Which hearing protection from Howard Leight

[Orion8472]

Howard Leight C3
Howard Leight L3
Howard Leight T3

Looking for which has the most sound dampening.

Thanks.

 

[Outlaw75]

Howard Leight L3, higher NRR and about $10 less than the L3HV.

https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leigh...s=howard+leight+l3&qid=1593376538&sr=8-1&th=1

 

[Speedo66]

As you’re probably aware, best case is to double up, foam earplugs plus the best muffs.

 

[AK103K]

If you can deal with the ear plugs, they have the highest rating and dont interfere with, or have their effectiveness compromised while shooting long guns.

 

[Odd Job]

Also be aware that there were counterfeit Howard Leight muffs on the market a few years back. Buy from a reputable dealer.

 

[Orion8472]

I always double up. Thanks for the suggestion!

Odd Job, I'm looking at those on amazon....so I hope none of those would be counterfeit.

I currently have the C3, but was wondering if the L3 or T3 were better at reducing the blast sound.

 

[Orion8472]

On paper, it looks like the C3 is 27dB. The L3 is 30dB. Is that enough to be noticeable?

 

[Bfh_auto]

You have to consider usability also. Big muffs are pushed up by a rifle stock and don't give full reduction.

 

[Speedo66]

On paper, it looks like the C3 is 27dB. The L3 is 30dB. Is that enough to be noticeable?

Yes.

The decibel scale is not linear, there are large sound percentage increases in small decibel additions.

From Pulsar Instruments: "On the decibel scale, the quietest audible sound (perceived near total silence) is 0 dB. A sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB. A sound 100 times more powerful than near total silence is 20 dB. A sound 1,000 times more powerful than near total silence is 30 dB, 40 dB and so on."

 

[GarySTL]

3 dB is either double or half depending on direction.

 

[Orion8472]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[hso]

which has the most sound dampening

The company's website lists the NRR (noise reduction rating) of the products. You'll have to click on each product to see it.
https://www.howardleightshootingsports.com/collections/passive-earmuffs

The L3 and T3 have an NRR of 30dB. The higher the NRR the more attenuation. The comfort of the muffs may be different so it is always a good idea to drop by a safety supply store to try them on and gauge how they're going to feel.

AND wear plugs under your muffs to get the most benefit.

 

[I6turbo]

I have some 3M 30db passive (non-electronic) muffs, Howard Leight Impact Pros (30db attenuation but with electronic noise cancelling to allow you to carry on conversation and hear ambient sounds, yet filter out loud sounds like gunfire), and Walker Razor Slims (23 db attenuation and with the electronics).

My favorites to wear are in the following order:
1. Walkers if 23 db is enough attenuation (or with plugs added if I need more attenuation) -- because they are more comfortable, and they don't interfere with the stocks of long guns nearly as much
2. Howard Leight Impact Pro if I need more attenuation than the Walkers provide (loud centerfire handguns or rifles)
3. 3M Peltor 30 db attenuation non-electronic are obviously good for hearing protection, but I much prefer the electronic noise cancelling technology that eliminates the sensation of having my ears sealed off, so I rarely use the 3M passive muffs for shooting.

 

[Ernie Bass]

I do not shoot rifles like I use to. But I do shoot centerfire Pistols and revolvers each week. I have used many Ear Muffs over the years, but really prefer the Howard Light Impact Pro. I Can really tell the difference in all areas and even comfort. It seems the difference of going from say 23db's to 30DB is very significant.

 

[labnoti]

I second the Impact Pro's. I bought mine for a little over $50, which is not a lot more than the L3's that lack a mic and speaker so you can hear normal sounds. When I'm shooting in a class, I like to be able to hear the instructors. When I'm shooting alone, I like to hear sounds that could indicate someone or a vehicle approaching me or my impact area.

The only things I don't like about the Impact Pro's is they interfere with cheek weld with a rifle and the over-the-top head band only allows for ball caps and not wide-brimmed hats. I have some high NRR Peltors that have a behind-the-neck band, but the large ear cups still don't allow a wide-brimmed hat to sit very low. If this worked better somehow, I might get some behind-the-neck MSA's.

 

[Walkalong]

I have the HL L3 and these 3M muffs, for me the 3M are considerably better.