JohnMc
member
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 22
Loc: Near Bristol
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Hi,
I am looking to pick up some good earplugs as I have been using either ear muffs or disposable ear plugs on my previous shooting outings.
I have seen a few different versions around on the internet but I was looking for some recommendations from people that have tried out the various versions.
These are some of the ones I have spotted that look good:
http://www.ultimateear.com/shooters.htm
http://www.audiorelief.co.uk/shop/index.php?cPath=36
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Alastair_Balmain
stranger
Reged: 18/08/2006
Posts: 95
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Hi John,
I recently did a test of different ear defenders in Shooting Times (albeit not custom-made in-ear plugs) and the ones that impressed me most were the electronic Peltor Sport-tac models which I found very comfortable and which had very good sound quality and the ability to plug in a two-way radio which is handy if you're the shoot captain or are running a clay line. The only problem is, they were ear muffs not plugs (and the most expensive tested at about £150).
I'm afraid I've never used a pair of custom-moulded in-ear plugs so am not qualified to comment but there are a whole heap of different options out there, from the cheap custom-made silicone plugs used in the building industry, for example, up to the very expensive digital ones that have more in common with in-ear hearing aids. One supplier that I would recommend you look at (and who attends the Game Fair and other shows) is Doyle Sports (www.doylesports.net). They're based in Cheshire.
Personally I think if I was going to spend a lot of money on electronic ear-plugs I might spend substantially less on a pair of cheaper passive moulded ones first to see if I was happy with the idea of having them in my ear all day.
There's also the argument that a pair of ear defenders keeps your ears warm and your cap on when the weather's foul.
Alastair.
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Alastair Balmain, Deputy editor, Shooting Times
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sandersj89
stranger
Reged: 26/01/2007
Posts: 156
Loc: Sussex or Devon
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One issue with plugs over muffs is that that do not offer as much protection.
Plugs do reduce the noise impacting directly on the inner ear but do not stop sound transmission from the bones around the ear. As a result damage can still occur.
This might not be an issue if you are not shooting 1,000's of cartridges a week but personally for peace of mind I will stick to electronic muffs.
The last few seasons I have been using AV Electronics Ear muffs and found them very good.
Jerry
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JohnMc
member
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 22
Loc: Near Bristol
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From what I understand of sound transmissions through bone there are a huge amount of things that can effect it. Such as if the mouth is open, how tightly clenched the teeth are, etc.
The effect of having ear muffs seems to be minimal at best on how well the sounds transmits throuh bone.
Military testing has shown that the only way to maximise protection is a totally enclosed head and also wearing plugs.
In terms of earing protection at the volumes that shotguns can create the very best option is muffs and plugs! As neither will seal perfectly. However custom moulded plugs in the testing I have seen offer the same level of protection as a good ear muff.
So I think in some cases I will be looking to use both
Thank you Alastair I have no seen the Doyle site and they seem to have some very good products.
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CptCarling
member
Reged: 21/10/2007
Posts: 102
Loc: Isle of Wight
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If it were in the 'real world' the Health & Safety Police would make you wear both, as can happen in industry / construction. Its all to do with what the plug/muff will protect to.
On a personal level, I can stand the things. It is a fine line to tread between mandatory wearing of ear defenders and personal choice. We now have a note in the syndicate/ let day contract to that effect - its up to you, but we can supply them if you want.
Mind you, if some of the guns I've seen shoot were to wear hearing protection of any sort, they would miss everything!
Maybe Shoot Owners should wear them all the time, so they dont have to put up with the moans/excuses/grumbles from the guns or beaters!!
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ROBERT6500
member
Reged: 21/09/2007
Posts: 129
Loc: SOMERSET
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If you have the money then go for moulded electronic plugs, if not go for moulded at £50-60.
The only problem with muffs is they get in the way when mounting the gun,they can clunk against the stock and put you off your shot.
I use moulded, they are brilliant and I have them in all day
with no ill effects.
If you shoot clays where every kill counts, the plugs are better. 
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Edward
stranger
Reged: 23/10/2006
Posts: 16
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I have found that Sonic two (i think) ear plugs are extremaly good, because you can hear people talking to you and they are quite cheap at £15. but make sure you get the correct size, Because if they are to big they are very painful when it comes to removing them.
Hope this is of some use.
Ed.
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JohnMc
member
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 22
Loc: Near Bristol
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Just to give you all an update. I got some custom moulded ear plugs and I love them!!!
I cannot remember of the company of the top of my head but I know they are associated with Doyle sports. I had them fitted at one of the game fairs and a couple of weeks later they turned up.
They take a little while to get used to fitting them. After that you are set though as they as so comfortable you could leave them in all day.
P.S. Robert6500 could you turn on accepting PMs as I would like to take you up on the offer of introducing me to some good local clubs and shops. Assuming it still stands anyway?
Edited by JohnMc (08/04/2008 11:18)
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ROBERT6500
member
Reged: 21/09/2007
Posts: 129
Loc: SOMERSET
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Ok mate, sorry I wasn`t aware it was off so now I`m all turned on and it feels great. Ha!
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seaweasel
member
Reged: 08/04/2008
Posts: 2
Loc: County Armagh
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I haven't tried these custom ear plugs but they're supposed to be very good, and cheap too:
http://www.diycustomplugs.co.uk/
I use pre-molded ones for gigs etc but they wouldn't be suitable for shooting as they just take the edge off the nastier frequencies and bring the SPL down a bit as opposed to blocking out as much noise as possible.
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