Rockhopper wrote:The ones that fit your particular head shape are the best ones. Howard Light left gaps under my ears for me.
^This.
I found the same with Howard Light's as well, and at the NEC Shooting Show back in Feb, I tried a set of MSA Supreme Pro-X with the optional soft foam cup seals. Although on special offer at the show they still weren't cheap by any means, but, they are the best electronic ones I've had so far (3rd pair now) and are supremely comfortable.
'Reasonably priced' is fine as long as you don't compromise quality. As said above, you need to look at the specifications and make absolutely sure they fully cover all around his ears when HE puts them on. The electronics are usually very similar between brands but that isn't usually why they aren't effective, it's the design and material the ear cups are made from which is most important.
As I mentioned in the other thread about in-ear protection, it can take just one shot to damage someone's hearing, whether they are young or old.
One of the best forms of protection are the yellow EAR classic foam earplugs.
Even better would be to use those together with a good set of earmuffs, but I realise that negates the point of using electronic defenders.
I think you both need to 'try before you buy' but personally I would rather spend a bit more money on a recognised top brand such as Peltor. (No, I'm not paid by Peltor!)
As other have said, fit and specs for noise reduction. Also make sure you can shoot with them, there are some 'fat' ones which make getting a good cheek-weld nearly impossible. Other thing I'd suggest is choose ones which automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. I used to have 3M(?) ones with a rotary on/off/volume. These little bleeders were easily knocked 'on' in transit and then stayed on until the batteries died.
I shoot fullbore in a semi-enclosed space, so I double up on hearing protection if someone is shooting next to me. I use a set of in ear foams and a generic set of over ear protection. The foams on their own work really well, so long as you fit them properly!! You need to squeeze them down and insert deep into your ear to work properly. The over ear headphones (cost around a ten pounds) usually go on top if someone is using a short barreled 308 or similar next door to me. I've used some more expensive electric ear defenders which have not worked as well as the above.
I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer and with his age taken into account i think you're just going to have to try to try as many as you can.
Howard Leight foam plugs for me.
As stated previously, just make sure that they are fitted properly and you will have no issues with noise or cheek weld.
I have tried the electronic ear defenders but didn't like either the fit or the comfort over a period of time. In addition, I prefer to wear a cap when shooting and this tends to make for a poor cup seal, hence the preference for foam plugs.
Peltor sport tactical 500, best seal around the ears for me, with hat and glasses. NR of 26db.
Not sure about UK price yet, they should be over here soon.