What do you recommend for in ear electronic noise cancelling earplugs?

[Dan_69GTX]

Using the new Walker Razor X (non blue tooth version) - I like them.  Not love them, but I'm sure in time I will love them.  All in getting use to a different way of doing things.

I'm comparing these to the current electronic ear muffs I have -
https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Amplification-Electronic-R-01902/dp/B007BGSI5U

The cheaper earmuffs I don't like and only have a 21 db noise reduction rating - no where near enough for me!

Things I noticed:
   - Comes with 3 pair foam ear inserts - pair of large, med and small.   Does say where you can call to get replacements, but no pricing on their website.  So no "spares" till you get them from somewhere.
   - With volume turned off - both items reduce noise the same.
   - The Walker can amplify sound way more than comfortable - good for those already deaf.  (For those who are slow, that means don't turn them up too far)   
   - After getting the Walker to fit properly, wearing them for 5 hours at a match was not a problem.
   - The Walker has a way to select "indoor" and "outdoor" mode.  The indoor has a greater trailing delay in blocking loud noise.  I preferred the indoor at the match.
   - Unlike the cheap electronic ear muffs I noticed NO clicking when it reduced sound and then a click when it stopped reducing the sound level.
   - Would I buy them again - YES!!
   
Got other questions - ask away!

   
   
   

[cook]

Tried the Walker Razor XV with Blue Tooth this weekend at an indoor range.  I lasted about two minutes before switching them out.  Yes, I know this unit has an indoor and an outdoor setting and I tried them both.  It was like I wasn't wearing anything at all.  Tried using my fingers to push the earpieces into my ear.  Still didn't help much.  Either I received a defective unit or this item is worthless at indoor ranges.  Will be returning. 
Pete

[1SOW]

Thanks for the info guys.  The good and the bad.
It sounds like they could be great when they work.  I like that they are designed to work well for pistol, rifle or shotgun without interfering with the rifle or shotgun hold.
I've used the Howard Leights and they didn't work well for me.  I'm one of the deaf you mentioned.  Hearing the timer beep and range commands is problematic.  Being able to up the "voice" sounds is what I need.  I can do that with my blue-tooth hearing aids but need muffs over the top of them.   

cook,  I hope your problem is a one-in-a thousand failure.  I never shoot at indoor ranges.

[Dan_69GTX]

Cook,

When you turn the volume all the way down, do they block out the sound like a regular $2.00 ear plug would?  If not, then you are having an issue with getting them to fit into your ear correctly, not the function of the electronics.  Make sure you twist the foam ends, just like you would the cheap ear plugs.  Also, both ears might not be the same shape - mine were not.  I ended up using one of the small foam tips for one ear and a medium in the other.

Your statement of "It was like I wasn't wearing anything at all." means to me that it isn't the electronics, but that they don't fit your ear properly because when they are turned off, they are the same thing as the $2.00 ear plugs.


1SOW - I've not tried them yet with rifle or shotgun.  They should be fine, but I have not verified.  Either way - at least for steel shoots my head won't sweat as much now.

[Dan_69GTX]

FYI - I sent an email asking about replacement tips.  They should be on the web site soon:

Reply was:
We just switched manufactures of the tips. We should have them available of the units soon. We just have to work with them to be able to get spares so we can set up variety packs of the tips.

[nonamehavei]

Picked up a set of the walker razor xv, looks like they might take the replacement tips for plug phones. https://www.plugfones.com/product/green-silicone-replacement-plugs-copy/

[Dan_69GTX]

Update on the Walker Razor X.

Used it today for a steel challenge match.  Turned it on at 9am, went dead at 1:30.  Was on low amplification (1st or 2nd click) most all the time.  It clicked 3 times then went dead, no warning.

It shouldn't have gone into "auto-shut off (low power mode) after 4 to 6 hours" because I was pressing buttons to control volume (I hear the ring of the steel better without amplification.

So, if it does it again I guess I'll send them an email and see what to do since it sure didn't last 10 hours.

[Dan_69GTX]

Did it again yesterday.  Almost 4.5 hours exactly.

Called them this morning.  Yes, 4.5 hours is way too short.  I answered basic questions, got a RA, will return tomorrow.  That was easy - cool!

[1SOW]

Good response,  bi sorry there were battery problems.
Hopefully,  they'll send you a whole new set with all the plugs.

[Dan_69GTX]

Update, got the new set - brand new full package.  Cool!

Bad news - still only lasts between 4.5 and 5 hours.  So it seems their 10 hour life is.....NOT!!

Not sure what I'm gonna do now.

[1SOW]

Man,  that smacks.  I've shot a match that lasted longer than that.

[Dan_69GTX]

Decided to return them to the store - got a full refund. 

If anyone figures what else is good let me know.  However I'm not in a rush right now.  Looks like shooting is out of the question for a long time. 

I hurt my back and can't stand up.  So, found I need surgery.    Will be out of commission or toooo long.

[1SOW]

REALLY sorry to hear that.  I hope it's a problem that can be repaired, healed and put you back in business ASAP. Keep us posted.

[coolbox]

I am using these for the last two years, and they are pretty neat in performance as well as battery time. Not sure how many hours, but I keep them on all the time *usually 3 hrs plus on sundays, and the battery lasts for about 2-3 months minimum. This includes some sundays that I forget to turn them off (auto off in about 2 hrs I think).

http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/ear-eye-protection/ear-muffs/tactical-100-electronic-earmuffs-prod73180.aspx


Not bulky either, so shooting rifle in prone position is not an issue at all. The sound reduction is acceptable, very comfortable, and the amplification is pretty impressive. I was using some regular (non-electronic) 30dB Peltor earlier, and they are more 'quiet', but these electronic ones are not bad by any standards.