10-Ring
Member
Is it worth it or am I equally protected w/ my 31 db ear muffs now?
Q re: electronic hearing protection
- Thread starter 10-Ring
- Start date
- Status
This Cruffler review may help you.
I have tried to find something definitive on this. Most sources do not say how much hearing protection I really get from electronic hearing gear - only how it works.
For a couple of hundred on up, I like to get facts.
FWIW, my personal conclusion is that it is handy if you need to hear the environment around you, like when you hunt, home defense, or SWAT type scenarios. Also, if you spend a lot of time on the range, you can (in more expensive models) hook up a CD or MP3 player.
I have tried to find something definitive on this. Most sources do not say how much hearing protection I really get from electronic hearing gear - only how it works.
For a couple of hundred on up, I like to get facts.
FWIW, my personal conclusion is that it is handy if you need to hear the environment around you, like when you hunt, home defense, or SWAT type scenarios. Also, if you spend a lot of time on the range, you can (in more expensive models) hook up a CD or MP3 player.
BamBam
Member
A buddy of mine has a set of Peltors and I have used them. They are really nice; you can hear normally when there is no gunfire. They quiet down real well when the shooting starts.
Not really a "must-have", but sure are nice if finances permit.
Not really a "must-have", but sure are nice if finances permit.
Jim Watson
Member
You are probably better protected by a standard set at 31 dB. I think my Peltor 6 is rated at 26 dB. The advantage of the electronic muffs is being able to hear range commands and conversation. They are NOT noise-cancelling like some aircraft headsets, the electronics cannot make them quieter against gunshots. You can use them to gain added protection by double plugging - wear earplugs under electronic muffs and turn the muff volume up to hear voices through the plugs.
I started out with Leightning 31's (plain muffs) which are very good at noise reduction, especially effective at indoor ranges. However, I wanted to converse with other shooters (always keeping safety in mind!) or head range officers commands, I then purchased Peltor 7s (26db reduction) and later on adding ear plugs on top of that. Good noise reduction, but Peltors "clip", or shut off sounds with gunfire so it sometimes is difficult to carry on a conversation. Then purchased Pro-Ears (25 db?) and double plugged. Works fine, can hear on-going conversations. I lend my Pro-Ears to newbie shooters so they can hear shooting instructors commands so they will always hear them (then I'll use my back-up Peltors).
Still Learning
Member
I use mine only when taking a training class, teaching new shooters, or when competing. This is due to my inability to hear range commands, etc. when wearing regular muffs and plugs. The reason I can't hear those commands, etc. is because I was a dumb*&S in my youth and refused to wear proper hearing protection.
For regular practice I still prefer and recommend good earmuffs and plugs for maximum protection. (This helps prevent flinching, too.)
For regular practice I still prefer and recommend good earmuffs and plugs for maximum protection. (This helps prevent flinching, too.)
Preacherman
Member
What Jim Watson said. Electronic muffs are superb for a busy range situation, enabling you to hear commands and commentary whilst remaining protected. Also, using plugs under them, and turning the volume up, allows you to hear range commands while still benefiting from the double protection.
Another useful feature is that if your home is invaded, or you're in a tactical situation, they can amplify your hearing to where you can get the drop on your opponent by the sound cues he makes. Of course, you need genuine stereophonic reception for this - the cheaper muffs give you the same sound in each ear, which makes it difficult to determine where the sound is coming from.
Another useful feature is that if your home is invaded, or you're in a tactical situation, they can amplify your hearing to where you can get the drop on your opponent by the sound cues he makes. Of course, you need genuine stereophonic reception for this - the cheaper muffs give you the same sound in each ear, which makes it difficult to determine where the sound is coming from.
10-Ring
Member
I have never used a set before. What happens...you can hear normally until shooting starts & the sound is electronically muffled? Is there a delay? Do you hear the initial bang before the sound is squelched? (kinda like voice activated recorders that miss the 1st couple of words before they start going)
Chipperman
Member
The shots are "Clipped". You hear an initial "Pop", then the rest of the report is muffled.
You don't really hear any more of the bang than you would hear with them turned off, in other words there is no sharp impulse sound and then the muting effect. However if there other shots at the range you will get your conversation chopped up with peltors as tman mentioned. The proears use a softer compression scheme rather than a hard clip and from trying them out at gunshows and stuff they seem to work better. Although i keep a pair by my bedside i'm not sure how well they work in a "tactical" scenario, things don't just sound the same but louder, they just don't sound the same. Also whereas they do seem to provide some stereophonic hearing i have found it is hard to localize a sound precisely. YMMV.
10-Ring
Member
I never thought of the nightstand application. That actually makes sense at first glance to be able to investigate any bumps i the night & still be able to protect your hearing if need be.
People who have the best echo location hearing usually have slightly offset ears. The electronic muffs are not offset. Even if you have true stereo muffs your echo location won't be as good.
After the first shot is fired, the advantage shifts to he who has the muffs. You will find the act of firing a gun inside your house without protection to be a painful and damaging experience.
After the first shot is fired, the advantage shifts to he who has the muffs. You will find the act of firing a gun inside your house without protection to be a painful and damaging experience.
Peltor Tactial 6s (slimmer than the "normal" 6s, I believe) are only good for like 19db, so I always use plugs when using my Tactical 6s. With the muffs turned up all the way, I can hear everything at about a normal volume but with the muffs off I can barely hear normal sounds.
Kharn
Kharn
happy old sailor
Member
the woman and i have Pro Ears Linear Elites. they are 29 db reduction and muff sound level above about 85. we can whisper to each other when shooting. immediately after firing, which you don't hear, you get this whooomming echo as the sound richochets down through the woods. neat.
sound amplification adjustable for each ear and hearing is in stereo. you can hear yourself walking across a thick carpet. surprisingly loud when the sound is turned all the way up.
in the summer, katydids and locusts may cause you to turn the sound down. when shooting next to a .357 or .30 carbine, i add earplugs. 29 db reduction is not enough.
two "N' batteries operate them and last a very long time. have found uses for them besides shooting. woman uses them bowhunting turkey.
sound amplification adjustable for each ear and hearing is in stereo. you can hear yourself walking across a thick carpet. surprisingly loud when the sound is turned all the way up.
in the summer, katydids and locusts may cause you to turn the sound down. when shooting next to a .357 or .30 carbine, i add earplugs. 29 db reduction is not enough.
two "N' batteries operate them and last a very long time. have found uses for them besides shooting. woman uses them bowhunting turkey.
Will Fennell
Member
I like these....
I've been using these in-the-ear electronic plugs for a few years now, and they are without a doubt the finest......pricey, but if you spend slot of time on the range, they are the way to go....
The link to ESP's site is.....
http://www.espamerica.com/test.html
They are unbelievable!
I've been using these in-the-ear electronic plugs for a few years now, and they are without a doubt the finest......pricey, but if you spend slot of time on the range, they are the way to go....
The link to ESP's site is.....
http://www.espamerica.com/test.html
They are unbelievable!
Will Fennell
Member
Yeah, but they are GOOD
I hear ya Blackhawk, but they are really that good.......if you spend enough time on the range, they are worth it.
I hear ya Blackhawk, but they are really that good.......if you spend enough time on the range, they are worth it.
I have a pair of the Peltor 6 ears and found them to be less comfortable and less effective than my big blue 31dB muffs. I don't have a problem with range commands or normal conversation with conventional ears, and found the way the noise cancellation turned on and off during use a bit annoying. For example, when talking to someone on a hot line, it sounds like someone is playing with the mute button.
As Preacherman said, the electronic ears now sit upstairs with our nightstand gun, primarily for their amplification.
If you decide to go with the slim Peltor 6, try a pair on first. They are a bit snug if you have medium to large ears.
As Preacherman said, the electronic ears now sit upstairs with our nightstand gun, primarily for their amplification.
If you decide to go with the slim Peltor 6, try a pair on first. They are a bit snug if you have medium to large ears.
jthuang
Member
Third on Jim Watson's idea. First set was the Pro Ears Sporting Clay LE model (21 NRR). Used it for a few years and noticed that my hearing wasn't so great any more -- shooting, loud bars/nightclubs, playing in a band and listening to music through a Walkman at the gym is starting to take its toll.
So I bought a the Pro Ears Magnum Dimension 2 model (29 NRR) and use it with plugs. More hearing protection and I can still hear conversation and range commands.
Pricey, but IMHO worth it.
Justin
So I bought a the Pro Ears Magnum Dimension 2 model (29 NRR) and use it with plugs. More hearing protection and I can still hear conversation and range commands.
Pricey, but IMHO worth it.
Justin
- Status
