By Daniel Strait

These headphones are well worth the money! It allows me to hear people talking, but also blocking out the sounds louder than 82 decibels (aka gun shots). While my experience is rather limited with other products I will have no qualms with buying or recommending this product again. My only complaint is the ear muffs getting in the way when firing my AR; however, I have had this issue with other such ear muffs.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Amplifies ambient sound to safe 82 dB – response technology revert to passive hearing protector when noise reaches 82 dB. Directionally placed stereo microphones amplify and enhance sound for more natural hearing. AUX input allows connection to external MP3 players or other audio devices for additional listening off the field.

Target Market: Anyone working around loud noises

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Auxiliary jack (allows you to plug your mp3 player etc...)
Foldable feature
Lightweight and comfortable to wear all day long
Price!!

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Hearing Protection is available in Hunter Green.

What others are saying?: “I was so impressed by the value of these phones, I made a video. feel free to Check my references, I am a 15 year veteran of Live sound and own a recording studio in Maui. I am a Life member of the NRA and a member of the Valley Isle Sport shooters. Shooting is my hobby, sound is my life.” - Amazon Reviewer

I entrust my main professional asset to these head phones.

Price Point:

MSRP = $46-$73
Retail = $45.58

I need it now! Availability: You can purchase the ear muffs from many retailers, including Amazon, Midway USA, and directly from Howard Leight

Our Rating: + Cost

Score: 7.5

By: Bradley Johnson

I have very sensitive hearing. I've been using a pair of Surefire SP4 Sonic Defenders for a while now. They work great (much better than the foam disposable type), and as a 13856405663_1f545d83b2_b n in-ear form of protection, they don't interfere with my cheek weld. However, I don't like plugging my ears. I wanted to be able to instruct (and hear) my friends and family who are new to shooting, and also have the comfort of an over-the-ear type of protection. I decided on the Caldwell E-Max Low Profile hearing protection.

They are comfortable to wear. They fit nicely over my ears, and adjusted to my head shape/size. They include an input jack for an iPod, etc if you like to listen to music. They require 2 AAA batteries (not included), so make sure to keep extra on hand.

When used as directed, they work pretty well. The softer sounds (eg. voices) are magnified, and the louder sounds (eg. gunshots) are dampened. There is a volume knob to control the amount of volume. However, they did not work as well as I would have liked. I found it uncomfortable to my ears, and after about 5 rounds, I switched back to my Surefires. I read the instructions, which state that they will only work with "a proper fit". A proper fit means that the ear muffs cover the entire ear without interruption from eye protection. Well...who shoots without eye protection!? I also noticed some lag in the noise cancellation.

As you can see, the eye protection clearly intersects the hearing protection. I wanted to like this product, but it failed miserably. What's the use of wearing these if I still have to wear foam plugs underneath them? Overall, I think that these earmuffs work as described when used as directed. However, they did not meet my expectations.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Amplifies low level sound. Blocks high level sound.

Target Market: Competitive shooter, recreational shooter

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Noise cancellation
Magnification depending on Db

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Caldwell E-Max Low Profile Electronic Hearing Protection is available in pink, green, and Mossy Oak.

What others are saying?: “For years, I have always assumed that quality electronic hearing protection was beyond what most people were willing to spend. Most electronic ear muffs seemed to start around $150 and go up from there. After buying the Caldwell E-MAX electronic hearing protection, I know that there is a high-quality, reasonably priced alternative.” - Richard Johnson, Guns Holsters and Gear

Price Point: