electronic ear muffs

[cseabass]

only problem is...you have to speak up for all your other friends that arn't wearing electronic ears...and they keep yelling like you can't hear them.

hehehe so true, so true.

[maxicon]

Remember that electronics don't improve the basic noise reduction, and most electronic muffs don't have really high NRR levels.

An electronic muff's protection is exactly the same whether the electronics are on or off. That is, an NRR 22 electronic muff is no different from a non-electronic NRR 22 muff, except that it amplifies low sounds so you can hear them. It's got the same reduction for loud sounds.

When you buy electronic muffs, be sure to check the NRR level. Not all of them list it very prominently, especially the less expensive ones.

[guimus]

I've done some modifications to my cheapo's to increase noise reduction. I pumped some expanding insulating foam (rated for electronics) into the hollow plastic area and into the (too soft and squishy) foam ear pieces. I still ususally double up with good plugs if I'm shooting something loud, but for moderate-power rifles and .22's I use them alone.

[Technical Ted]

I ha.. a .air of .el.or .ac 6s tha. I n.ver .se.

The problem I have with Pelter Tac 6's is that the circuitry is designed to clip when audio levels rise above a preset point. Conversations sound like the sentence above. It can be annoying.

I prefer my eight year old Pro Ears because they compress external audio rather than clip. Besides the range I've used these in classes, at air shows, races and on camping trips and they still work.

When my Pro Ears finally die, I'll replace them with Sordins, Radians or the higher end Peltor Com Tacs.

BTW I always double cover: earplugs and electronic hearing protectors.

[tackdrivr]

I've had two pair of Peltor Tac 6s and they are pretty good. I've been using the Peltor Com Tacs for the past couple of years and they are great. Electronics are a must if you're a training junkie.

[gose]

I still use the Comtacs I got in the army 13 years ago and I love them. They've been through quite a lot, army, hunting trips, countless competitions and trips to ranges in mud, snow, rain, cold and heat and never failed me once.
I've replaced the hygiene kit twice, but that's it.

Comtacs + plugs FTW

[donger]

I have the Sordin Supreme Pro IV's but I always wear plugs underneath them.

[ryball]

I have these...

http://www.ishot-inc.com/store2/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=44

[dw1784]

try them on with your rifle/shotgun in various positions. My cheapie muffs will hit the comb when I'm in prone.

another issue is the battery; some are AAA and some are N's.
Some have the compartment in the cup and others you practically have to take them apart to replace the batteries. I often forget to turn it off and sometimes I'll hear the high pitch feedback but if it's stuffed in the range bag and in the trunk, I won't notice it till next time I'm at the range. Luckily I can find AAA's just about anywhere, especially at the 99cent stores

the biggest advantage is the amplification. Think of indoors and you suspect an intruder. Turn up the dial and you can hear every footstep. Hope you'll never b in that situation, but it certainly helps when your gun go boom in a bedroom.