socalbeachbum
Member
Do custom molded ear plugs work better than expanding foam types, in the real world, or
is it just marketing hype?
is it just marketing hype?
Correct.You would be surprised how effective these are for $5. Been using them for years.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...-government-issue-ear-plugs-with-plastic-case
These are my main ear muffs. I wish I had found these earlier in my aviation career. $26
In retrospect, I should have been doing double protection all along.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Earmuff-P...ocphy=9033842&hvtargid=pla-316724727294&psc=1
They shouldn't be uncomfortable at all. That's the whole point of custom molded ones. Call the companyso I went to gun show and got custom plugs made $65 will test this week but can already tell they are more uncomfortable than foam plugs but way more effective
For those poo-pooing disposable foamies note that the NRR of the good ones is typically higher than good muffs. 32ish NRR vs 29ish. Of course both is preferred. I use Howard Leight Max or Max Lite and if you use them as directed they are very effective. If you just mash them and stuff them in your outer ear then certainly they are not any better than a wad of terlet paper or a 9mm case or a stray peanut M&M.
However if you roll them into a thin cylinder, lift up on the top of your ear with your other hand, and insert them deep, they are very effective. You should cough when they touch your pituitary gland.
The main advantage of the custom molded ones is long term comfort. Foamies get uncomfortable after a few hours.
The best combo I've found is quality foam plugs with electronic muffs over the top. So I can still hear range commands, light rounds, etc but protection is good.
I like these a lot.View attachment 833039
https://www.surefire.com/ep7-sonic-defenders-ultra.html
I'm a firm believer in these as being the best between foam and full custom plugs. I've worn them for several hours straight with no discomfort. Only downside I've encountered is with some muffs their internals can touch the end of the plug, causing it to rub. I only need to double up indoors though. I have sizes for myself and for my kid.
For those poo-pooing disposable foamies note that the NRR of the good ones is typically higher than good muffs. 32ish NRR vs 29ish. Of course both is preferred. I use Howard Leight Max or Max Lite and if you use them as directed they are very effective. If you just mash them and stuff them in your outer ear then certainly they are not any better than a wad of terlet paper or a 9mm case or a stray peanut M&M.
However if you roll them into a thin cylinder, lift up on the top of your ear with your other hand, and insert them deep, they are very effective. You should cough when they touch your pituitary gland.
The main advantage of the custom molded ones is long term comfort. Foamies get uncomfortable after a few hours.
The best combo I've found is quality foam plugs with electronic muffs over the top. So I can still hear range commands, light rounds, etc but protection is good.