Best digital hearing pro

Spartan

Spartan

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I am looking at getting some higher end hearing pro-
What I want, specifically, is a digital headset that amplifies ambient sounds, cuts out loud impulse sounds, but doesn’t just turn off every time a gun is fired.
So you could have seamless conversations, etc.

does anyone make this?
 
I have a set of in the ear digitals from EARInc. The digital advantage is the model I have. They work pretty good. As with any electronic device the cutout is based on response and total db. If you are close to the gun fire mine will cut out but a gun with a suppressor and they do not cutout. They are not cheap I paid close to $2k for my set.

https://earinc.com/
 
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Both the Walkers and Howard Leights do exactly that, they mute gunfire slightly but you can have a conversation without interruption.
But it's hard to beat the Howard Leight impact sports. I have Walker Razors and while they're a little more comfortable, they are mono and sound like ass. Even the cheap Caldwell slim ones sound better, but they completely cut off on moderately loud sounds even when you charge an AR while it's on your shoulder.
Walker does make a quad-mic set but honestly not sure it would be much better than the Leights.
If I had it all over again I'd get those cheap blue Impact Sports that were on sale at Academy a while ago for $35 a pair.

FWIW neither one is 'high end' but when you're outfitting a crew like I am, they work great.
Not sure what higher end stuff gets you besides a name, I'm sure the electronics are made in a chinese sweatshop no matter the price tag.
If you want a better fit, there are 'gel cups' for both that make them seal tighter and more comfortable.
 
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Ill also toss in with the Howard Leight Impact sports. I have a couple sets and really like them. The sound cancellation stuff works pretty well, and I enjoy being able to have normal conversations while wearing hearing pro.
 
3M Peltor Tactical Pro

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006968Y...olid=373HXRE07EPPW&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Love, love, love this set. I'm already pretty deaf and have the tinnitus rreeeeee fired up constantly. This set of earpro has helped me through multiple classes and lots of range time. I picked it up after a near accident when I didn't hear a cease fire called because my cheap electronic set had just clamped shut. That exposed the real danger of cheap ear pro in the training environment to me.
 
Timfoilhat said:
3M Peltor Tactical Pro

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006968Y...olid=373HXRE07EPPW&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Love, love, love this set. I'm already pretty deaf and have the tinnitus rreeeeee fired up constantly. This set of earpro has helped me through multiple classes and lots of range time. I picked it up after a near accident when I didn't hear a cease fire called because my cheap electronic set had just clamped shut. That exposed the real danger of cheap ear pro in the training environment to me.
Click to expand...

that’s the ones I was thinking of!
Thanks @Timfoilhat
 
Spartan01 said:
I am looking at getting some higher end hearing pro-
What I want, specifically, is a digital headset that amplifies ambient sounds, cuts out loud impulse sounds, but doesn’t just turn off every time a gun is fired.
So you could have seamless conversations, etc..

does anyone make this?
Click to expand...

What you need to understand is there are two types of electric hearing protection technology: clipping and compression.

Clipping is found on your models under $150. How they work is when the decibels hit a certain threshold, all sound is "clipped" or muted. So while you can have normal conversations with them on when there's not much shooting, as soon as there's a lot of shooting you won't hear anything at all.

Compression is found on your models in the $300+ range. How they work is to constantly "compress" certain sound waves and certain decibels so you can have normal conversations with them on even when there's a lot of shooting. These are commonly used by Mil and LE direct action teams who need to hear each other during an assault.

I have used both and strongly prefer Compression. SRS Tactical in Florida is THE place to purchase from and this is the model I recommend: https://srstactical.com/swatcom-active8-waterproof-headset-headband-gel-ear-seals.html

With that said, two other things to consider: 360 degree hearing and in-ear plugs.

Only your higher end compression muffs offer 360 degree hearing vs. directional hearing.

Personally, I have switched to in-ear plugs because they are more comfortable, allow a full cheek weld on long guns, and provide 360 hearing. This is what I have been using for over 2 years now with no issues, and I teach 8 hour long classes with them in my ears the whole day: https://www.etymotic.com/gsp15.html

Good luck.
 
EDC Pistol Training LLC said:
What you need to understand is there are two types of electric hearing protection technology: clipping and compression.

Clipping is found on your models under $150.

Compression is found on your models in the $300+ range.
Click to expand...
What about those between $150 & $300?

:D
 
EDC Pistol Training LLC said:
What you need to understand is there are two types of electric hearing protection technology: clipping and compression.

Clipping is found on your models under $150. How they work is when the decibels hit a certain threshold, all sound is "clipped" or muted. So while you can have normal conversations with them on when there's not much shooting, as soon as there's a lot of shooting you won't hear anything at all.

Compression is found on your models in the $300+ range. How they work is to constantly "compress" certain sound waves and certain decibels so you can have normal conversations with them on even when there's a lot of shooting. These are commonly used by Mil and LE direct action teams who need to hear each other during an assault.

I have used both and strongly prefer Compression. SRS Tactical in Florida is THE place to purchase from and this is the model I recommend: https://srstactical.com/swatcom-active8-waterproof-headset-headband-gel-ear-seals.html

With that said, two other things to consider: 360 degree hearing and in-ear plugs.

Only your higher end compression muffs offer 360 degree hearing vs. directional hearing.

Personally, I have switched to in-ear plugs because they are more comfortable, allow a full cheek weld on long guns, and provide 360 hearing. This is what I have been using for over 2 years now with no issues, and I teach 8 hour long classes with them in my ears the whole day: https://www.etymotic.com/gsp15.html

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Digital Compression is found on the Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolts, with no clipping. $80 on Amazon. Pretty sure Walker has a comparable model with Quad microphones for around the same.
 
Howard Leight Impact Sports for the money, low profile and performance. I own several sets and am very pleased with them.
 
Ikarus1 said:
Digital Compression is found on the Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolts, with no clipping. $80 on Amazon. Pretty sure Walker has a comparable model with Quad microphones for around the same.
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I might try them, but there is likely a reason why the good ones cost more. If HL's are comparable all around to Sordins or Comtacs i would be really surprised. When something sounds too good to be true it usually is.
 
The Howard Leigh Bolts have a NRR of 22
The Sordins are NRR rated 18-19.
The 3m Peltor Tactical Pro is NRR rated 26.
 
NRR26 because those Peltors are HUGE compared to the slimline ones. No way you can get a decent check weld with those bumpstops on the side of your noggin.
 
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I have the HL Impact models also, I recently purchased the new Walkers BT model at Midway on promo, still on promo today $196
Recharge them in the caddy, caddy recharges via USB cable. Links to your phone with the app.
I use them when shooting rifles, the ear muffs get in the way when wearing my progressive eyeglasses.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019881191
 
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Timfoilhat said:
The Howard Leigh Bolts have a NRR of 22
The Sordins are NRR rated 18-19.
The 3m Peltor Tactical Pro is NRR rated 26.
Click to expand...

NRR is not the whole story you'll have to do some research to understand. I have Sordins Supreme Prox X and Peltors Comtacs 3. I shoot a lot of pistol and rifle and wear them for 8 hours fairly regularly. I believe the Sordins are superior in both noise reduction and comfort. They are the cats pajamas for electronic over the ears sets. The best ear pro is evidently the in the ear kind. Custom fitted to your ear canal. If you have the money i would get those. Sub par in 0 he ear i would get Sordins supremes pro x with gel cups. If you have less money to spend those 80 dollar HL's look pretty sweet!
 
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