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Posted: 6/25/2017 10:12:22 AM EDT
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So after reading quite a bit, and wanting to keep my ears from getting any worse, I need some suggestions.
I've always worn ear plugs, but with an AR, the report is greater than what they will block, so damage occurs. Makes sense anyway. Who makes the very best ear muffs, that block the most sound? I actually don't care about price, just want good. Sources to buy would be great too. Thanks for the input. |
| How important is hearing conversations/ commands/ ambient sounds? If so, this is where electronic ear pro shine. At the very minimum, the Impact Sports from Howard Leight would be a good budget starting point, but if you want some of the best (in terms of minimizing gunfire report while maximizing ambient hearing), you can get the non-commed version of the Peltor Comtacs for around $200. |
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How important is hearing conversations/ commands/ ambient sounds? If so, this is where electronic ear pro shine. At the very minimum, the Impact Sports from Howard Leight would be a good budget starting point, but if you want some of the best (in terms of minimizing gunfire report while maximizing ambient hearing), you can get the non-commed version of the Peltor Comtacs for around $200. |
| In that case, for absolute noise blockage, I would just get a pair of 3M H10A Optime 105 ear muffs and put in ear plugs under them. Cheap solution, but it's easy to block out noise for not much costs. I really don't think you can lessen any more noise than that. It's if you want to start hearing conversations and ambient noises while still maintaining your hearing is where costs go way up. |
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If you are looking strictly at NRR numbers, non- electronic muffs or foam plugs provide the highest NRR numbers (up to 30 db).
Most electronic ear-pro only provide NRR's in the low 20's. The added benefit is that this is, by far, the cheapest option. The downside is that you cannot hear what others are saying. |
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Any plugs combined with any muffs will beat the best plugs or muffs alone.
Peltor shotguner with foam disposables will stop any hearing damage from any amount of shooting. SBR, muzzle brakes, indoor, whatever. The best muffs are huge and get in the way. Studies show the type of plug worn in combination matters a lot, the type of muffs matters very little. So just get a cheap Peltor Shotguner that is slim and be happy your hearing is protected. |
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The best I have used is the Silynx Clarus Pro.....However, I sent mine back for repair/replacement and have been waiting 4 months..... |
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Easiest way is to just double up. Muffs over plugs, rifles at the indoor range don't bother me.
Foam plugs may have high NRR numbers, but that depends on them sealing up perfectly which is a real bitch to do reliably. Frankly even then I don't really believe cheap foam earplugs at 30+ NRR. My plastic/rubber plugs are absolutely quieter than faom and have a lwoer NRR. |
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I have two sets of Impact Sports from Howard Leight. They work well. Just don't store them for long periods of time with the batteries installed. I've had fresh batts corrode twice.
I shoot a lot (usually 2x or more a week), and have fairly significant tinnitus (ringing in the ears) coupled with hearing loss. As a result, I actually wear foam ear plugs in conjunction with my Impact Sport muffs. |
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Why call them trash? I've had mine for about 3 years and they've been great. Admittedly I haven't used them super hard, but I really like my Sordins. I don't think a lot of people realize there's different versions of Sordins, and they just state "My Sordins broke" when they probably abused a cheaper model. I have Supreme Pro X's, the sturdiest (and most expensive) model. From what I understand they're the only ones with true waterproofing, as the circuit board is lacquered. They also have superior electronics, as evidenced by the differences in battery life and the fact that the Pro X has one more level of amplification than the Supreme Basic. The Sordin Supreme Basic has a stated battery life of only 150 hours, while the Supreme Pro X has a stated battery life of 600 hours. The Supreme Pro X is also IP67 rated, meaning it has the highest rating for protection against ingress of solids (dust, dirt, etc.) and is rated for 30 minutes of submersion in up to 3 feet of water. The Supreme Basic and Supreme Pro models both lack this rating, only the Supreme Pro X has the IP67 rating. The Supreme Pro X is also the only model with a 5 year warranty against damage of the electronics by moisture. Does this mean Sordins never fail? No, of course they do. Like with any electronics failure is always a possibility but I get the feeling the reports of failures with Sordins are overblown. |
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As stated, a decent pair of over-the-head hearing protectors, doubled-up with ear plugs will suit most folks. It's very commonly done when shooting indoors.
The electronic hearing protectors are much more expensive, but they have serious benefits, such as situational awareness. Protect your hearing first, and foremost, and then upgrade, as you can afford it, and as research dictates. |
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Some people have reported issues with Sordins having connection issues, I.E. some models seem to end up with loose wiring or bad solder or something. No one ever seems to actually know what the problem is and the circumstances surrounding their purported failures are often not expounded upon. Aside from that the positive reviews far outnumber the negative reviews. I don't think a lot of people realize there's different versions of Sordins, and they just state "My Sordins broke" when they probably abused a cheaper model. I have Supreme Pro X's, the sturdiest (and most expensive) model. From what I understand they're the only ones with true waterproofing, as the circuit board is lacquered. They also have superior electronics, as evidenced by the differences in battery life and the fact that the Pro X has one more level of amplification than the Supreme Basic. The Sordin Supreme Basic has a stated battery life of only 150 hours, while the Supreme Pro X has a stated battery life of 600 hours. The Supreme Pro X is also IP67 rated, meaning it has the highest rating for protection against ingress of solids (dust, dirt, etc.) and is rated for 30 minutes of submersion in up to 3 feet of water. The Supreme Basic and Supreme Pro models both lack this rating, only the Supreme Pro X has the IP67 rating. The Supreme Pro X is also the only model with a 5 year warranty against damage of the electronics by moisture. Does this mean Sordins never fail? No, of course they do. Like with any electronics failure is always a possibility but I get the feeling the reports of failures with Sordins are overblown. I have had Peltor Comtac II with none of those issues for 5 years, even worn in rain. Comtac III for a year no issues. Just purchased Tactical 500. No issues. What is one supposed to think when a single top tier, most recent production product fails on multiple fronts but others from the other company never fail on any? Even if my Sordin Supreme Pro X did not cut out or have delamination of the gel seals, the electronics are not up to Peltor standards from the sound/audio quality and amplification/processing side. The adjustment is inferior, the helmet integration is inferior. They are only better at looking cool, even if you get a reliable set, when compared to the competition, so why spend the money on them? Oh, and the new Peltor Tactical 500 have Bluetooth for connection to your cell phone for calls or music, have the latest amplification tech, and have 26db reduction, which is better than Sordin Supreme Pro X. Granted they are not waterproof at all, but cost half what the Sordin Supreme Pro X cost. |
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I really like these..
http://www.surefire.com/tactical-equipment/earpro-products.html.  Surefire EP4 Earplug Review |
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I really like these.. http://www.surefire.com/tactical-equipment/earpro-products.html.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIQ4ileyltY
I also use them while working armed security; the central core is removable and I replace it with the barbed end of the coiled speaker extension tube for the comm set. In noisy environments, I open the cap from the other ear piece and wear it. It dampens the sound going in the other ear but I can still have normal conversations with my associates. I prefer the foam versus the silicone ear pieces that April is showing in the video; for me, they are more comfortable for all-day wear. For electronic ear muffs, I use the Pro Ears Predator Gold, which are superb, but cost about $250 per set on sale. They are fantastic. Around ARs (especially with the muzzle brakes) I combine the Surefire EP-7 with the Ear Pros and that helps with the blast from the guy next to you. I also use an older pair of Peltor 6S Tactical (now discontinued). They are excellent, too. I picked up several sets of cloth covers for the ear muffs from Brownell's and they are great in either hot weather (keeps the sweat out of the electronics) or cold weather shooting (keeps the ears toasty warm). |
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It depends on the application of the word "best". In 38 years of instructing. I've used everything.
Muffs are great, unless you're shooting a rifle or shotgun. The band over the top digs into your head. The type with the wire band behind your head very good. My favorite muffs are the low profile Peltor electronics. However, all muffs are hot and miserable. Your ears sweat and that corrodes the batteries and connections in the electronics. Foam plugs tend to not seal well. The flange plugs seal great, but until you get used to them they're uncomfortable. You need.to make sure they are the right size. They should be tight but not painful. Also, people tend to pull their plugs out to converse and them can't find them. Given all that, I go with flange type plugs. I've been using this hat from SKD for a few years. The plugs fit on lines on retractable reels. If you need them out, they just hang there waiting to be used. When you don't need them, push the buttons and they retract. Now it's a regilar hat. Attached File |
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Not to high jack your thread Op... But has anyone here used these or know anything about them? I've looked for more detailed reviews... few vids on YT of folks using them in real range settings, saying they work.. I'm thinking it's geared more towards Airsofters with some capabilities in nose reduction for real range use.
OPSMEN M31 |
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Not to high jack your thread Op... But has anyone here used these or know anything about them? I've looked for more detailed reviews... few vids on YT of folks using them in real range settings, saying they work.. I'm thinking it's geared more towards Airsofters with some capabilities in nose reduction for real range use. OPSMEN M31 Hold on, let me try to find the thread... EDIT: Here's the thread. |
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