near big rifles or magnum pistol calibers.

[DaveFJ80]

Just got the Howard Leight's today. Found them for $46.90 + shipping (around $54 shipped) and it took 2 days to get. Got them from Enviro Safety Products if anyone is intersted.

So far with walking around my office testing them out, they work great. Can't wait to try them out this weekend and see how they work out (and how they fit when using my shotgun, since my regular Peltor's are too big and hit the stalk, where as these are slimmer).

[glockmeister]

I have a pair of Leights and love them. I usually double up the ear protection with a pair of foam plugs under the electronic muffs.