Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuff Help?

[MrMysterio13]

Firstly I would say I am sorry for this thread if this has been discussed but I searched and didn't find anything. Also if this is the wrong forum please move it to the correct one.

I am looking for new earmuffs, the ones that I currently use are quite old, lost their comfortableness and I feel I am not getting enough protection. The earmuffs I am most interested in are the electric models due to the sound amplifying since I need to be able to talk and hear people during shooting sessions. I have done some research and really like the Howard Leight Impact Sports (especially the price found online).

I am here to get fellow shooters opinions/experience on the Impact Sports (protection short and long term; how good the amplifying is; durability and comfort), and to see what other electric earmuffs others here are using and prefer and why they prefer them.


Some Impact Sport Questions:
-For those that use the Impact Sports, does wearing ear plugs block out the amplifying totally? Is this the case with all electric/sound amplifying earmuffs?

-Also as good as they sound I have heard and am worried that the amplifying cutt off (when there is a shot) isn't fast enough which is holding me back from buying them. Anyone have some info about this?

-Lastly, does anyone know of any organization (Government or some other group other than NIOSH) that has data and stats about hearing protection and info specifically about indoor shooting?


I appreciate any and all help

Thanks,

_MrMysterio

[Norcal Industries]

i have them and love them, but i mainly use them for pistols. i am also interested to hear about uing plugs in conjunction with the muffs.

[MrMysterio13]

i have them and love them, but i mainly use them for pistols. i am also interested to hear about uing plugs in conjunction with the muffs.

Thank you for the input, I am glad you mentioned that; I too am only shooting pistols and small caliber rifles (.22).

Please keep the posts coming.

[Librarian]

You expect something better than NIOSH? Or, you already have that?

INDOOR FIRING RANGES seems to have interesting and appropriate information, as does the NOISE AND HEARING LOSS PREVENTION page.

[pepsi2451]

I also have them and love them. I only shoot outdoors and I never felt the need to wear plugs under them. When shooting from a bench I find I get a better cheek weld without muffs so I don't usually use them for my larger calibers.

I don't have any experience with other electronic muffs to compare them but I am really happy with what I got and the price I paid.

[jdogg2000]

I have multiple sets of these and have been using them for a long time. When you wear in-ear plugs underneath the electronic muffs, you will get more noise blocking but because the muffs amplify ambient sounds quite a bit, you'll still be able to hear better than you would if you were just wearing the in-ear plugs. Hope this helps!

[MrMysterio13]

You expect something better than NIOSH? Or, you already have that?

INDOOR FIRING RANGES seems to have interesting and appropriate information, as does the NOISE AND HEARING LOSS PREVENTION page.

Thank you for the help and yes I have looked at NIOSH. And Not better just a different perspective on the specific subject. From what I have read most of what NIOSH talks about is hearing loss in general and especially in the work place, not shooting. And the little bit that I have found when talking about shooting specifically is confusing since they talk and use the same info and basis of continuous noise damage which only applies to shooting if you are shooting tons and tons of rounds. Maybe I am just looking in the wrong area or not looking hard enough but I haven't found anything that really helps me. (The whole subject is kind of confusing)

Thank you for the help, please all keep up the info/opinions.

[USMC 82-86]

They are what I use and I am pleased with the comfort and protection they provide.

[Desert_Rat]

I used some. When 3 gunning with an A2 buttstock on my AR. The rifle would lift the ear piece just enough to get the full force of the BANG...Maybe I was doing it wrong?

[Williexcited]

I have those ear muffs and I need to use foam plugs with them. I love the muffs but my particular pair does not cut out the sound fast enough. When I shoot out doors I only need to put the foam in ear on my shooting side. Indoors, I need to put foam in both. My ears were ringing for days figuring it out.

So i only use the muffs when I want to hear range commands.

[dsmoot]

I use them overmy custom ear plugs when shooting indoors. I like that I can still hear others and I get better protection than just the plugs, which don't do enough for me indoors.

[razr]

Over my custom ear plug indoors as well. Have been thinking about getting HL, have read good reviews. Avoid Peltors, theyy are junk.

[Cokebottle]

I am very happy with my $60 Peltor amplified muffs.

Plugs under the muffs will be just like plugs with no muffs when there is no noise to be blocked.

Last trip to the range, I went with plugs only so I could wear my hat.
That was fine until I brought out the 5.56 with the PWS comp.
That thing is effing loud. One shot and I threw the muffs on.

[lgm118icbm]

Mine work well. I have the regular impact (non-sports). I have had them for a few years and I have only had to replace the batteries once.

The noise reduction is on par with other muffs but I always double up and wear ear plugs under them. I like being able to run my MP3 player through them which makes range time more run.

They have held up fairly well. Only thing is that the "comfort strap" piece of plastic that touches your head, connecting the two ear muffs, has cracked.

[JeffCinSac]

I have a pair that I've worn exactly one time. They seem to work fine but don't fit me well, plus I prefer a greater degree of protection. I currently wear a set of NRR 29 earmuffs from Peltor instead.

OP if you want to make an offer on my like new set, please PM me. Good luck with your research.