Favorite low profile ears?

Winny94

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  • Nov 19, 2013
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    It's going to be a while before I can can all of my rifles, so I'm looking for a set of ears that performs well, but also is low profile. I can't get a decent cheek weld with traditional over the ear muffs.

    Budget is undecided as are features - electronic are nice, but not necessary where I shoot for the most part
     
    The Surefire EP7's work really well for me. I've used it indoors and out and never had an issue with them or my hearing. I normally wear MSA Sordins but prefer in-ear for rifle shooting.
     
    This is relevant to my interests. I have a pair of Howard Leight Impact Sports and they work well for me. But i have a tiny head or my ears are high or something. I had to add a headband cover to it and wear a hat or they’ll drop down too low. I know it when they do because under recoil it smashes my cheek into the muff and I don’t care for that. They work well for blocking the sound though and haven’t bothered me to wear for extended periods since I added the gel cups to them.
     
    This is relevant to my interests. I have a pair of Howard Leight Impact Sports and they work well for me. But i have a tiny head or my ears are high or something. I had to add a headband cover to it and wear a hat or they’ll drop down too low. I know it when they do because under recoil it smashes my cheek into the muff and I don’t care for that. They work well for blocking the sound though and haven’t bothered me to wear for extended periods since I added the gel cups to them.

    Try finding some "behind the head" banded muffs. Makes a huge difference in comfort if you have to wear them for hours at a time.
     
    This is relevant to my interests. I have a pair of Howard Leight Impact Sports and they work well for me. But i have a tiny head or my ears are high or something. I had to add a headband cover to it and wear a hat or they’ll drop down too low. I know it when they do because under recoil it smashes my cheek into the muff and I don’t care for that. They work well for blocking the sound though and haven’t bothered me to wear for extended periods since I added the gel cups to them.

    Do you wear plugs under your earmuffs? The Howard Leights don't block enough noise to protect your ears.
     
    Just the muffs. I’ve never had any ringing with just muffs and don’t feel the need for the plugs as well. A set of gel cups for the muffs will block out more sound.

    Just because you've never had any ringing does not mean you haven't been damaging your hearing. Hearing loss is insidious, cumulative, and irreparable. Don't mess around unless you want to have tinnitus as an old man. And never shoot without ear pro.

    I have MSA Sordins with gel seals and have no problem with getting a good cheek weld. I often use a set of Surefire EP10 plugs underneath if I'm shooting indoors or shooting .223 with a short barrel.
     
    MSA Sordins plus a can, plugs underneath if there are heathens with brakes.

    I have ringing from RPGs being fired right next to me with inadequate ear pro, don’t fuck around with crappy ppe.
     
    Otto Noizebarriers, they are in ear so you dont have to deal with them getting all hot and sweaty and interfering with your rifle stock. They are rechargeable and very comfortable. There is a thread on them here that's worth reading.
     
    Otto Noizebarriers, they are in ear so you dont have to deal with them getting all hot and sweaty and interfering with your rifle stock. They are rechargeable and very comfortable. There is a thread on them here that's worth reading.

    A few buddies of mine have them and they LOVE them. They are expensive but worth a look. I will be looking for a pair when I can.
     
    A few buddies of mine have them and they LOVE them. They are expensive but worth a look. I will be looking for a pair when I can.

    Ebay does their coupons often, i got 20% off mine with one through the seller botach. keep an eye out there. They are absolutely worth it, even at the full price. Make sure you pick up some of the comply foam tips off of amazon for them though, they are much more comfortable.
     
    After 12.5yrs around jet engines I haven’t experienced hearing loss using them. I may be an anomaly? There data behind that remark? Genuinely curious.

    OSHA says hearing safe dB is 140. A gunshot from a braked rifle is probably around 160dB at the ear. Howard leight rates their impact sport muffs at NRR 22. The number is when the muffs are turned off in passive mode with a perfect seal around your ear. Most manufacturers also inflate their NRR ratings. The MSA Sordins have a similar NRR but are 5 times the cost. My guess is the Sordins NRR is more accurate.

    I have used the Howard Leights in the past, and I ended up getting tinnitus. Your ears really take a beating shooting next to a bunch of guys with braked rifles in a competition. You might hear 1000 rifle shots in a day.
     
    OSHA says hearing safe dB is 140. A gunshot from a braked rifle is probably around 160dB at the ear. Howard leight rates their impact sport muffs at NRR 22. The number is when the muffs are turned off in passive mode with a perfect seal around your ear. Most manufacturers also inflate their NRR ratings. The MSA Sordins have a similar NRR but are 5 times the cost. My guess is the Sordins NRR is more accurate.

    I have used the Howard Leights in the past, and I ended up getting tinnitus. Your ears really take a beating shooting next to a bunch of guys with braked rifles in a competition. You might hear 1000 rifle shots in a day.
    I've read up about the Sordins and from what I found they sound really good.

    https://trevoronthetrigger.wordpres...me-performance-the-misleading-nrr18db-rating/

    The HL's I used before were rated a bit higher than NR22 (27,30). From a guy who does not like to shave often, fitment is key. A good seal is a must. I've had to write up a lot of employees for not wearing their hearing pro. Almost every single person stated the don't like to wear them because it's uncomfortable. Like having a constant ringing in their ears or being deaf is an acceptable alternative... sigh.