Electronic hearing protection

[nomadboi]

Shot an IDPA match last weekend and had earmuff envy.

I'm currently using some cheapie electronic hearing protection from the Sportman's Guide. Works, but it's bad mono sound, and it just cuts out all speakers when anything loud happens. Also gets uncomfortable after a couple hours of solid wearing.

Suggestions on Radians, Peltor, etc? Looking for something on the cheaper side of things, comfortable, preferably stereo, and preferably that will just cut off the louder volume end of things while still allowing other sound through, rather than just cutting off all sound when there's loud noises present.

Also looking for the best place to buy said gear.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[45crittergitter]

I like my Peltor 6S, which does do the cut-out thing, but is now available some places for around $70.

 

[PaulTX]

I finally broke down and bought the Peltor 7S Tactical. I've had them to the range 3 times now and I like them. The first visit I wasn't sure because they were different from my regular non-electronic Peltors - but now I really like them. It's great to be able to hear range commands and talk to each other easily.

 

[Tman]

I have Peltor 7s and ProEars. As mentioned above, the Peltors clip (cutoff sound) whereas ProEars "compress" sound (decreases the intensity but does not completely shut off). My personal preference are the proears but I think the Peltors can be had for a good price (Cabela's or midwayusa????).

 

[bsam4me]

Electronic Dillon?

Thanks for the thread.. been one of those things I have been pondering for a couple of months.

Sounds like the Peltor 6 is a popular buy for the money, and the pro ears are good for a larger budget. Does anyone have an opinion about the Dillon Electronic models (at $135ish)? For the money they appear to have "all the right stuff", but it looks like that they are not cupped on the bottom and might not be rifle/shotgun friendly.

I plan to aquire a set pretty soon and would like the benefit of the THR collective wisdom.

Cheers ..bill

 

[106rr]

My 10 year old Peltor6S went tango uniforn just before a class and I had to buy some electronics quickly. The Dillons were the only ones available. They work but the on off switch is far less convenient than the Peltor. the noise attenuation of the peltor is greater than the Dillons. I think the Dillon is about 21 decibels. They must be used with plugs on the indoor range or outdoors with a muzzle brake.
My Peltors have scarred my custom rifle stock cheekpiece do to there thickness. I hope the Dillons will be better in that respect.

 

[Beren]

I'm thinking hard about buying these:

Pro-Ears ProTac Dimension 2 Chop Side Electronic Earmuffs Black

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=716991

Anyone with feedback on these? I believe they have an audio link so I can plug-in my cellphone, for example, though I'd still need a mike.

 

[bsam4me]

Pro Ears D2

I have the dimension 1 (same without the I/O plugs). They are comfy, but even with the cupped shell they still can bump rifle stocks. Thankfully they have a soft cover in that spot that prevents marring.

The sound reduction capacity is not as high as some others, so I might imagine at an indoor range you would want to use some type of plug.

What are they going for?

bill

 

[Beren]

Retail is $230, I believe. I can get them for less, but I don't know what the going rate is. The model I'm looking at is supposedly "chopped" for better compatibility with buttstocks.

I always use plugs under my muffs, and would continue to do so with these. I can just turn up the volume so I can still hear clearly, but retain the best possible protection against damaging noise.

 

[crackerjack]

I have used a pair of Radians for about a year and have just purchased and used the Caldell's . Very satisified with Radians for the money. The Caldell's are bulky and do not have individual volume controls, they are functional for pistol(too big for longgun) but cut out in wind. I would not recommend cadells for only set of muffs, however they do work for 29.99 for outdoor pistol. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another set of Radians. I only wish I had purchased electronic years ago.
Hope it helps,
Frank

 

[Mute]

The only ones I've tried that doesn't have that noticeable cut-out are the ones made by Sordin.

 

[katonk]

Peltors or Radians are both excellent products. Not only do I use them for shooting but we wear them on the flightline around jets as well!

 

[PaulTX]

I used to be in the Air Guard and frequently worked out on the flightline. It would have been nice to had this new electronic technology back then.

 

[sarhog]

I used to be in the Air Guard and frequently worked out on the flightline. It would have been nice to had this new electronic technology back then.

I hear ya. (no pun intended! )
I've spent the last 21 years on a flight deck/flight line...electronic ears would have been nice.

 

[Beren]

The only ones I've tried that doesn't have that noticeable cut-out are the ones made by Sordin.

Does that include Pro-Ears? If so, which models?

 

[Mute]

Does that include Pro-Ears? If so, which models?

Yes. The Pro-Ears Pro-Tac Dimension 1 and Dimension 2.

 

[Beren]

Anyplace where a C&R can get a discount on Sordins? Midway and Brownells don't carry Sordin products.

 

[R.H. Lee]

I got the Pro Ears 'Dimension 1', but the batteries keep falling out so I never use 'em. They were pricey, too.

 

[Mute]

There's a group buy over on The Sniper's Hide Forum.

 

[Beren]

Finally got around to purchasing a set of Sordins. They're MSA/Sordin now - curiously enough MSA is a Pittsburgh-based company. Heh.

Haven't had a chance to get to the range yet with them, but I have done what everyone who buys electronic hearing protection must do: walk around the house/apartment for awhile with the volume cranked up. Amazing.