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6/29/2026 3:10:32 PM EDT
Like the title says, whats the current consensus on ear pro? I have some hsa money that I can spend, and I might get a <$500 set.

I was looking at sordins years ago, but people seem mixed on them then, and some searching makes them still sound kinda mixed.

I've had my eye on peltor sport tactical 500's for a bit. $150 with bluetooth seems great. And it seems like I should be able to use the bluetooth for comms. But, buying gel cups for them puts me in the price range of a basic set of sordins, so maybe I should just do that?

I've been very happy with my howard leights, but I shoot enough I feel like I can justify trying something nicer.

Is there anything else really in the budget range to look at?
6/29/2026 3:45:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Greenspan][Edited] [#1]
Auto noise barrier comms model when there is a sale discount code at brownells. Make sure it is the dynamic mic type (not electrec)

Pros, they are so good as ear pro they sound the same as double up Howard leight with no foam plugs. Comms clarity is great. I use these for comms regularly.

Cons. I wish I could push the volume higher if I do put foam plugs in conversational voices are a tad quiet.

Keep in mind on your budget you still need money for a good ptt and a good radio.
6/29/2026 4:35:45 PM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By SteveJobs:
Like the title says, whats the current consensus on ear pro? I have some hsa money that I can spend, and I might get a <$500 set.

I was looking at sordins years ago, but people seem mixed on them then, and some searching makes them still sound kinda mixed.

I've had my eye on peltor sport tactical 500's for a bit. $150 with bluetooth seems great. And it seems like I should be able to use the bluetooth for comms. But, buying gel cups for them puts me in the price range of a basic set of sordins, so maybe I should just do that?

I've been very happy with my howard leights, but I shoot enough I feel like I can justify trying something nicer.

Is there anything else really in the budget range to look at?
View Quote


I have probably 80% of the major manufacturer ear pro sets on the market right now, a side bonus from work.

The Peltor 500's are nice, and if you need bluetooth, a good option.

My go to for just ear pro minus comms, is the Savior Equipment Apollo.  Great sound quality, comfort, and NRR
6/29/2026 5:13:53 PM EDT
[#3]
I didn't think blue tooth generally will be a great method for using headset for comms unless it's a cellphone connection
6/29/2026 9:42:06 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Greenspan:
I didn't think blue tooth generally will be a great method for using headset for comms unless it's a cellphone connection
View Quote

I have reservations, but I'm going to get a btech uv-pro which has bluetooth. And everyone says it works great. Cell phone and that in theory should work really well. I would think. I'd be curious to get more opinions.

But i also figure I'll use the nice ear pro for yard chores and mowing.
6/29/2026 10:10:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SteveJobs:

I have reservations, but I'm going to get a btech uv-pro which has bluetooth. And everyone says it works great. Cell phone and that in theory should work really well. I would think. I'd be curious to get more opinions.

But i also figure I'll use the nice ear pro for yard chores and mowing.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By SteveJobs:
Originally Posted By Greenspan:
I didn't think blue tooth generally will be a great method for using headset for comms unless it's a cellphone connection

I have reservations, but I'm going to get a btech uv-pro which has bluetooth. And everyone says it works great. Cell phone and that in theory should work really well. I would think. I'd be curious to get more opinions.

But i also figure I'll use the nice ear pro for yard chores and mowing.


Why the uv pro?
6/29/2026 11:12:30 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Greenspan:


Why the uv pro?
View Quote

Bluetooth with the tnc looks neat. And there are some plugins for running atak with it. I think it's reaching a level of popularity that its got an interesting level of support. Somewhat waterproof and price point help too.
6/30/2026 11:16:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Greenspan][Edited] [#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SteveJobs:

Bluetooth with the tnc looks neat. And there are some plugins for running atak with it. I think it's reaching a level of popularity that its got an interesting level of support. Somewhat waterproof and price point help too.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By SteveJobs:
Originally Posted By Greenspan:


Why the uv pro?

Bluetooth with the tnc looks neat. And there are some plugins for running atak with it. I think it's reaching a level of popularity that its got an interesting level of support. Somewhat waterproof and price point help too.


Makes sense if you need the features. I'll warn you on quality and using a push pin style port with no locking mechanism on a plate carrier or similar can be unreliable.

Also worth considering, look long term on your connection type because PTTs are expensive.

Good luck
7/1/2026 11:37:02 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Greenspan:


Makes sense if you need the features. I'll warn you on quality and using a push pin style port with no locking mechanism on a plate carrier or similar can be unreliable.

Also worth considering, look long term on your connection type because PTTs are expensive.

Good luck
View Quote

Thanks. Good call outs. I can't say that my comms needs are "needs" by any means. As much as I can't the stand ham radio nerds, most of my comms are just experimenting with ham radios at this point. But, its nice to have the capability.

I think i'm leaning back toward the peltor 500's for now.
7/12/2026 1:07:43 AM EDT
[#9]
Peltor 500's headband will break on you, and leave
them useless. Also, the 500s have no water resistance

No support from Peltor at all.

I really like them,  but consider them disposable.
7/12/2026 6:33:03 PM EDT
[#10]
Peltor's CS is legendarily shit.

I'd like a set, but I'm more than happy with my Sordins.
Don't forget about the Trail of Beers Happy Hour!
7/12/2026 9:45:53 PM EDT
[#11]
Sordins going strong
7/16/2026 1:23:08 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Gewehr3:
Peltor 500's headband will break on you, and leave
them useless. Also, the 500s have no water resistance

No support from Peltor at all.

I really like them,  but consider them disposable.
View Quote

This is an excellent tip to learn. I haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet.
7/17/2026 12:46:40 AM EDT
[#13]
That's odd, my Peltor 100's have been solid for years, headband's fine, and had them out in the rain quite a bit.  Snow too.  No issues.
7/19/2026 4:20:33 PM EDT
[#14]
I know it's out of your listed price range, however, if you haven't considered them, the OpsCore Amps are amazing, especially with the NFMI double-up plugs.  I have a pair of Sordins with the behind-the-neck band, a surplus pair of Comtac IIs or IIIs (don't remember exactly which model), an older pair of Silynx Clarus, and a set of Nacre Quiet-Pro exactly like I was issued for a brief period of time on active duty.  

The only pair I consistently use anymore is the Amps, and mostly with the NFMI plugs.  Using muffs over a hat, or with eye-pro, or anything that breaks the seal, the double-up capability with no loss of audio quality that the NFMI plugs afford is amazing.  They do burn through batteries fairly quickly, but all things considered, I don't regret spending the money on them.  I'm not intending to trash-talk any of the other models discussed here but I cannot speak highly enough of the Amps whenever hearing protection is brought up.

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