to follow me on Facebook click here
How important is your hearing to you? It amazes me some of the things that I have noticed over the years both in the military and civilian ranges. In the realm of shooting there are people who funnel large amounts of money into having the best weapon or the latest and greatest new attachments. But, there seems to be only a small percentage that spend quality dollars on investing in their hearing protection also known as ear pro or just "ears." Having always paid attention to the knowledge that was handed down from leaders and elders of the past, there has always been one saying that struck a cord with me. "Use the ear protection, because one day you will have kids and even maybe grand kids".
My experience in the military has led to many lessons. One that sticks out; the military does not play when it comes to wearing the proper ear protection, whether at the workplace or on the range. At any time the medics or the hearing conservation unit are more than willing to give a Soldier ear protection as well as a class on proper wear. This actually makes it better for use. Anyone who shoots either for competition or recreation has a preference when it comes to hearing protection.
Some people go the route of practicing the minimum standard of having the foam ear plugs. When you roll them in your fingers and insert them in your ear and then you start to feel it expand within your ear, blocking out sound. There are others pre-made that you can insert in your ear as well. Surefire makes a hearing protection called 'Sonic Ear Protection'. This was my choice in hearing protection for a while. There is nothing wrong with this level of hearing protection, and I still utilize the Surefire sometimes.
There are the variety of ear muffs that utilize different levels of decibel blocking. Peltor, is a popular brand that has a remarkable track record. There selection ranges from having amplified speakers installed within the ear muffs to just a simple ear muff that covers the ears.
The the final ear protection device that will be covered is the custom molding. Custom moldings can be used in a vast variety of markets from personal hearing protection, to singers, to athletes that swim, and of course those who pull the trigger. Now let's take the time to break down the pros and cons of the above mentioned and really weigh the options.
My needs are very simple when it comes to the selection of hearing protection. They are as follows; has to be comfortable, has to be functional, and has to withstand the test of time. Sounds easy but, let me take you through my thinking criteria. For the most part my selection has to be based on ease and function. I am not a big fan of who is wearing what, or who has what items to make it more marketable, but the simple process of if it is truly functional.
Let's start off with the foam inserts. This is a quick fix for blocking the high decibel sounds being projected by your weapon. You use them by simply squishing the foam down then inserting it in your ear and allowing it to expand to make a seal. The one thing that I consider a positive is the ease of use. As mentioned, it is an inexpensive quick fix. I always keep a pack in my gear bag in the event that someone comes to the range with me and do not have ear pro. The downside to them is that they wear out fast if you are in a class setting where you will be taking them out and putting them back in often. The hold-up value is lost after a few times, and then a proper solution may be to get another set for the training. But, what if those are the last ones of issue? Then you would be forced to make the decision to either train or wait it out. Keeping this form of ear pro clean is a bit hard as well. When you pack the foam in your ear there will be a bit of wax on the end. Needless to say for whatever reason the wax will attract dirt especially if you keep them in your kit without proper storage. Also the foam ear inserts will give sufficient protection from a weapon that produces between 140-190 decibels, which depends on the weapon.
Surefire makes a pre-made insert that enters within your ear called the Sonic Ear Protection. Often times this ear protection device would give me great comfort, but like every thing if the pro's out weigh the con's then I am sold. The simplicity of the design fits like a puzzle in your ear. It has a retention cord that keeps both the left and right ear inserts together which alleviates losing one without the other. Also the Sonic Ear Protection has an easy marking system, placing a red cap on the right side to identify for the right ear. Surefire has even made this device with the option of cap inserts which allow you to open them to allow more speaking sounds in but also block out harmful sounds by closing them off. The downside to these, are that they could use a better color selection or more of the red on the right side to make them more easier to detect, in the event you over look them. Another con I discovered is that while they are inserted and supposedly sealed in, after turning my head sometimes the ear insert would loosen allowing harmful sounds in. I would still would rather use these knowing the cord being pulled could be the reason for the fault.
There are a vast amount of options associated with the ear muffs. I own a pair of Howard Leight L1 which has many features that make this source of protection comfortable and functional. The Leighting L1 is a low profile style of ear muffs which fits comfortably over the ears. The cushion padding around the ear muffs make it suitable for taking them off and on without wasting time positioning as you might with foam inserts. The headband is adjustable and allows for desired fit. The downside to this source of ear protection as observed by myself is just the bulkiness. As a side note they also compliment the wearing of a hat, for those how have a bill and the hat fits loose.
The last form we are going to discuss will be the custom molding. I have only used one form of custom molding ear protection. The custom ear protection was made by simply mixing two forms of compound and allowing it to mold in your ear. This was by far the most comfortable source of hearing protection for me. I used these while I was on deployment in Iraq back in 2004. Unfortunately they were misplaced. Since then, there are many companies that have begun offering custom moldings that come with many options (like electronic and without). I am not a fan of the electronic form of hearing protection. I prefer it to be as silent as possible and to just become one with the weapon.
There is one company that has captured my interest, and that is ESP America. During all of my research I have come across nothing but great reviews. I do not however at this time own a pair, nor have I ever shot in a pair. If ESP America is willing to donate a pair, and let me do a follow up review...I would be more than willing.
Over all I would have to say that my personal preference and recommendation would that of custom moldings, because it ensures an exact fit each time. With what is currently in my possession, the Howard Leight outweighs the Surefire Sonic Ear Protection, but I will continue to use both. Which course of fire I am a part of will determine the source of ear protection I will use.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are interested in the Enlisted Nine clothing I wearing visit www.EnlistedNine.com . Due to the tragic events at Ft. Hood, Tx, the company is donating $5 for each shirt ordered to a organization at Ft. Hood that helps Soldiers in need.
For those who are interested in winning $200...we are hosting a logo contest. All you have to do is create a logo that details the 'Urban Gun Enthusiast' or for 'MW Strategic' and the most appealing submission wins. You can even do multiple submissions. Contest ends on 2 May 2014 at midnight, results will be posted on Saturday 3 May 2014. Email your submissions to shirtcontest17@gmail.com. Good luck to all who enter.
If you are in the Columbus area and interested in seeing me compete against other like minded individuals in the IDPA and USPSA. Come out to the East Alabama Gun Club located at 200 Alabama 169, Phenix City, AL 36869.
Would you like for me to come to your city and compete in a local IDPA, USPSA, or 3 Gun Competition? Contact me at mjwoodland@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment