[pepperbelly]

I have been using ear plugs since the mid '80s. I recently used some cheap muffs I have after forgetting my plugs.
They were actually more comfortable and quieter than my plugs, so i have decided to wear the muffs.
I do need a better pair though.

Are the electronic better than the non-amplified?

I don't have an unlimited budget. What is the best value for a pair of muffs? I do want quality but can't afford top-of-the-line muffs.

Thanks,
Jim

[Jim Watson]

The electronics are "better" only as they let you hear range commands and conversation. They are not noise cancelling and are not any quieter than standard.

Look at the NRR and pick a high number. The Peltor Ultimate 10 is rated about 30 and I find their cups and headbands comfortable.

[MutinousDoug]

I have been unhappy with "no-name" electronic muffs rated at 27nrr. and gone back to my silicone cast-in-the-ear plugs.

[BernieD]

I use plugs and muffs, depending on what I have with me at the time. I like both. I have a couple pairs of muffs that I only spent 20 dollars on, and they work fine. They dampen the report from gunfire enough so I don't have problems, and they allow enough sound in for me to converse close to normally with people I'm shooting with.

[wep45]

i have been using the peltor ear muffs for a few years now, indoors and outside and they work very well and are comfortable.

http://www.amazon.com/Peltor-H10A-Professional-Canceling-Earmuff/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1230365789&sr=8-2

[Thomas Garrett]

I've been using the Peltors Ultimate 10, love them. And can hear range commands. In my opinion your on target. I think I paid 27.95 for them at the local gun store. Good luck !

[kolob10]

Try the Howard Leigh ear muff that CDNN Investments have for $9.99. That is the muff we use at work and they have a NRR of I believe around 29. We have used them for years and they are comfortable.

[ssjones]

Bought a pair of $10 Winchester SXT muffs at Wally-World. 26 NRR. Testing them today firing my new SP101/357. Will report back...

[Sunray]

I've found that muffs and foam industrial plugs work about the same. Lot of money for electronic muffs. The fit on your head and the weight matters more.

[VegasOPM]

I prefer muffs- non amplified. My amplified muffs don't have the NRR rating that I like (especially when playing RO for an Open gun):uhoh:
Plugs are a pain, since they take so long to put in and take out. The best part about muffs is that they kept my ears warm at the match this morning. They keep my ears from getting sunburned too.

[ssjones]

Update: The $10 Winchester muffs worked fine yesterday firing 357 or 38 rounds. Bought a 2nd pair for the wife/daughter to use.
"Bought a pair of $10 Winchester SXT muffs at Wally-World. 26 NRR. Testing them today firing my new SP101/357. Will report back..."

[punkndisorderly]

I "muff and stuff" using plugs and muffs. I'm real protective of my hearing since I was in the Artillery. THe cheap muffs don't seem to last long for me.

I'm going to go to the electronic muffs at some point to make it easier to hear range commands and chit chat at the range. I always seem to look at the electronic muffs and buy ammo instead.

[green country shooter]

I use both. I both started using both indoors, then thought, why wouldn't I get as much protection as I can?
I have a pair of the electronic peltors, which I pair with plugs at schools or pistol matches. At rifle matches I wear the regular 31 non electronics plus plugs. Those ported ARs are loud!