[monotonous_iterancy]

I'm looking for a pair of muffs to replace the old ones I currently have that I suspect are broken. The edges of the Styrofoam or whatever have started coming loose. Given that I already have tinnitus at my age, I don't want to mess around.

Anyway, I'm looking for the best I can get, for a reasonable price. The hardware store has a 33db rated pair, but it's $24. These (http://www.amazon.com/Walker-Collector-Michael-Waddell-Earmuffs/dp/B002Z8BUQ8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top), specifically. I know the description there says 37db (which I don't think exist anywhere), but the box says 33. Wal-Mart has an $8 pair with a NPR of 26. It's much cheaper, but 26, and 33 are big differences.

As I mentioned a while ago, I wear prescription glasses, so getting as little leakage as possible is important.

[Zebraranger]

I dont blame you for wanting the best db rating, I'm the same way. Usually the lower the price though, the lower the DB rating. I dont think thats a bad price for the Walker Folding Range Earmuffs considering they are rated at 33 db. When Im not using the electronic ear muffs, I usually use ear plugs underneath the regular ear muffs just for the extra protection, especially on an indoor range.

[greyling22]

I have these http://www.amazon.com/Leightning-Ultra-Slimline-Earmuff-Headband/dp/B001VSFVG8/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1347228887&sr=1-4&keywords=howard+leight

and these http://www.opticsplanet.com/silencio-black-slimline-earmuffs-56360.html

the first ones are far better made, but the 2nd set is more comfortable. If people are shooting AR's or something with a muzzle break I add foam earplugs under them. One thing to consider is whether or not you are going to be using a rifle/shotgun. The ones you posted look bulky and will not allow you to get your head down on the long gun properly.

[monotonous_iterancy]

What are the ratings of those?

That's what I thought too, but I guess I assumed that a higher rating would have to be bulkier to accommodate more material. Am I wrong?

[greyling22]

I don't know that I believe the NRR ratings. for example, these dinky little guys are rated 30 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/636293/howard-leight-leight-plugs-ear-plugs-nrr-30-db-package-of-10-pair and there is no way that they are better than actual muffs.

these might work for you http://www.midwayusa.com/product/115171/browning-buckmark-earmuffs-nrr-31db-black

[offroaddiver]

I bought and made the custom ear plugs. BTW be prepared to pluck hairs on the removal step. over these I use electronic muffs. I like this set up because the electronic muff just amplify the conversations from people at the range. I really like this set up in indoor ranges because of how jumpy I can be when someone with a desert eagle or SW 500 shoots right next to me. Both of which are rentals at the indoor range.

[Walkalong]

The best non electronic ear muffs I have worn are these by Howard Leight (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/155225/howard-leight-leightning-l3-earmuffs-nrr-30-db-black). Similar to the Peltor Ultimate 10, but better noise reduction. Very comfortable. If you like to shoot rifles a lot, the thinner ones give more stock clearance. I haven't tried those.

[Zebraranger]

Just found these rated at 31db for $8.99 http://www.fastoolnow.com/pm5010.html

[OpticsPlanet]

Having once been young and stupid and invulnerable to injury, my hearing suffers today. Now I double up with ear plugs under muffs.

If I knew then what I know now, I would hear a lot better today.

Mark H.

[monotonous_iterancy]

^^ That price point is enticing, but from looking at some reviews, it doesn't seem to hold up to it's 31db promise, some people say. Maybe they're not used to thinner muffs? I don't know because I've never really used slim ones.

[Savage99]

I use both plugs and muffs because the muff gets raised some when it touches a rifles cheek piece.

Plugs alone are not adequate for me.

I wear plugs when using noisy machines like the lawnmower.

[hso]

The edges of the Styrofoam or whatever have started coming loose.

You can replace those broken down ear pads (http://www.howardleight.com/ear-muffs/hygiene-kits) with new ones.

[monotonous_iterancy]

Recently, I found a 28 db pair for around $8. They say that putting muffs over plugs only adds 5dbs of protection somehow, so does it really matter what the exact rating is? Or should I go the extra mile and get the highest rated ones I can?

[SlowFuse]

For light duty stuff I use a pair of Radian Rad Band jelly style plugs. From cutting grass/weed eating to shooting lighter calibers these do the job and aren't intrusive like muffs. I believe they are NRR 23. But for better protection I have to agree with the recommendation for the Leightning 3's. They're good and won't break the bank.

[hso]

Wear the highest rated plugs and muffs you can find considering that neither are likely to be worn properly.

[Upstater]

+1 on ear plugs under muffs especially when shooting larger caliber handguns! I made the mistake once of doing a 1911 mag dump w/ no protection, I was deaf completely for 10 days, I really thought it was permanent.

[colorado_handgunner]

I go with plugs and muffs. I see no reason not to get the best protection I can. Like Charles Barkley said in the old Right Guard commercials, "When it comes to protection, one shouldn't mess around."

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[monotonous_iterancy]

I'm conflicted. On one hand, $24 for a 33db rated pair, but on the other hand, they're bulky, and might not work too well with long guns, and they're also somewhat expensive for me. 8$ for a 28db rated pair, but it's a 5npr difference.

There are thinner ones that are better than that, but they're thinner, so do they work as well? There's also shipping to consider for those.

[hso]

NRR is all that matters for protection.

You can find simple muffs at any Home Depot or even WalMart in the hardware section. Look for the highest NRR your can afford with the most comfort. Wear plugs under them. Keep your glasses ear pieces as thin/flat as possible to keep from deforming the pads.

Any of the big box sports stores like Academy will carry a variety of muffs to pick through.

[xnmw]

I wear plugs + muffs, I always want the highest NRR I can get, and take the time to properly fit both. The biggest thing for me is the fit... you have to gently roll and compress the plugs between your clean thumb and forefinger, not creating any creases, and insert fully into the ear canal, and gently hold it in place as it expands. I like to gently tug the ear to get them to seat properly, too. You're not going to lose it in your ear or anything, you do want it to be flush with the ear opening. With the muffs, I like a tight fit--take off your hat and glasses, and adjust the angle and tension of the band to get the best seal all the way around your ear. Different muffs may provide a better fit for your particular physiology... and there's probably a certain amount of inverse relationship between the effectiveness (which would typically mean bulk) and the suitability to comfortable rifle shooting. Currently use a bulk sleeve of the leight Max plugs and a cheapo "impact sport" electronic muffler.

Get the best you can but make sure you are wearing them properly.

[monotonous_iterancy]

That's part of the problem. I like the idea of 33npr muffs, but the ones I'm looking at seem kind of bulky. I'm afraid they might get in the way of looking down the sights on rifles. I wish you could try before you buy.

[hso]

Get low profile muffs and wear plugs if you're concerned about long arms.

[Ehtereon11B]

I am not usually a fan of Surefire products but I like their EP3 Earpro earplugs. NRR of 16dB which has always been plenty for me to drown out firearms as high as magnum rifles at indoor ranges. And low profile enough to add muffs over them.

[Chuck Dye]

Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=hearing%20protection) has some cheapies, 'though comfort while shooting long arms may be an issue.

[monotonous_iterancy]

So, after a while of mulling my options over, including all your recommendations, I went with the Walkers folding range muffs. After having to tear into the box, my initial impressions are; I love the fit, they're comfortable, and they hardly even touch the stock. I think they could be better in that regard than the old scilencos I was using. However, sound wise, they don't seem to be that good. They seem well made, however, the interior foam has some gaps and holes from being scrunched up or something. There seems to be some leakage issues.

(edit) They seem to work, but I wonder if they could work better. I've never actually bought or used new muffs.

Is it normal for there to be gaps where you can see the shell?

[btg3]

Get the best you can but make sure you are wearing them properly.

^^^This.
Improper use or fit will result in significantly diminshed "effective NRR".

Both muffs and plugs must create a "seal" or noise will "leak" past the protection.

I also wear glasses... Thin wire frame that fits close the head. Muffs have enough cushion and tension to seal rather well around the wire frame.

Plugs... rollups do not work for me. They creep out. I have tried various types and have been trained in their use. (Not mentioned above is that when inserting, you should reach over your grasp and pull up/back on the opposite ear to straighten the ear canal thus aiding insertion fully into the ear). What works great for me is the push-in plugs which stay put with a super seal assuring the full benefit of the 28 NRR rating. They have grab stems which I had to trim to avoid interference with my cheap muffs, but are not a problem with my Peltor Tactical Pro muffs. I buy a box of plugs and keep them in the garage for use with mower, blower, saw, etc.

[monotonous_iterancy]

Do you mean the stick kind or the flanged kind? I bought a pair of these (http://www.amazon.com/Airsoft-Blue-Reusable-Earplugs-With/dp/B0006GWRK4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348107006&sr=8-1&keywords=airsoft+reusable+ear+plugs) last year for metal shop, so I wouldn't have to keep buying disposable ear plugs, and because it seemed so difficult to use them wrong. Needless to say, they do very little for me, maybe I did't use them right, but they don't do much at all. Just to test them out, I fired my .22 with them in, thinking the 28db promise had me covered. I fired 3 rounds and regretted it. They're not very comfortable, and they hardly seem to do anything.

[btg3]

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-18078/Hearing-Protection/Push-Ins-Earplugs-Uncorded?pricode=WU344&gadtype=pla&gclid=CPHnvqKRw7ICFQKCnQodLn4AsA
Here's a link. I get the corded version, as the cord can be yanked out when not wanted. As to comfort, these are much easier to take in and out, which used to make my ear tender, but not so much anymore. I discovered these at a large construction project which had about a dozen different types of ear plugs available to compare. I noticed that personal preference varied widely... and concluded that all ears are not alike. Some people may have universal ear canals, others require custom fitting??? Like fitting shoes to feet perhaps.

[monotonous_iterancy]

Oh, I like those kind a lot. Not for shooting, but for other loud environments, they're very easy to use, and they work pretty much all the time.

[monotonous_iterancy]

I took the ones I bought back to the store after the second time my ears were ringing from firing a gun. That shouldn't happen when I'm doubled up, and I think it was because of the gaps in the foam that were there out of the box.

So I'm in the market for new muffs. This time I will go with a reputable and trusted brand. Money isn't such an issue this time. I figure that my hearing is worth more than trying to be frugal. So I'll say I'm willing to spend up to $60. Suggestions are welcome.

[hso]

Howard Leight Impact Sports.
Low profile helps with shouldering a long arm.
Electronic allows you to hear range commands.
Quality industrial hearing protection manufacturer.
Great product in my experience.

[monotonous_iterancy]

Electronic muffs do seem attractive, but those are only 22db. I know NRR is not cumulative after a point, but does it make a difference wether you have two 33NRR items as opposed to a 33 and a 22?

[hso]

Not in the calculation of cumulative NRR.

Plugs are more critical and the high NRR with them is what you are looking for.

[W.E.G.]

Except when shooting indoors, I just use the tapered foamie plugs, and push them in 'til they're touching.

[hso]

Big ear canals!:evil:

[Drail]

Peltor makes very good affordable protection.

[monotonous_iterancy]

So, to get this correct, it doesn't matter whether I use muffs that are 20 somethings, or 30 somethings, it's about protecting the bones around the ear, and most muffs do that job adequately? I like the idea of the Howard Leight ones, but the rating seems a little skimpy at first glance. Could I safely shoot things like magnum handguns, and loud rifles such as M44s if I used those, and was doubled up with good plugs?

[hso]

The higher the NRR or SNR the better, but you have to understand that plugs and muffs have different attenuating efficiencies at different frequencies because of that bone conduction so you don't just add them directly. Since the target for protection is in the area around 2,000-Hz frequency for preserving hearing of the human voice the additional protection of adding muffs to plugs isn't directly additive.

You still want high NRR/SNR with each, but your protection in the critical voice range is where the calculation isn't simply adding the two together.

Great article here with a lot of information, but shows especially well why proper fit and application of hearing protection devices is so critically important to protecting hearing.
http://www.ilo.org/safework_bookshelf/english?content&nd=857170368

[josephbw]

For those of you worried about the price of ear muffs, price a pair of hearing aids. You will quickly see that quality muffs are very inexpensive.

[hso]

price a pair of hearing aids

Very good point, but loosing your hearing "on the installment plan" is far too common. Like making payments you don't notice as much until you've paid the price.

[monotonous_iterancy]

That was interesting. I think I'll get the Impact Sports. That article did say that with good earplugs, the combination you use doesn't matter much at the frequency of the human voice, or something like that. So is there any advantage to having higher NRR rated muffs over earplugs then?

[monotonous_iterancy]

Great news! I told my dad I was going to Wal-Mart to see if they had a lower price than Amazon. He showed me the Howard Leight Impact Pro he got for me today. He said we'd split the price half and half. So that's great.

They work fine, amplify noise, when you turn them all the way up, it's like you don't have them on, which to someone like me who's never used electronic muffs, is cool.

I tested them by going outside and firing a round out of a .22. They work fine. I can hear the boom, but for a blink and miss-it moment, the damaging part is cut out. Didn't hurt my ears at all.

My only complaint is that I can't hear anything doubled up even when I turn them to the loudest setting. That's a little disappointing. Still, I'm grateful.

[hso]

I can clearly hear conversations when I'm using plugs under them.
It is odd that you can't, but it might be that my 55-yr old ears with tinnitus may be better than yours.;)

[dirtengineer]

I am a double guy.

These things are awesome for the price: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/671923/howard-leight-impact-sport-electronic-earmuffs-nrr-22-db-green I also wear these while small game hunting. Also keeps my ears warm in the cold.

I wear these under the electronic muffs. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/690766/sportear-sport-plugz-xp3-medium-ear-plugs-nrr-19db-tan I can still hear others at the range and they are comfortable. I leave the plugs open and it allows pressure equalization.

[monotonous_iterancy]

I can clearly hear conversations when I'm using plugs under them.
It is odd that you can't, but it might be that my 55-yr old ears with tinnitus may be better than yours.

Weird. When I turn mine all the way up, it feels normal, but not much louder. When I put earplugs in, I can't hear anything. Could it be that the earplugs I'm using are too good? Or maybe the batteries the muffs came with are weak?

[hso]

It is unlikely that you're using a better earplug than I am. Replace the batteries and determine if that allows the volume to be increased where you can carry out a normal conversation.

[mdauben]

Howard Leight Impact Sports.
Low profile helps with shouldering a long arm.
Electronic allows you to hear range commands.
Quality industrial hearing protection manufacturer.
Great product in my experience.

This. Like several others, I wear a pair of Howard Leight electronic ear muffs with a set of custom molded ear plugs underneath. With the electronics on, you can easily hear conversations or range instructions, while still maintaining good hearing protection.

[highlander 5]

I've 2 set of electronic headphones from Peltor,1 is the Pro 7 model not sure what the other is. For me they work fine for handguns but I find that I can't wear them shooting rifles so I use plugs. Just got a pair of custom earplugs hope to try them soon.

[monotonous_iterancy]

I replaced the batteries. Strangely, I still can't hear amplification when doubled up. Without plugs, the amplification works, but not much until you turn it up quite a bit. When turned on all the way, it's just above what I feel is "normal".

Just in case people might be confused, we're talking about the new Impact Pro model (http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-R-01902-Electronic-Shooting-Earmuffs/dp/B007BGSI5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351207329&sr=8-1&keywords=howard+leight+impact+pro), not the Impact Sport one.

[Jorg]

I can't speak to the Impact Pro model, but I wear the 33 nrr plugs under a pair of Impact Sport and I can hear just fine. If you can't hear anything until you turn it up quite a bit, you might have a defective set.

[monotonous_iterancy]

I can't speak to the Impact Pro model, but I wear the 33 nrr plugs under a pair of Impact Sport and I can hear just fine. If you can't hear anything until you turn it up quite a bit, you might have a defective set.

I mean, it works, but it's not as loud as I hoped. It doesn't seem like 4x amplification like promised. I don't know why I can't hear doubled up, because it works by itself. I hope it's not defective.

[hso]

Put them on without the plugs and turn them up slowly. If you're in a quiet place you'll start to hear all sorts of sounds too quiet to have noticed before. If that's the case they're working just fine.

If not, take them back and get another pair. If they don't work, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.