which ear muffs?

U

Uncle Ben

New member
I need a better pair of earmuffs with a better dB rating, but there are a lot of options and brands out there. What brands do you recommend? Is 29dB a high enough rating?

There is a pair of "Thunder 29, Howard Leight" ear muffs on sale locally to me for only $10 (29dB rating). Would these be good, or should I stick w/ a brand like Peltor and a 30 or 31 dB rating?

Thanks for the input.
 
I also just got a Turners ad for Peltor "ultimate 10 muffs", which have a NRR 29dB for $13 (it's an email ad coupon)
 
I might do that. I'll just have to find some really soft/comfortable ones. The muffs I have now are only NRR of 25dB, and intended for machinery, not firearms.
 
Plugs under muffs is how I shoot. My son might one day have kids, and I'd really like to hear what they have to say. Just remember that dBs are on a log scale, not a linear one. That means that plugs with an NRR of 25 + mitts with an NRR of 25 DO NOT equal a NRR of 50. If I remember the math for logs correctly, it would be more like 35, for the 25 + 25 example.
Also, NIOSH- a hearing safety group- says that muffs should be "derated" by 75% and 'slow-expanding' plugs by 50% b/c most are not a proper fit. Custom fit earplugs are the best for NRR, but they are expensive. Check them out if you're REALLY concerned about your hearing. For me plugs + muffs works great, so I've never felt the need for 'custom' hearing protection. Still, I thought I'd throw out the idea as an FYI. Hope it helps.
 
I am also a plugs and muffs shooter. Remember you will also recieve sound
through your head and the rest of you.
 
Jermtheory, THANKS!! I've been looking for a pair of electronics with audio-input myself to replace the peltors I'm giving to my dad..

Darn old bat refuses to use ear protection with his powertools...

I'm going to buy a pair of the ones you posted..
 
I use that same pair pitured in the link.Its a noise canceling set like the Walker game ear.You can carry on a conversation but will cancel a out the sound of a shot being fired.It also comes with a double male cord so you can listen to your Ipod while shooting(or anything else).Great price too!
 
no problem.

im probably going to pick up a pair myself.

a buddy of mine who recently ordered a pair,said the ones he got looked a little nicer than the ones show(cosmetically at least).

maybe a slightly newer model they're shipping out...

edit-looks like they're out of stock at CTD.

these are a little more,but look a little nicer as well.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0044358228573a.shtml
 
A rating of 29 and you'll be ahead of a lot of people at the range. Shell out $20 more for something rated at 30 or 31, and you'll notice the difference between a 29'r.


I was running with a pair rated at 21, then picked up a pair rated at 26. What a difference, I don't feel like garbage after a long shoot.

Sound is an interesting critter, a few db's difference makes a huge difference in perceived volume.
 
Custom fit earplugs are the best for NRR, but they are expensive. Check them out if you're REALLY concerned about your hearing. For me plugs + muffs works great, so I've never felt the need for 'custom' hearing protection.
Click to expand...

I wish I would have used plugs a long time ago and I will totally disagree with the custom plugs being expensive , unless you are referring to the electronic ones. I use the ones that are made of formable plastic. (go to a big shooting event with vendors and find a quality one and try them) I now wear at least the left one even when hunting. (should have done this years ago :( as I have more hearing loss than I would like) I also wear them while riding the motorcycle, not as much for the pipes but for the wind.

Finally, if you think the plugs or good muffs are expensive....go to an audiologist and price out some decent hearing aids...$$$$...that is EXPENSIVE! THERE IS NO LASIK FOR HEARING LOSS....sorry for shouting but I couldn't hear myself as I forgot to use plugs and muffs. :rolleyes:;)
 
I stumbled on the MSA Sordins and love them. They have audio input for MP3 or whatever and light and compact. There are a lot of things to skimp on hearing protection is NOT one of them.
 
GATMOG I understand but I have played with several different brands (some more expensive and some less) but they gave me the best bang for the buck. Not to sound too catch phaseyish but hearing is one of those things that once you lose you don't get back. I have a uncle with hearing aids I figure a MSA Sordin when I am in my 40's is cheaper than hearing aids and batteries in my 60's.
 
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