Eye/Ear Protection

[Leecz]

I guess this belongs in the firearm accessories thread, didn't really know where else to post it.

What is the best eye protection one could have? I am blind in one eye and a (major) eye injury in my good eye would leave me blind.
So what is the best eye protection one could buy? Shooting glasses, safety goggles, or what?

And just to combine them into one thread:
What about ear protection? I don't want to be deaf later on in life.

 

[highorder]

I have been wearing Peltor "shotgunner" muffs for a while and I like them. On the recommendation of a friend who just joined the DSS, I bought a pair of Surefire EP4's.

Surefire earpro is wonderful! You really can hear conversations with them, but my AR is comfortable to shoot as well. The Hocks filter is an interesting concept that works.

As for eye protection, I buy a Radian copy from Alro Steel for $1.99 a pair... They are comfortable and disposable.

 

[rcmodel]

Any good brand of electronic muffs with a NRR 33 (highest) rating

For eye protection, if you already must wear glasses, talk to your optometrist about Lexan or Trivex prescription safety lens.

rcmodel

 

[Leecz]

I wear contacts/glasses. Just depends on what i'm doing. For shooting right now i'm using some Smith&Wesson safety glasses I got at my local gun shop for ~$20. These are just rated for ANSI Z87. I would like something that is MILspec because they can handle .22LR impact (not like that would ever happen, just making sure i have the best to protect my good eye).

Any recommendations on that?
I've heard ESS, Wiley-X, Oakley, etc are best... but which should I choose?

 

[highorder]

In realty, expensive eye protection is no more protective than the $1.99 pair I use. As long as its comfortable and Z87.1 certified, you'll be good.

I hear Delta wear Oakleys

 

[Creade]

As for the Oakley comment.
In the 80s, Oakley used to make a big deal about their glasses being bulletproof.

I had one close call in the field and I was wearing Oakleys.
I was coming up on a small hill while pheasant hunting and another hunter (who I did not know was there) shot a bird that got up infront of me. The bird took the majority of the shot and the rest hit my Oakleys.
Broke the arm off the glasses, but the lenses stayed intact.
They obviously saved my eyes, but maybe any shooting glasses would have, I do not know.

Obviously bird shot isnt a high velocity bullet, but I thought I would share the experience.

 

[VPLthrneck]

For hearing protection I use a set of Howard Leight Leighting L3 muffs, however when I'm shooting anything over a .22 (or someone else at the range is-which is most of the time) I insert a set of earplugs prior to throwing the muffs on. The double hearing protection did a great job of reducing the noise from the 91/30 I was shooting last week. The others at the range were saying it sounded like a cannon-to me it sounded like my Beretta Bobcat .25

As for shooting glasses, I'll admit I don't wear any because I've yet to find a set that fits over my regular glasses. I've read a review of the ones that ESS makes, but I don't feel like paying $130 for shooting glasses that have a removable insert for/with prescription lenses. Although the ESS brand claims to meet the MILSPEC standard you're looking for. If they make a set that will fit over my existing glasses, I'll contemplate spending the $50 for them. BTW these prices is what the reviewers claimed. Here's the sight (which near the bottom you'll notice they are trying to sell you a set): http://www.shooting-glasses-guide.com

 

[PotatoJudge]

For hearing protection I use a set of Howard Leight Leighting L3 muffs, however when I'm shooting anything over a .22 (or someone else at the range is-which is most of the time) I insert a set of earplugs prior to throwing the muffs on.

That's what I do. The L3 can be found for about $20 and plugs are cheap. It's a really comfortable setup and offers great protection.

 

[mhillsing23]

I use Oakley Half Jackets, and have 3 sets of lenses. Great for shooting in any conditions. For ears, I use Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic muffs.

 

[highorder]

another "plug" for SF EP4 earpro.

These are simply great. I bought the medium, most people should too.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/surefire-earpro-ep4-sonic-defender-plus.html

 

[tokarev762]

I'll put in a plug for the Sordin brand of electronic ear muffs. A bit pricey, but the will last and last.

I bought mine after reseaching the Peltors. I read a lot of complaints of various brands failing while being used at some of those "run and gun" weekend schools. Saw a refernce to the Sordin brand and looked them up. I've been very happy with them for the last three years.