Ear protection

[Antonyweeks]

Hi
New stalker here. I’ve used a basic and cheap set of standard over ear defenders for years (I think they are just basic Bisley ones) when shooting clays and on the range. However, they are a bit tired (and I've had them 15 years!). I've looked online and seen a whole range of electronic ones. As an ex drummer my right ear is a little knackered so I was thinking of investing in some new protection. I’ve been recommended Peltor Sportac but they seem expensive and I’d not stalk in them as I think the bulk would annoy me. Just wondered what other folks’ go to hearing protection was and whether the in ear custom moulded sets from the likes of Vario or Cens are worth the expense?

 

[JMikeyH]

I've got a set of the Peltor electronic ear defenders and while they are good, they do get uncomfortable after wearing them for a while and my next set will be a pair of in-ear defenders rather than over-ear defenders. The Peltors are about £100 for the set I've got, if you put a bit more cash in then you can get a pair of moulded in-ear defenders which I think will be far more comfortable but I can't attest to that as I haven't used them yet!

 

[1894]

Even custom moulded plugs do not afford rifle level protection. My tinnitus is the evidence.

 

[JEH]

I use the Peltor SportTac’s and think are very good, you will notice a big improvement in comparison to your standard Bisley ones. Only criticism is that they are not the most comfortable after a long day wearing them.

 

[Alantoo]

I think the in-ear electronic are the most user friendly for stalking and the range.

The fitted in-ear ones do not afford the same level of protection as the ones with foam tips. The CENS Minos give four times the pressure protection of their more expensive fitted units. 31dB as opposed to 25dB SNR.

Pressure doubles with every 3dB...factor of over 16 times between the CENS models there. Perceived sound volume doubles every 10dB. Few over-ear muffs manage more than 30dB most are around 25dB like the CENS fitted.

Even better the 3M Peltor LEP or EEPs can give between 32 and 38dB SNR depending on the tips used with them, and they have have rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Win win.

Obviously most important is what is comfortable for you...no point in high attenuation protection if you take it off because it is uncomfortable or cumbersome.

I have found the Peltor LEP 100s have been fine for eight days worth of 11 hour days working in the forge, and now they have brought out the EEPs with the same features but a less fancy charging system for half the money...125 plus VAT...win win win

3M Peltor Electronic Earplug EEP-100 EU - Earshot Communications

EAN / GTIN #: 00051131277427 3M Catalogue #: EEP-100 3M Stock #: 7100194360 The 3M™ PELTOR™ Electronic Earplug helps protect your hearing, and can help improve situational awareness and communications in challenging environments. The 3M™ PELTOR™ Electronic Earplug helps protect your hearing, and...

www.earshotcommunications.co.uk

There have been a number of threads on here about ear protection...worth doing a search.

Alan

 

[jall55]

I have an expensive pair of in ear ones and they make shotgun shooting - in my opinion very hard. You feel like you are floating with them in and detached from your surrounding.
I have gone back to the old fashioned foam plugs

 

[Alantoo]

I have an expensive pair of in ear ones and they make shotgun shooting - in my opinion very hard. You feel like you are floating with them in and detached from your surrounding.
I have gone back to the old fashioned foam plugs

Were your disorienting expensive ones active electronic or the passive attenuation type?

The Peltor electronic ones I have give you stereo sound at three volume levels, below ambient. ambient, or above ambient so I don't notice much difference at ambient levels...conversation is easy and apparently I am not shouting at anybody! The high volume enhanced ambient is great for stalking or sitting in a high seat, you a constantly aware of every crunchy leaf foot fall and you get early warning and direction of animals coming through the undergrowth...pheasant wings etc.

Alan

 

[Cawdor118]

I use MSA Sordins with the gel cups for range work and I also have Cen's Hunter's where there are various modes for game and clays. Both are fantastic. I would buy them both again in future.

 

[jall55]

Were your disorienting expensive ones active electronic or the passive attenuation type?

The Peltor electronic ones I have give you stereo sound at three volume levels, below ambient. ambient, or above ambient so I don't notice much difference at ambient levels...conversation is easy and apparently I am not shouting at anybody! The high volume enhanced ambient is great for stalking or sitting in a high seat, you a constantly aware of every crunchy leaf foot fall and you get early warning and direction of animals coming through the undergrowth...pheasant wings etc.

Alan

I think active electronic Alan
One of my other pals that had them done at the same time has the same issue - the other lads loves his !

 

[Cottis]

I have the EEP's that Alantoo talks about above. They are alright, I quite like them but i was lucky and one of the plug sets that came with them fitted me well. Other plug options are available. Alantoo can give more info on that but basically they are easy to use, out of the way, no annoying bashing of bulky ear muffs on stocks and they can amplify sound, so I find them quite useful to hear pigeon wings for example. A bit noisy in the wind but not terribly and you can get wind deflectors I think but never bothered. Good small case, easy to charge and the charge lasts ages in them.

There is a lot to like for about 130 odd quid from memory

 

[Steff]

I think one has to make a distinction on what the protection shall be used for.
In-ears are great for shooting out in the field. On the range though I clearly prefer over-ear cups, especially on rifle ranges. Have you ever sat beside a .338 Lapua Magnum being shot with a muzzle break? The Peltor SportTac is not sufficient for this. I have the Peltor ProTac Shooter, which renders 6 db more attenuation and is even cheaper than the SportTac.