Posted: 11/25/2025 12:31:50 AM EDT
| Just spent the last couple days instructing at an indoor range. Looking at doubling up for ear protection and upgrading from my Walker Razors. What is everyone’s recommendation as far as the Sordin Supreme Pro-X and the Safariland Liberators. The muffs will be for duty use and used frequently. As for doubling up does everyone just use cheap foamies or do you recommend the decibels form fitting inner ear pro. I do currently own a set of Surefire in ear plugs as well. Thanks for the input and I definitely feel this is worth the investment. |
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No experience with the particular brands you specify. That said, do not compromise on having the maximum rating available in whatever style you feel you need. I have used Howard Leight MAX 33NRR plugs under amplified muffs for teaching - and am not thrilled that amplified muffs seem to top out around 23NRR. When not instructing I use Howard Leight Leightening or L3 muffs and am about to switch to Decibel Defense because they have a 37NRR passive muff. |
Not a day passes over the earth, but men and women of no note do great deeds, speak great words, and suffer noble sorrows. Charles Reade
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Originally Posted By cmw: No experience with the particular brands you specify. That said, do not compromise on having the maximum rating available in whatever style you feel you need. I have used Howard Leight MAX 33NRR plugs under amplified muffs for teaching - and am not thrilled that amplified muffs seem to top out around 23NRR. When not instructing I use Howard Leight Leightening or L3 muffs and am about to switch to Decibel Defense because they have a 37NRR passive muff. I’d be very leery of moving to a product that is advertised as a 37 when the EPA max allowed dB reduction is 33. Peltor hearing defenders are nice for using with a long gun and are designed to be worn with dual hearing protection. |
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Johnny-come-lately on this one, but here is my experience: A somewhat lower cost electronic option is the Safariland/TCI 'DEHP' ear pro. It is $200 and offers decent performance in a rugged package. Combo it with gel seals and foam earplugs for excellent protection when shooting indoors. Another recommendation is the 'SWATCOM Active8' earpro from SRS Tactical. These are basically the Sordin Supreme Pro on steroids (the gel cups are included and, most importantly, better waterproofing of the internals --- > protection from sweat). At $550, they are not cheap, but they are my current go to. For the record, I have used the DEHP, the Sordin Supreme, and the SWATCOM. All provide great hearing protection (even better with foamies and gel ear cups). The difference between them (that I experienced) is simply how well the electronics hold up to moisture: The Sordins crapped out after 7 years, but, I did not make an effort to dry the internals on hot days (using a fan). The TCI 'DEHP' set is kept at my alternate training site (less shit to pack on a flight) and still working fine. The 'Active8' model is my main set and going strong after several years. No matter what brand you pick, make sure you use a fan to air out/dry the internals of your electronic ear pro; in doing so they should provide many good years of service. |
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