rscalzo
Member
I second these. While not the cheapest, the cut off high db sounds instantly. I think you get what you pay for. They are great for handgun but the size can make them get in the way of a stock weld on a long gun.
Electronic Muffs?
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I second these. While not the cheapest, the cut off high db sounds instantly. I think you get what you pay for. They are great for handgun but the size can make them get in the way of a stock weld on a long gun.
Well, sure, as those noise reduction systems (such as type A or SR used in theaters) also expand the sound after dropping the hiss below the noise floor, making it even louder and more dynamic than it normally can be on the media being used. Obviously it serves a much different purpose than hearing protection, which could use dynamic range compression alone (no expansion) as one method among a number of alternatives.
I don't claim to actually know much about how actual units on the market function internally, but hard clipping would sound rather harsh to the ear (even at moderate volume), so I presume that the ones that work as you've described would use some form of dynamic range compression. There are many parameters involved in compression, and therefore there are many ways to implement it, some rather simple and others far more sophisticated.
I was under the impression that low-end units simply cut off the internal speaker entirely for a short while when excessively loud sounds (i.e. above a certain threshold) are detected. The ones I've tried sure seem to work that way, in any event. This makes sense because it's relatively simple and therefore inexpensive to implement.
Like I said, there are many ways to manage the dynamics of sound. The more sophisticated methods involve a fair amount of signal processing, which means relatively complex, "intelligent" embedded electronics, which in turn implies a fairly high price point. I think that there are a few such units around, which can make quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter at the same time without ever cutting out, at least based on some reviews and descriptions I've read (a weak argument, I know, but it could be done whether it currently is or not). I wasn't aware that there are mid-range units that sort of split the difference--I thought they were just really good at cutting in and out. It sure would be nice to know exactly how each product works without having to run tests on all of them. Probably the only reason that I haven't done so myself by now is that passive muffs and plugs have always sufficed for me--I can still (usually) hear what people are saying.
Sport45
Member
The less expensive ones work fine for the range. At least I like the way mine work.
If you ever plan to hunt with them you'd probably be better off with the more expensive models that have a microphone for each ear. That way you'll be able to better tell the direction sounds are coming from.
If you ever plan to hunt with them you'd probably be better off with the more expensive models that have a microphone for each ear. That way you'll be able to better tell the direction sounds are coming from.
rellascout
member
How do the Tactical 7s and the Peltor Tactical Sport MT16H210F-SV compare.
I have a set of cheapies but especially when shooting rifle I find their profile to be too wide.
I have a set of cheapies but especially when shooting rifle I find their profile to be too wide.
BADUNAME37
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I purchased Pro Ears muffs with a 5-year full warranty. http://www.proears.com/Pro-Ears-Shooting-Hearing-Ear-Protection-Stalker-Gold - I think these are the ones I have.
Expect to pay about $250.
They are extremely comfortable, batteries seem to last nearly forever and there is a jumper inside each cup that is adjustible to mask certain frequencies if you seem to be in a location with lots of certain frequency noise.
I have worn them already nearly all day and they are still comfortable. At the range, I use foam ear plugs in each ear with these over top and the volume up full. I can barely hear guns going off, but can hear their echo off the mountains and then conversations with people near you are just about like not having anything on (ear-wise, that is).
Expect to pay about $250.
They are extremely comfortable, batteries seem to last nearly forever and there is a jumper inside each cup that is adjustible to mask certain frequencies if you seem to be in a location with lots of certain frequency noise.
I have worn them already nearly all day and they are still comfortable. At the range, I use foam ear plugs in each ear with these over top and the volume up full. I can barely hear guns going off, but can hear their echo off the mountains and then conversations with people near you are just about like not having anything on (ear-wise, that is).
JoelSteinbach
Member
Got my Peltot Tactical 7 years ago, I dont know how I shot without them
rellascout
member
Can you get a good cheek weld with the Peltor 7s on?
oneounceload
member
For years I didn't think I could - then I started using my Passive Peltors - which stick out even further than the electronic ones - I shoot shotguns at clays where proper gun mount is crucial -no issues with either - YMMV depending on your physical stature and features (neck, weight, etc) - I'm 6'3 and 265 if that gives you an idea
jcwit
member
I've owned Silencio, Remington, and Caldwell electronic muffs. A few years ago I purchased a set of Howard Leigth muffs, reasonably priced and work excellant, end of story.
They all simply turn off the mic/speaker and allow the passive sound attenuating property of the body of the muff to reduce the sound pressure of the noise reaching the ear. The better the electronic muff the more rapidly the electronics turn off the mic/speakers.
It simply isn't cost-effective to use more complex electronics and signal processing.
It simply isn't cost-effective to use more complex electronics and signal processing.
There is a downside to them. If you're hunting, and you hear every raindrop hitting every leaf near you, and every grasshopper jumping within 20', you will slowly go mad.
Otherwise, they're fantastic. I feel very closed in with standard muffs, which I thought was the lack of airflow. With electronic earmuffs I can wear them for hours without feeling closed in. If you need it, wear earplugs below. If you're annoyed, turn the volume off and you have standard earmuffs.
Otherwise, they're fantastic. I feel very closed in with standard muffs, which I thought was the lack of airflow. With electronic earmuffs I can wear them for hours without feeling closed in. If you need it, wear earplugs below. If you're annoyed, turn the volume off and you have standard earmuffs.
Turn the volume down to normal levels. I played around with higher than normal levels for a while, but found that it was difficult to locate sounds a higher levels. No problem when the volume is adjusted to normal. Then you really can forget you have them on.
Turn the volume down to normal levels. I played around with higher than normal levels for a while, but found that it was difficult to locate sounds a higher levels. No problem when the volume is adjusted to normal. Then you really can forget you have them on.
Being sensible, is that allowed? But yes, I had to crank things down to about "normal" hearing levels. People aren't cut out to deal with every sound near them, we want to make each one significant. Even if it is just a damn grasshopper.
Being sensible, is that allowed? But yes, I had to crank things down to about "normal" hearing levels. People aren't cut out to deal with every sound near them, we want to make each one significant. Even if it is just a damn grasshopper.
docfubar
Member
Remember you get what you pay for. I had two pairs of the Silencio brand electronic muffs and the first pair died the second day of a carbine instructor class and the second set died about a week later shooting my 300 winmag. Some of the cheaper ones can not take constant recoil. I have since bought a set of Peltors.
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HM2PAC
Member
Love my Peltor's. Wouldn't think of shooting or hunting without them. I've had them for 2 years now and are one of the best birthday presents my wife has ever given me....2nd only to a BPS 10GA
Peltor Tactical Pro -- GREAT!!!
Gel cushions, Auto-off conserves battery.
Reviews at Midway, Amazon, etc. have some good info to consider on various muffs before making a purchase decision.
Perhaps the downside to all muffs is that in warmer weather, they can get uncomfortable.
Gel cushions, Auto-off conserves battery.
Reviews at Midway, Amazon, etc. have some good info to consider on various muffs before making a purchase decision.
Perhaps the downside to all muffs is that in warmer weather, they can get uncomfortable.
crankyoldlady
Member
I have the Caldwell low profile model. When new they were very comfortable. But, after a year of wearing them 4-6 hours a week, the foam padding has broken down and they have become down right painful to wear. The electronics still function perfectly.
When reading reviews, take notice of how long the muffs have been used by the reviewer.
When reading reviews, take notice of how long the muffs have been used by the reviewer.
I paid $25 for a single mic set that works great after about 5 years.
I paid $35-40 for a stereo mic set that I bought at Dicks Sporting Goods. I've had those for almost a year. They work great.
Sound on both can be cut by any abrupt noise but that doesn't effect me at all. They're just regular muffs while the audio is cut.
I'd really make sure you buy a set that has a mic for each ear. I love the stereo sound.
I paid $35-40 for a stereo mic set that I bought at Dicks Sporting Goods. I've had those for almost a year. They work great.
Sound on both can be cut by any abrupt noise but that doesn't effect me at all. They're just regular muffs while the audio is cut.
I'd really make sure you buy a set that has a mic for each ear. I love the stereo sound.
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