Pighunter
Well-Known Member
I recently purchased both of these headphones to compare them and thought it would be useful to publish my findings to help others.
I hunt driven wild boar, roe and mouflon in the South of France 2 days per week so my headphones get regular prolonged use. The woods are dense so it is important to be able to hear as well as possible, as vision is very limited, and shooting with a 9.3x74R, hearing protection is important. Wearing the headphones for 3-6 hours at a time comfort is also vital.
I previously used a pair of Peltor Tactical 6-5 phones which were fine for small game shooting in the UK, but on coming to France it was immediately apparent that they were not directional enough for my new type of hunting. You could hear the game arriving but it was very difficult to determine from which direction, which cost precious time when you often have a split second to see, identify andl shoot the target. On the Peltor set the microphones are mounted pointing forward, I did some research and found the Impact Sport were recommended for directional performance and the microphones are mounted more on the sides to help.
After many years use the Peltor set developed an annoying electrical buzz, so they were relegated for use with garden equipment and I bought the Impact Sport set. The difference was noticeable and they were far more directional, although a bit tight on the head at first until worn in. After several more years the original Sports broke when the wires (which are stressed each time the phones are folded) eventually broke, I now don't fold the phones after use, but put them in my backpack unfolded to avoid stressing them for longevity.
I needed to get a new set and decided to try the Impact Pros which were around 70 euros. Unlike the Impact Sport set they don't fold and are more bulky with a higher profile to the ear cups (which I didn't find interfered any more with rifle mounting, and they have rubber pads to avoid damage to your stock.) Both types are of almost identical weight, but to me the Pros are slightly more comfortable to wear. Both have sockets to connect a jack plug which I use with an adapter to connect a walkie talkie, essential to know what is happening elsewhere during the hunt.
The big difference for me is the volume, the Impact Sport amplify better than the Pros, especially the smaller noises like rustling leaves which are what I need to hear.
I therefore bought another pair of Impact Sport phones for around 20 euros from Ali Baba. Both seem to cut the noise of the shot very adequately, no problem there. I have also invested in a pair of aftermarket gel seals for the ear cups which offer more comfort and a more effective seal around the ears.
Conclusion, you can make your own mind up, but for me the Impact Sport are better in the field.
I hunt driven wild boar, roe and mouflon in the South of France 2 days per week so my headphones get regular prolonged use. The woods are dense so it is important to be able to hear as well as possible, as vision is very limited, and shooting with a 9.3x74R, hearing protection is important. Wearing the headphones for 3-6 hours at a time comfort is also vital.
I previously used a pair of Peltor Tactical 6-5 phones which were fine for small game shooting in the UK, but on coming to France it was immediately apparent that they were not directional enough for my new type of hunting. You could hear the game arriving but it was very difficult to determine from which direction, which cost precious time when you often have a split second to see, identify andl shoot the target. On the Peltor set the microphones are mounted pointing forward, I did some research and found the Impact Sport were recommended for directional performance and the microphones are mounted more on the sides to help.
After many years use the Peltor set developed an annoying electrical buzz, so they were relegated for use with garden equipment and I bought the Impact Sport set. The difference was noticeable and they were far more directional, although a bit tight on the head at first until worn in. After several more years the original Sports broke when the wires (which are stressed each time the phones are folded) eventually broke, I now don't fold the phones after use, but put them in my backpack unfolded to avoid stressing them for longevity.
I needed to get a new set and decided to try the Impact Pros which were around 70 euros. Unlike the Impact Sport set they don't fold and are more bulky with a higher profile to the ear cups (which I didn't find interfered any more with rifle mounting, and they have rubber pads to avoid damage to your stock.) Both types are of almost identical weight, but to me the Pros are slightly more comfortable to wear. Both have sockets to connect a jack plug which I use with an adapter to connect a walkie talkie, essential to know what is happening elsewhere during the hunt.
The big difference for me is the volume, the Impact Sport amplify better than the Pros, especially the smaller noises like rustling leaves which are what I need to hear.
I therefore bought another pair of Impact Sport phones for around 20 euros from Ali Baba. Both seem to cut the noise of the shot very adequately, no problem there. I have also invested in a pair of aftermarket gel seals for the ear cups which offer more comfort and a more effective seal around the ears.
Conclusion, you can make your own mind up, but for me the Impact Sport are better in the field.
