?: Howard Leight Impact Sports "EARPADS Problem"

[1SOW]

I have the Howard Leight Impact Sport amplified hearing protectors. The pads are thin and are hard to get a good seat against the ears when wearing a hat.
I am NOT going to stop wearing a hat.
I read in a post about using a "GEL Pad replacements for these muffs" but can't find that option available anywhere I search.

Does anyone know where to find thicker/Gel pads for these muffs?
(Called a hygiene Kit by sellers)  (INSERT JOKE HERE )

Thanks for reading

[Grendel]

So, have you got a big head or small ears? 

I have the same model (I think) and haven't noticed any problem with the seal, although I do find them rather, ahem, sweaty in the summer.

[1SOW]

The pads need replacement, so I ordered the OE pads,  but they do seal better without a hat.
A hat in South Texas is a needed thing for us crazies running around waving a gun.  Other cheapy amped headsets did seal but had thicker pads.  These perform better, and are angled for use with rifle/shotgun,  but the pads suck.  The company says replace every 6 months for normal use and more often for frequent use.  duh

I saw a post somewhere that mentioned getting thicker Gel Pads for this model,  but can't find them.
This was just a shot in the dark in case someone had found better pads for this headset.

My head does get bigger on the rare occassions I do well in a match.

[Grendel]

I wonder if a call to the company might bear fruit, or better yet, gel pads? I wear a hat too, but my tiny bud like lugs seem to fit the ear muffs okay. I guess I never considered there might be different sizes although it does seem obvious now you've mentioned it.

[Grendel]

How about these? http://www.howardleight.com/ear-muffs/cool-pads They look like they add some depth to the muffs as they go over the existing pads.

[1SOW]

Well, I'll be durned.  That might help the pressure to seal better.

ON ORDER from same place I ordered the pads (I requested they be combined, but who knows).
3 sets $5.95  worth the try
Thanks

P.S. The "EARPLUG Superstore"  did combine the two orders for me and their shipping was very reasonable compared to Optics Planet, EBay,  Amazon and two others.  Seems like a good place to remember.

[1SOW]

^^^^^

[Grendel]

I'd be interested to know if/how they work for you.

[larryflew]

Remind me to check them when I see you as I have several of the same ear muffs.

[1SOW]

Widge/Larry: Will do---hopefully soon.
I have what's VA described as "Profound Hearing Loss" and wear hearing aids that can't be worn under the muffs.   I need a good ear-pad seal to keep what little hearing I have and still be able to hear range commands.

[1SOW]

Well,  got and installed everything , but not enough improvement to seal any better at two matches.  The open class 38 supers and the revolvers were  still way to loud unless I put a little pressure on the pads.

The new pads were slightly softer and maybe a slight bit "fuller", but otherwise no gain.

The cool pads were disappointing.  They are inexpensive, but should be.  They are VERY thin snow white felt cloth cut-outs with sticky on the back.  They don't add thickness, but might help when sweat starts pouring.  They will get "dirty" fast.

I'd still buy some thicker pads If I could find some.

I may just have to get a different set of amped headsets,  but do want those slim profile - type headsets good for shooting long guns.

[oldfrank]

I would love to have some gel pads for mine but have never found any.
My Impact Sports start to hurt my ears after a while, part of it may be them pressing on my shooting glasses.

[simplyel]

Any further progress on finding better pads?

[1SOW]

Well a couple of things:
I put on the white stick-on sweat pads,  and they are so thin they don't do anything.
I got to looking at the 'wiring' routing and found it was was under tension when the headsets were on my head.  I popped the whole ear cups off and re-routed the wiring so they were OUTside the  earpad mount at the top.  This did remove the tension and they sealed a "little" better and the amp volume went up some,  but still not snug. 

I emailed Howard Leight asking about buying thicker/gel pads, but got no response.  Thanks H.L.

[IDescribe]

Perhaps you're focused on the wrong piece of gear.  Have you considered wearing a  larger hat over the ear protection?