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Old April 11, 2017, 11:12 AM   #1
Rovert
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Earplugs - Best In-Ear Protection?

Howdy, folks. Long time, no post.

I'm looking for recommendations on in-ear passive (read: affordable non-electronic) plugs for shooting. There seem to be lots of options out there, so I figured I'd ask here for some opinions. Here are three that I've narrowed down so far, but your input is appreciated.

DeciBullz
NoNoise 'Shoot'
SureFire EP series

I do NOT want muff style options since they tend to get in the way of shoulder-fired rifles like my AR. If y'all have any suggestions, let 'er rip.

Thanks!
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Old April 11, 2017, 06:25 PM   #2
g.willikers
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What are you using now that you must not be satisfied with?
I've found that a good fit is more important than the design.
For example, the best ones I used for years was 9mm cases stuffed with cotton, dirt, just about anything.
I used those successfully for a long time.
Yeah, odd, I know.
But they fit and worked.
Now I use some that look like the second on your choices, but without any valves or anything, just plain silicone.
Just as long as they fit.

But loud barking rifles are another concern - concussion.
Ear protection might not help as much with rifles.
Just be careful when shooting from behind cover and next to walls.
That can really shake your noodle.
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Old April 11, 2017, 11:18 PM   #3
PPGMD
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The best ear plugs are custom silicon ones. They are comfortable easy to insert and typically are second only to foamies for NRR protection.

But I would also consider pairing them with a low profile set of ear muffs, as the ear muff provide additional protection. There are several examples of ones specifically designed to work with rifles. Like MSA Sordin, Peltor Comtac/TacSport, and Howard Leights.
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Old April 12, 2017, 09:40 PM   #4
MarkGlazer
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I'll throw my 2 cents in since I recently met with my audiologist. I have hearing loss in both ears and wear hearing aids. I shoot with muffs but I need to add plugs into the equation, doctors' advice, as two layers of protection are best to preserve your hearing.

What you should not consider, doctors' advice again, are the electronic plugs that look like hearing aids. Apparently they are based upon compression. There is no guarantee that those types of plugs are capable of recovering in time for the next round to be fired. The problem is amplified when you find yourself either hunting in groups or out on a range, i.e. you can't control the rate of fire around you.

Be safe.
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Old April 13, 2017, 09:56 PM   #5
lefteye
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Ear plugs and muffs. I shot for so many years without either, then with only plugs, and finally with both. The result - today I have $3,000 hearing aids.
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Old April 13, 2017, 10:09 PM   #6
indie_rocker
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I've been using the SureFires and have been pretty happy with their comfort, noise reduction and cost.

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk
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Old April 14, 2017, 12:00 AM   #7
TXAZ
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The silicone 'mold to your ear' will give you the most sound attenuation.
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