Electronic Hearing Protection

[MoreIsLess]

I am planning on getting some electronic ear protection to use at the range. Can someone suggest what brands are better than others, what features are a must, what features to avoid and approximately how much to expect to pay for a good pair.

I am familiar with Peltor and Howard Leight brands in the non-electronic type.

 

[k4swb]

I've got a pair of inexpensive Caldwell electronic muffs and they work well for me. I'm hard of hearing and they really help when someone is trying to talk to me when at the range.

My wife has suggested I wear them all the time so I can hear her better.

 

[rabid wombat]

I went from plain foam filled muffs to ProEars. Stupid expensive, but they work. You will enjoy electronic muffs, as you can hear the range commands. Likewise, you will hear the woods differently when hunting.

https://proears.com/

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have been using the Caldwell low profile ones for 5 years or so. I like them.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The deal breakers for me, in order of importance:

1. Fit to head/ears...the best muffs that don't seal the area behind the ear are pretty useless.
2. Clipping...I still want to be able to hear when they suppress the sound of gunfire; digital rather than analog

I've tried Howard Leight ($50) and Peltor Tactical Sport ($170) and finally settled on the MSA Sordin line (about $300); I add foam plugs when shooting indoors

 

[typhun]

My wife has suggested I wear them all the time so I can hear her better.

My doctor informed me the frequency that i have hearing loss coincides with the frequency of a woman's voice...go figure

 

[Old Dog]

This topic surfaces often (and not to be a nag, but a search would've garnered numerous threads on the topic).

I'm issued MSA muffs (you're going to spend over $300) for work, excellent but expensive and bulkier than most (made to work with helmets and mics). For my own range sessions, I favor Pro-Ears (the Gold Series are my personal favorites) and you'll spend over $200 minimum (downside, some use N-batteries, harder to find and expensive), but among the most comfortable out there with excellent stereo hearing. For knocking about in the woods or on FS land when shooting, my Howard Leight Impact Sport muffs (Double-A batteries, usually on sale at Midway or Sportsman's Warehouse for between $49 - $59) work fine outdoors.

 

[SwaneeSR]

Auto power off is a must. My Peltor Tactical Sports shut off after Two Hours.

Uses standard batteries like AA's is another must.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Just made the switch myself a few weeks ago. Bought a pair of Caldwell low profiles on Amazon for $30 and love them.

They're no frills but they work and are comfortable.

 

[MoreIsLess]

Auto power off is a must. My Peltor Tactical Sports shut off after Two Hours.

After 2 hours period or 2 hours of non-use

 

[9mmepiphany]

After 2 hours period or 2 hours of non-use

Once they've been turned on, how would electronic ear muffs know if they weren't in use?

 

[JeffG]

Walker Alpha muffs are great at the range, and in the woods. Compatible with (my ) hearing aids, and stereophonic. Auto off feature after 4hrs. Great prices, check Amazon.

 

[MoreIsLess]

I was all set to purchase a set of
Walker Ultimate Power Muffs, https://www.midwayusa.com/product/6...power-muff-electronic-earmuffs-nrr-26db-black
or
Walker's Ultimate Digital Quad Connect Electronic Earmuffs with Bluetooth, https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...ctronic-earmuffs-with-bluetooth-nrr-26db-gray

Then, upon further investigation, I discovered that they don't have automatic shutoff, which according to several posters here, is a must. They do have a higher NRR (27) thatn most muffs, so it appear to be a trade off of auto shutoff vs higher NRR. I would think, for the price, they would have auto shutoff. How important of a feature is this, anyway?

 

[Darkbob]

It boils down to whether or not you're OK with putting them on and realizing the batteries are dead, because you (or your kids) forgot to turn them off last time.

I know I've done it with some of mine. I don't usually carry AA's in my range bag, but maybe I should.

 

[doubleh]

Two little AA batteries don't take up much room.

 

[hdbiker]

I bought some Caldwell E-Max low profile electronic protection, 23 NRR and they fit my ears well and work very well. They retailed at 35 bucks but the home improvement store where I bought them were blowing them out for 20 bucks. So far I like them. hdbiker