My Top Pick Hearing Protection + Awesome Upgrade

[@gawasi8897]

I agree about the HL’s being best “bang 4 buck” as for tough, quick TRUE story. About 3 years ago I was cutting fire wood, and wearing a set d/t chainsaw noise. Like an idiot I forgot them out on a log in the woods. Went to shoot 2 days later, couldn’t find them. Went back to the area I had forgotten them 6 months later- spring time. Saw them on the log. Picked them up, put them on my head, worked fine. Still do. It snowed and rained and Lord knows what else on them bad boys.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Very cool!! I’m impressed

[@jimpreece3291]

I have a set that my then four year old drug off and left in a field for two weeks. We had a couple of days of monsoon rain. I found them still in the on position, turned them to off and then back on, they functioned perfectly. Four years later I'm still using the same set two or three times a month.

[@hbarwickjr]

Cool high quality testimony! Thanks always for all you share and teach!

[@vaguestvestige]

@@WarriorPoetSociety I know I'm extraordinary late to this thread, but can anybody give me their honest opinion on Walker's as far as maybe durability and sound quality

[@StevenL00]

@@vaguestvestige tried it once, it's a POS. mine had crazy static even when i stay on low volume, don't think i tried the aux audio plug tho, because it's so bad for its intended purpose i didn't think it was worth the time

[@jasonwheat5242]

I lost the battery cover to my Howard leight's. I emailed them asking if i could purchase one. They emailed me back asking my mailing address and sent me one at no cost. I received it in the mail a few days later. Great customer service.

[@victorferrer9067]

HEY! YOU OVER THERE IN LANE 10! I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT MY GUN. wow these are really good

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

Voted the most likable operator on YouToob. You said; "say something nice" so I did. Now my niceness is all used up for the day. Have a good'n !

[@davekelders283]

I bought a second hand Sordins with radio capable audio communications and my mind was blown over passive hearing protection. My friends on the range were not convinced untill they tried to. Man... lovely

[@1423K3]

Makes fun of people who still have a Walkman but still says "groovy".

[@kj-marslander]

Evil Dead is groovy.

[@joetrimble7953]

Dude? Get with it! All the cool kids are using the disc-man.

[@gtdfirearmsllc4759]

1423 K3 and “squishy” ;)

[@martinbaumgardner4432]

Ok Boomer but I', 56

[@swashington942]

Stfu bitch

[@subsyairsoft]

Hi John, loved this video! I’m a UK fire officer and airsofter (i know, grown men - toy guns! But in my defence its great to be a perpetual 11 yer old!) i also work and train some of our Rescue Task Force crews for active shooter and similar incidents. I dip into your stuff and get great insights into a world that is foreign to UK people outside the military as we have a very different approach. I loved learning formula about nods use and tips. Laughed myself silly with this one, great style, thanks mate, take care, keep on sharing!

[@dammain1068]

“Just a little pocket knife” (enter 8” pig sticker)

[@obiewancoyote]

Just a quick note on the HL ear pro. If you plug something into the 3.5mm jack you no longer get the amplified ambient noise. Otherwise I got a couple at the $35 price point We love them. Even at an indoor range. Keep up the great work John.

[@oldman6914]

Another good thing about these hearing protectors you keeping by the side of your bed if you hear a bump in the night you put them on a turn the volume all the way up your ears are protected from the sound of gunfire and they extend your hearing at the same time with full stereo sound I don't know if you thought of that for tactical use.

[@DocOps1]

So the time after the shot breaks before the noise is "cancelled" still affects the auditory nerve. The point being the sound concussion incrementally damages over time so over thousands of rounds our hearing is effected. A friend of mine found out the hard way. Check with an audiologist since you are at risk. FYI.

[@bldlightpainting]

Thanks for the advice, John. I just held a shooting class yesterday in Oregon with some folks from North and South Korea who had never fired a gun in their life and I ran out of hearing protection for one of them. I will go to Amazon and try out a few of these. On a side note; some of the people from Korea said that President Trump has made their life much easier and praised him for bringing peace to the region. They are now very hopeful for the future.

[@KrKrypton]

When I was in the army we had invisios, they worked VERY well, they were earbuds and didn't heat up your ears. They also had a bone induction mic so there's no external noise from an external mic. I loved em.

[@billjanda9420]

I like the Impact Sport Howard Leights as well........they were 79 for my first green set....35 around Xmas for black....Back to 50.....they just work....tried some others....always go back to these....

[@karlarndt9348]

John, Karl here in Denver. Addendum to the ear pro post. Hang the Howard Leitz next to the bed. If needed, the audio amplification feature is great for hearing the 'bad' guys at the other end of the house.

[@joshuaruger1840]

I bought my wife and i a set of Walkers. I love them but apparently everyone i see shares your sentiment as i think i am the only guy on the range with Walkers. Haha regardless picked up for 39.99 each,My wifes are pink, and as long as my son doesnt find them and turn them on to wear around the house, they worked. Thanks for the videos sir. I enjoy them so much.

[@Mrgunsngear]

HLs are good in the rain but in every other metric they fall short IMO to the Peltor 100/300/500 series. Great info as always!

[@hotrodparker]

Just got my 500's today as per many extremely favorable reviews, yours included.

[@bullast2046]

Peltor FTW... the HLs don't sit comfortably on my oddly shaped cranium

[@Thes4LT]

I've heard plenty of criticism of the Peltor Sport Tactical series, and I think it's applicable. I bought a pair of 300s and they arrived broken. Maybe that wasn't any fault of 3m--perhaps a disgruntled delivery driver decided to throw them around onto pavement a few times before delivery (these SHOULD be durable enough to withstand some mishandling)--but one of the volume buttons was either missing or broken and in any case was non-functional. The audio quality was terrible. The Sport Tactical 300s have a very high noise floor. What that means is essentially that the electronic "hum" was just about as loud as whatever noises were being recorded by the microphone, so even at the default volume setting I was sustaining some hearing damage from the electronic noise alone. If I wanted to hear sounds around me, I had to raise the level of the noise to an uncomfortable degree. If I want to preserve my hearing and reduce the noise, I have to lower the volume such that wearing the headset was equivalent to just wearing some cheap non-electronic earmuffs from Wal-Mart. Compounding that problem, I've also heard reports of Sport Tacticals breaking at the earcup attachment point. This is a common problem for poorly built headsets/headphones in general and why I almost always pay >$150 for any kind of headphone-like product. Unfortunately, I broke my rule of thumb this time and picked up that $80 pair of Sport Tacticals. When I got my hands on them I was immediately dissatisfied with the build quality: The polymer felt cheap and pliable in my hands, like a children's toy, and I could hear it creak as I handled the headset. I felt like I could break the damn things if I looked at them wrong and felt downright wrong putting them on my oversized melon--it's no wonder there are reports of breakages after about a year of normal, occasional usage. This lines up with my experience with "cheap" ~$50 gaming headhpones from Logitech or whatever. They last about a year, and then, due to faulty design and poor build quality, break after normal usage precisely beyond the warranty period. For gaming headsets, sure, I understand--but Tactical Sports are HEARING PROTECTION. I don't want to risk my hearing and safety because 3m wants to run a consumer-level grift; no thank you. I returned my Sport Tacticals and just bought a pair of Comtac IIIs. Overkill? Probably--but I'd rather shell out big bucks on a proven product that I will be satisfied with than settling for a sub-par budget alternative. The Howard Leights are a great option from what I've heard and are 10x more durable at a lesser cost than Peltor Tac Sports. If you want a superlatively great set of electronic ears, get some MSA Sordins or Peltor Comtac IIIs. If you just want acceptable quality and a rugged pair of headphones that fit within the average fry cook's budget, Howard Leights are a great choice and are widely used by recreational shooters and hunters. I've never seen a pair of Tac Sports IRL but I always see Howard Leights, so take that for what you will.

[@RojasTKD7]

@@Thes4LT I just got the 500 and they are my favorites of the 5 electronic hearing muffs I own. The build quality sounds reduction and voice amplification are better then the others. Time will tell as I just received them, but so far I'm glad I got them and they will be my main pair. As far as budget sets, I like my $38 Actfire (walker Razor slim look-a-like) I like better than the Howard Leights.

[@ttygre8963]

Peltor Tactical are my favorite. I added some gel replacement pads and they’re light, comfortable and work well for me.

[@DannyMac100]

"To replace the batteries just grab a pocket knife" *PULLS OUT MASSIVE BLADE*

[@Ron-fw6bm]

The brown truck just dropped that Howard Leight Impact headset off a few days ago, haven't even had the chance to use them yet and here I am learning about super fantastic, extraordinarily comfortable gel ear cups for them. Thanks John, you just cost me an additional 40 bucks....aarrrrrgh...

[@curtwhite876]

My LAST purchase from Dick's Sporting Goods was a good set of electronic ears. Glad I bought 'em, but I wish I'd given some other store the money.

[@ericdouglas3039]

Curt White agreed. Never buying from dicks again

[@Paul-up3pb]

Curt White ... Yeah, the way Dick’s caves and doesn’t support the 2nd is disappointing. Here in Pittsburgh, Dick’s corporate headquarters, it’s common knowledge that the Stack family (the founders & majority shareholders in Dick’s) are die hard statists / progressives that actively supported Obama & then Hillary.

[@wth1is1this]

Most company's in Pittsburghs are a lost cause. I live north of the burgh, commute 28 to work with libs who are still suffering from trump derangment syndrome.

[@Glocktard]

True story alert, I went into the Dicks store in Gresham Or. Two weeks ago and asked the guy there if they sold primers "I couldn't find any" he said what are those? and asked a manager..... Um no we don't. I was desperate bi-mart was closed.

[@gorioecho9789]

yep, don't even walk in to look around anymore (dick's) - i also avoid krogers - here in texas it's all about heb, pro bass, and academy - and support my local dealers when practical

[@joeshmoe7899]

12 ga Shotgun blast 160dB Howard Leight noise reduction 22dB OSHA allowable impact noise 140dB In confined spaces (indoor range), I suspect gun noise is even louder, so I also use 29dB earplugs. Even outdoors.

[@peterk8909]

Going to check my mail, but needed a WPS fix first. Never a wasted detour. Thanks, JL.

[@mctourer5549]

Had those, they didn't work well on indoor ranges but they are ok if your just shooting outdoors. I opted for the Peltor Tac 500s and I love them. indoor, outdoor it doesn't matter they work great!

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

For Passive..non-electronic I use Clear Armor..can be purchased Amazon. Very happy with them. I use passive and plugs in an indoor range when I teach unless I am alone on the range with my students.

[@kichigaisensei]

I have a pair of the Howard's. I love them. I use them when I cut my lawn too...and...they have a jack on them that allows you to plug in your ipod too...so you can listen to music while you're doing whatever you're doing. They can also enhance your hearing quite a bit. Turn up the volume if you're out hunting and want to hear EVERYTHING.

[@tinman8972]

One of the perks of having cochlear implants with no residual natural hearing is that my implant receivers are programmed to automatically dampen noise that could be damaging, and the receivers themselves aren't damaged by loud noises either. I still have to wear headsets though because the range owners tell me "Please wear them anyway, they'll close me down if they catch you here without hearing protection!"

[@DreadedOne509]

Ordered. Perfect timing, was/am in the market for a replacement set for a no-name brand set that has been irritating me for about a year now.

[@southpaw-iv5879]

I use Howard Light Impact sports, but I've been having SO much trouble with my eye pro holding out the muffs; therefore not muffling the sound. These gel cups seem like the perfect solution! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@thesickening0169]

@WarriorPoet Dont know if someone told you already, but regarding the battery access compartment on the HLs..... you can just use your thumbs to push up on the cover and it will pop off. Although you do generally still need a knife or a small blade screwdriver to get the batteries themselves out.

[@johnthomas8605]

Nice video. For over 20 years it was foamy plugs and then issue Sordins (they are OK but I'm not a fan when wearing them with a helmet....don't get me started) until we ran an M-4 zero range and one if my squad leaders had a pair of those HL electronic ear pro. I tried them and bought a set on Amazon that night. Great value. My son wore them at Monster Jam and liked them so much (he likes and claims all my MIL gear) he wore them home in the car and fell asleep.

[@dylandrees6460]

I've had my Howard Lights for over a year now and they've been great. I just upgraded to the gel cups for a class I'm in this weekend. A well worthwhile upgrade.

[@AndrewAttard78]

Hey John, I really like your channel and respect you as an instructor but I was just in your website and realized you are a master of marketing and branding. Seriously. You could teach a course on having a successful social media presence. Your ducks are all lined up. Great job.

[@MikeMcclendon1377]

I know that I'm four years late on this review, but I just bought a pair of these today and they seem pretty great when I was wearing them just walking around outside. I heard people talkin about me behind my back and I told them stuff that they said about me and they were shocked lol. I'm really looking forward to wearing these at the range.

[@SSPspaz]

That moment when you were literally JUST researching active ear pro, and saw that John put a video out an hour ago haha. Thanks as always!

[@BB-nw6cs]

I have a set of Peltor electronic ears. They have similar superpowers for the guys on the other side of the range. On a serious note, I recently fired a squib load and did not notice the difference in sound with my peltors on. The range officer however did and stopped me before I could fire the next round. He told me that that is a shortcoming of all electronic ears, which is why he no longer wore them. I'd like to hear if anyone else had similar experiences or comments as this may be something to highlight, for reloaders especially.

[@StuninRub]

Get Sordins, Peltors have dog shit audio quality.

[@Skinnymoose]

No

[@tylerdtharp]

The only pair of HL impacts i owned, i guess that auto off feature wasn’t up to par. Every time i forgot to turn em off, batteries were dead next use. I switched to the Peltor range guards and definitely love em! Also have the noise fighters on my range guards. Absolutely worth the money even if you don’t utilize the eye pro leg cut outs.

[@correykeen2956]

I use the Howard Leights hunting and they are fantastic. It's nice being able to hear what's around you and still protect your hearing.

[@oldman6914]

I thought there was a few months back after Decades of using standard hearing protection you cannot beat those things they're worth the money they're worth twice the money. And I still use your plugs on a Lathem. Double protection loud rifles. I need to watch your previous video again and I'm more calm state cuz I kind of need relationship advice sorry about the post and the lack of patience brother.

[@HelplmAlive]

Yup, I have my Howard Leights as a spare pair or for friends and run Sordin Supreme Pro X on my helmet and non-helmet use.

[@johnwicksfoknpencil]

This video drops literally a day after I just bought some Walker’s razor slims. Thankfully I am still happy with my buy.

[@DougCaldwell]

TKS for scoop on the gel ear pads. Just what I needed for relief from the shooting glasses pressing too hard underneath the muffs.

[@clintonsummers85]

Just got my Howard Lights, they are absolutely amazing! Thank you.

[@wolfy07ro]

I use 3M Peltor SportTac in cold, hot, rain, snow, indoor and I am really happy with them. After 7 years, I've replaced the cable and headband because it started to look bad.

[@K9SheepDog]

I’m a big fan of the walkers electronic ear pro, they are pretty much the same as the Howard light. For me the walkers seem to reduce the loud noises a little better and had a better range from the low -high. The Howard’s seem to be as soon as you turned them on it was loud and just went to really loud but nothing crazy or hearing damage, just my mileage both are great options.

[@bynumite76]

I have these. I have hearing loss already so I will often double up with the disposable foam plugs also. Don't want to lose any more.

[@khanjones9390]

Is that good enough for you? Stops it all?

[@KimTownsel]

Thanks for the links; makes it easier to buy. The video and audio quality of this video are spectacular. I was going to inquire what gear you were using and saw that was also provided in the text. 😍😍😍 While the camera is priced outside my current budget, I did see that your set-up makes other set-ups (frequently promoted by "You-tube experts") look subpar. Again, thanks for the info!

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

Thanks Kim!! You’ve been with us for awhile now - thanks!

[@geelokz1873]

@@WarriorPoetSociety What does you quite mean when you say blocks noise over 82 decibels???? Like any noise higher 82 decibels it blocks ?? Or it blocks it by 82 decibels???

[@dashcammer4322]

Prices on the HL Impact Sports go up and down, and different colors are all over the price range, 35-50 bucks. Put them in your cart and wait for the price you want. No knife needed, it just slides. I have both the 22dB Impact Sport, the larger (and quieter, but really no heavier) 30dB Impact Pro. I also have the 26dB Peltor Sport 500 because of the bluetooth, and the stock earpad rings on those are probably the comfiest of the three muffs, but since I have a shaved head, the hard headband on the Peltor 500 can get uncomfortable, so I put a "USTS Advanced Modular Headset Cover" (made in the USA by the way) on it, and it's like a pillow up there now. All three of the muffs are fine for outdoor handguns. For indoor heftier handguns (357/10mm/44 etc) or outdoor rifle/shotgun, I usually pick the 26dB Peltor or the 30dB HL Impact Pro for a little less thump on my ear canals. The 30 dB HL Impact Pros (45-60 depending on price fluctuations) are the best bang for the buck if you can have just one set of muffs for all sorts of indoor/outdoor shooting - their downsides are that they are big and don't fold up as small as the also-big Peltors, and can interfere with getting a good stock-cheek weld with a long gun. It's good to have more than one set of electronic muffs, not just for different sorts of shooting, but also for shooting with friends (or dates) who are new to shooting and may be completely unfamiliar with anything but basic earmuffs. Oh, that reminds me of one final thing... DON'T DATE WOMEN WHO HATE GUNS Or men who hate guns for that matter. Just don't do it; it's future trouble. There are plenty of sane men and women to meet and date out there. I'm not saying only date gun aficionados, just stay away from anyone who you can tell won't ever come around on that issue. Make a shooting range date one of your early dates; second or third, if not first. It's one of those issues that loom so large, that if the two of you are not of a like mind on it, the relationship has much less chance of success. Guns, abortion, communism, etc. Oh and a plug for another Warrior Poet video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpCVnXV4mrKJnsk

[@1scottburns]

4:00 it's rolls of TP stuck to your head. I have had my Howard Leights for 6 years they still work Great. The ear cups have become hard. So I bought a pair of the Peltor Tac100s. Very comfortable but the sound cut out takes to long to recover. Goong to get the gel cups so I can start wearing my Howards again. Thanks for the recommendation John. I did not know this cups existed.

[@klintmarks]

Warrior Poet videos really blow my hair back. 👍👍

[@willclark1038]

So awesome, I just bought my wife and I a set of these Howard leight hearing protection, so glad I made a good choice. Can't wait to get out to the range and play with em.

[@howardfriedly3235]

I have two pairs of HLs. One for my range bag and one for my nightstand. I do find that I need to double up with plugs at indoor ranges.

[@AndyCole-nc6dn]

I happen to have the Walker's, same idea. For those few who still use old ear muffs; these are a huge game changer, to be able to hear people talk or other ambient sounds. I last year I upgraded to a pair of the Walker ear buds and they are great. I use the muffs for shooting clays where I like to take them on and off frequently and the ear buds for competitions where someone is always shooting, so few chances to take them off. HL's are great too. Either way, unless you really are an "operator" than these systems are fine; otherwise, it's just a really expensive costume that everyone can see right through! LOL!

[@keenanwalker6597]

I like the walkers it’s the only pair I’ve ever had they work great for me. My only gripe is that when a gunshot goes off or anything above 82 it blocks out everything so if your trying to have a conversation while other people shoot it isn’t happening.

[@GarretGoodbarrel]

I'll have to take a look at these in the future. I have a pair of Peltor Sports and a Pair of Walker Razor Slims and the Walker's SUCK to wear for more than maybe 10 minutes.

[@shellshock011385]

I actually wear the same ears. I need to upgrade to the gel cups now. You are the 2nd person to suggest them that shoots for a living.

[@sbrazenor2]

I bought a cheap set from Walmart. I can still have conversations with my buddies, but at the same time, I can also filter out the gunshots. They were like $15.

[@staticpine]

Ordered the Howard Leight Impact Sports last week, but haven’t received them yet. Glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience with them, though. Wasn’t too sure about them given their reasonable price. Hope to get them soon and try them out. Thanks! Hopefully this comment will be considered “encouraging and nice”.

[@VulgrDisplay]

The scary thing is that Howard Leights seem to have no sound deadening material inside them at all. There are videos of people opening them up and filling them full of silicone on KZbin and they make them far better.

[@zacherywheat1451]

This may be the only item John has that I also have haha Love my HL's and have seriously been debating the Noisefighters.

[@robertdean7778]

My HL’s never fit my head right, they are the only electronic ear pro I’ve owned, and they never made a seal at the base of my ear. It wasn’t a problem when shooting outside with handguns, but when I shoot rifles or take them indoors, I always leave with ringing ears, any tips? I don’t wanna buy a new pair of ear pro and have them do the same thing.

[@jamesc4962]

I really like the 3M Peltor sport, have 2 sets.

[@theunchartedtrucker1113]

3m peltor sports with the gel inserts are some of the best. I have a set of Howard Leights, msa sordins,and 3m peltors, I hate the Howard leights because they are uncomfortable and sound is distorted, 3m peltors are the most comfortable and have the best sound out of all three

[@matthewturner7691]

The Uncharted Trucker Coo man! I just pick up a pair of peltors yesterday but haven't tried them out yet.

[@viper1sniper769]

Really like my Peltor with gel cups. I also have HOWARD Leights too. Peltor is my favorite

[@theunchartedtrucker1113]

You will like the peltor sports they are great for the price, get the gel cups for them if you have not already, they are well worth it

[@BB-nw6cs]

So do I. Peltors are great earpro too.

[@bobmalarkey4621]

Small pocket knife.... Okay Mr. Dundee The sound filtering ear protection is awesome. I even use them for mowing the lawn so I'm not yelling when the neighbors are walking by.

[@scottthompson5855]

I use Walker "in ear" with bluetooth. Listening to you with them right now. They have a battery (rechargeable) and plug in feature in holder that gives you light indicators to show when you are charged. They give decent stereo and work well for sound control and enhancement. NOT cheap, but not wearing something over the ear that is hot and clunky.

[@bprice1892]

I was dissapointed with my Liberator II’s. The comm wire completely frayed out and would cut in and out. Sent them back and got them fixed but after that went back to Peltors for comm set

[@seanknabel6592]

I tried two pairs of HL’s. Took the first back bc I thought it was defective. Same experience with the second. Both had very poor audio quality. Lots of crackling and cutting out. Ended on the Peltors. Much better set.

[@Xandrosi]

Went with the HL's and Noisefighters right before my first pistol class. Great recommendation! Thank you. You'll get a wonderful seal, but the price is heat.

[@billmckinney5700]

Those are the ones I use. Got the carry case. Carry them in a separate bag . Gel pads are expensive.

[@matthewwasserman7709]

I love the HL ear pro, but will definitely need to try the new pads. Ingenious idea! My only gripe with the HL ears is that they don't block as much bang as I'd like, especially at indoor ranges. Invaluable when with friends, but when alone I go with a cheap pair of ears from Harbor Freight. MUCH quieter, but obviously not as versatile. Thanks for another great video John!!

[@carsontipps7637]

If you’re alone, just where the HL and some inner ear

[@TheShadowIsMine]

Peltor or death! the range peltors aren't the same low price point but have never let me down. Especially with gel cups!

[@s0nspark-public]

I just upgraded from Howard Leights to Sordins and have been really happy with the leap. I've kept my HLs on hand for others to use, though... great value for the price!

[@Tito_Viera]

Hello John. I'm writing from the "Politician's Kingdom of Chile". So no 2A or similar legislature for me. BUT your video just come right in time because I'am thinking about buy one of these for use when I do some handyman work around home with some power tools. Some of them can get very loud, and also maybe that microphone can be helpful if a family member talk to me meanwhile I do my mad scientist projects... no no... I mean, handyman works.

[@nickflores9775]

You seem like such a likeable person, i am addicted to your videos as a result. Hopefully you teach a class in Colorado soon ill definitely sign up!

[@jtop2038]

I need (must have) behind the neck and have found over the years that Caldwell seems to be better than Peltor. (only choices I could find at the time) I have not tried out the new Walker XV yet though I may do so. I used to use Howard Leights, but they do not make an electronic behind the neck that I could find. I know what you mean about hearing students down range. (makes for some laughable moments as well)

[@az5882]

Thanks John, good of you to cover this topic. You get to have a good hearing only once (or you're born with damaged ears). When your hearing gets damaged, it is irreparable. And if you get really bad multiple tinnitus or sudden hearing loss from noise trauma and all other kinds of unbearble ear stuff like extreme hyperakusis aswell and all at once then you will know what real hell is. And none of them are curable. As far as I know damaged hearing and especially extreme tinnitus are number 1 disablity of soldiers returning from war. So pay attention people. I know many people who dont have a clue about hearing protection and are destroying their hearing, whether it is shooting, playing in bands, going to clubs, blasting their music with inears. They dont care about protection or volume levels. Hearing protection awareness is basically nonexistent. Only after the damage is done people start to realize what kind of crap they did in the first place.

[@ManaMunch]

These Howard Leights didn't protect me enough this year. I was shooting 500 magnum indoors and I think someone next to me was shooting a rifle. My ears were ringing for months, I don't think it completely went away, I might just have gotten used to it. I really wouldn't recommend these for indoor use unless you are doubling up. They are probably excellent outdoor/hunting mufflers though. I personally use the 3M Peltor X4A, they have a NRR rating much higher than the Howard Leight's and are more comfortable.

[@BretAllenStudios]

Surprised you don't mention Walkers. I have a couple pairs of those, they work great.

[@jakehansen3418]

I bought 2 hls 4 years ago on sale for 40 bucks I use one my wife uses the other they've both held up amazingly and were well worth what I paid.

[@johnbland1585]

Signed on to train Navy deploying outward. Lots of range time and I need a pair of These. Thanks for the review and helping to onow where to spend hard earned frog skins

[@DryBonesPNW]

I have had the Howard Leight`s for years and upgraded to the gel pads about 6 months ago. Gel pads made the already good ear pro great.

[@adamtrolls881]

I already have a pair in sexy OD green, but was oblivious to the gel cup inserts. Thanks for the heads up!

[@Das_Beachy]

Only issue I had with my Howard Lights was during some convoy live fire training sitting under a ma deuce all day back when I was in the guard. Had to turn them off because the electronic couldn't keep up.

[@rodtag5167]

Don't take a Lovell class without them. John will talk to you with a normal volume and you will have a hard time hearing him :) You will feel stupid.... These are great and I am now ready for my next class.

[@Ron5topable]

I have this same setup with the gel cups and they are super comfortable for wearing all day. Although my glasses don't fit right with the cutout I just wear them like normal and they work great.

[@dominiclupico1152]

I have the HL Impact Pro version as well which I find a bit more effective at the indoor range I belong to. Bulky, but not concerned with rifle stocks in there. The Impacts you show are my outdoor set.

[@teedog427]

Agree Howard Leights best bang for me, had mind for years.Didn't know about the gel cups, going to try them. Thank you

[@bradslone3791]

As of right now I have the old school kind where you have to take them off to hear people talking or talk loudly with each other but I will for sure be getting a set like those..

[@paultracey8332]

Thanks John! I was not aware that Gel Cups were available for my Howard Leight Impact Sport. Those were the only thing that I thought were missing from making them so much better than before. I went right out and purchased a pair from Amazon.

[@chrisboyd1408]

I suffer from tinnitus after 22 years in military and now chronic hearing loss. So, I advise folks to use both. I use custom ear plugs and ear muffs always.

[@relaxedmindchannel1737]

Agree, cheapo earplugs saved my hearing more then once

[@junowilson4992]

I use the orange wrap around hearing protection that hickok45 usually wears

[@CletusLeonardLee]

My first pair of electronic muffs. I was surprised that they do not cancel noise, but simply lower the amount you hear. There is no electronic noise cancellation. When shooting a .22 pistol the mics shut off and muffles the sound, but a .22 rifle shooting next to me is not loud enough to shut the mics off and the sound is actually amplified. If you use thick framed glasses with them, there will be air and sound leakage through the ear seals.

[@crockett616]

I use Peltor Protac II. They are expensive, but they offer good noise reduction for electronic earmuffs (they are full size and not slim so more room for what ever they put in there to attenuate sound), sound quality is good and I can crank up the volume to where I can hear even when wearing them with earplugs at indoor ranges. I shoot primarily at indoor ranges and I'm kind of concerned about my hearing so I try to make sure I have good hearing protection. I need electronic earmuffs and can't go for the protection that passive earmuffs would offer. But Protac II + earplugs work pretty well for me. Outdoors, without the earplugs the sound is really good and crisp (not that thats a huge thing for me though). They are really robust, have great battery life and large buttons that are easy to use even with gloves. The only downside is the price.

[@IRunWithKnives]

J-Dawg, The ear cup link on your amazon page leads to a very nice bathroom pedestal sink. I cannot protect my hearing with the sink, but I can't wash my hands in the ear cups either.

[@docbailey3265]

You don’t smoke in my toilet and I won’t pee in your ashtray.

[@icebmwpower]

Every time learning something new. Thanks John Lovell for your channel and for sharing your knowledge w/us. Great news... The only con was the ear cups. Because of that I just switched to MSA SORDINE w/ gel cups and I love them. But the Howard’s sound is way better than MSA. The MSA is increasing the surrounding sounds just to much [like water drops/leaks, the noise from working ventilation (in indoor range) and so on]. So I guess I’m still searching the ultimate hearing protection.

[@br5495]

I use a real nice set from rural king, less than 4 bucks. I call it training on a budget but I would like a nice pair of fancy ones.

[@pkvillager]

I love my HL's I need those gel pad upgrades as my only issue is breaking the seal with my eye protection. Definitely keep checking Amazon the price goes up and down.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

Would love a vid on comms for civilians like how to hook up a Walmart bubble pack two way radio or baofeng to the Howard Leights.

[@TheMatthew72]

Robert Russo I agree

[@bobotheclown8919]

Buy a single pin cable, plug into jack on head phones, plug other end into your radio- civilian comes complete

[@WallyMerc06]

HLs don't fit my head well. As soon as I turn my head slightly, the seal is broken and I've had to cringe at the range a few times. Going to try something else.

[@phillipcsandoval9094]

John Lovell, I freaking love everything you do! Your studio setup it’s amazing! Thank you! God bless!

[@hellooperator6639]

+1 on those Noisefighters! I use them on my Impact Sports and it's worth the upgrade.

[@jshmickelshmack4474]

I found that the Howard Lights will push out from the lower portion of the ear breaking the seal even at the lowest compressed setting on the adjustment. Just my experience with them. Peltors seem to work better for my peanut head...