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10/29/2013 6:54:13 PM EDT
So I have been debating with some guys at work. What's the deal with ear protection and the nrr rating? Is a pair of $20 nrr 30 just as good as a pair of $250 electronic muffs with the same rating. Is the only difference the electronics. I have actually found a lot of the expensive electronic muffs have lower nrr ratings. I have tried many diff combos of ear muffs and plugs. It just doesn't work for me. What's the best muff out there? Not the best deal and not the fanciest one. What ear pro is absolutely best for my hearing?
10/30/2013 4:04:35 AM EDT
[#1]
The NRR rating is just the amount of decibels it protects you from. Some offer more protection even though theyre cheaper. But as for electronic ear muffs that increase soft noises and block out loud noises above a certain dB point, the clarity of the soft noises is what makes the price difference.

Those $60 Howard Leights, or Peltor 6S work fine, but the soft noises being amplified are a little scratchy compared to say MSA Pro. Hearing someone running on the road about 30 meters away takes a little used to, its confusing at first unless youre looking at the sounds location, its kind of hard to pin point it. But they only have an NRR rating of -18dB. My surefire earpro has a rating of -21dB, which is what I wear the most.
10/30/2013 4:19:28 AM EDT
[#2]
what surefire ear pro do you run? I have been looking at those for awhile now and havent dropped the hammer, just curious
10/30/2013 6:13:27 AM EDT
[#3]
I wear my SureFire EP7's most of the time now.  I will wear my Howard Leights muffs from time to time but after getting the EP7's I kind of prefer them especially when rifle shooting.
10/30/2013 8:05:56 AM EDT
[#4]
I think they are the EP3 or 4. I looked the EP7s, but I don't like foam in my ears. Even the EP3s are worth the $12, they're comfortable and I have shot everything from 9mm to .50 BMG from the SASR with them. I don't recommend the latter with just the surefires though. But none the less, I have done it comfortably.
10/31/2013 4:21:50 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
I think they are the EP3 or 4. I looked the EP7s, but I don't like foam in my ears. Even the EP3s are worth the $12, they're comfortable and I have shot everything from 9mm to .50 BMG from the SASR with them. I don't recommend the latter with just the surefires though. But none the less, I have done it comfortably.
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I was the opposite and preferred the foam versus the rubber inserts.  It just feels more comfortable to me especially when I've been at the range here in Texas for a coupler of hours.
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