I have been researching the best earmuffs for shooting as I want something reliable and comfortable to protect my hearing at the range. I’ve started becoming more conscious about long-term hearing damage, especially after noticing ringing in my ears following extended shooting sessions. I want to make sure I’m properly protected without sacrificing comfort or performance.
I went through reviews from trusted sources like Amazon customer reviews, Pew Pew Tactical, and Outdoor Life, and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:
PROHEAR GEP03 Upgraded Gel Ear Pads for Walker’s Razor Earmuffs – Replacement Gel Cushions | Enhanced Comfort & Noise Seal
However, I am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me and I would love to get your expert advice, and hoping maybe some shooters or people who regularly spend time at the range on this forum can also share their advice.
I usually shoot at an outdoor range and occasionally indoors, and I need something comfortable for longer sessions, reliable in terms of protection, and not too bulky or heavy to wear. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
The first is only a gel pad for an earmuff, not a hearing protection device (HPD). Here, you will also receive a multitude of suggestions, depending on many factors, cost, DBNR, how it is being used, comfort, etc.
One other aspect I have noticed is that each HPD will work better for different frequencies of sound. For example, one of my best ear cuffs (non-ANC) for the range did great against lawn mower sound, but poorly with my leaf blower.
The electronic ones (active noise cancellation (ANC)) do work well, and do work instantly, but my concern is if it fails, it only provides 22 DBNR, most of the electronic ones are about the same DBNR. Another issue that I have read about is that ANC, while making it sound quieter, your ears are constantly being exposed to sound pressure from the ANC, which may still lead to hearing loss. I just tried to find that study, but couldn’t find it. It was an interesting read. I have also read that prolonged ANC can sometimes affect people physically, such as dizziness, nausea, etc.
A number of us also double protection, especially for indoor ranges. That is an earplug and earmuffs. This is also helpful when the cuff gets hit or otherwise needs to be adjusted. My primary over the ear cuff is rated at 34 DBNR and the plug is 25 DBNR. Very noticeable difference when used in conjunction. The problem with that is that it makes hearing someone more difficult.
Like holsters, you will likely end-up with a collection of HPDs until you find the one(s) that is right for you.
@james1718 I have the walker ultra slim earmuffs with the pads and also use radians ear plugs just for extra hearing protection. Either of those that you are looking at work.
My son and I both use the Walker’s Razor earmuffs with the Prohear gel earpads. The earpads that come with the Walker’s Razor earmuffs are hard as a rock and become uncomfortable in a short period of time. The Walker’s Razor earmuffs work by amplifying ambient sounds, like someone talking, until they detect gunfire and immediately shut off the amplifier until gunfire ceases. The amplifier has a volume control I adjust to compensate for the additional ear plugs I use under the earmuffs. I have never had a problem hearing conversation with both the earmuff and ear plugs together. Most, if not all, Range Officers at the indoor range I go to wear the Razor with the Prohear gel earpads for extended periods of time.
I have no experience with Howard-Leight earmuffs, so no input on those from me …
Use the Walker ANC with voice. Like being able to hear without always taking them off. Would be nice if they were a little more friendly with my glasses (regular prescription using safety glass).
Based on your requirements / thoughts you may consider earbuds instead of earmuffs.
These days buds have as good NRR as muffs, so there is no more compromising hearing protection using more comfortable buds.
For last 7 years I’ve been shooting using “ISO Tunes Advance Earbuds” (25db NRR) and gone went back to muffs.
Good quality buds give the same protection as muffs but more comfort for a long range time. Batteries in good buds keep them up and running for minimum 10 hrs, so you can wear them and keep in your ears for whole day.
When I shoot for couple hrs during classes, I take them off only for lunch.
I’m with @BeanCounter about ATK1 earbuds. I was surprised seeing these were rated 29db NRR.
Looks like ATK1 are my next purchase, however I don’t need Bluetooth, so I won’t spend more than $100.
Hearing protection is so personal, that you will have to try a lot before you find what works for you. Good luck!
Wife got me a pair for Xmas (AKT1 Sport w/ BT), I find adjusting them to fit correctly has been challenging. So much that I often revert back to my Walkers with gel pads. In hindsight, the AKT1 Blackouts may have been a better choice… My 2 cents.
Thank you for asking this question. I just came from my ear Dr. and asked him the same question. His answer was stay away from electronic in ear devices but, they are OK to use along with headphone type.
As with all doctors, I felt like the time with him was up and didn’t ask him why.
He said it’s also good to double up with foam inserts.
I have Samsung ear buds the top ones. It has a hearing test that can make corrections that compensates for loss. I now hear music the way it was made again but it also has noise canceling!
The foam inserts work better with headphone type protectors.
I have lost 8k and above somewhere. If someone finds it please return.
I bought AKT1 StrikePro HT2.0 Earbuds… and couldn’t use them for my class.
The buds were not sitting good enough and the noise reduction was horrible. Pistol shots sounded like cannon explosion.
I know it’s nothing wrong with earbuds… these are just not compatible with my ears.
I’m staying with my ISO Tunes Advance Earbuds .
I’ve used the Howard Leight Impact Sport for years and have been very happy with them. I keep the microphones pointed behind me so it’s easier to hear instructors, range masters, etc. I’ve always preferred having something over the ears rather than stuffing something inside my ears.
Having said that, when I started taking classes that last all day, earmuffs press my eyepro into my head and starts to get painful after a couple hours. So I also invested in some Axil GS Extreme earplugs:
They have a tendency to get listed for 50% off a couple times/year. They come with multiple sized inserts to get a good fit for your ear. They also used to do custom fitting, but not sure if they do that anymore. They’ve been great for outdoor use when you’re on the range for hours at a time. But I don’t like them for rifle & shotgun. There were a few times I’ve shouldered the shotgun and getting that cheek weld caused a gap to open between the bud and ear canal. 12g is pretty loud. I always opt for muffs rather than buds when shooting long guns.
Both work better than the R. Lee Ermey method of stuffing 9mm rounds in your ears.
I got those as well. I’m a huge fan of earbuds. As I mentioned - you have to try few, before you find the one.
AXIL buds were ok.. but gave me the same issue as AKT1… AXIL came with a newer version - GS Extreme 3.0 - the buds have a small wing that supposed to hold them in place better.
AXIL came with a newer version - GS Extreme 3.0 - the buds have a small wing that supposed to hold them in place better.