Hello, this is for all of you that use electronic hearing protection. I am considering purchasing a set for the range. It would be nice to hear the range commands a little easier, and I have noticed that all of our ROs use the electronic muffs.

My question is should I buy the cheap Caldwell muffs for about $35.00 from Midway, less if you wait for a sale. Or should I go with something like the Peltor Tactical Sport for $100.00.

The ratings for the Caldwell seem to have gone down in general for the most recent ones. The Peltors have good reviews, but they do not have as many, due to the fact that they are somewhat newer.

I would love to hear from those of you with experience with electronis earmuffs, especially the two I mentioned. Thanks

Colo,
I don't know what your $$ pain threshold is for these, but I just got a set of the Dimension Plus Pro Ears with NRR of 25 from MidwayUSA. I've used them a grand total of...once, but I think they're great. They are "directional", with battery in both sides (so you can tell which direction the sound is coming from), and knob control on both sides. Just two days ago, I helped a friend sight in a Savage 270 Win with a muzzle brake on it. I could hear normal talk just great, and the gunshots didn't bother me at all. I got the camo pattern on them so I think that added $30-$40, and total was something around $240 IIRC. Wish I'd got some for trap shooting long ago.

As far as price I would love to only pay the $35.00 for the Caldwell muffs, but I would much rather get a product that I am happy with and will last me over time.

I do think that the Peltor muffs have the batteries on either side, and are thus directional like yours.

Thanks for your reply Shawn, I will check those out too.

Have both the Peltor and the Pro Ears that I wear at the range during work. Both seem to work about the same. The Pro Ears go over the head and require the expensive "N" batteries. The Peltor are the behind-the-head style and use common "A-A" batteries. Think I paid $68 for the Peltors on sale at Cabela's a few years back. The Pro-Ears were over $150 at the time.

I have the caldwell's you speak of.
While they are absolutely great for .22's, pistols, and shotgun, they do not filter out enought BANG for me on my rifles.

Youze gets whats youze pays forz...is the best description of these.
I have a pair of non-E muffs that I got from work. The are mfg. by 3M, and the rating on them is something like 35db. I prefer to use these with the rifles, and someday will bite the bullet and buy a better pair of E-muffs, but for now, I personally found they are N/G for my ears with rifles.

I have been using electronic headsets for years starting back when I took my first LFI course after trying out the pair Mas was wearing. They are great. I serve as a range officer at most of out local shoots and normally ran the practical event at out State and Regional Action Pistol Championships. As a range officer these really are necessary.

I would go middle of the road and get the Peltor Tactical 6-S. They are stereo, have separate volume controls ( great when working with one student in a group as it allows you to tune out one side for better attention), run on common AAA batteries, hit the price range in the middle...$60.00 from Peltor. These are also the slimline version which works better with rifle and shotgun.

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/product/Peltor-Tactical-6-S-Slim-Line-Electronic-Headset.html

I used to be a dealer for ear protection, and would have to say that the Peltor seemed best of the muff types.

I always told people to buy the best they can afford. If your hearing is only worth ten cents to you, buy ten cent earplugs. If it's worth more, spend more to protect it.

I have had several non-electronic muffs, and bought the Caldwell about a year ago. The Caldwells attenuate sound about as well as the others did.

BUT, fit is a big factor in the Caldwells. All others I've seen go completely over my ears, and rest against my head. The ear cushions of the Caldwells are much smaller, so rest directly on my outer ears, and press them against my head. I find this to be comfortable, and it actually seals better where my glasses' temples pass over my ears. This works well because I have soft and fairly flat ears. IF one has prominent outer ears, the Caldwell's cushions may not seal properly or be uncomfortable.

The Caldwells have batteries on one side. That is immaterial - they have microphones on both sides, so have true stereo sound and are properly directional. The battery clips on the Caldwells are stamped metal that is not exceptionally springy, and they don't have springs. So, it's sometimes tricky to get them in good contact.

I like to use foam earplugs under my muffs to boost the attenuation while target shooting. With the foams in place the advantage of amplified muffs goes away. So, I wear the Caldwells 'cuz they're the most comfortable ones I have, but leave them turned off.

I do put them on, and turn them on, without foams, while I'm walking into the range area. I find the amplification to be quite natural, not disorienting.

:)

I have been using non-electronic plugs under non-electronic muffs. Having become interested in handgun hunting after 30+ years away, I seek electronic plugs. While I recognize plugs will be less effective than muffs, muffs would be difficult to use hunting.

I remember that the American Rifleman had an analysis of ear protection within the last 18 months. I cannot locate the article, though.

While amplification would be welcome, essential are ability to hear ambient sound normally while having solid ear plug [equivalent] protection for gun shots. What plugs do the job?

I have been using non-electronic plugs under non-electronic muffs. Having become interested in handgun hunting after 30+ years away, I seek electronic plugs. While I recognize plugs will be less effective than muffs, muffs would be difficult to use hunting.

I remember that the American Rifleman had an analysis of ear protection within the last 18 months. I cannot locate the article, though.

While amplification would be welcome, essential are ability to hear ambient sound normally while having solid ear plug [equivalent] protection for gun shots. What plugs do the job?

I represented EAR Inc, whose products I strongly recommend. The other decent provider is ESP, and I can't say anything bad about them, either.

Actually, electronic plugs are as good or better than muffs as far as protection is concerned. See the products at earinc.com

They'll also be able to steer you to your nearest provider if you give them a phone call 800-525-1690.

I represented EAR Inc, whose products I strongly recommend. The other decent provider is ESP, and I can't say anything bad about them, either.

Actually, electronic plugs are as good or better than muffs as far as protection is concerned. See the products at earinc.com

They'll also be able to steer you to your nearest provider if you give them a phone call 800-525-1690.

Many thanks for the information.

I just got my Peltor Sport Tacs in the mail today. To me the sound is great. There is a little distoration when someone is talking to you from three feet or less. Also with the volume up a little I could really hear the ceiling fan in the dining room.

On Saturday I am trying out IDPA for the first time. That's when I'll get to first test out the protection side of them. I'll be sure to let you guys know.

It will seem odd at first. Shots fired from a distance will sound like you aren't wearing any protection. That's because over that distance, the sound will fall below the circuit's setpoint. Closer or louder sounds (even clapped hands) will hit the setpoint, and will sound the same as when wearing regular muffs. But normal sounds will still sound normal. Yup, it'll seem weird at first.

Well, I used them for several hours today shooting IDPA. They actually worked very well. Softer noises like voices were easy to hear and the sounds of gun shots were reduced to the point that they seemed about the same volume.

Also the circuitry seemed so fast that I could hear brass hitting the ground and when I was behind the shooter I could hear conversations that seemed uninterupted. I would definitely recomend these to others.

I have the peltors and would not trade them for anything.