Electronic Hearing Protection

[Hoser]

Does anyone use electronic ear muffs...the kind that you can hear talking, but they block out a gun's report? If so, what type do you use and how do you like them? They seem interesting, but the ones I have seen block out about 10db less then standard muffs.

[CCWInstructor]

I have them. Can't tell you the brand. They work good. They have a 30 db rating.

[sealbeach]

Actually I hate to do this, but there was a great thread on TOS about this deleted It starts with a deleted post, dont know why, but we quickly hijacked that thread into hearing protection...

BTW, I dont use the electronic ones, I like my plain old muffs, they were about $15 and work great.

[X-ffdo]

I have the Peltors Tac 7. I am very happy with them. The 9v. batteries are easy to change and I am still on my first set of battery. I have been using them for about 10 months. They do an excellent job. You can hear normal conversation but it deadens the harmful sounds.

[sealbeach]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

I have the Peltors Tac 7. I am very happy with them. The 9v. batteries are easy to change and I am still on my first set of battery. I have been using them for about 10 months. They do an excellent job. You can hear normal conversation but it deadens the harmful sounds.

So you are saying it has the special "tune out wife" feature?

[X-ffdo]

My shooting score has improved.......I can concentrate better!!!!!!!

[WKC]

The ability to block out sound depends on the quality of the seal the muffs form around your ears. I have also noticed that the volume of the muffs affects sound attenuation. The larger the volume the better the attenuation. There is also a difference in the electronic circuitry in the various brands of hearing protector. I have the Peltor TacticalPro and Sordin Supreme Pro X. The Peltor has a large volume and has better sound attenuation over the Sordin. About 3 db difference. The Peltor circuit is designed to shut down when the volume is high while the Sordin will lower the volume on the loud sound. You can check their respective web site to find the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). They range from 27 to 30 Db.

Which one I use depends on what I plan to do at the range. At an outdoor range, I'll use the Sordin because it is smaller and it is water proof. At an indoor range, I double up with ear plugs. If I am not training with a timer, then I use the Peltor for the better noise attenuation. If I am training with a timer, I'll use the Sordin. It allows me to plug my timer in the ear muff so I can hear it. I cannot do that with the Peltor since it shuts down when the timer beep is sent in.

[CenterX]

I use the Peltor Tactiacl 6S, 19NRR. I got these because I could wear a hat with them - and they cost the least of all I looked at, and I don't need a tactical radio adaptor.

My thoughts were that if they don't work well or didn't last then the investment would be small. I like them.

I tried them with the attenuator off and they are pretty much like the cheapest non-electronic. Never tried them with ear plugs - may do that today.

I tried them for chain saw work and they are marginally effective with the attenuator off. But, I went back to my 38db Silencio (or something like that) and dropped the hat - I like to wear a hat to hold back the sun-rays.

[CenterX]

Sorry for the double post - DSL lag

[Sigman]

Mine work good. I like them but I did notice in the indoor ranges it harder to hear your buddy talking because when other people are shooting it blocks out every other word. I will only use them outside.

[rundmlee]

I have a set of electronic Peltors that I enjoy. I don't really use the electronic part inside an indoor range, but they really come in handy while taking classes outdoors. It's great to be able to clearly hear the instructors commands. Also, during class simulated scenarios, again, some of the clues the instructors give are auditory and the electronic ears are a definite benefit. I also like my Peltors which are low profile for long gun work.

[swdr]

I use Radians pro amp electronic ear muffs. I usually double with ear plugs.
They were $63 at Midsouth Shooters Supply, Reloading, Air Guns, Optics, Muzzleloaders & Shooting Supplies.