I can't recommend which ones to get, but I will say avoid Axil. They spend a lot of money on marketing, but their product it pretty well junk in my experience. Often I just use silicone plugs with baffles sold for concerts. Takes the edge of the shot, but can still hear relatively well.
Wild pheasants - 1 1/4 of 6's at 1330 is ideal...brand doesn't matter too much, although Kent seems to be a great value. Most guys don't have the skill set to be shooting beyond 40 yards at pheasants, but this will kill out past 50.
Grouse - 1 1/8 of 7.5's. Grouse are easy to kill...just about...
The UP of Michigan is notorious for road hunting...probaby more grouse shot from road hunters than hunters on foot over the years. It's not nearly as gratifying as pursuing them with dogs, but it's definitely effective for some.
I started my boys off with a 6.5cm. Biggest thing, I think, is making sure they have some adrenaline when they shoot it so that the brain doesn't register the recoil. They practice with .22's and BB guns, and then use the CF when shooting at live game. it's worked well...they're 7 for 7 on deer...