Ear Pro.

[Superdoo]

Anybody have some good luck with non-custom in ear styles?
I have put off getting decent ear pro for years because every set I’ve tried at the sub $100 mark have been very disappointing.
They need to be active so I can hear the group of guys I hunt with.
I have a set of over ear impacts, but they get pushed off when I shoulder the shotgun.
I’d say I can go to around $500, but I’m not ready to swing for a custom set considering the potential to loose them in the field.

Real end user reviews would help narrow the options.

 

[Warmsy]

I'd like to learn about those too.

 

[Superdoo]

I've done some more research on this and at my price point the options are damn near limitless.
Walkers has a couple of options.
The around the neck version intrigues me and concerns me...

 

[kloppy]

I am in the same boat as you. Have been looking into the SoundGear instant fits recently which seem to be the best bet in your price range. There really are a lot of options in that price range but the reviews seem hit or miss until you get into the $1,000+ range.

One point worth acknowledging - I dont hesitate spending $1000 on a NR elk tag but the idea of $1,000 on an electronic ear plug seems hard to justify. I think thats my problem.

 

[nephewjephew]

Otto NoizeBarrier High Definition Electronic Earplugs is the best I've found. At the top of your budget. No battery/charging problems, don't notice them at all when wearing, solid in ear fit, and they have been the best with wind. Only con I can think of is I wish they were more flush with my ear, but never had a problem with them coming out of my ear or getting snagged on branches and the like. This will be my 4th season with them. ​

 

[kloppy]

Otto NoizeBarrier High Definition Electronic Earplugs is the best I've found. At the top of your budget. No battery/charging problems, don't notice them at all when wearing, solid in ear fit, and they have been the best with wind. Only con I can think of is I wish they were more flush with my ear, but never had a problem with them coming out of my ear or getting snagged on branches and the like. This will be my 4th season with them. ​

How is sound direction with the Ottos? I like that they are rechargeable as opposed to battery.

 

[nephewjephew]

Great, so far as I can tell. I really forget I have them in until I take them out at the end of the day.

 

[grahambiel]

I’ve had a set by etymotic for 10+ years that I’ve been happy with overall. They aren’t amazing for telling direction of sound but not terrible either. I think they cost around $300. I always carry a little wheel of the hearing aid batteries which weighs nothing but the battery life is pretty good

 

[Superdoo]

I think I'm going to try the Westone Defendear Digitals. I've talked myself out of the non custom route and into the buy once cry once route. I have a set of custom passive plugs and really like them.
I'm leaning towards the westones because the electronics are removable which means if I have a problem or want to upgrade the circuitry in the future I won't have to get new molds made.

I still need to visit with the ESP dealer too.

I know it's not really feasible but it would be really great if they could get some side by side comparisons done. I know it's a very subjective topic, but we do it with optics, packs and boots...

 

[Superdoo]

@larryschwartz I found your article from 2018. Do you have any updates or additional comments from what you've seen/ used in the last 3 years?

 

[BackCountryMulies]

Id highly recommend the Otto NoizeBarrier's here is a quick review I just finished on them

https://www.rokslide.com/otto-noizebarrier-micro-ear-protection-review/