Hearing Protection - Guidance Please!

[Mammoth]

The wife and I are doing a 3 day defensive handgun course this weekend. I need to buy some hearing protection and was hoping for some good advice from the folks here at Calguns. In the past, I/we used some cheapo earmuffs or the orange earplugs. For most of the shooting that I do those work well enough...but since we'll be shooting for a few days and taking instruction I'd like to consider better options.

Budget is not as big of an issue as what is available in retail stores. I'm close to Basspro and a few other gun stores.

Pro's and Con's (particularly in the context of long shooting days) about muffs vs inserts, standard vs electronic, etc would be greatly appreciated.

[Laser Sailor]

I use low profile electronic muffs, they are comfortable enough for all day wear and you don't havbe to constantly take them off/put them on, you can just leave them on as they amplify speech. This is especially useful in a class enviroment where you'll need to hear range commands.

These are what I use.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=774928

[xrMike]

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=774928

Don't know about those, never tried them, but that is a GREAT price.


More data for the OP...

These:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=671923

work better and are more comfortable than these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=103666

And it's also good to double-up... Use foam earplugs + electronic muffs. Turn the muffs up loud enough, and you can hear all range commands and conversation around you easily, even with the plugs in. It's the best combination, especially for long days of shooting.

[pepsi2451]

I use the howard leight impact sport electronic muffs and I've been happy with them. They are only NRR 22 dB but you can wear plugs underneath and turn up the volume so you can still hear range commands. I don't wear anything under them but I only shoot outdoors and usually just handguns.

[m98]

I use low profile electronic muffs, they are comfortable enough for all day wear and you don't havbe to constantly take them off/put them on, you can just leave them on as they amplify speech. This is especially useful in a class enviroment where you'll need to hear range commands.

These are what I use.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=774928

I've got the same setup. They really suck for what it's worth. Mines doesn't sense gun shots consistantly at all anymore and that was only after a week of owning it. When it does work it doesn't silence rifle or pistol fire much. Works ok for 22lr. Not worth the $$ imo

[NorCal Einstein]

I'll +1 to Howard Leight Impact electronic muffs. I picked mine up from Amazon (since I get cheaper/faster shipping from them due to Amazon Prime)

$43.82 from Amazon vs. ~$60 from Midway

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-R-01526-Electronic-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297208593&sr=8-1

[soopafly]

I have the Caldwell's:

They just work OK.


I also have the Howard Leight's:

I am VERY happy with these. Low profile, great sound amplification/noise reduction where you need it.

I'm relegating the Caldwell's I have to guest shooters/loaners. When I buy more, they'll be the Howard Leight electronic muffs.

[WSMtns]

I happened on a pair of electronic muffs at Harbor Freight. Price $13 - 17 at two different times. Been using them for 4 years, they work correctly.

[five.five-six]

I also have the Howard Leight's:

I am VERY happy with these. Low profile, great sound amplification/noise reduction where you need it.

I'm relegating the Caldwell's I have to guest shooters/loaners. When I buy more, they'll be the Howard Leight electronic muffs.

been useing these, I like the iPod connection on them

[Jack L]

Howard Leight Impact electronic muffs

At Amazon for $43 free shipping

[emil77]

What are the key features to look for when shopping for ear protection?

[Alecks]

Howard leight + Surefire Earpro

[Army]

Howard leight + Surefire Earpro

Or any quality foam insert plug.

My H/L's have gone many years with zero troubles. Battery life is excellent too.

[roushstage3]

I use the Peltor tactical s6. They work great and comfortable. I have used them at 4 day classes and don't bother me at all. The electronic feature is great when listening to the instructor.

[emil77]

Help me understand something. The foam plugs that I buy from Home Depot have a NRR of 32, the earmuffs, these for example http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-.../dp/B001T7QJ9O have a NRR of 22. So the foam plugs from Home Depot actual provide better protection?