In-ear hearing protection

[ichthus329]

I'm looking for recommendations for in-ear electronic buds for duck hunting and clay shooting. I've used Walkers Razors over the ear muffs with good results but the muff style is cumbersome and annoying after several hours. I don't need Bluetooth and I'd like to stay under $400-$500. I just picked up these Eartune Hunt ear buds for $100 and they are just ok. They amplify the surroundings to some degree but hearing myself talk sounds awful and artificial. I am tempted by the Soundgear Shield that are currently on sale for $299 (regularly $399) and I've heard good things about the Otto Noizebarrier. Axil and Walkers always seem to get terrible reviews so I was hoping for real world experience and testimonials.

 

[2ski]

I don't have any experience but theres one at Costco right now or Otopro is the one they had on the meateater pod

 

[willtim]

My Tetras work great now that I've worked out the kinks.

 

[BadDogPSD]

Otto Noizebarriers are pretty good.

 

[txtransplant]

I got a pair of Soundgear Phantoms last year. Bluetooth isn’t great on them, but I mostly don’t use it anyway. More expensive than your budget - but considering how much I’m willing to spend on a good rifle or scope, I thought it silly to half-ass a piece of personal protection equipment like this. YMMV, but I’ve had mild tinnitus since I was a teen, and I’m not messing around with further hearing damage if I can prevent it.

The best gear is the gear that works AND you will always use.

 

[AZ Gator]

I switched from Axils to Otto’s and am very happy that I did. The sound quality is much better, as well as improved comfort and quality.

 

[mthayr]

I will second the Soundgear, personally I went with the Silver. As the above poster mentioned, more than your budget, but IMO worth the cost. As to the "Silver" vs. the "Phantom" - the Silver use standard hearing aid batteries and those last minimum 4-5 days. That to me was better than worrying about being able to repeatedly charge them over a hunt. Also, I was not going to use the bluetooth feature. Having custom molded ear pro is a game changer since you don't feel the need to take them out to get some relief.

I'd give the more expensive option some serious thought - "Buy once, cry once"

 

[Speaks]

I just got some from alclair, slightly over your budget but way better than sound gear or esp. supposed to be the best on wind noise.

 

[Runningwater]

I've enjoyed the newer version of soundgears shields so far (just one season) I still still see myself likely getting custom fit, perhaps Alclairs, at some point.

 

[mtnbound]

I'm looking for recommendations for in-ear electronic buds for duck hunting and clay shooting. I've used Walkers Razors over the ear muffs with good results but the muff style is cumbersome and annoying after several hours. I don't need Bluetooth and I'd like to stay under $400-$500. I just picked up these Eartune Hunt ear buds for $100 and they are just ok. They amplify the surroundings to some degree but hearing myself talk sounds awful and artificial. I am tempted by the Soundgear Shield that are currently on sale for $299 (regularly $399) and I've heard good things about the Otto Noizebarrier. Axil and Walkers always seem to get terrible reviews so I was hoping for real world experience and testimonials.

I have 2 sets of Axil Pro and they work fine. They are not the same quality if you want to listen to music like AirPods but I only use them for noise cancellation. They stay in my ears and the battery life is good.

 

[OXN939]

Anyone ever try any of the Amazon special noise reduction earbuds? They all seem to be rated for 26dB of noise reduction, which is all I really care about as long as I can generally hear nearby conversations well enough to participate

 

[LongWayAround]

I have had the Decibullz percussive filters for several years.

They're like $80. You can still hear/communicate, there's no batteries, and they mold to your ear.

 

[huntnful]

OTTO with good after market foam tips. Best I’ve found by far.

 

[voltage]

Go to an ear doctor and get legit molded ones. They aren't crazy expensive, and are worth every penny.

 

[ichthus329]

Otto Noizebarriers are pretty good.

Do they sound "natural" when you're talking?

 

[ichthus329]

I will second the Soundgear, personally I went with the Silver. As the above poster mentioned, more than your budget, but IMO worth the cost. As to the "Silver" vs. the "Phantom" - the Silver use standard hearing aid batteries and those last minimum 4-5 days. That to me was better than worrying about being able to repeatedly charge them over a hunt. Also, I was not going to use the bluetooth feature. Having custom molded ear pro is a game changer since you don't feel the need to take them out to get some relief.

I'd give the more expensive option some serious thought - "Buy once, cry once"

I know any hearing device takes awhile to get used to, and it's not realistic to expect it to sound like your natural ear.... but how do the Silvers sound when you're having a conversation? When you speak, does it sound like talking with your ears plugged? I'm looking for a natural presentation but maybe that can't be found with cheaper hearing pro.

 

[ichthus329]

I've enjoyed the newer version of soundgears shields so far (just one season) I still still see myself likely getting custom fit, perhaps Alclairs, at some point.

I can't seem to find any real reviews on the Shields. They're not cheap, and come from a reputable company. What are the pros and cons of them in your opinion?

 

[OXN939]

I have had the Decibullz percussive filters for several years.

They're like $80. You can still hear/communicate, there's no batteries, and they mold to your ear.

Just ordered a pair of these to try too. Winner between these and the Amazon earbuds gets to stay I guess

 

[buzzy]

OTTO with good after market foam tips. Best I’ve found by far.

This and don’t look back. Love my set.

 

[buzzy]

Do they sound "natural" when you're talking?

Yep and with good foam tips you forget you are wearing them at times.