Now Hear This: Electronic Shooting Muffs Are A Must

You only get one set of ears. Take care of them. If you damage them, you don’t get another set. Just ask Vincent VanGogh. (Although his self-portrait left quite an, ahem, impression.) Shooting is loud and requires superior hearing protection, even when shooting outdoors. Gunfire can reach deafening levels, and prolonged exposure can cause permanent ear damage. One option to keep out the noise is classic over-the-ear shooting muffs, which block out the harsh crack of gunfire.

No commercial hearing protection completely blocks out all noise, but the best muffs cut down the sharpness of the report to tolerable levels. Traditional muffs do a great job of protecting against harsh noise but also block out ambient sounds, such as danger signs and any instructions being given. Many shooters have to remove their shooting muffs to hear instructions during live fire and instantly regret it. But how do you avoid that?

Electronic over-the-ear hearing protection offers a solution, amplifying ambient sounds while suppressing the harmful sound of gunshots. The advantage that the electronic ear pro has over conventional non-electronic protection is that you can hear what’s going on around you when the shooting stops, thanks to tiny microphones that pick up nearby sounds, such as instructions or any potential dangers.

Choosing the Right Electronic Earmuffs:

Determining the ideal electronic earmuffs depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider these factors:

• Features: Do you need basic noise cancellation, or do you desire advanced listening modes and/or Bluetooth connectivity?
• NRR Rating: Higher NRR ratings indicate greater noise reduction capabilities.
• Battery Life: How long do you need the earmuffs to function per shooting session? Consider rechargeable options for extended use.
• Comfort: Choose earmuffs that provide a comfortable fit for extended wear.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top electronic earmuffs, ranging from budget-friendly options to feature-rich models:

Walker’s XCEL 500BT Digital Electronic Muff ($91.99):

• Features: The Walker’s XCEL 500BT boasts a sophisticated design with four listening modes: Active Noise Reduction, Transparency Mode, Talk-Through Mode, and a combination mode. Active Noise Reduction dampens harmful noise, while Transparency Mode lets you hear ambient sounds. Talk-Through Mode amplifies speech, making communication easier. Bluetooth connectivity lets you connect to your phone for calls or music streaming. The XCEL 500BT also has four automatic shut-off features for extended battery life and operates on two (included) AAA batteries.
• Pros: Offers a variety of listening modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic shut-off features.
• Cons: A bit on the pricier end of basic electronic muffs.

Walker’s Razor Freedom 2nd Amend ($51.99):

• Features: This budget-friendly option from Walker utilizes Sound-Activated Compression (SAC) technology. SAC automatically compresses harmful sounds like gunshots to safe levels while allowing lower-level sounds to pass through. The Razor Freedom features a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 23 dB and runs on 2 AAA batteries (not included).
• Pros: This is an affordable option with basic hearing protection and sound compression. Plus, who doesn’t love a 2nd Amendment graphic on the sides?
• Cons: Lacks some of the advanced features of some higher-end models, but that’s to be expected at this price point.

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff ($63.99):

• Features: The Howard Leight Impact Sport offers a balance of affordability and functionality. It features Electronic Noise Reduction that automatically suppresses harmful sounds above 82 dB while amplifying ambient sounds for situational awareness. It boasts an NRR of 22 dB and runs on 2 AAA batteries (not included).
• Pros: Provides basic electronic noise reduction at a competitive price point.
• Cons: They are “budget-friendly,” so they, too, lack some of the better features of more expensive models.

Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Electronic Earmuff ($210.99):

• Features: The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 is a feature-rich option for serious shooters. It offers four listening modes: Situational Awareness, High-Frequency Boost, Compression, and Off. Situational Awareness amplifies ambient sounds, while High-Frequency Boost enhances speech clarity. The Compression mode automatically suppresses harmful noise. The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 boasts an NRR of 26 dB and is powered by 2 AAA batteries (included).
• Pros: Packed with features, offering various listening modes for different shooting scenarios.
• Cons: Pricier than some other options.

ISOtunes Sport DEFY Electronic Hearing Protection with Bluetooth ($139.99):

• Features: The ISOtunes Sport PRO caters to both hearing protection and audiophiles. It features SafeMax technology that automatically limits sound output to 85 dB, protecting your ears while allowing you to enjoy clear audio. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream music or take calls. The ISOtunes Sport PRO boasts an NRR of 22 dB and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• Pros: Offers hearing protection, clear audio streaming, and a rechargeable battery.
• Cons: This one is on the pricier side compared to the less expensive options, but you get more goodies. And it’s on sale at Gunmagwarehouse for $99.99!

Parting Shot

Whether you’re a casual shooter seeking basic protection, a competitive marksman requiring advanced features, or a hunter looking to hear wild game before it hears you, there’s an electronic earmuff waiting to safeguard your hearing and enhance your shooting experience. Remember, hearing protection is an essential investment. Protect your ears so you can continue to not only shoot comfortably but also hear what’s happening for the rest of your life.

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