Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Hearing Protection and enhancement.

I know this probably should be in another section, but this one seems to have more activity. Anyway, does anyone know about the ear muffs with the instant decible reduction? Any recommendations? Thanks

Nope. But I just now ordered a "Woodland Whisper" to see how it works for moose hunting/calling. We'll see. I suspect itmay be a lot like optics - you get what you pay for. Maybe.

I haven't owned any of the electronic ear muffs, but have used a friends at the range. Definitely worked as advertised. Listening to yourself walking across gravel was interesting though, sounded a lot larger than life.

I'm somewhat interested in the units that fit in your ear like ear plugs and do the same thing, but the custom fit ones were running over $300 for a pair, back in '96. Too rich for my blood. Maybe one of these days when I win the lottery.

Scott

I have the Peltor Tactical 6S electronic ear muffs...they're great to have. The dB noise reduction rating is 19 I believe... I've had my set for about 4 years now and just bought a replacement hygiene kit (new foam and cushions).

Here's a bit stolen from a website.

"[/i]The Tactical line of hearing protectors from Peltor are uniquely designed to give shooters the best of both worlds: Protection from dangerous impulse noise such as gunfire, along with the distortion-free amplification of low level sounds such as range commands and conversation. The electronics are designed to limit amplified sounds to 82 dB.

Tactical hearing protectors combine the high performance of our passive muff with advanced electronics. Wearers can hear low level sounds up to three times louder than when wearing conventional protectors, but when dangerous noises occur the electronic �valve� closes to reduce the noise.


Features dual, stereo volume controls
NNR 19
Wide, soft padded headband for comfortable long term use
Soft, liquid foam-filled ear cushions provide added comfort
Light weight 8.8 ounces & low profile
Four 1.5 V long life AAA batteries provide 200+ hours of service.
Folds for easy storage" [/i]




I really appreciate the muffs, there are many features the least of which is that your ears WILL NOT get cold while wearing them.

They are very nice items to have...I bought a set and a few hunting buddies tried them...now nearly everyone I shoot and hunt with has them.... Cabelas sells them for about $140.

Does anyone have any idea about the relative effectiveness of the expanding style ear plug versus the ear muffs?

Thanks, sse

I wear both. They protect against different things -- noise through the ear canal vs. noise through the bones around the ear.

The Woodland Whisper II, which is what I ordered, is a behind the ear piece (1) which amplifies sounds but also cuts off gunshots and other loud noises. It runs $50 in Cabela's, a little less in Sportsman's Guide. It will be used on stand, and during calling to try to hear those sneaky devils coming in, and for those very faint answers that "you think you almost hear". I'll let you know after season how it works. If I don't like it, I'll probably go to the Peltnor Tac. 6 muffs, next year tho I'm not crazy about having both ears covered, in one sense. On the other hand, its a definate plus for the gunshot, and for directional location.

http://www.envirosafetyproducts.com/html/ear_plugs.htm

SSE


Looks like those yellow foam disposable earplugs have a 29 dB NRR as staed by the manufacturer. The 3-M version of the foam inserts state in the high 20's and low 30's for NRR.

I use Dillon electronic hearing protectors. When I shoot the fun guns (really noisy), I also use the foam ear plugs. I sure hope someone else buys the Game Ear II from Cabela's so I can find out how well they work...without first buying them.
batch

Thanks, you guys. Can't be too careful with this issue.

Regards, sse

I have a set of Peltoc Tac 6 and 7 and a set of Walker Game Ear Power Muffs $130-$200. Like all three but use the Power Muffs more when I'm shooting my rimfire squirrel guns cause they have a sort of "cut out" place on the ear pirces that make it easy to keep your cheek on the stock without bumping the muff. While I'm shooting or hunting with my pistols I just grab the set closest to the door on the way out. They all work very well at what they do. I also use a set of plugs with the muffs have had to use double protection since the earily '70s because of job related hearing lose. I use a set of aides from the VA daily. Have to be refitted AUG 16th. PROTECT YOUR HEARING NOW cause once it is gone there is no getting it back. BTY the report of a 22lr round is more than enough to cause hearing damage to the shooter. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Ask me I know but speak loudly so I can hear you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys- I think I'll go with the Peltor Tacticals. I do want to "save" what hearing I have left from years of qualifying with no protection. Thanks again!