recommendations for custom molded ear plugs?

[kaligaran]

Did a search before posting this, I didn't find any threads on this topic so here it goes:

I went to the local gun show this last weekend to get some custom molded ear plugs after having a bad experience with one of the soft foam ones not making a good seal.

Every gun show I've ever been to including the ones here have a booth for it.
But guess what?!? This time, there wasn't a vendor making them. That's my luck...

Anyhow, has anyone had experience with any of the ones you an buy online? Also, how does the do-it-yourself kits compare to the vendors that do it for you such as the ones you see at gun shows?

Price is not really an issue for something like this. I'd rather spend the money on a quality product to protect something that is priceless.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[Trapper John]

I've had good experience with my custom molded earplugs from Flash Bang Gear. www.fbgear.com I had them made at the Sacramento gun show a few years ago and they have held up fine. I can't compare them to anything other than regular muffs and other than not keeping my ears warm in the cold weather I prefer the plugs. I do use the muffs over the plugs for indoor shooting.

John

[kaligaran]

I've had good experience with my custom molded earplugs from Flash Bang Gear. www.fbgear.com I had them made at the Sacramento gun show a few years ago and they have held up fine. I can't compare them to anything other than regular muffs and other than not keeping my ears warm in the cold weather I prefer the plugs. I do use the muffs over the plugs for indoor shooting.

John

Thanks John! They don't appear to have a way to order a kit for doing the molding at home.

[M1Kev]

Cow Palace? I was there for the same reason... well that and the ammo... and the jerky! I looked all over for the earplug people and could not find them. My buddy was there and looking for the trigger job guy as well, he was MIA also.

[M1Kev]

Checked out that fbgear.com. They do offer self fit kits:

http://www.fbgear.com/custom-earplugs-c-144.html

[Curtis]

I looked into doing this several years ago and found a local woman who would come to your home or office to make the plugs. I did eventually get to one of the shows to get them made. I love mine.

[Trapper John]

I noticed the events calendar for Flashbang was empty. But on the right side you can click on 'Technicians' and get contact information. I think they could tell you what shows they will attend and maybe even set up a meeting. I recall they came out to Sac Valley to an IDPA match a while back.

John

[kaligaran]

Thanks everyone. I'll contact Flashbang directly.

Yeah M1Kev, cow palace. Normally they are right by the door to the left when you walk in. Well, at least everytime I haven't wanted them. Murphy's Law in motion.

[SocomM4]

Try a set of Surefire ep4 . I can't see getting a better seal than that. Plus they are -30db or very close. I can be sitting at the bench with shooters on both sides and talk on my phone just fine because of the Knox thing. Blocks all the loud noise but lets in voices . They seriously kick ***.

[kaligaran]

Those Surefire's look nice thanks for posting, I'll have to investigate those.

So far I'm pretty set on something custom b/c apparently I have strange ears. I can't find anything comfortable.
The background is that I had been using the foam ear plugs that you can buy at any drug store. But last time I went shooting one apparently wasn't seated properly. I didn't realize it until we left the range and it sounded like one ear was underwater. Now almost 3 weeks later, I still have a ringing. Lucky me, perminant damage.

So I'm now all paranoid and really wanting to drop some bucks on some good plugs.

One of the ranges I go to require that you remove ear protection during cease fire so getting foam plugs back in immediatly and expanded in time for some people to start shooting is problematic for me. I haven't found muffs that are comfortable for all day shooting and also don't bump up against my rifle stock and break the seal (I have a little head).

[G lock]

Have you considered mouldable silicone plugs?

[kaligaran]

Have you considered mouldable silicone plugs?

This is really my first step in learning about them. Do you use those? Are these the ones that are disposable and look like a ball of wax you just shove in your ear? If so, I've seen those at the store but wasn't too sure about them.

[rileycoyote]

Most, if not all, of your local Audiologists will be able to make your custom molded ear plugs.

[mreed]

Try a set of Surefire ep4 . I can't see getting a better seal than that. Plus they are -30db or very close. I can be sitting at the bench with shooters on both sides and talk on my phone just fine because of the Knox thing. Blocks all the loud noise but lets in voices . They seriously kick ***.

^ lol you made me want some now, what size...... hmmm...

[Subotai]

I got mine at HearX.