Earmuff opinions

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monotonous_iterancy

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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, 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.
 
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.
 
I have these http://www.amazon.com/Leightning-Ul...&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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
The best non electronic ear muffs I have worn are these by Howard Leight. 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.
 
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.
 
^^ 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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Wear the highest rated plugs and muffs you can find considering that neither are likely to be worn properly.
 
+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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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