My electronic muffs that I've had for a few years started to eat batteries recently so I decided to replace them. Sadly, I'm not in the same financial strata & price was a BIG consideration for me; I'd set an absolute ceiling at $250.
The gunshop attached to the indoor range I shoot at is very accomodating to members, and they let me try out several different sets of muffs, including some they had just taken delivery on & hadn't even tried yet.
The new protectors were Walker Razor X's, completely new design. Instead of large, over the ear cups, these are ear buds, with the electronics, mics, volume control etc. contained in a "U" shaped device worn around your neck.
At around $100. and bizarre looking, of course I had to try them...and be blown away by their performance. These are the best ear protectors I've ever used. They have a 31db reduction level, completely static and "hiss" free, and the mics seem to be high quality; conversations, instructions from the range officer, etc. are very clear with excellent fidelity. They come with a variety of different sized tips to get a good fit in your ear, and because they're ear buds, nothing is in the way of getting a proper cheek weld on a rifle stock.
The cords on the ear buds retract on some sort of internal reel; to use them you just pull the buds out as far as you need and they lock at that length. I really like that I can wear them for long periods without discomfort from heat or the band pressing them down on my head too hard. You do notice an increase in the felt muzzleblast from someone shooting beside you, I assume because the entire side of your head is exposed instead of being half covered by muffs.
For the price, they seem quite well made. The only thing that concerns me a bit is how well the reels and the cables will stand up in prolonged use. They work so well, though that if the wires or leads (or both) break, I'll take them in and have braided audio cable put on them.
From what I can find, they only released these a couple of months ago, but they really nailed the concept; they work amazingly well.
Heck of a post for my first, huh? No, I don't work for Walker...I did just give them some money though. I'm looking forward to participating here and taking advantage of some of the knowledge you're willing to share!