Tell me about your hearing protection

I've got a couple of the $2.99 Princess Auto ear muffs.
Worked just fine standing next to a guy shooting an SKS today - in an INDOOR range. Kind of like shooting in your cement-walled garage.
They are supposed to have a -28db noise reduction.
And if I forget them or break them or give them away I'm out only $3.
 
I've been using custom moulded plugs for various activities (working with power tools, shooting, etc). I paid about 300$ with inserts that allow for -9, -15, and -25 dB. And they sound "good". They're geared towards audio professionals (like me), they're easy to wear all day, because they sound natural, not like your ears are plugged, which is why I think so many people go for electronic muffs.

http://www.sensaphonics.com/er-series-musician-earplugs-custom
 
Been using MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X for some years now. They’re awesome! If you're shooting under cover or indoors, or next to someone with a muzzle brake, you can easily double-plug (probably a good idea all the time).
 
MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X over Sport Ear Custom 812 plugs. No issue standing right next to Open guns on indoor ranges.
 
I shoot open and they are insanely loud. Have to wear double protection (foamies and regular muffs with the highest NRR rating I can find).
 
charles u farley said:
Couldn't resist posting the following link.

https://trevoronthetrigger.wordpres...me-performance-the-misleading-nrr18db-rating/

I do agree a system with around 30 db NRR is a good thing to strive for. Though the numbers can be skewed as the article in the link shows.

High NRR muffs are bulky, maybe too bulky for rifle/shotgun shooting. Fine for handgun though since getting your head to a stock to see the sights isn't an issue. The highest rated muff you can get is around 31 NRR, passive only. They rely on large volume ear cups that stick out about 2-1/2". Electronic muffs will be in the low 20's NRR at the best.

Any cheapie disposable foam plug is going to be in the 28-33 NRR range. Assuming it is well inserted. http://w ww.earplugstore.com/unfoamtrialp1.html A lot of people will not insert them far enough.
The reusable silicone type plugs like Surefire Sonic Defenders are at 24 NRR.
Custom molded avoid the user induced problem of improper insertion since they fit perfectly, usually around 30 NRR.

Currently outdoors I use MSA electronic muffs with gel seals over top of EP3 Sonic Defenders. The two together should be around 30 db NRR (NRR numbers don't add directly) The big thing for me though is I can actually still hear my surroundings with the electronic muffs and plugs due to the amplification.
For indoors I have giant passive Peltors and foam plugs available. Custom molded might be in my near future to bring my setup up a dew db and still be user friendly.
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Thanks for the link. I've been looking to replace my 10 yr old Pro Ears Dimension I. After reading everything I could find online, I ordered the MSA Supreme Pro X with gels from SRS.
 
Since your post shows my quote I guess you're referring to me, yes?

If so, as I wrote above, I have always worn ear plugs under muffs. For the past few years it has been a set of molded plugs under the e-muffs.
 
njlondon said:
Since your post shows my quote I guess you're referring to me, yes?

If so, as I wrote above, I have always worn ear plugs under muffs. For the past few years it has been a set of molded plugs under the e-muffs.
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I was referring to the author of the wordpress article's recommendation of Sordins + amazon generic ear plugs (albeit fancy ones).
 
I love electronic muffs. Me and my shooting buddy/ spotter for long range shooting both have them. When shooting we can carry on a conversation, call each others shots, or hear if a vehicle or person is coming up behind us, or hear a ceasefire call on the first call from across the range, so we are aware of our surroundings without looking.

Goods sets don't come cheap, usually starting at $200, but the best ones don't cut the microphone during gunshots, but just lower the volume, so you can carry on a conversation even if a guy is ripping off magazines besides you at the range.

I only double plug when using .50 BMG or rifles with poorly designed brakes the put a lot of gas back at the shooter.

Go electronic, and go quality. A 300 dollar set will last many years, and is exponentially cheaper than hearing aids, and also more useful than non electronic solutions as you are aware of your surroundings.
 
trebor2880 said:
Ear plugs won't prevent damage to ear's mastoid bone, which muffs will cover.
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This is correct.

I shoot 3 gun, and pistol matches. I picked up a pair of electronic ear muffs mostly to hear the R.O. I love these ear muffs. Most of the new models have an audio in on the one side which I use to listen to tunes when I cut the grass or vacuum out the truck. 3M Peltor sport100.

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I agree with the last two posts.
I went with the MSA Sordins as they are designed not to interfere with the cheek weld.
Whatever brand, quality E-muffs are great.

 
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ASTRYX said:
I am in the market for some new hearing protection.

I shoot IPSC and trap.

I unfortunately have a budget to consider, so some of the amazing MSA and Peltor sets are a little out of my range.

I would like to keep it under $200, which seems entirely possible, but there are so many to pick from.

A secondary question: are gel ear seals worth it?

Thanks for your time.

Cheers!
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Howard Leight Impact sports off Amazon are $56. Complement them with in-ear surefires and its more than good enough for the loudest indoor ranges.
 
mshundal said:
Howard Leight Impact sports off Amazon are $56. Complement them with in-ear surefires and its more than good enough for the loudest indoor ranges.
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I was shooting the other day with a guy who had the Howard Leight Impact sports which he did get from amazon.ca, and he was very happy with them.
 
I recently purchased Costco custom plugs for $39.99 each ($80 a pair)
They are comfy but have less noise reduction than in-ear foam plugs (the cylindrical type).
I wear them under muffs.
 
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