Electronic Hearing Protection

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Need recommendations. Thanks!

I like the Howard Leights to use with my command player and the Pro 200 when shooting indoor 22 matches. But when its time for the big guns I wear the Clarks.

xmastershooter wrote:

jimdavis wrote:All of that being said, I don't wear either these days. I bought a set of David Clark 19A passive muffs. Yes, it's not always easy to hear, particularly soft talkers, but I know that I am protecting my hearing as well as I can. I also wear fitted plugs from CeCa at Camp Perry (the kind with filters) with the 19A's

Hi Jim, what are the odds??? Presently, I also use David Clark muffs along with CeCa fitted plugs.  Foam plugs seal the best but are a hassle to remove in order to hear and then put back in.  I believe the Clarks are used in the military.  What are "filters" with the fitted plugs?

I'm sorry that I missed your response. My plugs have passive filters in them. Loud noises cause the filters to close. They work better for me than the rubber plugs. For HP rifle, outdoors, that is what I wear. For pistol, indoors or undercover I use them with the Clarks.

The Peltor tac muffs with the fitted plugs could be a good choice. They were around $100 when I bought them in 2010.

Once again, thanks for all the replies.  I ordered my Christmas gift yesterday after coming to a decision on the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X.  After trying on several electronic headsets from shooters, RSO's and club range masters, the general recommendations were this MSA headset.  Most if not all club members I've spoken to also have several other electronic brands including Peltors and Howard Leights.  The common dissatisfaction was the fit, followed by comfort and then the longer cut-off after the firearm blast causing missing conversation.

The NRR was not rated as high as other units but I think this number may be deceiving.  I presently use David Clark 19A which is rated 27dB NRR or the Midway Peltor which is rated 30dB.  I double plug with a molded set of earplugs but blast noise from large pistol and rifle calibers bothers me

The MSA set has the available gel earseals which help keep the tight fit with longer lasting comfort.  An added bonus for me was that the padding inside the cup was not in too deep so that it rest and gently presses against my fitted earplugs and provides more sound protection.  The loudest rifle blasts were significantly quieter than with the above passive protectors. Quoting from the specs. "The ambient sound is reproduced inside the hearing protector at a safe level (max 82 dB).  Regardless of what is printed in the spec sheet, it worked well.

It is fairly high priced but it has come down from the $400 range to the $300 range and now listed at $277.  With the Christmas discount along with registering for their newsletter one can get an extra 20% off.  I'm telling my wife I'm buying it for her, so that my hearing will always remain good enough to hear her.