Hearing protection...

[cwlongshot]

Any of you guys use amplified hearing protection at the range?



probably, like most of you, I have used a number of different muffs and plugs. I have had a couple that I really liked but never tried a set of amplified muffs...till last week.

At a match last week a friend brought a set of these Ryobi TEC4 muffs and a flash lite he had recently picked up. I tried them after he shot and MAN WHY DIDN'T I TRY THESE BEFORE??? This is part of a system that Ryobi makes and sells here at Home Depot and is available online from them. It allows for normal conversation while eliminating the harmful louder noises with out clipping too much of normal speech. If you have a MP3 player, they also have a port to listen to that as well. (NO RADIO)

SO.. I HAD to get myself a couple for the wife and I, NICE UNITS!! Just wanted to share and wondered if anyof you had tried them or other brands.



CW

[mechanic]

I have wondered about them and have been tempted.  Thanks for the report.  Now I will pick up some...........Our local store has some in clearance already.

[Oldshooter]

Wow! I need a set of those for sure! right now if you walk up to me at the range and say something, the response you prolly will get is HUH!

[mtbugle]

I am glad you brought this up as I am just getting ready to by a set of the electronic ear protection. One of my big questions was on how long the clipping lasted? I will be very interested in the responces of those who have already tried these out. Seems that 6 mo or so ago there was a thread saying Layeigh (-5 SP)were good.
Thanks Don.

[fredster22]

 Bought a pair last year and never will be without again. Normal Conversation-range commands on a crowded range and had a friend tap in
a walkie-talkie in hunting camp hunting use. Well worthy investment.   Fred

[LONGTOM]

Sorry CW, I would have chimed in earlier except I didn't hear what the topic was because I was being serenaded by all the crickets!

Yes I have and still do from time to time.
I don't remember the brand.
They are several years old and are starting to crack around the ear cups.
I mostly just use plain ear muffs now.

My hearing is so far gone sometimes I wonder if it is really worth the effort but then I tell myself you better try to keep what little bit you have left.
I now wish someone would have told me about major hearing loss back when I was younger.
You know, back when you knew it all.
The years of shooting, no mufflers, high speed equipment, tractor pulling, all the good stuff have really taken it's toll.
60% loss in the left and a tad over 50% in the right.
I often wonder what it was like not to hear all the crickets.
I started hearing them when I was around 12 or 14 years old.
By that time I had been shooting for several years along with driving a tractor with no muffler.
Sounded coll back then.
At least I am never alone.
Just me and my crickets! 


PS: Those look like a really nice set.
What is the price on those if you don't mind me asking?



LONGTOM

[quickdtoo]

I've lost way too much hearing from shooting when I was younger without hearing protection to shoot without using good hearing protection, at the range or while hunting. The Ryobi's  look like a good buy at about $30, but their relatively low NRR of 25 isn't the best, they'd work great if you add plugs to increase the NRR to a safe reduction of noise tho. The best I've used aren't the best for Shooting since they're pretty bulky, but they do work with a little adjustment, the Silencio Rangesafe RSX85 which I don't think are even made any more, but compared to a North and a Peltor Tac 6 something I tried which required plugs too, the RSX85 beat em bad. The latter two are stereo, the Selencio isn't, but the hearing protection if affords is worth the minor inconvenience.

Tim

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/gennoisprot1.html

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/ourrec.html#Shooting

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?id=2052

http://www.discounttommy.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/SFV/32282/vpid/8388896/vpcsid/0/rid/125237

[blacksan]

I use a set of the Peltor muffs and they are great just because you can hear folks talk and still be protected from blast noises.

[fredster22]

 Long Tom,
              I too hear crickets or as us northerners call them Katydids, my doctor tells me in my case its called Tinnitus or ringing
in the ears. I did in younger years was smart enough to wear protection when shooting or in my job high pitched pumps and managed
to keep above normal hearing ability and appreciate it now but still use as much as possible. One of my aggravations in my older years
is solicitations or mail that comes to me saying come in you need our super hearing aid or free seminars because its just not earwax,in
the garbage. Thanks CJ and guys bringing this to attention again.   Fred

[dangerranger]

 I use electronic muffs also. they are great for OUTDOOR USE ONLY. If I use mine indoors or even in between brick walls the echo will confuse the electronics and they may or maynot cancel the shot. my first pr were stereo, way better . I could adjust my right and left differantly and hear almost normaly. the pr I have now are mono. but I still like them. DR

[hunman55]

I've been buying stock in Beltone for about 12 years. Hunman55

[cwlongshot]

These have so far only been tested indoor and didn't have any problems.

But to clarify, Tim mentioned the lower 25 rating, my pistol matches are 22RF Bullseye indoors thru the fall/winter/spring and RF/CF Bullseye in the summer outdoors. So time will tell if they are as good outdoors with a line of 45's booming on both sides of you.

If your a rifle,shotgun shooter these may not be the best as they are a bit large. NO larger than my big Peltors but much bigger than the "shot-gunners" I love for bench shooting.

As for cost, they just finished a online sale with the muffs, a lite, scissors and charging station for $50. That ended and its now back to the normal $99. Mine where a gift from my boss for a recent "extra effort" from me @ work.  We where talking about them and I found them in the seat of my truck at the end of the day yesterday. Funny thing is I was going to buy a set right aft work anyhow! SO, bought a second set for the wife!!