Hi guys. I like to use high-attenuation Passive Full Ear Muffs for hearing protection, combined with ear plugs, for indoor ranges, esp when I get stuck with any rifle or magnum shooters close by. I was searching this topic on Sigforum beforehand, and it seems this is a good method for protecting hearing on indoor ranges with bad acoustics. Para mentioned he doesn't step into any indoor range without doubling up, as do many others here.

My Problem however is that I'm tired of buying Peltor and equivalent muffs. They're OK with sound attenuation when they're new, but they wear out quickly, lose their tension on my noggin, are not comfortable nor stable, and the general materials and build quality generally suck bad with super cheap wire frames, brittle plastic, no corrugated padding with any durability, and they look like the muffs Aircraft Carrier Deck Sailors use, though I'm sure those models are very high quality by contrast.

Do you guys have anything like this ? And if possible, if they could look better than a pregnant hippo like all my previous Peltors have in the past, that would be icing on the cake.

Yes I'm too cheap to spring for electronic models, but it seems lots of those are cheap looking too, and might not last any longer that your standard high attenuation passive Peltor models.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I doubt that you'll find "HIGH QUALITY" without high price.

My advice is to spend what you need to spend as it'll still be cheaper than hearing aids.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:
...My Problem however is that I'm tired of buying Peltor and equivalent muffs. They're OK with sound attenuation when they're new, but they wear out quickly...

I was going to suggest Peltor, until I read about your experience with them.

The 2 or 3 pairs of basic Peltor muffs I shoot with are many years old and have held up very well, sorry to hear yours have not.

My head is fat. And sweaty. And I knock them off my head turning around for a tool, to change saws, anything, I'm a klutz.

3M makes a headset/hearing protection that includes I think Bluetooth audio for listening to music in the shop. I have a pair, don't use them because I use SensGard 31 in the shop, don't listen to music. But the 3M's are good quality and you can definitely double up with ear plugs.

eM WorkTunes Connect + Gel Ear Cushions

we used David Clark Headsets with silicone filled ear pads while flying, and peltor's while working on the flight deck, doubled up with foamies. Helmets also used silicone ear pads. this is the key, the pads are comfy even with glasses and they provide a much better seal.

I have shot indoors for 40 years. Custom molded ear plugs are most important. Then any ear muffs over them.

First what NRR do you need?
Second if the Peltors you are buying don't work then go up in the model range they make stuff from cheap to exceptionally high quality based on price. If you don't find something you like there then go check out David Clark, same deal lots of choices across a wide range of capabilities except there are no cheap ones. Or Honeywell. Or MSA.
The US armed services have study this quite a bit and the best strategy is active in ear by passive over ear FWIW>

Copy and pasted from the website:

The Pro Ears Ultra Pro advantage is the great comfort, noise attenuation and quality
The super comfortable Pro Form leather ear cushions and the padded and adjustable headband make all day use a breeze
Ultra Pro’s are ideal for indoor and outdoor range use
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is 30
One (1) Year Warranty
Made in the USA

https://proears.com/product/ultra-pro-passive/