Posted: 3/11/2023 8:58:14 PM EDT
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Anybody out there that can comment on these? Struggling at times to maintain my remaining hearing, following a career in the FA, competition shooting for years, since a 12 y.o., and now hunting and lots of pistol practice. The stated noise protection on these "U.S. made items" is "...up to 40 dBs...," well higher than the usual 23-25 dBs on electronic earmuffs. They're not cheap, with a street price of around $400+. I try to always use earpro even when hunting and am wondering if these would be both effective and comfortable for long periods of time. Additionally, do they remain "plugged in" during normal and sudden movements, because I'd hate to lose one or both when out in the weeds. Thanks. "OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro" otto-comm.com |
"Arms are the only true badges of liberty. The possession of arms is the distinction of a free man from a slave." -- Andrew Fletcher 1698
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I've been using them for going on 3 years with hundreds of hours wearing them and highly recommend them. I use them with the foam tips that come with them. ( Etymotic Research ER38-14F available on Amazon appear to be identical replacements ). I'm not sure if 40db NRR is right, but they're right up there with 33db non-electronic foam plugs. Some people use Peltor SkullScrews with them but at least in my ears the NRR seemed to drop significantly with those so went right back to the foamies. I regularly use these by themselves at a 16 lane indoor range with mixed use rifle and pistol lanes. I have also shot comped handguns inside enclosed vehicles with only these inserted during vcqb type training. As long as you know how to properly insert foam plugs in far enough, these will stay put through most activities. I've done repeated breakfalls onto hard ground as well as ground positional movement with them in and they stayed put. As for comfort, I have worn them for 10 hours straight in training without any noticeable discomfort. The batteries started to go around hour 8 though without a break to recharge. Make sure to buy from an authorized dealer if you do. Otto has been fantasic on the customer service front but I have had them replaced twice under warranty. The first time was after that mentioned long training day a few months after getting them, and when I found out one discharged a bit faster than the other. The second time was recently when one ear stopped charging entirely. In both cases I received brand new sets for no charge and quickly with no hassle. These plugs get a good workout with me and Otto has happily taken care of me each time. They honestly have some of the best customer service I have experienced anywhere. If it helps, I got mine from https://www.hitechwireless.com/coupon-codes/ Around $410 now it looks like with coupon code. |
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pgm74 Thanks for the info. The OTTO figure of up to 40 dBs was published in the current edition of the Rifleman, p. 28. Agree that purchasing from the authorized dealer is important. Thanks again! |
"Arms are the only true badges of liberty. The possession of arms is the distinction of a free man from a slave." -- Andrew Fletcher 1698
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Yes, I have a set and I like them. However the original clear plastic tips didn't work for me. None of them fit well. If I turned up the volume I got feedback from sound leaking out of the ear canal into the mic. Once I replaced them with these they worked much better https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VNB0UC/?th=1 They are very comfortable. I'd like another volume step between normal and high. |
I know I'll never go home.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.
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Originally Posted By TNC: Yes, I have a set and I like them. However the original clear plastic tips didn't work for me. None of them fit well. If I turned up the volume I got feedback from sound leaking out of the ear canal into the mic. Once I replaced them with these they worked much better https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VNB0UC/?th=1 They are very comfortable. I'd like another volume step between normal and high. Yep. Those were also purchased upon other advice. None of them worked out for me though. Oh well. |
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Originally Posted By GunnyFitz: Yep. Those were also purchased upon other advice. None of them worked out for me though. Oh well. Originally Posted By GunnyFitz: Originally Posted By TNC: Yes, I have a set and I like them. However the original clear plastic tips didn't work for me. None of them fit well. If I turned up the volume I got feedback from sound leaking out of the ear canal into the mic. Once I replaced them with these they worked much better https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VNB0UC/?th=1 They are very comfortable. I'd like another volume step between normal and high. Yep. Those were also purchased upon other advice. None of them worked out for me though. Oh well. You must have extra big ear holes. I think I heard a guy in your ear say "help me find the keys to my jeep and we'll drive out of here" 
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I know I'll never go home.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.