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Latest Hearing Protection
- Thread starter AZgeek
- Start date
Maybe not so new and exciting, but for plugs I've always used the Surefire plugs (EP7/EP4 Defenders) and they've been super comfortable and they stay put (with the right size). As for muffs, I recently got a pair of the Howard Leight Impact Sports that everyone seems to have. They're pretty comfortable and slim, but I haven't been able to hit the range with them yet. They also have some aftermarket options like different headbands and gel ear cups that I liked.
Electronic/active or passive protection?
For passive, I have been using the Surefire "Sonic Defender" line for about 2 years now and having really good luck (same lineup as mentioned by Mark above). They are only $10-$20 depending on the exact model you choose and provide adequate protection for shooting a braked .223 outside.
If I am shooting inside or using any larger rifles (or SBRs) then I double up (plugs + muffs) with a set of MSA Sordin muffs which are not cheap, but they are very slim and do not interfere with proper cheek weld on a rifle. I also use them for USPSA, PRS, etc where it's important to be able to hear range commands and hear my spotter giving me directions and wind calls.
For passive, I have been using the Surefire "Sonic Defender" line for about 2 years now and having really good luck (same lineup as mentioned by Mark above). They are only $10-$20 depending on the exact model you choose and provide adequate protection for shooting a braked .223 outside.
If I am shooting inside or using any larger rifles (or SBRs) then I double up (plugs + muffs) with a set of MSA Sordin muffs which are not cheap, but they are very slim and do not interfere with proper cheek weld on a rifle. I also use them for USPSA, PRS, etc where it's important to be able to hear range commands and hear my spotter giving me directions and wind calls.
I have wanted to be impressed with the Sonic Defenders but I just can’t. Every pair I’ve had have worked great for the first hour or two of use. Then one or both won’t stay sealed in my ear. I’d think it was a sizing issue but they work well to start then quit working. True, they’re only $12-13 but that buys a whole lot of cheap baffle style plugs.
The sizing on the Sonics refers only to the large rubber "ring" that sits in the bowl of your ear, not the size of the tip that actually plugs your ear canal. I don't think getting a different size would help you very much.
If they start to lose their sound seal after 1-2 hours, I would recommend trying a different style, i.e. if you have the silicone "christmas tree" plugs, try out the soft foam-rubber tips instead. Or vice versa. Or maybe they just don't quite work with your ears and you'd simply be better off with disposable foamies which conform to pretty much every possible ear shape.
Been running Otto NoizeBarriers daily for 6 months now and would highly recommend them.
I had the same issue with the 2 flange models. The 3 flange keep their seal much better in my ears. I really like the defenders, they are effective and very comfortable.
I find my Peltor Comtac muffs don’t interfere with the stock and happen to be selling my spare set in the PX.
Just started using the EP4. Really like them! My daughter does also.
I can wear them on their own or put a pair of muffs over the top for double protection. Comfy and they work.
Initially I had problems getting them to seal. It seems that I have to give them a good insert into my canal. When I do that they stay and seal up for good sound protection.
Sizing, unless you are an xxl kinda guy get the mediums. I am a large guy and thought I needed large size but the mediums fit easier. The larges have to be fiddled with to get right.
I can wear them on their own or put a pair of muffs over the top for double protection. Comfy and they work.
Initially I had problems getting them to seal. It seems that I have to give them a good insert into my canal. When I do that they stay and seal up for good sound protection.
Sizing, unless you are an xxl kinda guy get the mediums. I am a large guy and thought I needed large size but the mediums fit easier. The larges have to be fiddled with to get right.
The EPs are great, but I find I need to 'lick lube' them to get them fit tight. I'd rather wear muffs, but that is the last thing I want is a pair of ear muffs on a hot day.
I'm looking for electronic, in ear. If they Blue toothed to an iPhone, all the better. My Bose headphones for traveling are getting a bit wonky. Something that would work as ear-pro and headphones (what about the mic function) would be the bomb.
I'm looking for electronic, in ear. If they Blue toothed to an iPhone, all the better. My Bose headphones for traveling are getting a bit wonky. Something that would work as ear-pro and headphones (what about the mic function) would be the bomb.
EAR Inc has a SHOTHUNT series that is in-ear electronic plugs, I've been using them for over 3 years now without a hiccup. Super lightweight, super comfortable, good battery life and less expensive than the "custom molded" sets that will only be comfortable until your ears out grow them (yep your ears never stop growing). These also offer the best in class NRR rating at 32db, I can get these at a discount off retail, PM me if interested.
I'm not going to argue they are expensive, but they are a one stop shop. If you shoot shotguns at all, these are a dream. Dove hunting, Duck Hunting, Goose Hunting, etc. I also shoot with lots of people with no suppressors at all and end up wearing my hearing protection anyway. We all have pistols or other long guns we shoot that aren't suppressed. I can beat the online list price. They are the best investment I've made in a very long time.
I didnt believe you so I looked it up and just about shit my pants. And its not the cheap cans either!
Just saw that they were on sale for 44 shipped so I said sure, why not?
Of course that means I also just ordered some new howard leight impacts for 54 making it 2 bucks shy of your quoted 100
Just saw that they were on sale for 44 shipped so I said sure, why not?
Of course that means I also just ordered some new howard leight impacts for 54 making it 2 bucks shy of your quoted 100
You forgot the padded headband.
$22.50 Shipped.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Multicam-H...OC-Tactical-/332390237163?hash=item4d640083eb
$120.50 well spent IMO
Been shooting with custom earplugs for years. Latest set I sent in earmold in myself (wife helped make them) and company did really good final product.
https://www.earplugstore.com/westone-defendear-industrial-max.html
https://www.earplugstore.com/westone-defendear-industrial-max.html
I have a pair of those, they're okay but they don't work nearly as well as the older (tac 6? Or 7?) ones I have. A lot of people like 'em because they'll fit under a helmet (if that's an issue for you). But these larger Peltor tacticals just work much better. In fact, with the volume up, everything is louder EXCEPT the gunshot.
Nothing works if you don't wear it though. L. ear STILL ringing from last month firing a .50BMG with brake and no ear pro (had a suppressor but it wasn't on it at that time). The M2HB isn't NEARLY as loud, FWIW. It was a mistake but it was a painful one (next shot I got scope bit if you can believe that!) Had tinnitus ever since blowing shit up in the army, shot a LOT with no ear pro, but it had sort of softened... Now it's driving me fucking crazy again.
Hearing loss is actually the least of your concerns IME. For all the exposure to loud noise, I had no hearing loss when I got out of the army. But tinnitus isn't considered hearing loss. Nay, I'll probably never experience total quiet again in my life. So get good ear pro.
Those Peltor's were expensive, but they have an NRR nearly ten digits higher or more than most others.
Mine was from being drunk and playing with fireworks when I was young and dumb. So my hearing is very compromised and tinnitus is my constant. It sucks and I’ve had it since 1977 you don’t get used to it just accept it. I use double hearing protection 95% of the time, and suppressors whenever possible.
If you are running Howard Leight right now, go check out these guys. A new startup with replacement gel cups that are cut for glasses. These are cheap replacements that give Howard headset a completely new feel and improved performance!! You will be amazed how much better they feel during long range trips or classes.
https://noisefighters.com/
https://noisefighters.com/
I got a pair of Otto Noizefighters a few weeks ago and have had them at range outings a couple of times so far. They were comfortable and performed well.
Used them by themselves with success with suppressed shooters and as an RSO while working behind the firing line. Added muffs over them when a few magnum rifles equipped with aggressive brakes where brought to the firing line.
BTW, the rechargeable Otto case is really a cool design. I mostly got them to wear while hunting unsuppressed but will consider them for further use at the range.
Used them by themselves with success with suppressed shooters and as an RSO while working behind the firing line. Added muffs over them when a few magnum rifles equipped with aggressive brakes where brought to the firing line.
BTW, the rechargeable Otto case is really a cool design. I mostly got them to wear while hunting unsuppressed but will consider them for further use at the range.
Funny, I lost most the hearing spontaneously in one ear as a teen. The ringing started then and never stopped but it never really bothered me. In fact, for a long time I just thought that was what silence sounded like.......
