I have a slight case of tinnitus, as a result, in really quiet rooms I have a slight ringing in the ears and if I am stressed it’s really noticeable. Last thing I want to do is make this worse so I take my ear protection seriously. I get questions from people asking me what ear pro I use when I shoot, so I will go ahead and fill you guys in.
I’ve worn a ton of different ear pro but, but there are three that I consider my go to ear pro of choice. This is going to be a very bare bones mini-review on each one. I will do a more extensive review on them when I get the time. In the mean time, here is what I think of each from my personal experience.
1. Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff
These were my first pair of electronic ear-pro and they are good. These are by far the best bang for your buck electronic ear-pro (Retail Prices that is). I think they are ugly as sin, but they are comfortable and do a good job of keeping the loud noise out and quiet noise in. However, if you are shooting a loud rifle I suggest you double up with foam ear-pro. When shooting a rifle it will sometimes cause your shoulder to break the seal around your ears and let in more sound then I care to hear. They’re a little heavy and cluncky, but for the price you really can’t beat them. Again, that’s if you’re paying full retail price.
2. 3M Peltor Tactical 6-2 2-Way Communication headset
Something about the shape of these ear-pro that is just sexy to me. Where the Howard Leight were kind of clunky and not much to look at, the 3m Peltor is sleek and light weight. As good as they were, I would pick the Peltor over the Howard Leight every-time. I have to qualify this statement though. I usually double up with my pro. If you see me wearing earmuff ear-pro I likely have foams on underneath. Full retail these are $50 more than the Howard Leight. However, on amazon the price difference is marginal if that.
3. Sport Ear Custom 30
I absolutely love these things. They are creepy good. They’re essentially hearing aids. I didn’t trust them initially, but man, they work. I’ve hunted hogs at night with these things and heard everything, and when it came time to shoot it muted only the dangerous sound levels. You do have to get used to the way you hear sound when you wear these. You can adjust the sound level so when they are cranked up the sounds you hear sound like they’re literally in your ear.
Because I am always in hats, wearing ear-pro can be a little annoying and uncomfortable. I love that I don’t have those issues with the Sport Ear.
However, there are some issues. These things are expensive. If you’re like me, they are easy to lose. I thought I lost my pair at least six times, and because they’re so expensive I freak out every single time. If I did lose them, I swear I would buy another pair.
If you shoot or hunt a lot, I would absolutely recommend Sport Ear. If you shoot every once in a while, don’t bother, get the Peltor or Howard Leight and call it a day. I can’t justify spending that kind of money if you only shoot once a month.
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