SureFire updated their popular EarPro line of passive hearing protection. The new line of EarPro Sonic Defenders now come with a 26″ polymer lanyard to help you keep track of them.
I’ve never used the SureFire EarPro plugs before, but I have a friend who swears by them. It seems the ear plugs block noise via a Hocks Noise Brake filter that passively reduces loud noise, but still allows normal sounds to pass through. If you want to shut down all noise, you close a small plug on the ear plugs.
Shutting the plug takes the noise reduction to 24 dB. No noise reduction numbers are provided for the “open” mode. I would imagine quite a bit noise makes its way into the ear, but even a 10 dB reduction can be a big help.
I imagine the EarPro Sonic Defenders would be good for anyone who needs unimpeded hearing, but anticipates the possibility of gunfire. SWAT teams pop to mind, as do hunters and soldiers in the field.
From SureDire:
EP3 Sonic Defenders protect your hearing without interfering with your ability to hear routine sounds or conversations. Their double-flange-stem design fits most people and provides a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24dB. Sounds, at safe levels, are allowed to pass through into the ear canal, while potentially harmful noises (above 85dB) are reduced via a proprietary design that incorporates the patented Hocks Noise Braker® filter. EP3s include attached stopper plugs, which can be inserted for further protection and blocking out lower-level noise, like that heard on a plane, where hearing ambient sounds or conversations isn’t critical. The right/left color-coded Sonic Defenders are made from a soft but durable, hypoallergenic polymer and are ergonomically shaped, with an adjustable-stem design, providing a secure fit, all-day comfort, and extended product life (3 to 6+ months, depending on usage and care). And their low-profile design means they can be worn while wearing a helmet or mask, or while using a phone or headset. Available in clear or black.
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We tried a few sets for our SWAT team. We were looking for a compact hearing protector that would also allow us the ability to communicate on operations normally.
We found that the “normal” conversation ability wasn’t quite there. Although better than foam or other hearing protection that blocks all noise, the Surefire Sonic Defenders still hampered some normal conversation. Similar to foam protectors, just not as much blockage as foam. Noise protection from shooting was acceptable however, and the compact size was very nice. Better than trying to cram a helmet over low profile ear muffs.
The bigger issue for us was that the hole in the middle did not accept our radio connectors. We use a very similar product for patrol duties that allows us to plug our portable radios into the ear piece (like the Secret Service uses). That way we can hear radio traffic, but people standing near us cannot. Had the Sonic Defenders been able to accept that adapter they would have been a huge hit.
Still a good product though – great for range days.