Thread: Hearing protection for bushstalking? Excl. Suppressors

Haven't started looking yet but will need balance.i figure to go onto sports field.close eyes and point to sound with eyes closed and keep tweaking balance until have it "sighted in"

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

Haven't started looking yet but will need balance.i figure to go onto sports field.close eyes and point to sound with eyes closed and keep tweaking balance until have it "sighted in"

The closest you'll prob come with that is muffs that have separate mics/amps/vol control on each side. Doubt many are made these days. Actually, that's the reason many electronic muffs fail- the wire between each side ends up fatiguing through with constant handling.

I'm looking at electronic ear muffs as well. I'm a bit deaf these day's due to work and shooting. Hunting with the dog and my boy have highlighted just how much I can't hear. Thinking about these; https://www.safety.kiwi/shop/hearing...eproxcamo.html

Originally Posted by 7mm tragic

I'm looking at electronic ear muffs as well. I'm a bit deaf these day's due to work and shooting. Hunting with the dog and my boy have highlighted just how much I can't hear. Thinking about these; https://www.safety.kiwi/shop/hearing...eproxcamo.html

Yep, good option. I have some and they’re great!

Bought my Supreme Pro-X of that outfit several years ago. Been very happy with mine.
BTW - The LED works out $98.90 dearer. Is it worth the extra?

I don't need the LED but I'm picking that the Gel seals are desirable especially if wearing them for any length of time. Are they directional? as in you can pick what direction sound comes from?

Originally Posted by 7mm tragic

I don't need the LED but I'm picking that the Gel seals are desirable especially if wearing them for any length of time. Are they directional? as in you can pick what direction sound comes from?

Go to the website you supplied and download the specs for all models.
All are stereo. Difference between the Pro-X and the LED model in the NRR rating. And weight.
And the Gel rings are std on the LED models.
My old ones came with Gel rings and there was a time when you could buy replacements. Not sure if that's the case still or only via an outfit like Brownells.

Has anyone tried a pair from AliExpress?
We have had some good success with electronic gear from AliExpress and certainly considerably cheaper

Originally Posted by zimmer

Go to the website you supplied and download the specs for all models.
All are stereo. Difference between the Pro-X and the LED model in the NRR rating. And weight.
And the Gel rings are std on the LED models.
My old ones came with Gel rings and there was a time when you could buy replacements. Not sure if that's the case still or only via an outfit like Brownells.

Delta mike sell the replacements. I just swapped out mine after 6 years of very regular use. I'm shooting pretty much every weekend for several hours, they have been the best thing for it.

I've tried many things and unless you are willing to pay over 1000$ and more like 1500$ or more for high quality custom ear plugs you won't get the quality and comfort you want for deer stalking. Just get a compact suppressor. That's what I did. Hardy compact is my recommendation. For shotgunning I use Walker hunter ear with custom ear piece and for my teenage sons Peltor Sportac. I've tried several pairs of cheaper ones including from US but they don't last and sound quality is poor.

I've got a pair of these from when I was in UK: https://www.surefire.com/products/pr...efenders-plus/ super comfy, and even with the little caps closed I was pretty surprised how well you could hear with them in, compared to how much range noise they cut out. Never worn them in the bush, but if they're a reasonable price here, could be worth a look? If they are no good in the bush, then at least you have a bloody good ear defence for everything else.

That’s some very good info, cheers. On that advice I think it sound worth inquiring with the local audiologist / ear health clinic and see if they’ve helped hunters already, and get an idea of what costs are involved to go down that route properly. Hopefully they know their stuff or know who does around Dunedin.

Originally Posted by 6x47

Properly designed and executed custom in-the-ear electronic plugs are the way to go BUT they're very expensive. I have three sets which are converted high-end hearing aids but these aren't an option for the public. I can wear them all day without discomfort, can hear soft stuff at a distance but don't get blasted even with a mate shooting close to the side.

If you do get custom-moulded plugs, make sure person taking the impressions is highly experienced. The end product is only as good as the impressions. I'd suggest you get an audiologist to do this as they understand the big picture and will look down your canals with an otoscope to rule out an issues before taking the impressions.

That’s some very good info, cheers. On that advice I think it sound worth inquiring with the local audiologist / ear health clinic and see if they’ve helped hunters already, and get an idea of what costs are involved to go down that route properly. Hopefully they know their stuff or know who does around Dunedin.

Originally Posted by ZQLewis

Do you reload?
If you do, then dropping down to a minium load with a medium weight bullet will also help (75-90gr).

Problem with putting in ear plugs is time and you want to be able to hear the deer moving around.
I don't know anyone who has used those electronic ear plug sound amplifiers and blockers but if you have ruied out a suppressor then maybe they are your best option.

Ok, buy another rifle, little single shot in 35 Cal and fit a short can, or just run low power loads saving a couple of full power loads for when you have time and need to take a longer shot.
Z

That’s Interesting - Does a reduced load and smaller projectile reduce the shot volume that significantly!?
Quite keen to get into reloading, but have been hesitant as sounds like the LR primers and some other components seeming so hard to get atm?

How a rifle looks at the end of the day won't really matter when you can't hear the next deer snap a twig next to you. End of the day in my opinion rifles are tools and hearing is sense you can't get back and you'll kick yourself later when for the sake of 500 bucks you could of chopped and suppressed a rifle. You can't put value on your body, you only get one chance.

I was on the fence in my youth about suppressing my rifle, I too liked my tools mint. Chopping mine back was one of the best things I've ever done in my outdoor career, wouldn't change it for the life of me. Handles so much better, quieter and easier on the recoil.