Howard Leight Electronic Ear Muffs — A Good Value
We’re pleased that Creedmoor Sports (among other vendors), has started carrying the Howard Leight, noise-cancelling “Impact Sport” ear-muffs. This is a good product, that works well, yet costs hundreds of dollars less that many other electronic muffs on the market. The compact, folding design makes storage convenient. Forum member Danny Reever reports: “Off the firing line, while others are shooting, you can easily carry on a conversation while the electronics cancel out the gunfire. Amplification is crisp and clear even at the highest setting. On the firing line, the muffs are comfortable and the slim profile of the muffs does not interfere with cheek weld.”
The Howard Leight Muffs’ 350-hour battery life is excellent and we like the auto shut-off feature, and external audio plug (if you want to listen to music). There is a single switch for both on/off and volume with an automatic 4-hour shutoff to help to extend battery life. The external battery compartment holds two AAA batteries, which are included.
Creedmoor currently sells the Howard Leight Impact Sport model shown above, for $69.99. The Impact Sport muffs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22. You can increase the effective NRR by using foam plugs under the muffs.
The Impact Sport muffs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22. You can increase the effective NRR by using foam plugs under the muffs.
Don’t buy Electronic Ear Muffs if you are going to use them in the passive mode described above. You’re wasting your money. An NRR rating of any number in an Electronic Ear Muff gives you a rating when IT IS TURNED OFF. Turn on the Electronics and take advantage of the design !!!
Art has his point of view. However, in shooting sports where one must react to “beeps” and range commands, I find a combination of plugs and electronic muffs to be a good solution. With 30-33 NRR plugs alone, I had trouble hearing all commands, particularly if the rangemaster was at the other end of the line. However, with electronic muffs alone, shooting noises were louder than I preferred–particularly with shooters using muzzle brakes next to me. By combining plugs and muffs I could lower the overall noise level, but the electronic circuit (when turned up) allowed me to hear range commands and “commence fire” beeps.