Peltor Tactical noise cancelling earmuffs

[General Geoff]

So rather than pump another hundred dollars into my ammo fund, I figured I'd get myself some premium hearing protection. I've decided on a set of Peltor Tactical muffs, either the 6S or 7S. The 7S is significantly more expensive (~$140 vs ~$90 for the 6S), and was wondering what the major differences were in sets aside from the obvious points listed on amazon's pages.

6S
7S


Or if anyone has other recommendations for noise cancelling/amplifying earmuffs, I'm all ears (ha!).

 

[cheaptrick]

I own the 6S and I have no complaints.

I bought them to take to shooting schools.
You can hear the instructors or team mates voice at all times.
They work great.

 

[hoghunting]

The 6S has a noise reduction rating - NRR - of 19 db while the 7S has a NRR fo 24 db. Some of the better muffs have a NRR of 28-30 db.

If you choose the 6S, for range use, also use ear plugs.

 

[General Geoff]

From what I understand, that's just the passive noise reduction rating. It doesn't take the noise cancellation into account, which nullifies all sounds above 79db for the 6S.

 

[cheaptrick]

hoghunting:
Not to sound contrary, but I have never doubled up with ear plugs when using my 6S's. Never thought I needed to.
I have shot 5.56mm indoors with them too.

 

[General Geoff]

I just found another set, Peltor TacSport muffs. They have an NRR of 20db, and are newer. They're also much slimmer than the 7S's. I might get these instead.

 

[nyresq]

I have a set of the COMTAC muffs. I bought them about 5 years ago and wish I bought them 10 years ago. once you use a set of electronic muffs you will never go back. as to the NRR, I can shoot with just the muffs, but I like my hearing so I always double up indoors.

the comtac's are more expensive, but do take quite a bit of abuse and are rated at a higher NRR then the 6s or the 7s... buy the best ones you can afford as they will be around for years to come. if you buy the best the first time, you will never replace them.

JMHO..

 

[Double Naught Spy]

From what I understand, that's just the passive noise reduction rating. It doesn't take the noise cancellation into account, which nullifies all sounds above 79db for the 6S.

The 6S muffs do not nullify sound above 79 db. The electronics simply such down at 79db, thereby not transmitting exterior sound through the electronics to your ear. When that happens, you simply have a passive muff that has a NRR of ONLY 19 db. So that 135 db pistol shot is still 116 db inside the muffs.

 

[another okie]

I have a pair of Pro Ears Dimension I. I use them at outdoor ranges, and they work great to let me hear range commands and conversation, but I double plug even outdoors. Everyone reacts differently to noise, and I am protective of my hearing because I've already lost some. Indoors I wear a pair of heavy, 29 DB muffs with ear plugs under them.

I would get the more expensive pair. Hearing aids are even more expensive.

 

[piste]

Huh?

The 6S muffs do not nullify sound above 79 db. The electronics simply such down at 79db, thereby not transmitting exterior sound through the electronics to your ear. When that happens, you simply have a passive muff that has a NRR of ONLY 19 db. So that 135 db pistol shot is still 116 db inside the muffs.

Sorry but I just can't make any sense at all of that. That would make them have an effective NRR of 19??? Much cheaper non electronic muffs have NRR's close to 30. So the 6S costs boatloads more only to be much less effective? What am I missing here?

 

[hoghunting]

What am I missing here?

Piste,

You're not missing anything. It seems that you caught on rather quickly.

 

[LHB1]

+1 My understanding of the function of electronic ear muffs is the same as Double Naught's. It appears to me the only thing they offer is the magnification of sounds below their cutoff threshold (79 db?) and then function ONLY as passive ear muffs above that sound level. That's why I don't own a pair but double up with soft ear plugs plus good external ear muffs with high NRR ratings.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Coronach]

The electronic muffs are expensive because they have microphones and speakers in them, not because they offer any greater noise protection. The way many people use them, myself included, is as follows:

1. Wear GOOD earplugs.
2. Wear electronic muffs
3. Turn volume on speakers up enough to hear them through the plugs.

This will allow the user to hear small sounds (talking, etc), but will allow the electronic muffs to cut out for loud sounds (gunshots). When the speakers cut out, the wearer will have the (relatively) low NRR of the electronic muffs coupled with the high NRR of the plugs.

the practical effect is that of getting double protection for gunshots and still being able to hear range commands like you're unprotected.

Mike