Introduction
Shooting is a fun and exciting activity that requires safety precautions. One of the necessary safety gear you should wear when shooting is a pair of earmuffs. Earmuffs protect your ears from loud noise generated by gunfire. However, not all earmuffs are suitable for shooting range use. In this article, we will explore the best earmuffs for shooting range.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
The first factor to consider when buying earmuffs for shooting range is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR measures the earmuff’s ability to reduce noise levels. The higher the NRR, the more effective the earmuffs are in blocking noise. The ideal NRR for shooting range earmuffs should be at least 25dB. Some of the top earmuffs with high NRR include 3M WorkTunes with NRR 24dB and Howard Leight Impact Sport with NRR 22dB.
Comfort
The earmuffs’ comfort level is another critical factor to consider. Shooting range sessions can last for hours, making it essential to have comfortable earmuffs. It would help if you looked for earmuffs with soft ear cushions that fit snugly around your ears. Earmuffs that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort, and it will be a struggle to use them for long periods. Some of the earmuffs that are comfortable to wear for long sessions include Pro Ears Stalker Gold earmuffs and Peltor SportTac earmuffs.
Electronic vs. Passive Earmuffs
Earmuffs come in two types: electronic and passive earmuffs. Passive earmuffs only block out noise without amplifying low-level noise. Electronic earmuffs, on the other hand, amplify low-level noise while still blocking out high-level noise. Electronic earmuffs come in handy when you need to communicate with other shooters, and you don’t want to remove the earmuffs. However, electronic earmuffs have batteries and electronics, making them heavier than passive earmuffs. If you prefer passive earmuffs, some of the options include MSA Sordin Protection and Viking Tactics earmuffs.
Price
Finally, the price of the earmuffs is a factor to consider. Shooting range earmuffs range from less than $20 to over $300. The high-end earmuffs come with more features, including Bluetooth connectivity, two-way radio communication, and better noise reduction technology. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get efficient shooting range earmuffs. Some of the top affordable earmuffs include Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff and 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector with AM/FM Radio.
