Ok, I'm kind of old school when it comes to ear protection. I ran foamies with over-the-ear muffs. It worked for a long time in the Navy (although maybe not as I'm experience some hearing loss but that's just me getting old) and it's worked well for years shooting. I've always put up with the nuances such as sweating in the heat or having the muffs lift up because I was wearing glasses. There was always the issue of cheekweld on some rifles as well.
For a couple of years now I've noticed more and more shooters running this form-fitted type of ear protection. I never really gave them much thought because I knew (for me) the foamies by themselves was never enough noise reduction for firearms and I figured the molded pieces weren't that much better.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Recently at Mammoth I met Wade Stober with EARinc. Wade and Earinc. make the molded in ear pieces so I decided to give it a try. They make three different versions, a solid piece with no filter giving maximum protection, a pair with a filter to allow better hearing for conversation while still blocking firearms noises, and a third pair with a more complex filter. The first two can be formed while you wait, the third has to be mailed off.
I chose the solid pieces as I wanted maximum protection. he mixed a batch and took a mold of both ears. Instantly with the mold setting I could tell these were going to work. All noise ceased and I had to look at someone and concentrate to hear their conversation. The entire process for both ears took about 20-30 minutes.
Once out on the range the pieces slip right into your ear canal with only a slight twist. They are snug but not uncomfortable.
I was amazed at how much noise was reduced with these pieces in place. It was BY FAR the best hearing protection I've ever worn. They were comfortable and out of the way and had a convenient cord attached so I could hang them around my neck when not in use.
Now these have to be made for your ear and should be done by someone who knows what they are doing. Don't try the mail-order kits, get this done right. So if you ever have a chance at a gun show, SHOT show, or competition, I highly recommend you look into this. You will not be sorry.
For a couple of years now I've noticed more and more shooters running this form-fitted type of ear protection. I never really gave them much thought because I knew (for me) the foamies by themselves was never enough noise reduction for firearms and I figured the molded pieces weren't that much better.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
Recently at Mammoth I met Wade Stober with EARinc. Wade and Earinc. make the molded in ear pieces so I decided to give it a try. They make three different versions, a solid piece with no filter giving maximum protection, a pair with a filter to allow better hearing for conversation while still blocking firearms noises, and a third pair with a more complex filter. The first two can be formed while you wait, the third has to be mailed off.
I chose the solid pieces as I wanted maximum protection. he mixed a batch and took a mold of both ears. Instantly with the mold setting I could tell these were going to work. All noise ceased and I had to look at someone and concentrate to hear their conversation. The entire process for both ears took about 20-30 minutes.
Once out on the range the pieces slip right into your ear canal with only a slight twist. They are snug but not uncomfortable.
I was amazed at how much noise was reduced with these pieces in place. It was BY FAR the best hearing protection I've ever worn. They were comfortable and out of the way and had a convenient cord attached so I could hang them around my neck when not in use.
Now these have to be made for your ear and should be done by someone who knows what they are doing. Don't try the mail-order kits, get this done right. So if you ever have a chance at a gun show, SHOT show, or competition, I highly recommend you look into this. You will not be sorry.
