SmartFit Ear Plugs — Recommended New Product
While covering the 2008 Steel Challenge, this editor tried a new style of shooter’s earplug, the 3-flange SmartFit™ from Howard Leight. First, let me say that I have, in recent years, always used the bullet-shaped soft foam earplugs because they offer the highest Noise Reduction Rating — up to 32 db NRR.
But I am VERY impressed with the SmartFits. I want you guys to know that these are VERY different than other ridged plugs on the market. Some other brands use a stiff plastic that is downright painful. Not the SmartFits. These are made of a very soft, “conforming” polymer that is surprisingly comfortable. Simple body heat actually causes the advanced material to conform to the ear channel. For me, SmartFits were at least as comfortable as soft foam plugs. If you wet the SmartFits slightly, they slide in very easily. You don’t have to roll them up with your fingers. There is a half-inch-long stub on the outside of each plug. This makes it very easy to insert or remove the units. I can definitely pop these into my ears more quickly than with the foam plugs. And, using the little stub, they come out super-fast.
The set of SmartFit plugs I tried were fitted with a braided nylon connecting cord. The cord is plenty strong and doesn’t pull out like the stretchy rubber cords on some other sets of plugs. This is a sturdy connection appropriate to a product marketed as a “multiple-use” earplug.
Sound Rating — 25 db NRR, But They Seem Quieter
The Howard Leight SmartFits are only rated to 25 db NRR. That’s “middle of the pack” noise reduction — better than most muffs but not as good as some plugs. I can tell you, however, that these things really cut sound, and in the field they performed as well or better than some foam plugs with higher ratings. With both SmartFit plugs in my ears, gun noises were masked very effectively. And to my surprise, I really couldn’t talk with someone at all unless I removed at least one SmartFit plug. With some other ear plugs I’ve found you can still hear voices even with a plug in each ear. That tells me the “real world” effectiveness of the SmartFits may be higher than the rating suggests.
Bottom line: These SmartFits are comfortable, easy to insert/remove, sturdy, and they last a long time. The SmartFits can be cleaned easily with soap and water, and they can be purchased with a flip-top dispenser for secure storage. Great Product that really works. I now keep two sets of SmartFit plugs in my range kit. There are times when I’ll still use foam plugs, but for most situations I think the SmartFits are easier to use.
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Tags: Ear Protection
The common ear plugs such as “Yellow Foamies” and ridged ones are rated at a given NRR (noise reduction rating) due to the lack of care in inserting them. The manufacturers are forced to use the NRR rating because most folks don’t insdert them properly.
The NRR comes from the actual noise reduction ( close to 40dB for most plugs) minus the statistical reduction in effectiveness when inserted incorrectly.
The Yello Foamies will yield nearly 40 dB of reduction if rolled up tight and inserted far enough into the ear canal so one is afraid they can’t get them back out again!
Lik wise, the ones you just discussed arre similar to a pair made by the same folks that make yellow foamies and if inserted correctly will also produce about 40 dB. Incidently, the limit is 40-45 dB which is caused by the noise transmission through the mastoid bone with a perfect plug.
And, yes, I have professional experience with this subject. I worked for Etymotic Research for a number of years as well as being a trained audiologist.