Shooting Ear Muffs, 2020

I bought a pair of these in June, 2016.  They had the best rating of anything I could find at the time, with no regard for cost.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BGSI5U/?tag=ss-earpro-20




I'm wondering about two things.  First, are these still "the best", and if not, what earmuffs now have the best ratings and reviews?

Also, I bought these four years ago.  Does anything inside an ear muff "age", that should be replaced every so often?

Those are good ones.

One thing you might have too is some stick-on felt pad liners.  Keeps you dryer from sweat in summer.  And warmer from cold in winter.

I am using these same muffs for over 3 years. Tried others but always come back to these. What works for me is a combination of a very comfortable headband and great noise protection.

Regards,
Oleg.

Nah, ehh? What ya say???

I've been using those earmuffs for about 4 years.  I also use either foam or custom-molded earplugs along with them on the indoor ranges.  You should also make sure you turn off the electronic noise suppression switch after every session.  The AAA batteries don't last very long if you forget.

Correction to my post.  The switch (rheostat) controls the ambient noise amplifier, not the sound suppression.  It allows you to hear range commands.

OldShooter43 wrote:......The AAA batteries don't last very long if you forget......

That's one of my gripes, every time I forget.  

The new ones finally have an automatic shut-off switch:  "

• INCLUDES: 3.5mm connection cord for MP3 players and scanners; includes 2 AAA batteries; automatic shut-off feature engages after 4 hours to help save battery life; approx. 350 hours battery life"
  

I don't care much about the MP3 feature, but the auto shut-off is a really good improvement - especially for those of us who are "senior shooters". LOL.

mikemyers wrote:Does anything inside an ear muff "age", that should be replaced every so often?

Not sure about Howard Leights, but Peltor sells "Hygiene Kits".  These are kits that contain replacement sealing pads, and replacement internal foam.  Why?  Over time, your earmuffs absorb a fair amount of sweat, and the seal pads take a lot of wear and tear.  The latter reduces the noise protection of the earmuffs, especially if the vinyl tears, or if the foam inside them fails.  The sweat issue is a health hazard, as mold grows on the foam.  If possible, remove a seal pad, and see if the internal foam can be removed.  If it can, pull the foam out, and take a good look - if a brownish tint on the foam is visible, consider replacing it.

NOTE:  While typing this reply, I got curious, and did some online searching.  Yes, hygiene kits are available for Howard Leight earmuffs, as are sweat absorber pads.  Part numbers are:

• Hygiene Kit:  1012000.  The actual part number is 1008000, but the listing I looked out said "not in stock, available for order"
  
• Sweat absorber pads:  1000365.  Available from Amazon for about $59 for a box of 100 sets.  Link: 
  

https://www.amazon.com/Cool-Pads-Sweat-Absorbing-Muff/dp/B075787WP1/ref=sr_1_78?fst=as%3Aoff&qid=1578930176&refinements=p_89%3AHoward+Leight&s=hi&sr=1-78

Hope this helps.

MSA Sordin Supreme with gel earseals.

srstactical.com