Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

D

dvdt

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 13, 2009
646
5
Dallas,TX
#1
I tried searching as I figured this had been beaten to death with no luck.

Is anyone using those custom ear plugs that always has a long line at gun shows ? The ones where they pour the stuff in your ear and drill a hole on the spot ?

I saw them at the NRA show here in Charlotte a few months back and then again at the Gastonia Sniper Shoot. The lines were outta hand. They're like $90 or so and supposedly provide outstanding reduction for impulse noises like gunfire.

I have a set of Peltor electronic muffs and they're great. I usually double bag these with foam plugs if someone is shooting a big magnum or if I'm indoors. I bought the Peltors for IDPA matches back in the day so I could hear people when I'm standing around BS'ing. However, if I wear the Peltors for much more than 2 hours I get a headache (yeah I'm a wuss) and they get uncomfortable. It's probably due to my abnormally large head and I thought these might be a good solution to my problem.

Whatcha think ?

I'm young and have excellent hearing and want to keep it that way.
 
#2
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

hi i have had custom moulded plugs for close to 15 years they are great just have to get new ones every 5 years as the coating wears off them and they get a bit crappy. you can even get electronic inserts for them now if you feel like emptying your wallet but they are more comfortable than wearing muffs all day and much better than foam plugs.
 
#3
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I use them but mine were only $40. My only complaint is that they can be a bit tricky to get in if you need to insert them in a hurry. Comfortable all day though
 
#6
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shootist2004</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> easier on the cheek weld.</div></div>

Thats why I wanted to try them. I just push and spin them in and they go fine.
 
#7
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I've used them for 15 years. I have 4 sets. Just got a new set at the Gastonia sniper comp because they have a new material now that is an improvement over what they used the last 30 years. I've been shooting 33 years now and for the past 10 have used plugs and muffs when on the range trying to preserve what hearing I have left. They are handy to have around. I'd work a deal and get two sets made. One set stays in the truck and the other in your shooting kit. I use one of the old sets here in the shop when things get loud. I would not be without them.
 
#8
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

No long term experience, but a local instructor's wife made me a set a couple months ago and I've been really impressed! Has been effective against anything I've shot or been near while firing. I had her install a small baffle tube and I can hear conversations and range commands without any loss of needed protection. She also put a connecting cord so that they can be held around my neck when not in use.

I haven't used muffs since having these. If you want good low profile hearing protection, these are hard to beat.
 
#9
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I used these for 5-6 years. They work good for the most part!!

HOWEVER- The middle of last season my ears would be ringing at the end of day of shooting and for days after.

I highly suggest hat you get a new pair made every two years if you are going to use these things.

I think that your ear canal size may change and as you loose or gain weight and stuff the plugs dont offer the same amount of protection from when they were made.

I really like using these but as soon as i switched back to regular old foamie ear plugs I could see the difference in the amount of hearing protection i was getting.

I am back to foamies from now on no more injection molded for me.
 
#11
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

Thanks for the replies.

I think I would still wear the muffs over these if I shot indoors or near a big magnum. I'm hoping if it's just me plinking with my .22 or shooting in an open field I could get away with just these.

Thanks guys.
 
#12
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I have a pair that was made from the kit at walmart. Mix the two putties together, press them into your ear, and wit 5 or so minutes until the putties has "hardened." I love them, and absolutely hate wearing any other type of plug.
 
#13
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

You can get the kit from Rite-Aid pharmacies (probably others) and do your own much cheaper. I only paid $12 for my kits. They seem to work pretty good. It come with 2 parts and you mix them together and stuff it in your ears, then wait 10 minutes and they firm up. My suggestion is do 2 sets one for rifle use and one for standing pistol use. It may just be me but my ear canals seam to be slightly different shapes between the 2 positions and my pistol ones don't fit quite right when in the prone on at the bench with my cheek tight on the rifle.
 
#14
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I shot bulleye for quite a few years. There would be 30+ shooters under a tin roof. I used a combination of both custom molded plugs with Peltor Tac-7. With the volume up, I could hear range commands no problem. If I'm around multiple shooters, I still double up. Wish I had started earlier with good hearing protection.

I picked up the molded plugs from a local audiologist for about $20 (a few years ago), and they still work great. She recommended mineral oil for the lube.

Kevin
 
#15
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I have used them for over ten years. I only seem to remember them being 30 bucks or so. I have never had problems with them in any fashion. I used them originally for shooting skeet and sporting clays, then of course they because the one I always keep in my kit. Mine are still have a little give to them and are not hard. So they do not get doubled with anything else. They can go in dry for the best fit but can be difficult.....wiple a lil moisture on them with your fingers. Maybe even a lil spit and they go in very easy. I wouldn't think baby oil would be very good cause it just going to stay really slippery IMHO.

I will have to see what they run these days I certainly don't remember 90 bucks, that would make me think a lil more.
 
#18
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

Have had the same pair 15+ years.
Holding up well. Pair them with Pro-Ears electronics.

Remember, bone conduction (guaranteed to occur with a proper cheek weld) causes a significant 'hit' to long-term hearing.

Never thought about it, but maybe a high-density closed-cell foam pad applied to stock might cut down on bone conduction damage?
 
#20
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

The $90 pair has some kind of small hole drilled in them with a tiny filter about the size of a piece of rice installed in it. Supposedly it allows for you to hear things better and the gun fire doesn't make it through. I won't swear to that being the truth. I emailed a rep, I'll pass on any info I get from him.

I may look into a kit at Walmart if it's only $12 and just wear 'em. I can't imagine I couldn't hear the bull horn they sound at my range with them in...
 
#22
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I get a couple of sets made every time I go to SHOT!! Been wearing them since the 80's. Became a dealer back then to make em for LE buddies shooting PPC back in the day.

Still wear em and shooting suppressed or pistol it's all you need. At a match when you got brakes and the likes I double up w Sordins!!
 
#25
Re: Anyone using the custom ear plugs made at shows?

I've been using a pair for about a year or so now, and they've become my default hearing protection. They don't offer enough protection when you're indoors or shooting particularly offensive calibers, but for 90% of my rangetime they're ideal. Paid $50 at the local gunshow for mine (with cords and a carrying case), FWIW.
 
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