Current hearing protection favorite

[Thud]

It looks like Peltor has discontinued my favorite earmuffs the Shotgunner 1.
The shotgunner 2 is to wide and bangs on the stock and I cant get close enough.
What are some of you guys using that will let you get down on the stock and not bang on the ear muffs.
Thanks

 

[Trigger Monkey]

That's a shame, I mostly use the Peltor RangeGuard electronic muffs but I keep a set of Shotgunner 1 muffs around to use as a back up/extra pair in case someone needs them.

Caldwell has some low profile ear muffs as does Walker's. Another option is that you could try to track down a 3M Hygiene Kit with replacement foam and pads to extend the life of the ear muffs you have.

 

[Tony1320]

I bought msa sordins after a ton of recommendations from snipershide

I love them they are super comfortable and I can get a good cheek weld without them getting in the way. I never used headsets before because I couldnt get a good cheek weld without my headset getting in the way

When I shoot fclass with no muzzle brakes around I use them on a low setting. When I shoot prs with a lot of brakes around I double up with foam ear plugs and turn them on the highest setting so I get the earing protection but I can still communicate without yelling

 

[Wormydog1724]

MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X with the gel cups

 

[loveha]

Surefire EP10. Nothing fancy, comfortable all day, and don't get in the way. Wish I had them when I was going to rifle ranges in the Corps. Would like to try some electronic in ears some day. But they are on the very bottom of my list of every thing.

 

[Stellawood]

I rarely ever used over the ear protection, but when I do I use the Howard Leigh’s impact sports. To have them not bang on the stock you have to angle it a little. They’re mainly my handgun shooting ear pro. I would highly recommend going to an audiologists and getting a set of molded ear pro. It is impossible for them to get in the way. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can get ones that are electronic. I wouldn’t try and do the at home molded ones, it’ll just be a waste of money!

 

[antithesis]

The low cost route is the HL Impact with aftermarket Noisefighter gel pads as without the gel pads they don't make good contact below the ear, especially when wearing eye protection. The more expensive no-fuss option is the MSA SS Pro-X (I like my behind the head setup) with gel pads. If you are indoors both should be backed with an in the ear option. I use the Decibullz when doubling up.

 

[308pirate]

Ear muffs suck. Every single one of them whether they cost $15 at Menards or $350 from MSA.

• They make my head sweat like dog's balls
• Not one of them can approach the NRR of cheap-ass expanding foam ear plugs (if you can't get foam earplugs to work it's your fault)
• Not one that I've tried can let me get a proper cheekweld on a rifle without getting in the way
• You have to waste even more money on Gucci ear seals and headband padding to keep them from becoming a literal pain after more than an hour

Hard pass

 

[MarinePMI]

Another MSA Sordin fan here. Can wear mine for hours without discomfort (behind the head band) and no issues with cheek weld.

A lot of this is going to be dependent on the shape of your head and face, wrt to cheek weld. I can say this, I have fairly high cheek bones, which usually means my head is buried into the stock. With the Sordins it's still no issue for me.

Some people are just weird to fit, and struggle with ear pro muffs. <Shrug> Everyone is different, and so opinions abound about what is "most comfortable" and allows "proper cheek weld".

 

[308pirate]

The bottom line is this: NRR is KING

I already suffer from tinnitus and that shit will NOT go away and will only get WORSE with more exposure to noise.

There's a few ear muffs out that that barely reach 30 dB but they are giagantic and useful only for handgun shooting (if that).

I can buy a jar of 120, 34 dB foam ear plugs for $15 from Amazon.

 

[MarinePMI]

The problem with plugs, is that you can't hear much while wearing them, and as a result, many pull them out to talk and inevitably, expose themselves to loud noises as a result. As a PMI, I have literally spent hundreds of thousands of hours around firearms; both outside on a range, and indoors. Plugs work, but they are not the end all, be all, solution. Electronic muffs encourage constant usage and consistent protection. Plugs alone, do not.

This is coming form a middle aged guy, that does not have tinnitus because I recognized that while plugs offer greater protection when worn, often times, most don't wear them all the time because of their constraints. Audiologists are always surprised when I tell them my back ground, and they remark on how little hearing loss I have had (virtually none for my age). Get some type of muffs (preferrably electronic) and double up with plugs if needed (like for indoor environments). Economy should not be a high priority when it comes to your hearing.

JMTCW....

 

[308pirate]

It's not about the money. It's about the NRR. Yes, you can hear less with foam plugs. So I ask people to speak louder. And even then there are plugs that do let sound in below a threshold.

 

[Driftr76]

3M Skull Screws.

 

[antithesis]

No foam or over the ear has a high enough NRR if you go by the muzzle db. Shooter position and brake/suppressor/none matter as well. You also cannot simply add 2 NRR ratings together. I have contacted support for both Decibullz and MSA to find out about how their tech works with the target being the db of an APA LB brake off a 6.5 CM. I already have 60 % hearing loss on one side, nearly 20% on the other, despite wearing ear protection since I was a kid.

Foams alone are simply not the answer under all circumstances. Just because your ears are not ringing after you shoot does not mean you are not doing damage.

 

[Masked]

As an instructor, I hit my 2m round, about a month ago. I shoot a LOT.

Surefire sort of "sponsored" us while ago and sent me a shitload of the EP7's. I have an entire box full.

I wear these alone most of the time, unless I'm on 300wm or beyond, then I double up with a pair of Peltors.

I have 2 sets. For the helmet rig I normally ditch the EP7's and just go with my Peltor Comtac 3's or my Peltor Tactical 300s.

One of my students was talking to me about the new Peltor tactical earplugs - Apparently they're pretty awesome.

 

[Airw4ves]

Surefire EP7 with the plug removed, and MSA Sordins for me. I can hear just fine with both in, and feel better should my position cause the seal of my muffs break. All day comfort

 

[dyecocker1]

I am a farmer, 90% of my life I have ear plugs in anyways. The more you wear them the easier it is to hear small noises no need to take them out, ever. No problems shooting rifles. I shoot everything suppressed and I still wear plugs. Howard Leight Laser Lites (32db NRR) for me. I hand them out to friends like candy.

 

[atepointer]

No foam or over the ear has a high enough NRR if you go by the muzzle db. Shooter position and brake/suppressor/none matter as well. You also cannot simply add 2 NRR ratings together. I have contacted support for both Decibullz and MSA to find out about how their tech works with the target being the db of an APA LB brake off a 6.5 CM. I already have 60 % hearing loss on one side, nearly 20% on the other, despite wearing ear protection since I was a kid.

Foams alone are simply not the answer under all circumstances. Just because your ears are not ringing after you shoot does not mean you are not doing damage.

Did they expound on adding the 2 when doubling up with foam squishys + muffs? I think I read at one point it's not cumulative. Say if squishy is 34 and muff is 25 it's not exactly 59dB reduction. Is that right or do you just add up the layers? I never shoot w/o at least muffs even with can, but when lots are shootingI double up. Def a dif, but don't know what my number really is...thanks.

 

[308pirate]

Did they expound on adding the 2 when doubling up with foam squishys + muffs? I think I read at one point it's not cumulative. Say if squishy is 34 and muff is 25 it's not exactly 59dB reduction. Is that right or do you just add up the layers? I never shoot w/o at least muffs even with can, but when lots are shootingI double up. Def a dif, but don't know what my number really is...thanks.

Earplug & Noise Reduction Ratings Explained

Cooper Safety Supply is committed to providing ANSI & OSHA Certified ear plugs, ear muffs & noise reduction products for industrial & commercial applications.

www.coopersafety.com

How does wearing dual hearing protectors change NRR?
When hearing protectors are worn in combination (i.e. earplugs AND earmuffs), rather than adding the two NRR numbers together, you simply add five more decibels of protection to the device with the higher NRR. For example, using 3M™ E-A-R™ Classic Earplugs (NRR 29) with 3M™ Peltor™ H7 Deluxe Earmuffs (NRR 27) would provide a Noise Reduction Rating of approximately 34 decibels

 

[atepointer]

Earplug & Noise Reduction Ratings Explained

Cooper Safety Supply is committed to providing ANSI & OSHA Certified ear plugs, ear muffs & noise reduction products for industrial & commercial applications.

www.coopersafety.com

Ahh ok thanks so I'm at 37 with dualies and 32 with squish

 

[dyecocker1]

One of my students was talking to me about the new Peltor tactical earplugs - Apparently they're pretty awesome.

They can be as awesome as they like. With only a 30 db NRR I would have to pass. I have a pair of pro sounds H2P plugs and they are only 30db NRR, between being louder than my cheapie plugs and having constantly dead batteries. No Thanks

 

[Wormydog1724]

I've never had an issue getting a cheekweld on a rifle or shotgun with my MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X with gel cups.

 

[Masked]

They can be as awesome as they like. With only a 30 db NRR I would have to pass. I have a pair of pro sounds H2P plugs and they are only 30db NRR, between being louder than my cheapie plugs and having constantly dead batteries. No Thanks

10-4.

I've actually been looking for a pair of bluetooth "muffs" or at least something noise cancelling I can wear in the shop and still hear someone if it's needed.

 

[dyecocker1]

I've never had an issue getting a cheekweld on a rifle or shotgun with my MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X with gel cups.

Yea, but why would I spend 250$ when I can get way better NRR from a foamie?

 

[Wormydog1724]

Yea, but why would I spend 250$ when I can get way better NRR from a foamie?

I don't know why you do things. Nor do I care.

 

[OverWatching]

I use MSA Sordins for pistol shooting, and in-ear customs for rifle. I have to say though, I got one of those specials at SHOT where they make you a silicon mold and then send you a silicon plug. Super inexpensive and they block out everything! If I have some guys shooting their 338s next to me, I'll reach for the cheap ones.

 

[Nik H]

MSA Sordin Pro

Make sure you buy from an authorized dealer or warranty will be a problem if you ever should need it

@Triad is where I bought mine

 

[308pirate]

I don't know why you do things. Nor do I care.

That's about how much we care if you can shoot a rifle with earmuffs on, since facial structure and head dimensions are different from one person to the next.

 

[Wormydog1724]

That's about how much we care if you can shoot a rifle with earmuffs on, since facial structure and head dimensions are different from one person to the next.

That was exactly my point. Thank you for emphasizing it.

 

[Dougie308]

Walker Razors and 3M plugs

It looks like Peltor has discontinued my favorite earmuffs the Shotgunner 1.
The shotgunner 2 is to wide and bangs on the stock and I cant get close enough.
What are some of you guys using that will let you get down on the stock and not bang on the ear muffs.
Thanks

 

[pineoak]

I had MSA Sordin X and didn't care for them. I prefer the Peltor Tactical Sports ($120) by a lot.

I run small/womens size earplugs with the Tac Sports turned all the way up.

The ear plugs are easier to get into the ear canal faster and with less effort. The amplification allows enough for people on the range as long as they are not whispering or murmuring.

I recommend people shoot with silencers and always run the most ear pro they can.

YOU CAN NEVER GET YOUR HEARING BACK. EVER.

Don't want to be the isolated old person nodding at everyone because they can't hear anything.

 

[antithesis]

Don't want to be the isolated old person nodding at everyone because they can't hear anything.

All depends on who is doing the talking!

 

[LawnMM]

Sordins

 

[ToddM]

Foams are the best, period, NRR rules, when it comes to saving your hearing nothing works better. If you won't leave them in of course they don't work. They are not comfy after long periods of time, but they never leak and they work better than muffs or molded. Everyone is different on muffs, myself I have never found a pair of muffs I can shoot a rifle/shotgun with that did not noticeably leak because of the cheek weld and I've tried most all the popular ones. Sorry but howard light impact sports are a joke when it comes to noise reduction.

I've shot more trap targets than anyone ever should, and for decades I swore by the molded plugs, but even those do not compare to foam plugs inserted correctly. The molded plugs still tend to "open" slightly with a cheek weld, even those molded very tight, they ARE super comfy and shotguns are not that loud, and it's outdoors, so not a huge deal. Indoors in a handgun range the difference between solid molded plugs by a professional and foamies is still significant and in favor of foamies. The other option is to use electronic muffs with foamies to hear range commands, socialize etc.

Also sadly you can't believe the NRR rating, I've had 3-4 brand name muffs all rated to 31-34db tested in an indoor range, and there was a significant difference between how well they performed and the one that performed the best was a 31db 3m model. Another combo I like using is the Surefire Max Defenders with muffs

 

[MarinePMI]

Necro threads much?

 

[JAS-SH]

Walker’s Razor Bluetooth. I was skeptical when I pulled the trigger on them but they work great. If they are powered down they just work like ear plugs so not so good off. But when powered on the loudest part of the shot is the supersonic crack. I like them because they never interfere with the rifle stock. And hearing conversations and range commands is sweet!

They come with 3 different size plugs. Very important to find the right size for you. And also you have to compress them with your fingers for a bit before inserting them in your ears. They then quickly expand to fit your ear shape.

I also bought a pair of Walker’s Razor Slim Passive muffs at the same time as backup and keep those in my bag. I also double up and wear those over the Bluetooth ones when shooting indoors, or outdoors if the person next to me decides the shoot a .50 BMG! Great combo because the Bluetooth still amplifies the conversations.

Amazon has the Walker’s Razor Bluetooth for $99.00 which is a great deal.

 

[3GN_Lurker]

I usually double plug with Howard Leight impact sport over custom molded in-ear plugs. I can still hear range commands and I'm covered if my over ear comes loose.