Peltor Tactical 6s or Howard Leight Impact Sport

**mich3210** · 03-08-2011, 11:35 PM

Okay guys... I'm finally going to drop some money on some entry level electronic hearing protection. I know there are better sets for more money, but I'm on a budget. I know when shooting inside I'll probably need to double up and use both ear plugs and the ear muffs. However I shoot as much as I should or want to, so it's not a big problem.

What are your opinions between these two? I've read some suggestions in a few other posts and the Howard Leight's seem to get the majority of the recommendations. Thanks!

**Jeff** · 03-08-2011, 11:37 PM

Never used the Leights but my Tac 6s muffs have been working fine for about 2 years. I've had to change the batteries about 10 times (not form leaving them on) so I guess I use them a lot. No complaints.

**mich3210** · 03-08-2011, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by darkvibe

Never used the Leights but my Tac 6s muffs have been working fine for about 2 years. I've had to change the batteries about 10 times (not form leaving them on) so I guess I use them a lot. No complaints.

I read some reviews online about the the batteries being hard to change and them breaking in the process. Sounds like this hasn't been a problem for you. Were those comments about needing to double up on hearing protection when shooting indoors correct? Do they seem to work sufficiently outdoors?

I'm planning on trying to take some training classes this year with both RPD and one other local organization, so they'll hopefully see quite a bit of use this year.

**Jeff** · 03-08-2011, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by mich3210

I read some reviews online about the the batteries being hard to change and them breaking in the process. Sounds like this hasn't been a problem for you. Were those comments about needing to double up on hearing protection when shooting indoors correct? Do they seem to work sufficiently outdoors?

I'm planning on trying to take some training classes this year with both RPD and one other local organization, so they'll hopefully see quite a bit of use this year.

Yeah, I've used mine outdoors with pistol, rifle matches with lots of .308 and carbine classes with lots of .223. No issues. Indoors they're fine with 9mm, .40, .45, etc... when I shoot. They're a bit loud when someone shoots next to me indoors though. I just double up when that's the case. You can still hear voices well.

I've never broken mine changing the batteries. I think they break if you use a knife or screwdriver to pry the ear cup off. I stick my finger inside the ear cup and yank it off with my fingers. So far it's worked fine for me.

Definitely get some electronic muffs for training. It's so much better when you can hear without taking them on and off between every string of fire.

**tinker** · 03-09-2011, 07:01 AM

I have been running the Leights for about a year and a half with no problems. Once you get a set of electronics, you will wonder why it took you so long.
I have used mine both inside and outside and like Jeff said, for indoors you will want to double it up with a set of plugs.

**VTLO910** · 03-09-2011, 10:12 AM

I've heard good on both... I have a set of Howard Leights and love them... I also like that they are low profile and don/t mess with my cheek weld when shooting rifle...

**Quackers543** · 03-09-2011, 05:00 PM

I own a set of Howard Leights and am very pleased. I would recommend a set of in ear plugs if you are shooting indoors though. I have never had any issues with mine and they get plenty of use.

**VRI Tactical** · 03-09-2011, 07:16 PM

I also use the Tac 6 and I am very happy with them. I have used them indoors on multiple occasions during training classes with up to 12 people. One weekend was a two day class with the round count at about 1000rds per shooter. I did not use any additional plugs and my hearing did not feel stressed at all. Just my two cents.

**Les** · 03-10-2011, 07:37 AM

If the physical size of the muffs doesn't matter to you, the Peltor Tac 7 are great. They have better noise suppression than the Tac 6, I've tried both and I bought the Tac 7 because of that, no need for additional plugs even inside with big bore handguns. Had mine a year now and have yet to change the batteries. I use them two nights a week plus the occasional weekend.

**mich3210** · 03-10-2011, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by GreytSilly

If the physical size of the muffs doesn't matter to you, the Peltor Tac 7 are great. They have better noise suppression than the Tac 6, I've tried both and I bought the Tac 7 because of that, no need for additional plugs even inside with big bore handguns. Had mine a year now and have yet to change the batteries. I use them two nights a week plus the occasional weekend.

Physical size doesn't not matter as much as price. I'd love to spend $125+ on a pair of really good muffs, but I just don't have it right now. Plus, for the amount of use that they might get I can't justify it. I'd rather spend less and have to double up indoors if needed.

I ended up going with a pair of Howard Leights. If I don't like them then I'll try a pair of Tac 6s.

**mich3210** · 03-15-2011, 09:51 PM

My Howard Leight's showed up today. Quality seems pretty good for the price, but I'm not sure if I like the way they fit on my head. It took me a little while to get them to make a good seal. They sealed on the top fine, but don't seem to have enough strength to make a perfect seal on the bottom. I'll be trying them out this weekend for some training I'll be doing. If I don't like them then I'll be picking up a set of Peltor Tac 6s to see if I like the fitment of those better. I'll report back.

**mich3210** · 03-20-2011, 08:50 PM

Well I used the Howard Leights for about 4 hours during some Defense Handgun training I took on Saturday. The worries that I had about not getting a good seal were quickly put to rest. They worked great. I was able to hear all the instructions and didn't have to worry about taking my hearing protection on and off. There were 4 of us in the training, 2 of us shooting .45 and 2 others shooting .40. I didn't feel the need to use any additional ear plugs, though I had them with me just in case. I think they work great, and you can't beat the price. I would recommend them to anyone looking to get their first set of electronic muffs.

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations!