ManrisFrack
6.5 Creedmoor
The wife and I both use Pro Ears Pro 300s. Pricey, but no complaints and a bunch of patterns to choose from. Made in the USA.
Ear Pro - what do you use? Recommend?
- Thread starter Cleck
- Start date
Cleck
.308 Win
Ooh, pink/pink camo/pink realtree/pink zebra stripes!
Cleck
.308 Win
BTW, used these last night at the indoor range. Holy hell were they nice. Nothing will really do much for the extra concussive effects from being inside, but I really liked these. I will be getting some.
MothMan
.338 Win Mag
WHAT did ya say?? Rear muffs, no my ass ain't cold.
Stupid question here but if I wear muffs that offer 25 NRR and plugs with 30 NRR underneath does that equal 55 total? Or doe it not work like that?
MikeyCNY
6.5 Creedmoor
I've used the orange things posted by @Frankly but for classes or shooting with other people it's hard to beat the electronic ones. I used the same Howard Leight model that @MilesTeg linked. They were 'okay' but tended to pinch my ears when wearing eye pro. A few months ago I picked up a pair of the Walker's Razors @Cleck posted. (also got a pair for NYGF Secret Santa) I like them a lot! There's no 'hissing' like with the Howard Leights, and it might silence sounds a little quicker, not too sure. Haven't tested it myself. Got it on sale for less than $30; hard to beat that.
Idk but I suspect it's partially additive, like maybe 40-45. Nothing is perfectly efficient....
Cleck
.308 Win
Yeah, they don't stack. I don't remember exactly how they work that out, but one of those layers is already doing the bulk of the work, so the other one doesn't add to it fully.
Makes sense. All I know is I don't like running muffs alone at an indoor range. Outdoors I just use plugs and forgo the muffs.
Cleck
.308 Win
Same here. I actually just wore the electronics this time, but before this I was doubling up to do anything to muffle it. Had a hard time staying true with the 308 when someone is going ham with a 12ga or AR right next to me. I understand that normally I need to disregard that, but in that case, I won't be sighting something in.
I'm a slave to electronics, but I keep dumb stuff with me as a backup. Half the reason why I don't want an illuminated scope, unless it just adds illumination to the reticle that is already there.
Like Cleck said, they don't stack. If you do stack them, you'll get an extra 0-15dB over just using one. The dB scale isn't linear. It is logarithmic. every increase of 3dB is actually double the energy. 3 dB does not double the volume though. Volume is subjective and most people perceive a 10dB increase as a doubling of the volume.
Also, remember that you probably won't get the full NRR out of the device due to the shape of your head, ear canal, etc. Muffs and plugs work better at different frequencies as well. They block out sound better at lower frequencies than higher ones.
Basically, if you say, "Wow, that's kind of loud" it's time to throw on another form of ear protection.
Also, remember that you probably won't get the full NRR out of the device due to the shape of your head, ear canal, etc. Muffs and plugs work better at different frequencies as well. They block out sound better at lower frequencies than higher ones.
Basically, if you say, "Wow, that's kind of loud" it's time to throw on another form of ear protection.
Last edited:
Robin
.577 Tyrannosaur.
If they had em, I would have bought a pair of those pink stripey ones!!! Easy to spot when you lay them down and for sure, no one is going to swipe them.
Robin
Robin
Cleck
.308 Win
Until I buy a pair, then we'll be like, "Yours or mine?" Haha
They muffle noise just as well with dead batteries though, the electronics just allow you to hear regular noises better. If anything you could turn them up and hear the bad guy breathing in the next room ;-p
TopShot
.45 acp
I have a pair of passive Pro Ears Ultra 33 (33 NRR), they don't make them anymore.
They compress gunfire pretty good.
When shooting inside or shooting magnums things tend to get a little loud so you should double up.
I tried a few pairs of electronic muffs.
They all claimed they either clipped or compressed all sounds over 82 db.
I had a pair of Howard Leight Impact Sports (22 NRR), they use clipping technology.
You could not hear any conversation during gunfire.
I used them at a handgun class in the open and I couldn't believe how loud it was.
Next I bought a pair of electronic Pro Ears Gold Tactical (30 NRR), they used compression technology.
I was shooting outside under a roof and they were louder than my passive ones but you could hear conversation perfectly.
I would have to double up to be comfortable everywhere but out in the open.
Next I bought a pair of electronic MSA Sardins Pro X (18 NRR).
They are suppose to be the best, they are used by most US agencies.
MSA Sardins documentation claims that since gunfire is about 800 Hz their NRR is about 24 NRR.
I wonder if that goes for all other ear protection as well.
They also use compression technology but they seemed to clip the sound at times which was very annoying for me.
I couldn't hear all the commands given by the RSO.
Like NirvanaFan says if you double up a good rule of thumb is ad 5 NRR over the highest NRR of either the earplug or the muff.
For those of you not knowledgable about the different types of ear protection technology watch the following video.
They compress gunfire pretty good.
When shooting inside or shooting magnums things tend to get a little loud so you should double up.
I tried a few pairs of electronic muffs.
They all claimed they either clipped or compressed all sounds over 82 db.
I had a pair of Howard Leight Impact Sports (22 NRR), they use clipping technology.
You could not hear any conversation during gunfire.
I used them at a handgun class in the open and I couldn't believe how loud it was.
Next I bought a pair of electronic Pro Ears Gold Tactical (30 NRR), they used compression technology.
I was shooting outside under a roof and they were louder than my passive ones but you could hear conversation perfectly.
I would have to double up to be comfortable everywhere but out in the open.
Next I bought a pair of electronic MSA Sardins Pro X (18 NRR).
They are suppose to be the best, they are used by most US agencies.
MSA Sardins documentation claims that since gunfire is about 800 Hz their NRR is about 24 NRR.
I wonder if that goes for all other ear protection as well.
They also use compression technology but they seemed to clip the sound at times which was very annoying for me.
I couldn't hear all the commands given by the RSO.
Like NirvanaFan says if you double up a good rule of thumb is ad 5 NRR over the highest NRR of either the earplug or the muff.
For those of you not knowledgable about the different types of ear protection technology watch the following video.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
I just use regular foam plugs. That's it. That's all that's necessary.
It's funny when I see these guys show up looking like clowns with their rifles in huge plastic cases. They then put on their Mickey Mouse ear muffs, take off their sunglasses, and put on yellow shooting glasses and squint into the sunlight. Like all that crap is needed.
Meanwhile, everyone else is shooting with Oakley's and foam ear plugs with no ill effects.
It's funny when I see these guys show up looking like clowns with their rifles in huge plastic cases. They then put on their Mickey Mouse ear muffs, take off their sunglasses, and put on yellow shooting glasses and squint into the sunlight. Like all that crap is needed.
Meanwhile, everyone else is shooting with Oakley's and foam ear plugs with no ill effects.
Last edited:
Doc8404
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Cotton balls.
Well since this has been resurrected I will add that I recently ordered a pair of the Peltor Sport Tactical 300s, I didn't need the Bluetooth capability of the 500s. When I go to the range I'm there to shoot, not yak on the phone. The reason I decided to get electronic muffs in the first place is so I'll be able to hear instruction while training while still keeping the protection intact. As the NRR is only 24db I will double up with foam plugs. The idea being, according to what I've read, good electronuc muffs can amplify noise under 85db (human speech) to partly over come the plugs while screening the gunfire out.
I also popped extra for the gel earcups that fit on the Peltors. Why they don't offer them out of the box with those cups for a few extra bucks I've no idea. The Peltor Tactical Sports seem to be very well regarded though.
I also popped extra for the gel earcups that fit on the Peltors. Why they don't offer them out of the box with those cups for a few extra bucks I've no idea. The Peltor Tactical Sports seem to be very well regarded though.
TopShot
.45 acp
Willisjr75, there is a mastoid bone behind the ear which can be damaged by vibration from gunfire.
Earplugs will not protect this. Ear muffs are the way to go.
It's not a fashion show, protect what you got while you can.
Earplugs will not protect this. Ear muffs are the way to go.
It's not a fashion show, protect what you got while you can.
TopShot
.45 acp
Podmonkey, let me know how you like those Pelter Sport Tactical 300's.
I've been eyeing them but I hear a lot of complaints about the headband.
I've read it doesn't curve with the average head and it doesn't have any cushioning.
I guess you can get a wrap for the headband. I hope it works for you.
I've been eyeing them but I hear a lot of complaints about the headband.
I've read it doesn't curve with the average head and it doesn't have any cushioning.
I guess you can get a wrap for the headband. I hope it works for you.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
I have fired thousands of rounds with earplugs in the military and out. Sometimes without but that couldn't be helped. Every year my job tests my hearing and I'm always in top percentile.
I've never seen anyone get hearing damage by using foam earplugs.
TopShot
.45 acp
Willisjr75, I'm glad it doesn't effect you.
I've heard of others who have.
Next time they check your ears ask the doctor about it.
I've heard of others who have.
Next time they check your ears ask the doctor about it.
Last edited:
I already have significant hearing damage from 6 lawnmowing/landscaping, 6 years in the artillery and then 2 years running a chainsaw/chipper. I always used in ear hearing protection, either foam or fitted silicone plugs. There must be something to the whole skull/jaw induction thing as I never wore muffs during that period.
Most comfort complaints I read were directed at the earcups, which I will be upgrading. I have read numerous accounts of the Peltor TS being equal to the high dollar MSA Sordins in sound quality yet between a sale and coupons (koopens) I snagged my pair for about $100 off Optics Planet. The gel earcups slaps $45 onto the price though.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Shoot a lot, high power, galleries? use dual protection!
Can buy electronic ones for the outside but double protection even on the cheap is better than
single expensive protection.
Silicone and ear putty are the best for the inner ear protection while any large cup is going to protect
the pressure wave coming from the back of the ear. \
If you shoot a lot a pair of silicone corded and clipped in the back and will not loose them ever again
and they can be washed.
for the outside one could even do with an inexpensive set from lowes. They are rated for very high noise.
Remember double up whenever you can unless it is clays outdoors or other calibers and conditions that do not require so much.
When the hearing is gone, it is gone.
Can buy electronic ones for the outside but double protection even on the cheap is better than
single expensive protection.
Silicone and ear putty are the best for the inner ear protection while any large cup is going to protect
the pressure wave coming from the back of the ear. \
If you shoot a lot a pair of silicone corded and clipped in the back and will not loose them ever again
and they can be washed.
for the outside one could even do with an inexpensive set from lowes. They are rated for very high noise.
Remember double up whenever you can unless it is clays outdoors or other calibers and conditions that do not require so much.
When the hearing is gone, it is gone.
Best NRR plugs are the foamies. Cheapest too. I keep a jar in my range bag.
TopShot
.45 acp
I have to try the silicone reusable ear plugs.
I use the foam ones but they are a pain in the ass if you want to take them in and out.
I use the foam ones but they are a pain in the ass if you want to take them in and out.