TargetTalk

Hemmers wrote:

Richard H wrote:The customs are a tad more comfortable. The key to look at is the NRR the bigger the number the better. Many of the expensive custom plugs have actual lower NRR's as they actual put filters in, they really are meant for people like musicians.

I think that's a little unfair. There are a whole variety of filters, which is why you would buy the solids or ones with filters designed for shooting, not the filters optimised for musicians.

Filters aren't a bad thing. Indeed if you're rough shooting with others, they're very useful for talking to each other.

You just have to buy the right ones that filter the right frequencies. If you buy plugs for shooting and specify musician's filters, then more fool you. It's like turning up to the Olympics with a .308. It's a rifle, but it's still the wrong tool for the job!


That said, if your preference is the foamy ones or flanged rubber things, then fair enough. But some people really don't get on with them (as others don't get on with silicon ones).

Hemmers please read what I actually wrote "many" does not equal "all", no where did I say that filters are bad. I simply stated what the NRR is for a variety of plugs and muffs (they are general in nature). Perfect Fit the brand the OP asked about are between 9-25 nothing great for the money they charge. What some of the Perfect Fit products do offer is noise reduction and still maintain some fidellity which in the music industry is important, which isn't really that important in shooting, but hey if you want to spend $130 so that the range officers voice sounds perfect, go for it.

For the record I have disposables, reusables, customs and various muffs, personally they all do an adequate job. My hearing is tested every 2 years, and there is no sign of any hearing loss. I'm in my mid forties, have worked in heavy industry (steel mill), construction, automotive manufacturing, obviously I shoot (small bore, larger calibre stuff, shotguns).

So please don't write that I was being unfair because there was absolutely no judgement anywhere in my post. If you find judgement in it, its because you choose to put it there.

I have a fair amount of knowledge myself and access to a large professional staff in regards to industrial hygiene issues, considering that's what I do for an actual living.

Rob as for the ear infection thing, I think it is more anecdotal and may be more prevalent with people who are already prone to ear infections.

I've been wearing earplugs for shooting,motorcycling, airplane travel, etc... for just about 30 years now. I've tried custom twice in that time frame and both times, after 3 attempts, they weren't as good as disposable foam plugs for me and the audiologists refunded my money. I use Howard Leight Max plugs (highest noise rating I can find at 33):

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/holemaxuffop.html

If you're not sure what you'll like, have smaller ear canals, or just want to try several options, the same store has an assortment pack that I recommend to new motorcyclists all the time.

http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/unfoamtrialp.html

There's an assortment for women/children too that I bought to help my wife find something that worked for her as the plugs I use were WAY too big for her ears and caused pain when worn.

When I need/want more, I double up with plugs and muffs.