What say the wisdom of AR on electronic hearing protection to wear all day?
Sportear, ESP, Walker Game Ear, something else?

What do you use and like?

Thanks

Dogcat,
I bought the ESP dynamics at the SCI show and am very happy with them. I looked at some of the other types at different booths but got the best advice about what you can expect from them at ESP.

I just picked up a pair of SportEar Ghost Stryke electronic plugs So far so good. I have only worn them pistol shooting and trap shooting but they seem to work well. They come with different ear pieces for a semi custom fit. No feedback when in your ear like some hearing aids. Adjustable volume.

Also, they are currently on sale at Midway for around $299/pair. $100 off retail. i wanted to try something like these but didn't want to get burned on a $1500 set.

Initial thoughts are good but I have not used them in the field yet.

I was fitted for a pair of EAR Inc devices at SCI a number of years ago. They both suppress loud noises and are tuned to my hearing prescription. Since that time I upgraded to a pair with a directional switch for use in settings with a lot of background noise like restaurants. I recently had my audiologist test them and she found that they do keep gunshot-level noise below OSHA levels.

I've used them in Africa, on elk hunts, and duck hunting. You can wear them all day and rarely notice they are there.

They work well.

I used the Walker Game Ear in Africa and U.S. I put them in went we got in the truck and wore all day. When in a blind or stalking I turn them up so I can hear better.

Mark

+1 on the ESP Dynamic. Here is a product review I made on this item a few years ago after I ordered mine. They had not yet been released to the general public at that time but I was impressed enough to write about the product:

http://diizchesafari.blogspot....n-while-hunting.html

Today I got in the mail a limited offer for SCI members for Sport Ear. The offer is for $500 (five hundred dollars) off.
They must be really, really expensive

Update... They are $4000!

Mark

My ears are already somewhat "shot". My wife had an expensive professional set made for me for duck hunting with all the shotguns going off around my ears that already have lost much of the frequency range.. They are custom molded for each ear. I will get the name of them. But as I really don't like the feel of any of any the molded type in my ear I haven't used them much. You sure can hear better with them though.

Last month while we were hunting with Janneman Brand in Namibia, Janneman used a set of the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs. He wore them for extended periods too on stalks. I decided to try them and they were quite comfortable and work very well too.

They are the over the head style. But the shell is lower profile so it allows you to get your head down on the stock. They had good adjustment too. They also fold up small as well so you can carry them in a pocket easily.

With the Leight turned on they do a good job of amplifying sounds too. A thorn would rake across my pant leg and Janneman would spin to look like I was crunching up a giant Fritos bag . They also have an audio input jack on them too for those that might use that.

Janneman told me he doesn't hear the muzzle report but that he does regularly hear the bullet hit.

I ordered a couple of sets from Midway when I got back. For $50 or so they may be worth a try.

I'm a big fan of ESP. Great quality and makes such a difference. Have used hunting dove in Argentina and plains game in Africa.

When I was in your spot - researching the options, what swayed me was the phenomenal customer service reputation of Jack Homa, the owner of the company. Jack has helped me a few times and is always at SCI to answer questions.

Highly recommend.

I think it's a great idea. I'm already half-deaf.

quote:

Originally posted by Mark Clark:
Today I got in the mail a limited offer for SCI members for Sport Ear. The offer is for $500 (five hundred dollars) off.
They must be really, really expensive

Update... They are $4000!

Mark

I bet SCI gets a big cut of that 4K.
Cal

Bought some SportEar plugs at the SCI show this year. Used them in Namibia since I had a muzzle break. Mine were nowhere near 4 grand. Worked well and after about 10 minutes, were not even felt. Will use them going forward.

I was fitted for protective plugs by a local audiologist. Did hearing test at same time. Devices are great. I wear them deer hunting all the time. They go in as soon as i get out of the truck until i get back to the truck.
The magnification is good, they have a low and high button for windy days. Tones are a bit different, but i can hear WAY more than before. Gunshot slounds like a finger snap. Love them

Ross - You should consider contacting Tim Sparks, owner of Tactical Hearing! His line-up of hearing protection/aids is awesome. I am using them as much as I can now, really like em.

If you need contact info, let me know?