Ear protection - current market

[WildBoarHunter]

In budget price range I can highly recommend Peltor pri tac shooter with nnr 26. Protection is very good and electronics is also decent.
In premium price range Peltor Com Tac with nnr 23 is very very good.
If you're shooting full bore rifles don't buy anything with nnr 21 or less and don't buy anything with made in prc label.

 

[Demetrius]

Hearing protection - HSE

www.hse.gov.uk

Scroll down to:

A-weighted noise level (dB)	Select a protector with the right SNR
85 to 90	20 or less
90 to 95	20 to 30
95 to 100	25 to 35
100 to 105	30 or more

I think there may be different ways of expressing the noise reduction of ear protectors, but this is what I've found so far.
As far as I can see, it looks like 25-35 covers a full-bore rifle. My Pro-Tec ll's, and the in ear LEP-200 EU's are both 32dB.
The LEP's SNR varies according to the silicone rubber tip used, there are three types in different sizes. They need to be snug and airtight within the ear canal.
I find them easier to fit and more comfortable when the tips are smeared with a dab of vaseline.

D.

 

[rocketdogbert]

Hearing protection - HSE

www.hse.gov.uk

Scroll down to:

A-weighted noise level (dB)	Select a protector with the right SNR
85 to 90	20 or less
90 to 95	20 to 30
95 to 100	25 to 35
100 to 105	30 or more

I think there may be different ways of expressing the noise reduction of ear protectors, but this is what I've found so far.
As far as I can see, it looks like 25-35 covers a full-bore rifle. My Pro-Tec ll's, and the in ear LEP-200 EU's are both 32dB.
The LEP's SNR varies according to the silicone rubber tip used, there are three types in different sizes. They need to be snug and airtight within the ear canal.
I find them easier to fit and more comfortable when the tips are smeared with a dab of vaseline.

D.

Thank you sir

 

[Demetrius]

Mon plaisir!

 

[jthyttin]

The yellow squeezy ones are remarkably good at SNR. But then you need to factor in two things, the sound advancing through bones, and the ergonomic side.

Only protector that stays in place will protect you. And you might not want to sacrifice shooting position etc. that larger protectors might require. If you're RO it's easier. And when noise level gets high enough, you need to move to helmet type protecting devices instead of muffs...

Combination of quality "squeezies" (passive) and slimmer profile muffs (active) is usually a) adequate b) ergonomically good enough c) most popular choice.

 

[fizzbangwhallop]

After the Lep eep100’s with Minos cens ‘Stoppers’ I’ve and been wearing a pair of isotunues defy slim basic with gel cups and found them comfy and probably the best over ear pair I’ve ever had (and there’s’ been many of those

ISOtunes Sport

Bluetooth Ear Defenders For Hunting & Shooting. Our proprietary Tactical Sound Control™ Technology lets you listen to music and communicate with those around you, while still protecting you from harmful gunshot noises.

isotunes.co.uk

They’re pricing is good the snr figures aren’t bad,,,, when the EEP’s ’ die I’ll be getting a pair of their in ears

Their office stafff were re really helpful too

 

[big ears]

Been said before but depends what you are shooting.

Over ear are always better than in ear protectors due to reduction in bone conduction. Peltor sportac are good

If on a range then I would wear yellow sponge plugs AND over ear defenders.

If going solo range work then you can get away with a single plug in the ear nearest the barrel end ( left ear for right handed shooter and opposite for those who shoot off the correct shoulder) AND defenders.

If more than one shot defenders alone are rarely enough.

Damage is cumulative of loudness and time of exposure.

Remember once it’s gone it’s gone.

BE

 

[martin_b]

Dont want to hijack the thread but any suggestions for a gent with a big head!
Ive always used squishy yelow in ear plugs and found them OK, but when Im shooting next to braked magnum calibres I feel I need some additional protection. Issue Ive always had is I find normal ear defenders are to tight and can give me a headache within minutes.

 

[Dalua]

If going solo range work then you can get away with a single plug in the ear nearest the barrel end ( left ear for right handed shooter and opposite for those who shoot off the correct shoulder) AND defenders.

This sounds a bit odd. Why just the one ear? If you need plugs because the defenders alone are not adequate - which IMO is correct if the defenders are Sporttac - then surely a plug in each ear is the way to go?

 

[ion]

Dont want to hijack the thread but any suggestions for a gent with a big head!
Ive always used squishy yelow in ear plugs and found them OK, but when Im shooting next to braked magnum calibres I feel I need some additional protection. Issue Ive always had is I find normal ear defenders are to tight and can give me a headache within minutes.

I too suffer from a big head measured over the top from ear to ear.
I bought a pair of MSA Sordin Pro with a neckband. So the solid band is at the back of your neck. I'm a spectacles wearer so the gel replacement ear pads mean that I can wear them for two or three hours at a time. In addition the velcro adjustable over the head strap has no trouble allowing for a cap.
Pretty sure the company I dealt with is called Starkey . The boss sent me a photo showing how the neck strap gave additional room. Good guy.

 

[big ears]

Hearing protection - HSE

www.hse.gov.uk

Scroll down to:

A-weighted noise level (dB)	Select a protector with the right SNR
85 to 90	20 or less
90 to 95	20 to 30
95 to 100	25 to 35
100 to 105	30 or more

I think there may be different ways of expressing the noise reduction of ear protectors, but this is what I've found so far.
As far as I can see, it looks like 25-35 covers a full-bore rifle. My Pro-Tec ll's, and the in ear LEP-200 EU's are both 32dB.
The LEP's SNR varies according to the silicone rubber tip used, there are three types in different sizes. They need to be snug and airtight within the ear canal.
I find them easier to fit and more comfortable when the tips are smeared with a dab of vaseline.

D.

Hi a full bore rifle even moderated us in excess of 120dB(A). You need much better than you quote. You also need over ear not in ear as bone conduction is a factor at that sound intensity.

Once it’s gone it’s gone.

 

[Demetrius]

I shoot centrefire rifles regularly at an outdoor range, using either over-ear or in-ear electronic protectors.......the sound of a shot is modulated to a sharp "phut" at around the same volume as the background noise, which hasn't presented any problem during 19 years of shooting so far.
And on this subject, what about gun dogs? I've never seen one of those wearing any ear protection.....

D.

 

[sauer]

Yeah. But you get a lot of deaf older gun dogs

Paul

 

[big ears]

I shoot centrefire rifles regularly at an outdoor range, using either over-ear or in-ear electronic protectors.......the sound of a shot is modulated to a sharp "phut" at around the same volume as the background noise, which hasn't presented any problem during 19 years of shooting so far.
And on this subject, what about gun dogs? I've never seen one of those wearing any ear protection.....

D.

And you cannot cure stupid!

 

[Demetrius]

?

D

 

[Drew 3]

I’ve used Swatcom for the past two seasons loading and also on the range when zeroing. When loading they get a full test with shots over your head etc sometimes too close for comfort! They are brilliant but at close to £400 now I don’t think I would fork out for another pair considering what else is available now.

 

[W1LL]

Walkers Razor are pretty good for the money, just watch out for cheap fakes

 

[suburban bushwacker]

I’ve used Swatcom for the past two seasons loading and also on the range when zeroing. When loading they get a full test with shots over your head etc sometimes too close for comfort! They are brilliant but at close to £400 now I don’t think I would fork out for another pair considering what else is available now.

Swatcom look to be an update of MSA Sordin, yes they have always been crazy money but the gel pads are a revelation they really do make much better contact with the noggin. That seal has to have a massive affect on efficacy

 

[urban]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned Howard Leight Impact electronic yet. They are a good deal cheaper than Peltor etc but seem to be every bit as good (and I've seen more repaired Peltors on the line than I have repaired Howard Leights, which suggests they are tougher too).

You can get gel pads for them for less than £20 which are well worth it. I used mine for years before I changed the pads to gel ones, and I wish I hadn't left it so long.

I wear in-ear "impulse" plugs under them if it's really noisy. You can still hear conversations clearly if you turn the volume up on the HLs.

 

[WildBoarHunter]

I tryed Howard Leigh impact pro and they offered really great protection, probably best of all electronics muffs I tryed so far, but build and electronics quality not so great compared to Peltor.