The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

hitchphil wrote:
IMHO - They are not worth their premium price vs more cost effective Howards etc

Until you stand out in the rain more than once. Or what to hear anyone else near someone shooting that is....

But I agree, the cost difference isn't proportionate to the additional circuity/waterproofing to justify the price tag.

I get by with what I've been using for decades, plain old Bilsom muffs (presently mod.2452) from the local diy store. They keep all the loud and high frequency noises out but I can still hear conversations and range commands. No worries about them breaking down or batteries packing up.

rocketdogbert wrote:

Sonofsammo wrote:Thanks a lot for all the input - I've gone with the sporttac, as they're only a little over budget and seem to fit the bill. I got them from Amazon, so if after I've tried them out they don't fit the bill, I'll return them and try something else.

Have you used them yet? I only have cheapies for clays (as you know), something better might be nice

John R

They're not bad, all things considered. They certainly make conversations a great deal easier, but are no better at blocking out the sound of shots.
So they make it easier to hear the RO, but they don't do everything I wanted em to...

I have used Sportacs for the last couple of years, they have withstood abuse without breaking, torrential rain and tropical heat, they have been used with rifles (with and without brakes) handguns (inside and out) shotguns and have been comfortable with all the above, they dont cut out when a shot is fired, unlike some I have had and , and battery life has been very good.
I have just taken delivery of some Caldwell Shadows in ear jobbies, I will see how they perform in the less demanding areas, as they also double as bluetooth speakers and phone headset, they wont replace the sportacs but I do like multiple use items

I use Peltor Comtac XPI - fantastic, active ear protection yet very expensive. If somebody is looking for more budget-friendly option I can recommend Peltor X4, which I found recently. I'm amazed how well they mute the noise/sound, provided they are not as thick as e.g. Peltor Bull's Eye. I use them also when doing some carpentry work :) and they are far better than any other I tried before.

For some really noisy trainings (e.g. rifles with muzzle break suppressor) I use both Alpine's earplugs (e.g. MusicSafe or WorkSafe - they are much much easier to put into an ear than any foam based and are reusable) plus Peltor Comtac XPI.