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Hearing protection is essential when visiting a shooting range. The loud report from firearms can easily damage your hearing over time. Noise cancelling headphones are designed to reduce the intensity of gunfire, making range sessions safer and more comfortable. These headphones use a combination of physical barriers and electronic technology to block and absorb sound.
When it comes to choosing noise cancelling headphones for the shooting range, there are a few key factors to consider. The headphones should provide a high noise reduction rating (NRR) to protect your ears from sudden, loud noises. Comfort is also important, especially if you plan to wear them for long sessions. Features like adjustable headbands, padded ear cups, and battery life for electronic models can also influence your decision.
Safety should always come first, but we also look for ease of use, fit, and durability in our recommendations. We spent hours researching and comparing leading models to find the best noise cancelling headphones for shooting ranges.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Shooting Range
We’ve researched the top noise cancelling headphones designed for shooting ranges. Our recommendations below offer reliable hearing protection and comfort so we can stay focused and safe during every session.
1. Walker’s Razor Slim Shooting Range Earmuffs
Those of us who want clear conversation and solid hearing protection at the range should seriously consider these earmuffs.
Pros
- Impressive noise reduction without muffling voices
- Comfortable, even during long sessions
- Lets us enjoy music while staying protected
Cons
- Audio cable use only, no Bluetooth
- Can feel bulkier with glasses
- Ear cups may get warm in hot weather
Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs strike a great balance between blocking loud gunfire and keeping our conversations easy. We found the volume knob simple to adjust while wearing gloves, and the slim build never felt clunky. The sturdy, padded headband helped us stay comfortable for hours.
What stood out was how well these let us hear range coaches and teammates without sacrificing protection. Directional mics picked up voices around us clearly, so there was no need to take the muffs off between rounds. For anyone who likes music while practicing, the audio input works smoothly—though we wish there was a wireless option.
After repeated use, these earmuffs kept delivering reliable protection and natural-sounding audio. The rugged build feels like it can withstand lots of trips to the range. They collapse down easily, making storage or packing simple. For anyone shopping for a reliable pair, these have become a straightforward favorite among our group.
2. PROHEAR 066 Shooting Ear Protection
For shooters who want solid electronic hearing protection without overspending, this option strikes a good balance between comfort and performance.
Pros
- Very comfortable for long hours at the range
- Does an excellent job reducing loud gunshots
- Voice conversations stay clear and easy to follow
Cons
- Battery compartment feels a bit flimsy
- Gunshots from larger calibers may still sound pretty loud
- Plastic build doesn’t feel as sturdy as other brands
When we took the PROHEAR 066 headphones to the range, we noticed right away how light they felt. The padded ear cups fit well and didn’t create pressure, even after a couple of hours of use. Our group was able to talk normally without having to remove them, which made communication much easier during practice.
Audio protection was reliable. Gunshots were noticeably muffled while normal conversations came through clearly. However, bigger rifles still made some noise that broke through, so these might not be the right choice if you’re dealing with very high calibers or want everything dead silent. The battery cover felt a bit cheap, although we didn’t have any issues with it falling off.
We liked the foldable, compact design for storage. The volume wheel works well, especially with gloves, and we didn’t experience any discomfort or ear fatigue by the end of the day. For most recreational shooters or those heading out hunting, the PROHEAR 066 Shooting Ear Protection offers a comfortable and functional experience at a reasonable price.
3. ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs
These ear muffs are a solid pick for anyone wanting straightforward noise protection at the shooting range with a snug fit.
Pros
- Strong sound dampening that blocks out sharp gunfire
- Comfortable padding keeps irritation to a minimum
- Easy to pack and stow thanks to the folding design
Cons
- Tight fit might be uncomfortable for larger head sizes
- Not the easiest to wear with hats or glasses
- Can get warm with extended use
After trying these at the range, we noticed a significant reduction in loud noises without losing the ability to hear instructions from the range officer. The foam padding feels soft, and the headband doesn’t dig into our head even after several sessions. Adjusting the fit was simple, but it’s clear these muffs are best for small to average head sizes.
Their compact design makes them easy to toss in our range bag, and they don’t take up much space. However, the snug fit may be too tight for some, especially if we wear hats or need them over glasses. We suggest stretching the headband out a bit before the first use if they feel stiff.
Overall, the ProCase ear muffs do a dependable job of blocking noise for shooting. They’re not fancy, but they work well if comfort and value matter most. If we had a larger head, we might look elsewhere, but for most of us, these handle a day at the range just fine.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best noise cancelling headphones for the range, we need to focus on proper hearing protection first. High noise reduction is crucial to keep our ears safe from sudden loud sounds.
Here’s what we should consider:
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): A higher NRR number means better protection.
- Fit and Comfort: Headphones should fit snugly without being too tight.
- Battery Life: Long sessions require batteries that last.
Adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups can improve comfort, especially for extended use. Lightweight designs help prevent discomfort during longer shooting sessions.
Electronic noise cancelling can help us hear voices or important sounds while blocking gunfire. However, passive protection is good for those who prefer a simpler option.
Feature | Why It Matters |
---|---|
NRR | Higher rating = better safety |
Comfort | Prevents irritation |
Weight | Reduces fatigue |
Adjustability | Ensures a better fit |
Battery Life | Longer usage time |
We should also check for easy-to-use controls and a durable build. Foldable or compact designs are easier to pack and carry.
Finally, for extra convenience, look for options with simple maintenance and replaceable padding. These small details can improve our overall experience at the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
We often get questions about which noise cancelling headphones are most effective for shooting ranges, how electronic and standard models compare, and the most important features for hunters. There are also concerns about communication abilities and finding the highest levels of hearing protection.
What are the top-rated ear muffs for reducing noise at the shooting range?
We consistently see Howard Leight Impact Sport, Peltor Sport Tactical 500, and Walker’s Razor Slim earmuffs ranked as top choices. These ear muffs reliably reduce loud gunshot noise and provide comfortable wear for extended shooting sessions.
How do electronic ear muffs for shooting compare to non-electronic ones?
Electronic ear muffs block out loud sounds like gunshots but use microphones to let us hear normal conversation and range commands. Non-electronic models only dampen all sounds and do not allow for situational awareness or amplified ambient noise.
What features should I look for in ear protection for hunting scenarios?
For hunting, we should look for compact, lightweight ear muffs or plugs with slim profiles that fit well with hats or other gear. Adjustable volume control, weather resistance, and comfort for long days outdoors are practical features. Low-profile designs are also important for rifle or shotgun shooting.
Can you recommend shooting ear protection that also allows for communication?
Certain models like the Peltor ComTac series and Walker’s Razor Digital offer built-in microphones and Bluetooth compatibility. These let us maintain two-way communication while wearing hearing protection, which can be important for group shooting, training, or working in teams.
What is the highest Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) available for shooting ear muffs?
The highest Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for most shooting ear muffs is between 30 and 31. We should look for NRR 30+ if we want maximum noise blocking, especially in indoor ranges or with larger calibers.
What are the best in-ear electronic hearing protection options for shooters?
Popular choices include the SureFire EP7 Sonic Defenders, 3M PELTOR TEP-200, and Walker’s Silencer BT. These in-ear options offer electronic sound filtering with small form factors, and many have rechargeable batteries and custom ear tips for better fit and comfort.