Ear Pro question

[vixtar]

I am looking to buy a set of electronic ear muffs, i have recently ran across these Howard Leight Impact Sport Pro, my question is has anyone bought these and tried them out? Looking at a video from Shot show 2012 they seem like they are still relatively new. I was looking at just the regular Impact Sport ear muffs, but 1. I dont know if a NRR of 22 is good enough, and 2. from the reviews i have read on them it seems like ear seal can be a problem.

So i am wondering if they have addressed these issues with their new "Pro" version or not. If anyone has them and feels like chiming in i would appreciate it greatly, i would also appreciate any suggestions on good ear protection near the 100 range as this will be my first set.

Vixtar

 

[2Shots]

Re: Ear Pro question

I have a set of the regular sport and they work just fine. I have't found a pair yet that are great with a rifle stock but they will do until I do.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Ear Pro question

Personally I don't like ear muffs for rifle or shotgun work because my face is so small that in order to get proper cheek weld it pushes the ear muff off of my ear. Of course for pistol work this is not a factor so I use them.

For rifle and shotgun I use plugs (surefire sonic defenders).

I have a pair of the Howard Leight Impact Sport that I use when I can use a muff (who can't use a little muff sometimes right)

 

[vixtar]

Re: Ear Pro question

LOL cds indeed!

I dont have that same problem with the muffs getting in the way with rifles, i was using some loaned peltor 10's i believe they were. Blue and really bulky. I was able to get a good cheek weld while shooting a .22 over the weekend so i dont see that as being a problem for me.

I will look at the foam ear plug option also. I was just looking for the convenience of being able to have my ears protected while still being able to talk with the people i shoot with without having to yell.

Vix

 

[DPRoberts]

Re: Ear Pro question

I can't comment on the PRO model, but I picked up a pair of the regular HL Impact Sport ears for a comp I was ROing and don't know how I lived without them.

They served me well through several thousand rounds over 4 days, including many muzzlebreaked magnum rifles. I run them doubled up with foam hearing protection underneath if I'm around anything louder than a 12 guage and can still hear normal conversations because of their increased volume. For me they're all day comfortable and fit perfectly which is a rarity because of my substantial head (my fitted hats are 7 and 7/8").

Bottom line is they're great hearing pro if they fit, but try to find a pair to try on before you buy.

 

[oosickness]

Re: Ear Pro question

best thing since sliced bread...

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Ear Pro question

The only problem with my sonic defenders were that I would loose them because they did't have anything connecting them together. It's like the monster that steals your socks in the dryer but worse because they are molded for left or right ear.

I saw recently that they came out with the new set with the black cord connecting them. That's awesome.

 

[oosickness]

Re: Ear Pro question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cds7221</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only problem with my sonic defenders were that I would loose them because they did't have anything connecting them together. It's like the monster that steals your socks in the dryer but worse because they are molded for left or right ear.

I saw recently that they came out with the new set with the black cord connecting them. That's awesome. </div></div>
ya its nice, the cord can detach if you need as well! i like them. i have the EP3's and the EP4's and i like the EP4's much better they set in the ear deeper and i feel they get a better seal and block sound better for my ears

 

[vixtar]

Re: Ear Pro question

Hey, thanks for the picture and the info. I had not even seen those before, i think i will order a pair to try them out.

Vix

 

[littlecalm]

Re: Ear Pro question

I have Peltor (Tactical 6 I think) and Howard Light. They both are slim designs that I wear them with muffs. The HL has one volume knob and the Peltor has two. I note that the Peltor knobs are easy to get turned on in your range bag so be careful. Not a big deal, but worth noting. The Peltor's are also a pain to change the batteries -- you have to remove the ear cushions. That being said, they are a very slim and comfortable design, slightly more so that the HL.

 

[hmtb0407]

Re: Ear Pro question

I picked up the Impact Sports about 4 months ago and they are great when running pistol and carbine. I haven't had a fit issue with mine so far. When I shoot my bolt guns I always wear plugs then the HLs over them with the volume turned all the way up. I can still hear pretty well when using double pro. They definitely get the job done with out breaking the bank.

 

[littlecalm]

Re: Ear Pro question

For those running the EP3/4, do you feel they are sufficient by themselves? I usually double up with foam plugs and muffs.

 

[jaydoc1]

Re: Ear Pro question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: littlecalm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For those running the EP3/4, do you feel they are sufficient by themselves? I usually double up with foam plugs and muffs. </div></div>

If I'm at the local range which has roofs over all the shooting pads, then I like to use them under a set of electronic muffs. The e-muffs allow you to hear conversations (better than the EP4s alone) and then the combination of the muffs plus the EP4s give you good hearing protection when gunfire is occuring (also better than EP4s alone).

If I'm firing from an uncovered position, then the EP4s by themselves do the trick and are much more comfortable than the e-muffs.

The EP4s really do allow you to hear conversations better than foam plugs, BTW.

 

[littlecalm]

Re: Ear Pro question

Thanks jaydoc. I'll give that a try when I am in the open. My range has a roof under the shooting stations but we have open pistol pits as well.