Hearing Protection Suggestions

[SwoopSJ]

As I've grown older, I've become more concerned with protecting my hearing.  I always wear muffs at the range, but I'm looking for something to use while hunting.  Walker's Game Ears would seem like a logical choice, however, plugs tend to irritate my ears, so I'm looking for something in a low profile muff.  (Yeah, they make muffs too, but the reviews I've read aren't very impressive when you consider their price.)  Can anyone recommend muffs that would be suitable for hunting?  I don't mind to drop a couple hundred bucks on a pair if I have to, but I want it to be money well invested.  I'd rather spend my dough on guns, ammo, and hunting trips than the newest, neatest, not-cool-unless-you-have-one, item.  Any help, as always, is greatly appreciated.

Swoop

[1911 Junkie]

I have Pro Ears but they can be pricey. (I bought mine a long time ago, prices seem to have gotten a little silly)

http://www.pro-ears.com/home

Some of the guys I shoot with found some elecronic muffs at Harbor Freight. Only $14, might be worth a try.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92851

[PegLeg45]

The guys at my club swear by these:   http://www.howardleight.com/family/index/33

Light weight, foldable, and low profile. I think they paid around $60 for them.

Right now Midway has them on sale for $48. 

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=671923&utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=10611

[Hazcat]

Anybody ever try these?

http://sound-sensor.com/

[CDR]

Sordin Supreme Pro electronic muffs are about as good as it gets.  I use the Supreme Pro 3+ which have a higher NRR rating as I shoot predominantly indoors and prefer the greater protection, but they are not quite as slim for rifle hunting.  For outdoor hunting with either rifle or shotgun, the Supreme Pro sound like they would work quite well for you.  I also have a pair of Peltor Comtacs which are also excellent, but the sophistication of the electronics and hearing quality are a step down from the Sordins.  The Sordin's never cut off or clip sound, they compress it when excessively loud noises are sensed.  The Comtacs, on the other hand, do clip loud noises, but resume quite quickly once the noise level subsides.  Once you try the Sordin, they spoil you for any other electronic muffs.  Interestingly, while both companies are located in Varnamo, Sweden, they are separate entities with no ties to one another.

I have also tried the Walker Game Ear Quad electronic muffs at several range sessions as a friend of mine owns a pair, and while really very good, they don't quite live up to the higher quality Sordins or Comtacs IMHO.....and about at the same price point.  The Sordin electronics are superb.

Here's a review of the Supreme Pro 3+ muffs that I own and purchased from Don Medine at Tactical Command Industries.  I would very highly recommend them for both price and quality service.   Their knowledge is tremendous as they supply the military with communication muffs that they customize.

http://www.diytactical.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=1


I've also included the MSA Sordin home page as well as some other sales site links just as an FYI.....

http://www.msa-sordin.com/en/default.asp

http://www.botachtactical.com/msasuproearm.html

http://www.sordinearmuffs.com/

[Sponsor]

[jaybet]

Anybody ever try these?

http://sound-sensor.com/

I'm curious about these too...isn't the NRA selling these?

[Hazcat]

I'm curious about these too...isn't the NRA selling these?

Don't know about that but I HATE earmuffs, can't shoot a rifle with them on, guess I have a fat head .  I wear ear plugs but they are a bit of a pain to take in and out.

These seem like the perfect compromise and you are supposed to be able to hear normal sounds while wearing them. 

They are from an Aussie company so maybe Phil can help.

[Timothy]

Anybody ever try these?

http://sound-sensor.com/

I have a pair though I opted for the higher NRR of 31 than the ones the NRA is hawking on their site.  They work for my shop pretty well and I would hunt with them too.  For range shooting, not so good.  They don't limit the constant high db noise of consistant gunfire like that at the range.

This isn't the only company making them.  I'll try and find the site that I bought from.   http://www.sensgard.com/

[r_w]

http://www.surefire.com/EP3-Sonic-Defenders

These are my favorite plugs.  They have a valve so they only work for loud sounds, but ANY loud sound--not just gunfire.  They are perfect for the jobsite or shop.  They do cut normal sounds a little, but not nearly as much as normal plugs.  But most important they are all-day comfy--the flanges are pre-bent to follow the curve of your ear canal.

[JSC3ATLCSO]

I Personally use these...  They are low profile and comfortable to wear.  Also another key feature of these is that there is a battery door on the outside of the muff.. I think my dad has a pair of the peltors and he has to take the stuffing out of the inside to get to the battery...

http://www.creedmoorsports.com/store/product.php?productid=16957&cat=398&page=2

That is just a link to see them.. but I purchased mine at Scheels for about $65-70..

I did however have my first pair break.. but the second pair so far has been flawless so I think it was a problem with that particular pair.