Electronic Ear Muffs

[Hobbyhorse]

I'm slowly getting back into shooting and hunting over the past year and a half. At 36 I'm taking some very hard looks at the loss of hearing I've brought on myself through concerts, and years of shooting growing up with little or no ear protection.

I've started back with a very basic pair of Caldwells from a reputable shop but as I begin to transition these to a back up pair I'm searching for something that is cost effective first, a safe pair for my hearing and comfortable last. I mainly shoot skeet and trap in the offseason and primarily shoot Shotguns with some limited time at indoor ranges.

What do you consider to be a minimum requirement? What are you currently using and why?

[XYZ]

I double up with foam ear plugs - Aearo 310-1101 or something like that, has a 33NRR and ear muffs, Peltor H10A for indoors, around 30NRR and a Peltor 6S for outdoors with a 21NRR. This is an electronic ear muff. I know a lot of guys use Howard Light.

I'll edit my post when I'm on my PC to double-check the model numbers and NRR ratings.

[duckman1]

Why are you concerned about the minimum? Wear the best you can afford at all times, end of story.

On the range I also use plugs with a muffs in the field I wear my EAR digital ear plugs. I have suffered a moderate hearing loss due to gun fire and wish I would have started wearing protections sooner in life. I'm 47.....

[CmpsdNoMore]

During black Friday I was able to pick up a pair of "slim" Caldwell electric muffs and I love them. They were $20 bucks and definitely not top of the line, but they work fine for someone with a low income.

I wore them on a pheasant hunt recently and they worked exceptionally well.

[Casual_Shooter]

I bought a pair of MSA Sordins. Indoor, I think doubling up is a good idea. Outdoor, during a class, they worked very well.

One critique is how the batteries are inserted and removed. I'm no rocket scientist but changing batteries should be easier.

[Flintlock Tom]

I picked up some Howard Leight electronic muffs when Amazon.com had them on sale for $50. They work very well outside, but inside not as well. I either double up with plugs or use some older off-brand muffs with more insulation.

[Army]

Howard Leight's Impact Sports. Good stuff, cheap.

Double up with plugs at indoor ranges.

We use them because they fit under our helmets really well.

[Scorcher]

I picked up some Howard Leight electronic muffs when Amazon.com had them on sale for $50. They work very well outside, but inside not as well. I either double up with plugs or use some older off-brand muffs with more insulation.

+1 These muffs are a great value, I have one pair and I am looking to buy another soon. They work well for the money. Can you find muffs with higher protection? Yes, but they will be much more expensive.

I have had some recommend wearing some simple foam ear plugs inside these to get a bit more protection for indoor ranges and the like but I haven't felt the need to do so. They have a Noise Reduction Rating of 22

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-R-01526-Electronic-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295998182&sr=8-2

[Eljay]

I always double up - plugs and electronic muffs - inside or not. There's no reason not to - they're comfortable and with the electronic muffs turned up I can still hear people just fine. Just takes the bangs away...

[Ronin2]

FYI.. I bought a pair of the blue Dillion Electronic muffs and was very disapointed with the workmanship.

[bruce381]

I use plugs and pro ears 33 muffs NNR of 33 best i could find

[xenophobe]

I have had some recommend wearing some simple foam ear plugs inside these to get a bit more protection for indoor ranges and the like but I haven't felt the need to do so. They have a Noise Reduction Rating of 22

It's still damaging your hearing, just not as fast. Wear ear plugs unless you want permanent tinnitus.

[mt51]

Howard Leight Electronic earmuffs with Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders with the stopper plugs out, to enable better hearing. I always leave the Surefires on even between firing sessions so if there is any accidental discharge around me, I am still somewhat protected.

[Toolbox X]

MSA Sordins

[unamused]

Howard Leight Electronic earmuffs with Surefire EP4 Sonic Defenders with the stopper plugs out, to enable better hearing. I always leave the Surefires on even between firing sessions so if there is any accidental discharge around me, I am still somewhat protected.

my exact setup for indoors.