As the title states, I’m searching for the electronic hearing protection with the quickest response time to loud impulses. I’ve read about the Howard Leight Impact Pro. I can’t find the data in cut-off response for the top brands. Thanks for any help .

I have a few pair of old Sordin MSA … pretty fast … at least fast enough.

You would be far better off with a muff that uses compression rather than one that uses cutoff.

Compression has no response time, it's always there.

I used the Impact Sport model for many years. I upgraded to the Bolt model. At an industry show a few years ago and was hanging out with the Howard Leight guys for a bit. It was when they introduced the Bolt I think. Played around with them and the sport model for a while and the Bolt was noticeably faster. Been pretty happy with the Bolt model for 3 or so years now.

Just had a second thought.

The OP probably hasn't been able to find data on the cut off response for the top brands because they're using compression, thus no cut off.

I could be wrong, though.

exactly, the first pair I bought cut the sound off with a loud noise and were pretty aggravating .... I have a pair of Walker ones that just keep all noise to a preset level.... there is no off and on. I've not tried any others.. the only thing you have to get used to is everything close by or even at a distance is pretty much at the same level... gun going off or someone 50ft away walking in gravel.

Thank you all for input. What is best compression model with highest NRR. I’ll have to say that after long hours of reading websites and company specs. It’s hard to figure what’s best. I have passive muffs and plugs to protect what hearing I still have . The tinnitus hiss is deafening. I would like the electronic muffs for a bedside aid in hearing and in protection , should they be needed. Thanks again.

I've used, and use, Peltors, Sordins, ProEars and the new Safariland and don't notice a difference between any of them. Leight is the one brand I don't have experience with, along with Otte. I've recently switched from ana outdoor range to an indoor range and if there was a difference I'd think that I'd notice it.

With active muffs - you can hear better w amplification… used to spy on my kids in their late teens sneaking out the side door … lol

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
You would be far better off with a muff that uses compression rather than one that uses cutoff.

Compression has no response time, it's always there.

Yup.

I'm fairly certain my Peltor Pro Sport (?) muffs use cut-off impulse noise suppression. My new OTTO NoizeBarrier in-ear earpro use compression.

I know, from past experience, holding a conversation with my Peltors on can be challenging if there's shooting happening while doing so. My OTTO NoizeBarriers, OTOH, when I tested them at a busy local range last summer, resulted in others with earpro asking me to repeat myself a lot more frequently than I, them.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

HBO ripped her off in the series “Raised By Wolves”

I don't want to hijack the thread but if I get what you guys are saying, there is are electronic hearing protection that doesn't cut out during gun shots but rather lowers sound down to non harmful decibel?

If that is correct, can you guys point me towards them?

I'm sick and tired of the cut off walkers and howards that I have tried. They are better than non electronic but I always shoot with friends and it might as well be off all the time since someone is shooting every time we try to talk.

That is correct. The better muffs and plugs will “dampen” the sound vs mute it.

MSA Sordins are good, 18db reduction rating but work great for me. If you need more, foam earplugs underneath for indoors or lots of rifle etc.

The Peltor 100 that I have clip or cut off sound when loud noises hit so it blocks the conversation as well as the gunshots. Annoying to me.

I’d like to try some pro ears gold, rated at 28db reduction with a 1.5 milisecond response time and appears to use compression rather than clipping for sound suppression. The Mags are rated 30db.

https://proears.com/product/pro-tac-slim-gold/

Pro Ears Gold are very nice. They are noticeably better than the lesser Pro Ears. I have the chopped slim 25-26db model.

I have not used Sordins, so no comparison.

I've used Sordin for years,but when my last pair gave up the ghost I decided t try the Peltor Tac 500. I've read some nice reviews of them. The only advised addition to them were the gel ear seals.

I was gifted a pair of the Howard Light Impact Sports and found the lacked the ability to seal around my head shape.

Also have a pair of Axil in ear electronic plugs, but still playing around getting a correct seal

I use a set of Peltor ComTac V at indoor ranges and have no issues. Pretty happy with them.

quote:

Originally posted by 9mmepiphany:
I've used Sordin for years,but when my last pair gave up the ghost I decided t try the Peltor Tac 500. I've read some nice reviews of them. The only advised addition to them were the gel ear seals.
...

I'm still using my first pair of MSA Sordins and, other than they feel like placing my block head in a vice and the batt compartment issue, my experience with them has been great so far... so your comments have me curious.

"Gave up the ghost" how exactly? How long did you have them before they failed? Repair was a no go?

Also, I'm thinking of picking up a second set of EarPro for range guests, so I'm interested in any comparisons on performance or comments you could make on the Sordins vs. the Peltor Tac 500.

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
Just had a second thought.

The OP probably hasn't been able to find data on the cut off response for the top brands because they're using compression, thus no cut off.

I could be wrong, though.

Most probably this.

Plus, how is it measured? I bet there is no standardized set of instructions so that they conform to some "authority having jurisdiction." SAMMI did that with drop testing, who's gonna be in charge of muff testing?

No. Don't. Just no.

There is also the reluctance of makers in releasing what they consider as proprietary information, as competitors will then shape arguments that there product meets the standards better. Kinda like measuring bullet speeds and foot pounds - there is no set barrel length, a major factor, and I've found very few specifically list where the 1,000 foot pounds of force distance is - what some would call the ethical range limit. Then we like to know at what distance bullet drop gets impractical, and how do we quantify that?

Getting manufacturers all on board with a test protocol has to be sold to them as in their best interest, and the consumer tends to get a bit lost in the results. Until someone comes up with some kind of test protocol - unlike throwing a gun on the floor 587 times until they get a cap to pop - it's unlikely we will see any numbers.

Although I’m not recommending anything, I have MSA Sordin and Pro Ear Gold hearing protection in addition to a 3M Peltor communications headset. My hearing was devastated a long time ago and I’m very sensitive to loud noises, but I’m happy with all three kinds.