What is your favorite type, brand, model of hearing protection

[Griff79]

Collective knowledge base,

What are your favorite types of hearing protection? I've been shopping for some and I've seen them for $.50 up to $150 there probably even more expensive ones. I have always just used foam plugs but would like to get more protection

i would like your opinions on what has worked well for you. If you could include the brand and model I would be most appreciative.

Thanks,
Griff

[DenverGP]

Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs. Being able to hear normal speaking volume and yet still protect hearing from the shots is awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O (http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O)

Around christmas time last year they were about $35 or so from amazon and cabellas. At that price, they were a great deal. At $50, there are probably some other electronic muffs I'd check out, but I'd still go for some electronics.

[blacklabel]

I'm not a fan of large muffs so I decided to try out the Surefire EP7s. They're pretty decent for a foam plug.

[ray1970]

I just do the foam earplugs. Good ones from 3M or Howard Leight. The ear muff things screw with a proper cheek weld when I shoot long guns and I can't stand them. They are also rather uncomfortable for me when the weather gets hot.

[Great-Kazoo]

Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs. Being able to hear normal speaking volume and yet still protect hearing from the shots is awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O (http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O)

Around christmas time last year they were about $35 or so from amazon and cabellas. At that price, they were a great deal. At $50, there are probably some other electronic muffs I'd check out, but I'd still go for some electronics.

A good bang for your buck. I use the surefire ear plugs when shooting suppressed. The bottom line is how much you want to spend. I've looked at ear plugs like this, but the cost is way out of my wallet's range
http://www.proears.com/Pro-Fit-buy-now

[Wulf202]

HL Denver gp linked. I have several. They dont hurt like msr sordins if they walk off

[BPTactical]

Huh?
What?








I can't stress enough, whatever you use, use something.
Going to bed every night with ringing and roaring in your head sucks.
Anymore I double up, the cheapo expanding foamies and then a muffins type set.

[copfish]

I like the MSA/Sordin Pro-X (http://us.msasafety.com/Hearing-Protection/Headband,-Electronic-Ear-Muffs/Supreme%26reg%3B-Pro-X-Earmuff/p/000090007600001028), I also have a pair of the older Sordin Pro series. Both are great and while a tad pricey, I found they worked better than the cheaper electronic muffs when firing full auto. I also like the fact that I can plug my cell phone in and hear it ring when I'm out shooting. I also keep a pair of foam plugs in my pocket.

[wyome]

tinnitus blows....foam ear plugs and at least 33 db noise reduction ear muffs...got the rest of the family doing the same thing too

[Griff79]

I'm not a fan of large muffs.


Ah, ER, ummmm, I'm not a large muffs either, LOL!!

Sorry had to do it, 52 going on 17, sometimes.
Griff

[KestrelBike]

Double up! I recently went to an audiologist to get fitted for some of the custom inner-ear protection that was just blanks and not the fancy digital stuff involved ( http://www.westone.com/defendear/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=5&Itemid=108 ) so it only cost $120. I wanted an easy in-out alternative to disposable foam plugs. I haven't shot with them yet, and I may take them back to the audiologist to see if they can tinker with the fit, because it *feels* like they will not give a good seal/protection. Since they're flush with the ear anyways, I plan on putting muffs over them. I'm going to be pretty disappointed if they do not provide as much noise protection as $0.25 foam plugs.

I started with a pair of Peltor 6S ( http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Tactical-Hearing-Protector/dp/B00009363P/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433128834&sr=8-1&keywords=peltor+6s ) but one of the AAA batteries leaked and busted one ear, and it's a total PITA to change the batteries anyways (2 AAA's per ear-cup). However, they fit my head the best and had very little noise-intrusion.

I went to a pair of Howard Leights, and like how easy it is to access the batteries and change them out (2 AAA). However, I'm not alone in that it's tough to get a good seal and not have noise popping right in. I was at an indoor range and some guy in the next booth had his super-duper horizontal-cannon muzzle brake on and I had ringing in my ears despite both foam plugs and the howard leight's. I had to press the cups to my head to get a good seal and just waited until he'd finish his mindless blasting.

ETA: A week after that episode, I was at a small 3-gun competition and fiddled with the placement of them on my ears, and discovered that they sealed much better if I pushed them much lower on my ears and tilted them towards the back, low-rider style. So it's quite an improvement over wearing them as you'd normally think they should be worn.

If you really want to nerd out about it: http://www.westone.com/defendear/downloads/DE_White_Paper.pdf

[Ramsker]

I've been using a pretty inexpensive pair of Winchester muffs that I got at Walmart years ago . . . and really, they have been pretty good. Bought some for all four of us in the family. But I bought a couple pairs of Howard Leight Impact Sports the other week and some Surefire 4 Sonic Defender ear plugs that I want to try. The Howard Leights came highly recommended on another board I spend a lot of time on. I haven't tried them yest--but will report.

[Griff79]

A good bang for your buck. I use the surefire ear plugs when shooting suppressed. The bottom line is how much you want to spend. I've looked at ear plugs like this, but the cost is way out of my wallet's range
http://www.proears.com/Pro-Fit-buy-now

Wow, these might be great but out of my price range

Griff

[spongejosh]

I think the Surefire plugs are more comfortable than the foam plugs. I bought a pair of the Howard Leight electronic muffs last year at $35 but I haven't used them yet.

[kwando]

I have a set of fitted ones from tanner... and i double up with Howard Leights

[ben4372]

I'm a big fan of the double up. Depending on what I'm shooting. More quiet shooting and hunting I use the Surefire in the ear type. I had a set of custom molded ones that were fantastic,but the ran off. Surefires work as good for a lot less money.

[Mick-Boy]

I use either the Sordins that Cop-fish uses or comparable Peltors. I started using them in conjunction with comms over seas and got spoiled fast. They're pretty spendy but they're also durable and effective. Buy once, cry once and all that.

[HoneyBadger]

I think the Surefire plugs are more comfortable than the foam plugs. I bought a pair of the Howard Leight electronic muffs last year at $35 but I haven't used them yet.
I use either of these, depending on the situation. I love the surefire silicone plugs.

[Big John]

Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs. Being able to hear normal speaking volume and yet still protect hearing from the shots is awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O (http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O)

I have custom molded plugs that quickly took a back seat to Howard Leight's. I really like being able to talk at normal tone and being able to clearly hear instruction (or even amplify it) at matches. Only downside is clearly hearing people with regular muffs screaming at you[LOL]You can also plug in your phone or ipod if you'd like. I was able to talk on the phone during a match while others were shooting by simply putting the phone up to the mic.




I went to a pair of Howard Leights, and like how easy it is to access the batteries and change them out (2 AAA). However, I'm not alone in that it's tough to get a good seal and not have noise popping right in. I was at an indoor range and some guy in the next booth had his super-duper horizontal-cannon muzzle brake on and I had ringing in my ears despite both foam plugs and the howard leight's. I had to press the cups to my head to get a good seal and just waited until he'd finish his mindless blasting.

ETA: A week after that episode, I was at a small 3-gun competition and fiddled with the placement of them on my ears, and discovered that they sealed much better if I pushed them much lower on my ears and tilted them towards the back, low-rider style. So it's quite an improvement over wearing them as you'd normally think they should be worn.

If you really want to nerd out about it: http://www.westone.com/defendear/downloads/DE_White_Paper.pdfI had read some discussion on this before purchasing mine. The consensus seemed to be to pull down (kinda hard) from the top while pressing in at the bottom. I use this method, even with a ball cap on and have zero problems with seal.

[Irving]

With the Leights you just need to extend the headband up enough that it's not even touching your head, then adjust the cups accordingly.

[Singlestack]

I use E.A.R. Chameleons (in camo, of course) for good custom solid plugs: http://earinc.com/shop/chameleon-ears-series/chameleon-ears-solid/

Howard Leight impact sports for the basic muffs. Also have Peltor 6s muffs. While they work fine, replacing the batteries means bruising your fingertips. Major PITA.

[Delfuego]

I have been using the Surefire EP's. Cheap and work way better than foamies. If I'm at a square range or match I will wear the Howard Leight Impact over them.

[TEAMRICO]

Real men don't need em.
Now WOULD SOMEONE STOP BLOWING THAT WHISTLE?!!!!!!! All day and all night that whistle!

I usually switch off between foam, muffs and electronic depending on caliber and weather. Still have some Army issue ones I use on occasion. Now when I shoot with my son? Doubled up.

[Great-Kazoo]

If everyone was shooting suppressed one wouldn't need those pricey plugs.

[wctriumph]

The green (pink for the daughter) cheapest electronic muffs from MidwayUSA when they were on sale for $19.99 a couple of years ago. The work great and never had a problem with them.

[james_bond_007]

anybody use these?

http://www.amazon.com/Radians-CEP001-Custom-Molded-Earplugs/dp/B003A28P4I/ref=zg_bs_553558_12

We bought them recently for the kids. They stay in place and my pair has a very tight seal. I also use howard leights around here, if Im not shooting suppressed. ( which is uncivilized)
I also have the surefire ep and several other over ear style and in the ear style. I think I like the howard leights and the radians molded best.

If you mold them properly, your kids can also use them when they go swimming, to keep water out of their ears.

[Griff79]

Thanks guys this is great information

[Spdu4ia]

I have been using the Surefire EP's. Cheap and work way better than foamies. If I'm at a square range or match I will wear the Howard Leight Impact over them.

Same here , ep's on the bolt gun just for cheek weld. Impacts for most other stuff

[KS63]

I had a pair of the Howard Leight Impact Sports, but they didn't seal worth a dam on my noggin and they were uncomfortable. I sold them to a Member and I'm glad he likes them. I replaced them with MSA/Sordin Supreme Pro's with the gel ear seals. One if the smartest things I've done. Super comfy over glasses, they compress the sound,unlike the HL which clips sound, and the materials/construction are superior. $300 vs $40. Pay to play. No regrets.

[ZERO THEORY]

Surefire in-ear plugs with the openable center canal on the inside of my Howard Leight electronics. I leave the plug ports open, then crank the amplifier on the muffs and it's fantastic.

Doubling up just seems prudent to me, especially at matches when the concussive force is coming from numerous angles.

[sellersm]

I use a variety of electronic ones with a plug in the ear underneath for double protection. Recently obtained these from Home Depot during a great sale and 'heads up' from this forum: Peltor Tactical 100.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Peltor-Tactical-100-Electronic-Hearing-Protector-TAC100-OTH/205139061

Depending on whether I'm shooting rifle/shotgun or handgun, I sometimes switch to some other ones, Caldwell, Howard Leight, etc. Depends on the thickness/profile to allow for a good cheek weld...

[Duman]

Back in the day, it wasn't 'cool' to wear hearing protection while working in the auto plants. I'm glad to still have some hearing.

[tw4]

Msa sordin - done