OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro

[brancher147]

I am wondering who has experience with Otto ear buds. I have decided I would like to protect what hearing I have left and all the research I have done has led me to Otto. I am mainly wondering how they do with directional hearing in hunting situations and how they do with wind noise. I would be using them primarily for turkey or deer hunting. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[parshal]

I use them for NRL Hunter now. Much more comfortable than the over the ear type. They're good if you're the shooter but if you're next to someone shooting they're still pretty loud. It probably seems that way due to all the years of OTH protection.

They're not as bad in the wind as some others I've used but you'll hear it in strong wind. Since they only have two volume settings directional hearing isn't affected all that much.

The batteries in the ear pieces lasts 8-10 hours and still are at 30%. I've recharged them three times in the box and the box is still at 30%. Good batteries for sure.

 

[Eiger]

I can echo and agree with what parshal said.

I have them and have used them for upland hunting. Pretty happy with them; comfortable, good noise suppression as the shooter, good battery life, decent in the wind, and good directional hearing.

I quickly traded them for foamies and muffs last time I was at the rifle range though. They were fine for my shooting but not enough (my opinion) for the guy shooting a braked rifle a few lanes over.

 

[Fowl Play]

I love mine for just about all hunting situations I’m in EXCEPT turkey hunting. Directional sound is good, but still not as good as bare ears for trying to pinpoint faint gobbles. Also, the earbuds will go into sound protection mode for about 2-3 seconds after yelping or cutting where you will not be able to hear a gobble reply. This has happened a couple of times to me, where I would have had no idea a gobbler was replying to my calls unless my buddy was there.

I pretty much wear them all the time for everything else though. Similar to Eiger above, I will bring an extra pare of muffs to go over them at the range for additional protection. Braked rifles are still too loud.

 

[BLJ]

Are the OTTO’s about the best out there for this style?

 

[Fowl Play]

Are the OTTO’s about the best out there for this style?

I have tried them against Axils and the Walker earbuds, the Otto’s were much better. I have wanted to try them against Sigs or Tetras, but have not had the chance to yet.

 

[AZ Gator]

I have tried them against Axils and the Walker earbuds, the Otto’s were much better. I have wanted to try them against Sigs or Tetras, but have not had the chance to yet.

The Sigs are just rebranded Axil, or did I miss an option they have?

I have an older set of Axils, and the Otto’s are light years better. I’m bummed that one of my Otto’s had the battery go out. They were about 4 years old. But I echo the other reviews of good/great comfort, great battery, and good/great sound reproduction.

 

[Fowl Play]

The Sigs are just rebranded Axil, or did I miss an option they have?

I have an older set of Axils, and the Otto’s are light years better. I’m bummed that one of my Otto’s had the battery go out. They were about 4 years old. But I echo the other reviews of good/great comfort, great battery, and good/great sound reproduction.

It looks like you are right that Sigs are just rebranded Axils. I had never looked into them too much, just had buddies recommend them.

As for your Otto earbud that went out. Contact their customer service and see if they will help. I’ve heard good things. Worst case, you can buy a single new earbud from them for $150.

 

[Oakman]

I’ve read good things about Otto, but as mentioned here, they’re not ideal for shooting lanes or indoor environments, definitely not better than a solid pair of earmuffs in those situations. Plus, losing them in the field is a real concern.
While out hunting, I’ve found that banded earplugs work well. They’re easy to manage, quick to put in or take out, and much harder to lose. And even if I do lose them, it’s not an expensive loss

 

[Dos XX]

Pretty sure the Otto's are rebranded Etymotic Gunsport Elites. When I called Etymotic they said the Gunsport Elite were the same as their Musicpro Elite, just packaged for a different market. You can buy Musicpro Elites from Crutchfields for $399.00

I have used the Etymotics for over 10 years. I don't use the Elite. I use the ones that take disposable batteries. When I bought my first pair, they didn't have the rechargeable option. My first pair lasted 9 years.

They come with a small string type lanyard. This helps you keep up with them.

If you open the little battery door after you use them, it will stop draining the battery. You can leave the battery in its nest, just open it a little to break contact.

 

[Fowl Play]

I’ve read good things about Otto, but as mentioned here, they’re not ideal for shooting lanes or indoor environments, definitely not better than a solid pair of earmuffs in those situations. Plus, losing them in the field is a real concern.
While out hunting, I’ve found that banded earplugs work well. They’re easy to manage, quick to put in or take out, and much harder to lose. And even if I do lose them, it’s not an expensive loss

Have you used them? The Otto’s provide ample protection from everything but braked rifles in my experience. I even use them in indoor shooting ranges with large caliber handguns with no issues. But a braked rifle or short barreled rapid fire AR near me and I add muffs over top.

 

[AZ Gator]

It looks like you are right that Sigs are just rebranded Axils. I had never looked into them too much, just had buddies recommend them.

As for your Otto earbud that went out. Contact their customer service and see if they will help. I’ve heard good things. Worst case, you can buy a single new earbud from them for $150.

Good to know. Thanks for the info. I’ll contact them and see how it works out.

 

[brancher147]

I love mine for just about all hunting situations I’m in EXCEPT turkey hunting. Directional sound is good, but still not as good as bare ears for trying to pinpoint faint gobbles. Also, the earbuds will go into sound protection mode for about 2-3 seconds after yelping or cutting where you will not be able to hear a gobble reply. This has happened a couple of times to me, where I would have had no idea a gobbler was replying to my calls unless my buddy was there.

I pretty much wear them all the time for everything else though. Similar to Eiger above, I will bring an extra pare of muffs to go over them at the range for additional protection. Braked rifles are still too loud.

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like they are a no go for turkey hunting. That’s too bad. I may have to keep looking for something else then