Sordin Headsets

[Beerfest19]

Anybody have any experience on their headsets? I just bought a Barrett 50 BMG, and looking at doubling up on ear pro. I’m looking for a highly rated NRR headset. I seen these come up and they look solid. Does anybody have experience on these? If so can you please post. Thanks!!

 

[sinister]

Sordins are great -- but not for .50 cals.

You probably want soft EAR plugs and an old school Dave Clark dedicated headset. You can get electro Dave Clarks flightline sets.

 

[AllenOne1]

The Sordins are great for comfort but their NRR rating could be better.

50 BMG: Get a suppressor for it, you can thank me later.

 

[Threadcutter308]

Anybody have any experience on their headsets? I just bought a Barrett 50 BMG, and looking at doubling up on ear pro. I’m looking for a highly rated NRR headset. I seen these come up and they look solid. Does anybody have experience on these? If so can you please post. Thanks!!

No experience relative to 50’s, but I have a pair of Sordins and really like them. The only downside is that the headband models are short. I’d suggest the ones that have the back of the head contraption so that you can wear a hat over them.

 

[RedRockCharlie]

I have two sets of Sordins (1 with the regular headband and another pair with the neckband). Threadcutter is correct...the regular headband one can be short if you have a big head (like me), and when wearing a cap or hat, it's just too short to cover the ears fully. So, that's why I got the neckband model, which is way more comfy and gives my ears full coverage. Now, as for sound attenuation, their NRR is rather poor...even with the gel ear cups. They are meant to be used so you can hear your surroundings (while blocking out most of the high dB sounds), but for a 50 BMG, I think they will not be very good to protect your hearing, even if you double-up with foamies underneath (which I do when I'm shooting indoors). I suggest doubling up with foamies AND using a non-communication headset with a very high NRR rating as others have suggested.

 

[LuvDog]

They are great but you definitely need the gel cups.

 

[roostercogburn98]

I enjoy my Sordins. Dang twin radio cables get in the way a lot, but a little bit of tape keeps them tucked away.


As far as a 50 goes. I concur with other posts. I ALWAYS double plugged with my Barrett. Soft foam in the ear, and some muffs over.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I have two sets of Sordins (1 with the regular headband and another pair with the neckband). Threadcutter is correct...the regular headband one can be short if you have a big head (like me), and when wearing a cap or hat, it's just too short to cover the ears fully. So, that's why I got the neckband model, which is way more comfy and gives my ears full coverage. Now, as for sound attenuation, their NRR is rather poor...even with the gel ear cups. They are meant to be used so you can hear your surroundings (while blocking out most of the high dB sounds), but for a 50 BMG, I think they will not be very good to protect your hearing, even if you double-up with foamies underneath (which I do when I'm shooting indoors). I suggest doubling up with foamies AND using a non-communication headset with a very high NRR rating as others have suggested.

Yeah, I don't have a big head (or small), I think I'm 7.25", maybe 7.375" hat size at most.

 

[Beerfest19]

So what are you guys running for electronic ear pro? Maybe I’ll just go peltor or something.

 

[Nik H]

I shoot a braked 338 LM quite a bit and I double up with Sordins and some custom in ear plugs and it they work better than most I have tried including the Peltors

 

[db2000]

Recoil from a .308 is enough to rattle the Sordins and shut them off. One pair had the battery box replaced under warranty and the new pair it doesn’t seem to happen nearly as often but still does sometimes if the stock is in contact during recoil. Definitely agree with soft earplugs plus over the ear something.

 

[CK1.0]

Sordins, with gel cups, are great when worn over plugs, and IMO that's the only way to go... everyone needs to double-plug around these guns unless they're shooting on their own while running a suppressor.

There are new ones that came out recently that have a better NRR, due to these "SFA ring" thingys they came up with and which I'm hoping retrofit onto the older Supremes (looks like they do). I plan to pick some up if I can find them.

The comments about the headband being small are true, with a trucker hat on, my melon is almost too big for them.

I use these under mine and recommend them if you're serious about holding onto your hearing: https://1of1custom.com/products/total-block

 

[Nik H]

SRS-Tactical are an evolution of the Sordins. I think they are more reliable and have better NRR. That is what I use now and they service MSA as well

 

[Beerfest19]

SRS-Tactical are an evolution of the Sordins. I think they are more reliable and have better NRR. That is what I use now and they service MSA as well

I’ll check those out.

 

[strikeeagle1]

I have 3 sets of the MSA Sordin's with gel cups. Have used Sordins for 8-10 ears now. 2 of the 3 I had the electronics rebuilt by SRS tactical due to on/off control issues. Last 6 months purchased the Safariland Liberator 2.0 with gel cups; easier to use battery compartment and nice voice command system reminding which of 3 filters are being used as well as ON / OFF notification.

 

[CK1.0]

I have 3 sets of the MSA Sordin's with gel cups. Have used Sordins for 8-10 ears now. 2 of the 3 I had the electronics rebuilt by SRS tactical due to on/off control issues. Last 6 months purchased the Safariland Liberator 2.0 with gel cups; easier to use battery compartment and nice voice command system reminding which of 3 filters are being used as well as ON / OFF notification. View attachment 8127374View attachment 8127375View attachment 8127376

How do the Safarilands compare to the Sordins? Are they any better for larger heads?

 

[Secant]

If you’re gonna double up on hearing protection, you might look at the Ops Core Amp with NFMI.

 

[Nik H]

If you’re gonna double up on hearing protection, you might look at the Ops Core Amp with NFMI.

I looked into these but have no need of a microphone and couldn’t determine if that could be removed

 

[Secant]

I looked into these but have no need of a microphone and couldn’t determine if that could be removed

It comes off. It’s the first thing I did with mine.

 

[Beerfest19]

It comes off. It’s the first thing I did with mine.

What rating is it, and what’s the msrp?

 

[Secant]

What rating is it, and what’s the msrp?

here

 

[Beerfest19]

here

A little steep for a headset. I’d probably spend $2-$300 on one. For $1500 with a low NRR rating, think I’d rather buy some 50 bmg ammo.

 

[db2000]

here

That link is hilarious

 

[Beerfest19]

That link is hilarious

Also kind of weird that he would have that.

 

[RKBArmory]

I was a forward observer in The USMC, and we were quite used to talking on the radio while loud things were happening around us. However, we were once forced to be in the same observation post as a .50 Cal Barrett, and it was an entirely new ballgame. We had to get up and scramble / walk down the hill from the .50 cal, just to have any hope of talking on the radio. (this was during a training exercise in Jordan, I think). But it's OK, the government gave us earplugs, which you couldn't wear while talking on the radio.

 

[Beerfest19]

I was a forward observer in The USMC, and we were quite used to talking on the radio while loud things were happening around us. However, we were once forced to be in the same observation post as a .50 Cal Barrett, and it was an entirely new ballgame. We had to get up and scramble / walk down the hill from the .50 cal, just to have any hope of talking on the radio. (this was during a training exercise in Jordan, I think). But it's OK, the government gave us earplugs, which you couldn't wear while talking on the radio.

You mean the same defective 3m ones I got.

 

[M8541Reaper]

I was a forward observer in The USMC, and we were quite used to talking on the radio while loud things were happening around us. However, we were once forced to be in the same observation post as a .50 Cal Barrett, and it was an entirely new ballgame. We had to get up and scramble / walk down the hill from the .50 cal, just to have any hope of talking on the radio. (this was during a training exercise in Jordan, I think). But it's OK, the government gave us earplugs, which you couldn't wear while talking on the radio.

::insert “you guys got earpro?” meme::


@Beerfest19 trust me man, don’t skimp on ear pro. I know it seems like a lot for a quality set and that the money would be better spent on ammo…but it isn’t. Once you lose dBs, they’re gone. You’ll be glad you did. …a lesson I wish I learned long ago.

 

[Hairball]

I have three pairs (MSA/Sordin/Avenger) all with gel cups. Like others, I have sent off a set for a new battery box. I double up when I shoot a .50 or .416 but not with .338 or below. I don’t have any issues with them on 50s. A suppressor would be nice but we can’t have them where I live.

 

[Beerfest19]

::insert “you guys got earpro?” meme::


@Beerfest19 trust me man, don’t skimp on ear pro. I know it seems like a lot for a quality set and that the money would be better spent on ammo…but it isn’t. Once you lose dBs, they’re gone. You’ll be glad you did. …a lesson I wish I learned long ago.

Pretty sure a $200-300 headset is more than what most people spend on headsets. I’m looking at proears brand now. They have some rated up too 31 NRR.

 

[Lowlight]

I will say,

A pair of my Sordin's went down, the ears stopped working
I wrote them, they told me I put the batteries in wrong and stopped responding

I don't feel they stand behind the overpriced product

 

[Beerfest19]

I will say,

A pair of my Sordin's went down, the ears stopped working
I wrote them, they told me I put the batteries in wrong and stopped responding

I don't feel they stand behind the overpriced product

Good to know. Thanks!!

 

[ratton]

SRS Tactical will take care of any problems your Sordins have.

 

[pineoak]

I AM the meme that they are too low in NRR... my ears were ringing even shooting 9mm and .45 pistol with them

they needed ear plugs to be used with .308 or 6.5CM for me

at which point the clarity and great sound were kind of moot

Are they higher quality sound? Yes.

Does it work out well? Iffy from my experience with 2 sets.

 

[strikeeagle1]

I think its wise to use foam plugs in the ear canal + any external ear pro as it is pretty easy to displace the right ear pro while
setting the desired cheek weld, which results in no right ear protection.....ringing is the telltale result.

 

[tk427]

+2 on inner foam ear pro.

As for active / electronic outer for .50 - especially a Barrett with brake - I'd forget it. The Shockwave messes them around and you don't get true protection

Buy an old fashion, industrial machines hop style outer, and check your cheek weld.

Also, for any spotters, ensure the same thing, the Barrett brake pushes more air around the shooter - shooter gets it easy - and they will suffer more.

I spotted for 180 rounds, M33 660 gn, M82, elevated platform, last Tuesday, double ear pro and still felt like I'd bee ran over by a truck

 

[Bantam1]

My buddy just had his Sordin's take a shit on Sunday while we were out. He said it sounded like wind noise before they cut out completely. He tried turning them on and off but it didn't change. I advised him to take the batteries out as maybe it needed to reset. The batteries were super hot to the touch. Like borderline meltdown hot. New Energizer lithium batteries.

I have the TCI DEHP and have zero issues. I think they are about 8 years old now. Indoor range I double up with the foam. Outside with normal rifle stuff I have no issues. I do not shoot 50 or anything like that but have been to the public ranges where the 50 guys shoot a lot. I never had any issues being near them while shooting wearing the TCI's.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

I wore sordins for the last 12-15 years or so. They eventually fail, suck in the wind and give you a headache wearing them all day ( with gel cups).

If I was buying new today, and it had to be muffs it would be ops core. My buddies in Afsoc switched to them a few years ago and threw their sordins in the trash. The como guys got tired of dealing with msa when they brokem. It's night and day difference in audio and durability quality


If you don't need coms, the ESP apex are the shit. I got a pair this year and they are awesome. In ear, cuts down wind, fully adjustable, forget you even have them in. Downside is they are expensive and goes through batteries pretty fast. ( but they are cheap).

 

[Budrichard]

Hearing Protectors

Hearing Protectors

store.davidclark.com

That being Posted, I have Sordins and find them great for track usage and other loud outdoor events but for shooting of any kind, I now wear passive Sordins and foam plugs for maximum noise reduction.
Have also acquired 22lr, 556, 9mm and 30cal suppressors.
From an OTL Dr who works with Marine Artillery, the sound is conducted to the inner ear also through the mastoid bone. Doc told me the Marines eat Motrin.
So now on the pistol, rifle and Trap ranges it’s double passive protection for me.
-Richard

 

[opeagle]

The term Sordin is a bit off these days. There are a few places using the cups and headsets putting their electronics in them. Safariland / Tac Comm / etc.
I always put gel pads on them and sometimes put foam earplugs in when shooting bigger stuff.


I’ve killed the electronics in an original set of Sordins due to corrosion on the board. This set had a battery box replaced once.

I have a set of DEHP’s and a newer set of Swat Com’s and have had no issues with either. I do want to try the Ops Core next but they are awfully pricey in my opinion.

 

[strikeeagle1]

I do want to try the Ops Core next but they are awfully pricey in my opinion.

My current hi-tech blue tooth iphone controlled hearing aids were $6000. One can purchase years of high quality hearing protection for that kind of $cratch!

 

[opeagle]

Your not wrong

 

[kthomas]

I AM the meme that they are too low in NRR... my ears were ringing even shooting 9mm and .45 pistol with them

they needed ear plugs to be used with .308 or 6.5CM for me

at which point the clarity and great sound were kind of moot

Are they higher quality sound? Yes.

Does it work out well? Iffy from my experience with 2 sets.

You definitely need to double plug with them if you're not shooting suppressed, or even shooting suppressed under a covering.