Best ear muffs...period. What do would you buy??

[Joseywales3]

Never play football with a migraine. I did, with a helmet, and my ear has been ringing for over 20 years. Tinnitis (sp).

I have the molded plugs, which are custom fit to the ear and they work very well. Outdoor shoting is not hardly a problem. But indoors, they are not getting it done. In fact, I have placed ear protection muff over these plugs and it still bothers me. I say "it", because I believe it's actually the vibration and NOT the noise that's getting me. Honestly, one day, before shooting, I dropped the wooden broom and the handle hitting the floormade my ear ring worse for weeks and I'm not certain it ever returned to tbe previous annoying level.

I am at the point where a motor cycle helmet might be the best way to prevent additional damage (my hearing is above average still, BTW). for handgun, I would have no problem wearing a helmet. I'd wear a clown outfit if I thought it would protect my hearing. But for rifle, it could be an issue.

I would like possible getting an electronic set of muffs, but let me know what you think. I'll spend the money, if the product is worth it.

I have seen Pro Ears, on hennigshoots web site...I don't know.

 

[JohnD13]

Howard Leight's electronic ear muff is fantastic. I use it indoors/outdoors, handgun or long gun. Best I have used.

 

[Maverick223]

I have, and love, the Howard Leight Impact Sport e-muffs. They might not be the best, but they are good enough for me. I plan to invest in another set for back-up and loaner purposes, if and when they go on sale at MidwayUSA. FWIW, I do not like ProEars, nor do I care for the Peltor e-muffs (but I have never used the uber-expensive ones either).

 

[Cesiumsponge]

What is "best"?

Most ergonomic? Most noise reduction? Most expensive? Most rugged?

I run Howard Leight airsoft plugs which are rated NRR 27 and run Howard Leight Thunder 29 cans with an NRR of 30 if I am shooting indoors. Electronic earmuffs are great if you want more situational awareness but I hate carrying extra batteries (I have enough crap I haul around to the range) and I'd rather have the additional hearing protection. Doubling up ear plugs and muffs of similar ratings gives you about another 3dB of protection which is always a good thing.

 

[Varob]

I use a combo of disposable foam ear plugs and Pyramex electronic ear muffs.

This blocks out so much noise, sometimes I can't hear myself think!

 

[o Unforgiven o]

With your circumstances I would not reccomend electronic muffs as feedback and some faint noises cause a very loud higher pitched sound which might cause you a lot of discomfort.

Here is what I use; Surefire EP-4 Sonic Defenders (NRR 9dB/16dB) Howard Leight Leightning L3's (NRR 30dB)

Pistol- Usually the EP-4's but if it is a bigger caliber I use the L3's

Rifle- Both, and sounds like you already have a good set of plugs so I would just get the muffs.


I like them both and the muffs are one of the best I have found, and the EP-4's are great by themselves for .22's or other small calibers.

 

[Maverick223]

With your circumstances I would not reccomend electronic muffs as feedback and some faint noises cause a very loud higher pitched sound which might cause you a lot of discomfort.

While that is the case with some "lesser" (not necessarily cheaper) e-muffs, my Howard Leight Impact Sports have never had an issue with "feedback" (but some static or "white noise" can be heard when dialed up beyond the typical hearing range).

 

[Magoo]

It really depends on the occasion, now doesn't it?
Louis Vuitton Chinchilla Earmuffs:

 

[offroaddiver]

I use molded earplugs with radians (if i'm spelling correctly) electronic muffs. They work really well for me.

 

[Joseywales3]

I am taking all of this in, so don't think it's being ignored. I have no doubt that a headset over the plugs is a good idea.

White noise could be an issue. Sounds that hit the right pitch will actually make the ringing worse. The current noise is the like the "screening" noise heard when anyone over 40 would have turned on a TV with tubes when they were 5 YOA : )

I was shooting m7 40 S&W outdoors with my molded ear plugs and it was fine. Although, our club has concrete dividers and guns closer to that wall did send noise my way. It's mostly indoors that concerns me, so I look some of these suggestions over.

BTW, by best, I meant best protection for my hearing, but those Chinchilas are looking reeeaalll good...

I'll deal with ergonomics, because I doubt the best protection will have the best ergonomics for rifle shooting. I'm just not that lucky...

 

[Maverick223]

White noise could be an issue. Sounds that hit the right pitch will actually make the ringing worse.

This is more like the noise heard when you tuned the dial to a station that didn't exist. Not noticeable (at least for me) when I keep the volume at a reasonable level, and not really bothersome even at the highest level. Not ideal solution by any means, but you can leave electronic earmuffs off if you can hear, and are bothered by the noise (they do not use noise cancellation, but rather amplify noise at moderate levels). After having used them, I would not settle for traditional earmuffs...electronic only from hear on out.

 

[Magoo]

I'm glad you took my post with the intended humor. I've been looking for a new set of ear muffs myself. If you haven't seen it, this thread is currently running:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=550396&highlight=muffs

So far, especially for the $, I'm leaning towards the Howard Leights. If there was a local retailer that stocked them, I'd already have them.

ETA: Maybe we could split the cost on some chinchilla to pimp out (err winterize) whatever we chose.

 

[brettrow]

Howard Leights are what I use, low profile and great for rifles.

 

[rodregier]

The noise attenuation stats I have seen for electronic muffs are slightly poorer than similar non-electronic by the same vendor. This is probably due to the holes in the muff shells that are needed for the electronics, and space occupied by electronics infrastructure rather than sound deadening foam.

So if your goal is best sound attenuation, a non-electronic muff may be your best choice.

The best non-electronic muff I have personally found to date is the Peltor 97010 Ultimate-10 Hearing Protector. (NRR 29 - double wall construction). There may be better products available.

You're not totally out to lunch thinking about a motorcycle helmut if maximum reduction is your goal. The muff-type protectors don't do a good job with sound conducted thru your skull. Covering the whole skull helps with that. I read about competiive hand-rifle shooters using motorcycle helmuts as sound protection for just that reason.

 

[1KPerDay]

Rather than start another thread... which electronic muffs will clear a rifle stock? I know some have a cutout at the bottom or get thinner there to allow for a cheek weld. Any favorites, and places to buy?

 

[Magoo]

1K- read that thread I linked to. Several folks talk about their choice and use with rifles.

 

[1KPerDay]

thank