Sordin Supreme Pro X vs Howard Leight Impact Sport and Impact Pro reviews

[Pighunter]

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 and 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.

An update to the above, I had to get another set of phones when I had the same issue with the wires breaking on the Impact Sports after a couple of years regular use.

I was still having difficulty pinpointing the direction of the approaching game, so decided to go to the top of the range and invest in a set of Sordin Supreme Pro x. At 10x the price of the Impact Sports on Ali Baba, they do not come cheap, but I note that the phones and wiring are military grade and therefore I hope more durable.

I have now been using them for a couple of months and to me it has been worth it. Comfort is significantly better and I definitely find it easier to define the direction of sounds. The overall quality level is more solid, as you would expect from something significantly more expensive. The velcro sweat band over the plastic head band also increases comfort and is useful for baldies like me. They also come with gel seals as standard, an LED light and a socket for the walkie talkie.

Time will tell whether they last longer than the Impact Sports, but definitely highly recommended.

Sordin and Impact Sport - showing broken wires.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Hearing damage is permanent - definitely worth spending the money on a decent pair of ear defenders!

 

[Wmjas]

Thanks for the update, I have been looking at a pair of these to replace my peltors when they die as I find them too bulky and these seem far slimmer.

 

[MarinePMI]

Just PSA of sorts...but if comfort is desired, I'd HIGHLY recommend the behind-the-neck version of the Sordin's. With them squeezing from the rear, they better fit your ears/head, and reduce fatigue/discomfort that you get from the over-the-head versions pushing down on your ear lobes or the top of your head (where a hat usually has a stupid button of sorts).

Been using Sordins for the last 10 years or so, back when they ruled the roost as far as earpro. While not top of the line now, they still provide a very comfortable experience, with little clipping, unless on a really busy/active range.

I also have a pair of Peltor ComTac V's (also behind-the-neck), and the electronics are certainly better, but they're also 2.5x the price of Sordins. I have permanent hearing loss, so I don't care how much they cost provided they protect my one remaining ear from damage, but for many the incremental improvement of the Peltors is just not worth the cost delta. I still use my Sordins frequently, especially when out at the range, and tend to just use the ComTac's when I need to tie in a radio (out hunting with friends), or need the internal equalizer to enhance certain sounds or adjust clipping.