Best Electonic Hearing Protection

F

FlyShooter

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Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 16, 2012
12
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45
TX
#1
Hello all,

I was wondering what y'all use and recommend as far as electronic hearing protection? Either muffs or in-ear sets.

I've used foam ear plugs and ear muffs for years now and have found myself wanting to invest in a nice electronic set of either.
 
#2
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X. They are pricey but I have never looked back. Never had a problem with shooting in any position either. They are a muff style. Do yourself a favor and get the silicone ears while you're at it.
 
#3
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

In the process of getting a pair of ESP Stealth in ear set of electronic hearing protection. I have a friend that uses them and he says they are so comfortable he wore them for 12 days straight on a hunt. Digital sound, comfortable fit and not in the way while shooting. They aren't cheap but will be worth it.

http://www.espamerica.com/default.aspx
 
#4
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

I did the same for years. Plain 'ol foam ear plugs. I have a set of electronic MSA Supreme Pro and Peltors. When on the range training and listening for commands they are great.

I'm still getting used to them when shooting shoulder or prone fired carbines or bolt guns. I go with the foam earplugs for those.

Recoil from the larger weapons and getting a good cheekweld is my biggest issue.
 
#5
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In the process of getting a pair of ESP Stealth in ear set of electronic hearing protection. I have a friend that uses them and he says they are so comfortable he wore them for 12 days straight on a hunt. Digital sound, comfortable fit and not in the way while shooting. They aren't cheap but will be worth it.

http://www.espamerica.com/default.aspx </div></div>

Rob; I've bee using these for the last two years. They work great. Depending on how much gain you dial you can hear conversations from the other side of the range, nature sounds, whatever. They are very comfortable and are more than able to protect against our loud noises. Be sure to get good molds of your ears; that's the key to their efficacy. I had the audiology dept at my hosptal do this for me and that worked out really well.
 
#7
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

+1 for the MSA Sordin's.

I bought mine about 4yrs ago from Triad, and couldnt be happier with them. Outside of changing the batteries twice they have been maintenance free. If you wear glasses the gel ear cups are a must! They seal around the earpiece of your glasses and keep out the noise.

Good luck with your search.

AS
 
#9
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

Speeddog I just got ear molds done at Costco now you have me second guessing lol! Im also going with the ESP stealths.
 
#11
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Send__IT</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Speeddog I just got ear molds done at Costco now you have me second guessing lol! Im also going with the ESP stealths.
</div></div>

I bet they'll be fine. Their success really does lie in the accuracy of the molds. There are various ways to achieve this and there is some argument among the audiologists on how best to cast the ear canal (mouth open vs mouth closed, etc.) One of the keys seems to be absolute immobility while the molding material is solidifying in tne canal.

I'd suspect the audiologists at Costco know how to do this. Best of luck. I love mine and the unencumbered cheek weld they allow.
 
#12
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

Thanks for the response speeddog. Yeah I can see how movement can be a factor. Those molds are tight in there and a very cool process at that! Im looking forward to getting them.
 
#14
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armedzebra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X. They are pricey but I have never looked back. Never had a problem with shooting in any position either. They are a muff style. Do yourself a favor and get the silicone ears while you're at it.</div></div>

I second the MSA. I bought the supreme Pro-x on sale. fantastic fit and comfort
 
#15
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

http://www.sportear.com/hearing-aids/custom-series/custom-series-412

At SHOT every year I take a look at these. This year I had them fit me up and received them within a couple weeks.
Very pleased with them and am happy that I don't have to wear big ol muffs anymore. Only problem I have is that the RO keeps jumping my ass for no ear
protection.

Wish I would have checked up the ESP's a bit more. With that said, I found a couple guys who have tried both and they say there isn't really any
difference. (Those were the very high end models of both and a couple years old)
 
#16
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

Thanks for the responses guys, I think I'm going with the MSA.
The ESP and SportEAR seem awesome, but I don't have that kind of income at the moment.
 
#18
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

Has anyone used QuietPro?

I have used:
Com Tac's (these were good and somewhat comfortable but didn't fit under helmets).
Com Tac II's These fit under helmets but were less comfortable for me than Com Tac's
MSA Sordins Were comfortable and fit under helmets but for me didn't seem to provide sufficient ear protection (they are 18DB rated) I also broke a pair of sordins upon putting the first set of batteries in when a battery connector broke off. I'm not a fan of their drop in and slide to side stacked battery config.

Peltor ACH's (these fit under helmets and were comfortable and also were 21DB rated- first pair I was fully happy with). They have 3/4" gel seals (compared to like 1/2" with MSA) so they are more comfortable than Sordins. The battery life is great too.

 
#19
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

The ESP's are durable. I am on about 12-13 years with a pair. They are analog...digital wasn't even offered back then. Best money I have ever spent and has surely saved my hearing. I use them for everything I do with a shotgun and on a long day dove hunting or next to a buddy in the duck swamp they are priceless. When they die I will absolutely poney up for some new ones. I still prefer muffs for center fire rifles.
 
#21
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

I just picked up the Quiet Pro and did a preliminary really quick look at them.

They have more background noise in normal conditions than Peltors, but they do not seem to amplify machine noise (the only "machine" I heard was a kitchen vent fan. But I believe Peltors would have really amped that up and the Quiet pro completely ignored it. This is significant because AC and tactical vehicle running noise is annoying with Peltors.

So That was cool. I don't know what the battery life is like, but the VOX feature is cool.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Just searched and found that battery life is a fairly lame 60 hours. Compared to 270 with my Peltors.</span>
 
#23
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

Just got my ESP Stealths in and I will say hands down the best ear protection I have ever used. I have used them all throughout my 21 years of military, law enforcement, and shooting career.

They fit comfortably, the sound quality is clear, and the noise reduction is great.

ESPears.jpg


ESPears2.jpg


Well worth it!
 
#24
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

NOMAD- I hate to ask... after looking at that site, I don't outright see "stealth"... which pair is that? Sounds costly
 
#26
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NOMAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is the link! They show them in green on the site but ours came in black!

http://www.espamerica.com/p-22-stealth-d...gs-earbuds.aspx

</div></div>

Yeah... I just puked a little in my mouth... They must be incredible for nearly the price of a GAP-10!!! How are their economy versions ($900)?
 
#27
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

They are very good as well. You cant go wrong with any of them. I figured i was gonna go big or not at all.
 
#28
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

My biggest fear- Loosing them. It's not easy to totally lose my MSA Sordin's... Those things on the other hand I'm afraid would disappear faster than a pile of FGMM with a free sign on it at the snipershide cup.
 
#29
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My biggest fear- Loosing them. It's not easy to totally lose my MSA Sordin's... Those things on the other hand I'm afraid would disappear faster than a pile of FGMM with a free sign on it at the snipershide cup. </div></div>

Only if Boltripper is around!!

I had a cheap pair of NRA molded ear plugs and I used them for a few years, I never lost them. I thought i would but didnt!!
 
#30
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

You may talk me into it for a future buy... in the mean time I'll just have to try to figure out how to put tie-downs on them!
 
#31
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NOMAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is the link! They show them in green on the site but ours came in black!

http://www.espamerica.com/p-22-stealth-d...gs-earbuds.aspx

</div></div>

Yeah... I just puked a little in my mouth... They must be incredible for nearly the price of a GAP-10!!! How are their economy versions ($900)? </div></div>

As old as mine are they are probably the economy model today and they work very well. I figure cheaper model or their most expensive are both a lot cheaper than hearing aids.
 
#32
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

NoMad, I just got a call yesterday from Jack at ESP and my stealths just shipped out. Its good to hear your happy with yours as I'm looking forward to getting mine!! Seems to be a no brainer. We drop tons of money on custom built guns and sometimes forget about spending/investing some money in protection equipment. Im sure the ESP Stealths are not in everyones budget but spending a little extra on quality equipment goes a long way.
 
#34
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

I have to echo what Rob and Tony said. I have been using ESP digitals for several years now and love them. I once wore them for two weeks in Alaska without any discomfort. Give them a call at ESP and you will not be disappointed.
 
#35
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

The one thing I'll say about electronic ear pro is the same thing I say about all gear and equipment, you get what you pay for! When you buy a pr of ESP's you are getting the BEST quality product available. I only wish I had got a pr of ESP's ten years ago or earlier. I have tried and tested everything and there is no comparison.
 
#37
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

I found one major problem with Quietpro. There is no supply of the replaceable ear buds for consumers. They are little rubber connectors with cheap ear plugs glued to them (really a shitty solution IMO).

I contacted the US reps and one of them said he would get me a pricelist for accessories and I e-mailed and he didn't get back to me.

I tore the foam plugs out and used a set of custom fit do-it-yourself Radians plugs to make my own set of upgrade plug connectors using the rubber connector with the foam plug ripped off. I have yet to try that, but it seems like it will work.

The ESP's pictured do look really nice, but at $2100 that's an incredible expense for something as loss prone as a tiny pair of ear plugs.
<span style="font-weight: bold">
My only gripe on Peltor ACH's is that the over the head ear pro will put a pulse into my stock when I'm long-gunning and have an elevated heartrate. Otherwise they are great.</span>

 
#38
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

3 weeks of using the ESP's and without a shadow of a doubt the best ear protection on the planet.

No regrets with these you are paying for top of the line quality and protection.

 
#39
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

After reading this it makes me want to save my pennies for something like the ESPs. I really don't like shooting my rifle with ear muffs. I tend to like a high cheek weld and using ear muffs makes me lower my cheek piece and I don't feel as solid. I typically use the Surefire ear plugs <gasp> when shooting rifles or shotguns (most sound is going away). But, I've now got a 300WM with a break and it about killed me the first 5 shots down the pipe.
 
#41
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

We had ours in about two weeks from time the molds went in!!
 
#42
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

My god I know you have to protect your hearing but 2100? The technology has been around for awhile and I dont think prescription hearing aids cost that much...Just cant do it

What is something reasonable that is near the performance?

Also NNR is slightly more of a concern to me than being able to hear across a mountain personally for my uses
 
#45
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

I use Peltor 6S. They get the job done and don't get in my way. Plus they're only $53 from Amazon. I'm not Ballin' enough to get those ESP's. Must be killer though!!
 
#46
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

Holy shit!! Those ESP Stealth's ya'll were talking about are $2100!!!! I'd be too afraid to lose the damn things! Guess I"ll stick with MSA's or Peltors. I've used both and like both.
 
#47
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

ESP makes a $900 pair as well that works very well. Most people will drop that much on some cool gear or double that on a scope. What's your hearing worth?

They are much more comfortable to wear than muffs and after you put them in you almost forget you have them in. I would have loved to have had them back when I was in the Corps. I wouldn't have this ringing in my ears now.
 
#48
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ESP makes a $900 pair as well that works very well. Most people will drop that much on some cool gear or double that on a scope. What's your hearing worth?

They are much more comfortable to wear than muffs and after you put them in you almost forget you have them in. I would have loved to have had them back when I was in the Corps. I wouldn't have this ringing in my ears now. </div></div>

I got a buddy of mine thats real big into shotgun comps and he swears by these. He has recomended i get some for a while now. They are pricey but he says they are well worth it and as rob mentioned in the grand scheme of things are def justafiable.if you've ever worn muffs in 100+ deg. You know they suck, but alotta things suck when its 100 deg
laugh.gif
electronic plugs are on the short list
 
#49
Re: Best Electonic Hearing Protection

As an audiologist, it makes me smile to see folks chatting up hearing protection. In the hearing industry, Westone is well-known for their hearing protection products, and they've recently released their own digital customs - the DefendEar Digital. They're very nice; they're made by folks who really know hearing protection and ears. The attenuation data is solid as well.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SuppressorJunkie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My god I know you have to protect your hearing but 2100? The technology has been around for awhile and I dont think prescription hearing aids cost that much...Just cant do it

What is something reasonable that is near the performance?

Also NNR is slightly more of a concern to me than being able to hear across a mountain personally for my uses </div></div>

SuppressorJunkie, in my area, it's not uncommon for a set of digital hearing aids from an audiologist to go for $5,000+.
 
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