hearing protection

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Gritr Tactical Range Bag

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Gritr Gear

Tactical Range Bag

Review

  Everyone needs a good range bag. Some people want smaller ones, and some people want larger ones. Gritr Gear has their Tactical Range Bag that falls somewhere in between the two sizes. So you get a medium sized range bag, with features that can turn it into a larger or smaller range bag.

  The Gritr Tactical Range Bag is really a do all bag. In general, it starts as a 18 inch x 12 inch x 10 inch exterior size. Inside the main compartment is a removable tote, a removable mat, and a medical pouch. On each side are large zipper compartments. On one end is another zipper compartment. On the other end is an open pouch. The main compartment is then covered by a highly velcroed dual zipper flap. Gritr offers the bag in a multitude of colors and patterns. I chose the Green Topo pattern, even though I was torn between it and Splatter.

 I will explain the main compartment of the Tactical Range Bag first. Especially since it is where you end up throwing everything into. The size of the main compartment is approximately 14 x 9 x 9 inches. It sounds small, but you can fit a lot of stuff in there. On the bottom of the main compartment is a hard floor mat. This mat gives the bag a hard bottom but is also removable. Once removed, the floor mat can then be unfolded to a 28 x 14.25 inch size. Because it unfolds, you now have a nice place to set pistols and gear on a shooting bench. You could also use it as an interim cleaning mat. I like it for taking pictures of pistols and gear that I am doing reviews on. The mat has the same topo pattern as the exterior of the range bag. The dual zippered flap that covers the main compartment has hook and loop all over it, for your patches of course. This feature gives you quick access to whatever is in the main compartment. The dual zippers are also tied together with a handle strap, making opening and closing it fairly easy with one hand. This main compartment is very useful for anything you want to throw in it.

  Inside that main compartment is something even more useful. That item is a removable Tote bag. It is made to just rest inside the main compartment. Yes, it does take up most of the main compartment, but you won’t care because it is so useful. It measures 12 x 7 x 8 inches and has some decent, soft style, carry handles. The tote is open top with a hard floor. Built into the sides of the tote bag are 2 padded pistol bags. Just unzip either of them and you can drop a full size pistol into them. Throw some ammo boxes inside the tote and you are ready to go. Because of the tote, you can just grab it instead of the whole range bag. So if you are at a match, or anywhere else, and don’t want to carry the whole bag, you can just grab the tote and go. Put the pistol on one side, and mags in the other, and your ammo resting on the bottom. The only down side to the tote is that it does take up space in the main compartment. I usually just put the tote in the main compartment and nothing else. Having the built in pistol bags is super useful.

  Gritr throws in a medical pouch with the Tactical range bag. It is a fairly decent med pouch having pockets and straps where you need them. The dual zippers unzip to let you open the pouch up flat and quickly. I do wish that Gritr had an option to have the med pouch filled with a trauma kit. Even without it being stocked, I think including a med pouch is pretty cool, especially since any range trip should be accompanied with a good med kit. On a basic level, you could always fill it with something like THIS. I do wish the med pouch had some MOLLE to attach it to the outside of the range bag. But hey, good on Gritr for including it and getting people thinking.

  Back to the outside of the Tactical Range Bag. On each side of the range bag are 2 large zippered compartments, both can fold down flat when open. Inside one of these pockets, there is hook and loop MOLLE up against the bag side. I like that you can attach extra stuff with multiple attachment methods. On the fold down side of this compartment are 2 zippered mesh pockets. I have my stapler in this compartment, with staples in one of the mesh pockets and target tape in the other pocket. The other compartment has one large zippered mesh pocket on the fold down flap side. Then on the side against the bag, there are 3 little pockets. 2 of these have a hook and loop cover flap. The other one is open. I usually put miscellaneous tools, a timer, and rifle mags in this compartment. These side compartments are large enough to fit a ton of extra stuff.

  The Gritr Range Bag has end pockets also. Okay, one is a compartment and one is a literal pouch. The pouch is just an open top pocket with an elastic pull string. I would prefer some way of closing it completely, but maybe I am wrong here. Either way, I use it for my over the ear hearing protection. It does give me easy access to just grab the shooting muffs and slip them on quickly. On the other end is an actual zippered compartment. On the outside of this end compartment is more MOLLE in the bag's color pattern. Inside it is just a compartment, no pockets or anything. I usually have extra hearing protection and eye protection in this compartment. 

  I have been very pleased with the overall size of the Gritr Tactical Range Bag. It has been working out great for me. It is smaller than my old super large one, but big enough that I can fit all my stuff in it. So far the stitching on the seams has held up and looks as good as new. I tend to overload my bags, so this says a lot about the quality of the Gritr bag. The carry handles on the bag work nice, even if they flop into the main compartment when closing it up, but most bags tend to do this. The bag also comes with a removable wide, padded, carry strap. This carry strap is 3.5 inches wide. So it really disperses the weight on your shoulder. Especially if you load the range bag up like I tend to do. Yes, it is adjustable for length too. The Gritr Range bag seems to be the perfect size. If you need only a small bag, just use the Tote by itself. If you need something larger, just attach some stuff to the MOLLE. 

  So, you are looking for a range bag. You don’t want to spend a ton but want a good bag. Go give the Gritr Tactical Range Bag a look. The bag is a great size for range trips, or anything else. The quality is nice. Plus it has all the features you need or want in a range bag. You can even get it on Amazon. Go check it out over at Gritr Gear, who knows, you might find some other good range stuff while you’re there.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Range bag that can used for various other things

Target Market:

Shooters, hunters, or anyone needing a decent shoulder bag

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Material - 500D Nylon

  • Volume - 35.4 liters

  • Dimensions - 18" x 12" x 10"

  • Weight - 6 lbs

  • Removable Inner Tote (12" x 7" x 8")

  • Removable Mat (28" x 14.25")

  • First Aid Kit Pouch

  • Top Patch panel

  • Laser cut molle

  • Heavy-duty zippers

  • Padded carry strap

  • Lifetime warranty 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Lots of different designs and colors

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars on Amazon 

Love it, could use a few tweaks

Overall I think this would be a five-star bag with a few tiny tweaks just to make it easier to fit things.

I love the bag overall.

Pros:

- good fabric

- great layout

- wish more manufacturers/importers opted for more interesting fabric colors

Cons:

- no pocket/opening fits ear pro well, they all crush ear pro except if you want it bouncing around inside the bag

- internal pockets really flat when empty so they're getting strained when you put anything inside, limiting what you can put in the bag. They are only single stitched, I bet this will be a problem too. Common design problem I see. Would be much better if they just added a half inch of fabric to make all the pockets a little loose when empty.

- wish either the gap for the inner bag were larger or oriented the other way

- eye pro pockets are a very tight fit

- wish the top zipper were lockable 

Link to other reviews:

The Gear Bunker

Price point:

MSRP = $114.95

Retail = $100

I need it now! Availability:

Gritr Gear or Amazon 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Great size

  • Molle in good locations 

  • Removable inner tote

  • Hard removable floor/mat

  • Available in non-tactical colors

  • Padded carry strap

Cons:

  • Open end pocket

  • Small inner pockets

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Aimwin PE320 review   

ISOtunes Sport - Defy & Advance

  ISOtunes has come on the market with hearing protection designed for the shooter under the ISOtunes Sport brand. ISOtunes has made industrial hearing protection for some time, but just recently introduced the Sport brand. There are currently two models to choose from, the Defy, and the Advance. They are both very similar in use. The Defy is your standard Over Ear (muff) style, while the Advance is an In-Ear style. 

  Both the Defy and Advance are packed with features. One of those is that they both have the “Tactical sound” control. The Tactical sound control is a separate volume control for outside sound. ISOtunes Sport claims an increase in exterior sound up to 8x their normal volume. If you turn it up, it amplifies everything, including background noise. This can be a plus when listening to range commands, your friends, or while hunting. You can also turn it all the way down, which essentially cuts all exterior volume. Don’t worry, the Tactical sound control still reduces loud noises to a safe level, so as to not damage your hearing. When you power on the ISOtunes Sport’s the Tactical sound turns on to about half volume. One of my only complaints is that I wish they would remember the last volume setting when turned off. The high impact noise response time is listed at less than 2 milliseconds, so hearing damage is greatly, if not completely, reduced by the initial gun shot sound.

  Since we are talking about sound, both the Defy and Advance have bluetooth connectivity. As with most bluetooth, just pair it to your device and away you go. They do both have noise cancelling mic’s, so if you are on a phone call at the range, whoever you are talking with can hear you clearly. My daughter called me at the range one day while I had the Advance on. She said that she could hear me fine even with the occasional gun shots. So that part seems to work okay. With the bluetooth, you can also use the Advance or Defy to listen to your favorite podcast or music. However, the ISOtunes Sport line will cap the output volume to 85 db’s using their “SafeMax” technology. This is because 85 db’s is the safe volume limit for all day long exposure. If you are in an extremely loud environment, it can sometimes still be hard to hear whatever is playing through the bluetooth. The bluetooth controls are separate from the Tactical Sound controls, making it easier to know which volume you are adjusting. 

  Even though the Defy and Advance have similar features, there are some differences besides the obvious. The Advance in-ear is listed as a 26db NRR (noise reduction rating), but the Defy only comes in with a 25db NRR rating. Definitely not enough for me to tell the difference. Connection to a device, via bluetooth, varies by an hour with the lead going to the Defy at 11 hours and the Advance at 10 hours. When not connected to bluetooth, the times can jump up a couple of hours. The Defy has the option of using 3 AAA batteries instead of the supplied rechargeable. This increases the use time to 22 hours. It also gives the Defy an option if the rechargeable battery dies when using them in the field. The Advance, being an in-ear, does not have this luxury. Both have auto off functions also. The Advance’s is 2 hrs of non use, while the Defy is 4 hrs. Both are resistant to dust and water. Since the Defy and Advance are different styles, there is definitely going to be a weight difference. The Defy (over ear) comes in at 15.5 ounces, while the Advance (in-ear) comes in at 23.25 grams, or just under an ounce. The Defy and Advance come with a usb charging cord. While the Advance also comes with 4 sizes of eartips and one set of triple flange style to use when you’re not worried about sound suppression. The Advance also comes with a zippered carrying case. 

   After using the ISOtunes Sport’s for a while, I’ve concluded that both are really good at what they do. The Tactical Sound works great and lets me hear range commands and friends clearly. It also does a decent job of not amplifying wind. Not perfect, but better than some hearing protection I’ve used, at least as far as wind noise is concerned.  I simply love the Advance, as they give me lightweight in-ear protection. The Advance allows me to use rifles and shotguns without causing any problems with a cheek weld. Plus they are not hot like over the ear ones can be. I also use the bluetooth, on the Advance, daily while at work. They are fantastic for this. If you work in a loud industrial environment, they are even better. The Advance is my newest favorite hearing protection. The Defy, however, is not far behind the Advance. It has its own advantages. They are very comfortable for over the ear hearing protection. They have the option of running AAA batteries. The top strap has a slot for heat management, or more importantly, so the button on your hat doesn’t push against your head. The cushions are also very soft and comfortable. The Defy will also open up extremely wide, so if you have an extremely large brain capsule, these might work well for you. I like the Defy if I’m just shooting pistols, or when it’s cooler outside. 

  If you’re looking into some new hearing protection, I wouldn’t hesitate to check out the ISOtunes Sport line. Both have great useful features. My favorite would be the Advance, but the Defy are really good also. Anytime you can get decent hearing protection, with decent rechargeable battery life, I’m all for it. Go check out the Defy and Advance at ISOtune Sport, you’ll probably like what you see. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hearing protection with bluetooth

Target Market:

Shooters, Hunters, or anyone needing hearing protection

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Tactical sound control

  • 25 to 26 db noise reduction

  • 23.25 grams for the Advance

  • 15.5 ounces for the Defy

  • Rechargeable for 10-11 hrs of Bluetooth connection

  • Noise Isolation Mic

  • Bluetooth audio output limited to 85db

  • 2 hour auto off (Advance) 

  • 4 hour auto off (Defy) 

  • Dust, water, and sweat resistant

  • Micro USB charging port

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

In Ear (Advance) and Over ear style (Defy)

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Amazon

Does the job

These rock! I am a firearms instructor for my local LE Agency. These guys seem a little awkward at first as fas as getting them to fit correctly. But once I found the earplugs that fit the best... they do exactly what they were intended to do.

I completely charged them as the directions stated and the next day I set out to the range and spent 5 hours wearing them. I had no issues with short battery life as some would expect. It connects with my iphone and plays music at a safe level while still being able to hear voices.

As soon as we started shooting, they did their job. I did have some issues with the ear foam not fitting well.

My only complaint is that I wish there was a size between the smallest ear foam and the medium ear foam. The medium was just a bit big, but it would be impossible the have a foam to fit EVERY SINGLE EAR.

That being said, I would still purchase 100% and have already recommended it to my LEO buddies.

Link to other reviews:

Wide Open Spaces

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99 for either option

Retail = $129.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

ISOtunes or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Bluetooth

  • Tactical Sound Control with separate controls

  • Rechargeable

  • Long battery life

  • Both are comfortable

  • AAA option with the Defy

  • 4 different earpieces for the Advance

Cons:

  • Doesn’t remember volume level of the “Tactical Sound”

  • 85db sound limit (sometimes I like to hear it loud)

Score: 8.50 Great

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Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

Pro Ears Stealth Elite

  In the world of hearing protection, everyone is looking for the newest and greatest earbud style protection. This brings us to the Pro Ears Stealth Elite in ear hearing protection. The stealth elites are essentially electronic hearing protection, in a small compact, earbud size package.

  When I first heard about the Stealth Elite’s, I was very curious. If I could get the benefits of electronic sound cancellation, in an ear bud, what more could I ask for? Part of what made these so attractive, was the price. At an msrp of $159.99, they are less expensive than other brands in this market. Plus they have the added option of using a rechargeable bluetooth lanyard.

  The specifications on the Stealth Elite’s is quite extensive. They have a very good noise reduction rating of 28 db’s. Are IPX6 rated, so you can drop them in water or use them in the rain. The pair weighs 28 grams. A neck lanyard, that clips to the ear buds, is included for when you don’t have the bluetooth one connected. Plus they are supplied with a variety of compressible foam or silicone ear tips. All of which can be stored in a nice little carrying case.

  Besides the specifications mentioned before, the Stealth Elite’s has electronic noise cancellation. There are 3 modes in which each earbud can be set. These are Isolation, Awareness, and Amplification. On each earbud is a tiny switch to change between these settings. A “0” setting for off, or “isolation”. A “I” setting for “Awareness”. And a “II” setting for “Amplification”. The off, or isolation setting, makes these earbuds work as a regular earplug. The awareness setting allows the wearer to hear their surroundings. Essentially letting you hear normally, at a normal volume. Then there is the amplification setting. This, as the name implies, amplifies what you hear at 5 times normal volume. Both the latter two modes will cut any loud sounds, down to hearing safe levels. In my experience, they work very well at cutting out unsafe noise levels.

  Because of the electronics needed to make the Stealth Elite’s work, they run on batteries. They designed the earbuds to use a #10 hearing aid battery. The batteries will last about 80 hrs each. There is one battery in each one of the earbuds. The batteries are relatively inexpensive and can be found at just about any local store. 60 of them cost between $15-20 on Amazon. So for $20 you can run the set of earbuds for 2400 hours, that’s 100 days straight. The batteries are easily changed, through a little built in door, in each earbud. 

  Also included is the aforementioned bluetooth lanyard. The bluetooth lanyard is rechargeable and gives around 9 hours of use. As with most bluetooth stuff, it has up/down and a larger button in the middle. The middle button is also the power button, answer call, etc. The lanyard uses a tiny little connector that just plugs into the bottom of the earbuds. It is a pass through connection. This means that it powers the earbuds for sound, so one can actually use this feature when the battery is dead or missing. I mainly use the bluetooth, when using the earbuds for other things, like mowing the yard. It works good enough for me. One interesting thing about using the bluetooth is: it has a built in sound limiter, so you can not turn the volume up past 110 db’s and damage your hearing.

  Since you are probably wondering how they perform, let's get into it. I have used the Stealth Elite’s on the range a lot. They do a great job of letting me hear my surroundings, while cutting out gunshots. Battery life is good, as explained earlier. When the batteries start to get low, I get a crackling sound. I have learned that when it gets to that point, I just change the battery. Even though they supposedly have a “wind shield”, they still pick up wind noise and amplify it. When using either of the “on” settings, sound is really good and I am able to hear conversations at a noisy shooting range. The Stealth Elite’s stick out of one's ears more than some earplugs and I was worried about this when shooting rifles and shotguns. Well, after using them with both, there is nothing to worry about. I never had any problems with them hitting the stocks of various rifles and shotguns. In fact, I prefer them over muffs because they don’t get pushed out of the way. Because they are “in ear” hearing protection, they also keep your head and ears from getting hot like “over ear” hearing protection does. With the compressible foam ear tips, they are very comfortable to wear all day. I have worn them continually for 8+ hours on the range without causing me discomfort. Of course, results may vary on your comfort.

  So if you are looking into getting some electronic hearing protection, do check out Pro Ears and their Stealth Elite’s. I’m pretty happy with their performance. The price seems good. Battery life is good. The noise reduction is top notch. Plus, they are a USA based business.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

In ear, electronic noise reduction hearing protection

Target Market:

Those who dislike ear muffs, or those wanting in ear hearing protection

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 28db

  • IPX6 rated -Water Resistant & Sweat-proof.

  • Amplification Mode: Let’s you hear faint sounds from a distance while protecting your ears from extremely loud sounds (5x amplification).

  • Awareness Mode: Allows ambient sounds to pass through even while you are listening to music or talking on the phone so you remain situationally aware.

  • Isolation Mode: Enjoy complete peace and quiet when you want to focus or recharge.

  • Wind Shield

  • In ear, earbud style

  • Rechargeable BlueTooth lanyard

  • 80 hour battery life for earbuds

  • Uses #10 batteries (60 pieces are around $20)

  • Foam and Silicone tips included

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Richard M. on Amazon 5/5 stars

Nice hearing protections and excellent hearing enhancement

I bought these for hunting in the blind. The hearing enhancement feature is unbelievable. I can pick up the slightest of sound. It did take a little time to set it up to select the right ear buds and clips for my ears. I was surprised with all the options it came with to make sure the fit is comfortable and secure. I also like the fact it comes with a line that attaches to each ear piece so I can't lose one.

Link to other reviews:

Globosurfer

Pro Ears

Price point:

MSRP = $159.99

Retail = $145.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Pro Ears or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Sound reduction 

  • Rechargeable Bluetooth lanyard

  • Assortment of different ear pieces

  • Comfort

  • 3 different sound/hearing protection choices

Cons:

  • Wind noise

  • Crackling static when battery is low

  • Not as quiet as regular over-ear muffs

Score: 7.00 Good

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Favorite Link:  Gun & Gear Cult   

Peltor Tactical 500

 Peltor has been making hearing protection for many years. The Peltor Tactical 500’s are one of their newest releases. They sent me these after talking with them at SHOT show. As we all know, hearing protection is very important. Especially if you do a lot of shooting. The Tac 500’s will help with that and even give you some bonus features.

 I am not new to electronic noise cancelling hearing protection. I’ve used a set of Peltor tactical 6-S’ for almost 20 years, as well as other manufacturers also. These new Tac 500’s have way more features than my old trusty 6-s pair. They have a noise reduction rating of 26 dB while reducing any sound above 82 dB. In order to reduce the sound of loud noises, the tac 500’s use what Peltor calls “Dynamic Suppression Time” technology. What this means to you, is that the electronics monitor the harsh sounds and echoes to determine how quickly and how much to mute the volume. This feature works outstandingly well. I really liked how it only cut the gunshots or loud noises to a manageable level. While still being able to hear them. They do not cut out the sound completely like my 6-s or some of the less expensive hearing protection.

 Another feature that somewhat resembles the Dynamic Suppression, is the “Clear Voice Tracking.” The Clear Voice tracking also appears to work very well. What it does is sense voice levels getting input from the microphones. It then enhances them so that you can clearly hear what others are saying. Ant time I was wearing the Tac 500’s at the range, I had zero problems understanding or hearing people talk. It sound almost as if I didn’t have the hearing protection on at all.

 The Tactical 500’s were comfortable when worn. Except the headband can press in the top of your head some and cause discomfort. I noticed this a little when wearing them without a baseball hat. But when wearing them over the hat, they were comfortable to me for long periods of time (6+ hours). The headband is vented some, it has three vent squares in the top. One of these vent squares is made to clear the button on top of a hat, so that the button doesn’t press into your head and start hurting. The ear cups were also comfortable for me. They also sealed over my glasses pretty well. I believe the gel cups that 3m sells will fit on the Tac 500’s also.

 Hearing protection that rides up, or opens up, when shooting rifles can be a real problem. Peltor has made the Tac 500’s with a cut-out, or scoop, on the bottom of the ear cups. This cut-out help them sit lower when putting your cheek on a rifle. The 500’s worked well for me when shooting rifles and shotguns. They didn’t try to lift up like my Howard Leights do. Even though the 500’s are larger, size wise, then my 6-s’, I didn’t notice any differences in comfort.

 Possibly one of the coolest features of the Tactical 500’s is the built in BlueTooth. This allows you to pair your smartphone to the hearing protection. I think most people have missed a phone call or text while at the range. Having the bluetooth feature allows for you to hear incoming notifications from your phone. You can even answer a phone call by pushing the center of the right ear cup. Because of the dual microphones in the headset, people can actually hear you talk, within reason, you are still at a shooting range. This particular ear protection has an annoying whine or static when turned on. It happens with the bluetooth on or off. If you up the volume, it just gets louder. If these didn’t have that whine, I’d give them a much better rating. Having the bluetooth also allow me to listen to music when I wear these around the house, lawn mowing and the like. These are not music headphones, so the sound quality of music is pretty blah. Another feature with the bluetooth, is being able to use it with a shooting app on the smartphone. It makes it super easy to hear the tones, or beeps. If you want to use them without bluetooth, they have a 3.5mm audio jack and come with a cable.

 The Tactical 500’s also fold up into themselves. Of course this is for storage. But they also include a nice bag for putting them in. A rechargeable battery pack is also available and can be charged with a micro usb plugged into the right ear cup. Otherwise it uses 2 AA batteries. But don’t worry, it has an auto off feature for people like me that forget to turn stuff off. The Tac 500’s will also alert you, by talking, that your batteries are low or when you “power on” and “power off” the hearing protection.

 I probably missed something that the Tactical 500’s do. I have a love / hate relationship with them. I love all the features, but hate the annoying static sound when they are turned up. Go check them out if your in the market for some electronic hearing protection.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Noise cancelling over ear hearing protectors

Target Market:

Shooters, Hunters, anyone needing hearing protection

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 26 dB NRR

  • Dynamic Suppression

  • Clear Voice Tracking

  • Bluetooth

  • Auto shut-off

  • Recessed Microphones

  • Cheek cutouts for rifle stocks

  • Vented Headband

  • 3.5mm Audio Jack - Cable Included

  • Carrying bag

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None - You get Black

What others are saying?:

From 3M -  ⅘ stars.

ToddInTexas
  
Dynamic supression great, but odd interference

I bought these a few months ago and use them at indoor and outdoor ranges and also while I'm woodworking (both handtool for chopping mortises and dovetail waste) and when using power tools. It is great to be able to hear sounds and voices. In fact, these have an uncanny way of amplifying low level sounds, which is kind of cool. As to ear protection, these work well for both indoor and outdoor ranges as well as in woodworking. As others note, the headband can be uncomfortable. It appears that 3M simply didn't user test these, which is very odd. If I am careful about positioning I can usually wear them for hours, but if they are slightly off the top of my head starts hurting. For me though, the main issue is the strange audio signal that I hear. I'm not sure what it is from, perhaps bluetooth, but it is almost always there and detracts from the experience. As to music quality, these are only OK. My Bose QC35s blow them away. Listening to music through the Peltors is not a great experience--it all sounds flat and compressed. But I didn't really buy them for music--that's just an extra for me.

From Amazon - ⅗ stars

Mychajloon

A lot of unnecessary feedback and buzzing in the headsets

Bought so my kids could go hunting with me. A lot of unnecessary feedback and buzzing in the headsets. Any solutions to this would be appreciated.

Link to other reviews:

Gun Holsters & Gear

Price point:

MSRP = $199.99

Retail = $119.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Excellent Noise cancellation

  • Uses AA batteries

  • Bluetooth

  • Auto Shut-off

  • Fits over hat button

Cons:

  • Static sound

  • Headband comfort

Score: 7.50 Good

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Favorite Link:   ABC House Benefit Match




 

Decibullz Custom Molded Percussive Shooting Ear Plugs

  As shooters, we all know that good hearing protection is needed. Usually opting for over the ear style. Or most likely, amplified earmuffs so you can still hear other people talking, while cutting out the harsh noise of the gun shot. Sometimes the earmuffs can lift off your head slightly and now you have lost the benefit of them. Well, Decibullz has come out with a percussive filter, custom molded in ear, earplug.

  Decibullz had made standard moldable earplugs for a while. But they recently introduced their new Percussive Filter ones. The percussive filter cuts out harmful noise, while allowing you to still hear relatively normally. Not quite like the amplified muffs we are use to. These do not require any batteries! Granted, they won't amplify sound, but they also don't lift up when pressed against a rifle stock. When I asked how much noise reduction they have, Decibullz said they have a Noise Reduction Rating of 32, so 32 NRR. But at normal levels like talking, it is rated at 10 NRR. So what does this mean for you? Well, it basically means that you can hear normal voices, but they are a little reduced in volume. But on the other side, they do a great job at cutting out loud volumes like gunshots.

  Probably one one the best features of the Decibullz percussive ear plugs, is they are custom moldable. When the earplugs first arrive, they are kind of bean shaped. Don't worry, this isn't how they are used, you must first mold them. To mold the earplugs to the shape of your ear, all it takes is hot water. First remove the filter and set it aside. Install the orange tip onto the plug. Then just boil some water on the stove. Once it is boiling, take it off the burner. Toss in one plug only, as they can stick together if you put both in at the same time. Wait 5 minutes, remove the plug with a spoon and let rest for 30 seconds. Install the filter. Now press the plug, filter, and orange tip into your ear, pressing to form it to your ear. Let sit in your ear for 5 more minutes. Now your done with that ear, do the same for the other plug. If you mess up, don't worry, because you can just do the process over again to remold it. One of the only problems with these being moldable in hot water is that they can unform in high heat environments, like a hot car in the summer. But if this happens, just remold them. Decibullz has a very good video on molding the different model of plugs on their website.

  After wearing these for some time now, I can honestly say they are great. So good that I ordered a set of the standard ones also. If your worried about fit, don't be, they are really comfortable, even for extended periods of time. The plugs also come with a plethora of tips to fit different size ear canals. Also included is a neat little carrying bag to store the plugs in. While using these I didn't have any problem hearing normal conversations, even if the were muted a small amount. When shooting rifles, they allowed me to get a much better cheek weld than I normally get with my electronic muffs. They also did an excellent job cutting noise from short barreled rifles and compensated rifles, and we know those can be loud. For right now they only come in black. The ones they supplied me with are orange, as you can see. I would expect them to be offered in the same colors as the rest of their product lines. The orange is actually nice because it is easier for range officials to see that you have your ear protection on. 

  I mentioned ordering a normal set, since the moldable part is the same, I'll talk about a different experience. These were for my wife. After molding them, she was not really getting any noise reduction. She tried the different size tips and the foam tips as recommended on the Decibullz website, but that didn't seem to help. If you pushed on them, they would work. We tried to remold them, and even though they fit a little better, the plugs did the same thing and didn't block noise. After reading some of the reviews on Amazon, we decided that that her ears are small and/or narrow. There seemed to just be too much plastic to mold and get a good fit in her ears. Since all of the Decibullz products are one size, you might want to be cautious if you have small ears. Maybe Decibullz will offer sizes some time in the future.

  On a side note. The plugs are hard, not soft or rubbery. But since they are molded to your ear, they are still comfortable. Installing them in your ear is self explanatory. I found that when removing them from my ear, it helped to pull your ear lobe out of the way and then kind of pop them out. That's how well they stay in. But if you don't want the percussive filters, and just want standard plugs, they do not come with the plug insert

  At first I was reluctant at how these Percussive filter plugs were going to work. I have used other brands that were said to do the same thing and didn't. But the Decibullz work! I am so glad that they sent me out a pair, because I know that I wouldn't have probably purchased them myself. Like I said before, I even purchased a non percussive set. If you don't like ear muffs, but want to hear sounds around you without loud noises damaging your hearing, these are the ticket. Go give Decibullz a look, They also make headphones that are custom moldable.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Custom molded noise cancelling earplugs

Target Market:

Shooters, hunters, or anyone around loud noises

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Custom molded  
  • Percussive filters
  • Remoldable
  • Work with other Decibullz products 
  • NRR of 32 db
  • NRR of 10 db under normal volumes  
  • Certified up to 166 db
  • Passive (no power needed)  

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None as of now, only black, but the standard earplugs are available in Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, and Red

What others are saying?:

None found. Product is too new with the percussive filters

Link to other reviews:

Spotter Up

Wide Open Spaces

Price point:

MSRP = $74.99

Retail = $74.99 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon or Decibullz

Our Rating:

Pros: 

  • Easy to mold
  • Remoldable
  • Comes with lots of sizes and types of inserts
  • Super quiet
  • No batteries to go dead  
  • Ultra comfortable  

Cons:

  • Some reduction in normal sound
  • Can melt or deform under high heat (like a car dash) 
  • Don't come with standard plug inserts 
  • Don't work well for smaller ears

Score: 7.0 Good

 

Chad’s Favorite Link:  Axelson Tactical

Griffon Ind. Hearing Protection Cover

GriffonHearPro1 The Griffon Industries Hearing Protection Cover is an excellent addition to either a new or a used pair of electronic ear protection.  The cover is constructed of a ballistic nylon with a vented padding.  It is attached by some very strong hook and loop fastening.  The cover is made to go over the existing band that goes over your head.  The padding on the cover makes the ear protection much more comfortable and looks good also.  I purchased mine for my peltor tactical 6-s.  The plastic cover that came on my 6-s had split along the edge, this didn't really cause any problems, but I didn't like how it looked.  Griffon makes the hearing protection cover for 3 different manufactures of hearing protection:  The Peltor series, The MSA Sordin, and the popular Howard Leight.   It is also available in three patterns: Multicam (what I purchased), Kryptec Typhon, and AOR1 (Think Desert Digital).  A Griffon Industries patch also came with the cover and is intended to be put on the cover.  There is a nice pattern appropriate hook and loop fastener on the outer of the cover for this or other patches.  A small loop is also sewn into the center of the cover so that you can hook it somewhere when not in use.

GriffonHearpro3

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Pointsgriffonhearpro4

Claim to Fame: Padded Hearing Protection cover

Target Market: Those who want a padded headband on there ear protection

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Padded
  • Loop for hanging up
  • Color pattern options
  • Comfortable

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?  Kryptec Typhon and AOR1

Price point: 

  • MSRP = $25-32 depending on pattern

I need it now! Availability: Griffon Industries

Our Rating:

Pros

  • Comfort
  • Style
  • Padded

Cons

  • Availability

Score: 8.5 Great85

 

 

Chad's favorite link: Hand Gun Radio

Beretta Hearing Protection Review

Beretta ear muffs Your hearing, once you loose it .... you can never get it back.  With that being said, proper hearing protection can not be stressed enough.  It doesn't matter whether you are shooting .22LR or a cannon, all of us should be stressing the importance of hearing protection.  OK, enough of the safety talk and now onto the main event.  Recently I purchased the above pictured Beretta Hearing Protection ear muffs.  I am normally a push in ear plug man, but I thought I would get myself something  different.  The Beretta ear muffs are low profile and fully adjustable.  However, they seem to require some breaking in or just loosening up.  Using them right out of the box, they just felt very stiff to adjust and get comfy.  As far as function, I had n0 problems what-so-ever.  I could hold a conversation with my friends and shoot well over 100 clays with a 12 gauge.  Overall I am very pleased with the product, but time will tell as I break them in.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Low profile and compact design for protection and value.

Target Market: All shooters who wish to keep their hearing in place.

FNB's:  (Features and Benefits of this product)

  • Fully adjustable
  • Compact
  • Protection of db-25
  • Lanyard attachment

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Beretta offers these in green, blue and black.  Beretta USA

What others are saying?: 

  • Beretta USA reviewers are giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.
  • Optics Planet - only 1 review posted and the user gave them 2 out of 5 stars.
  • Amazon reviewers are giving them 4 out of 5 stars.

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: Readily available on-line at Beretta USA, Optics Plant and Amazon.

Our Rating:

+-Compact +-Adjustable +-Lanyard

--Need to be broken in/loosened up

Score: 8.5 Great85

 

Jared prefers Simon Peter Sport Company for all his FFL needs.

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