The digital muffs include Variable Suppression Time to reduces echo, and low-profile cups don’t interfere with cheekweld when shooting long guns. The benefit is a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 decibels. $80 (Photo by Michael Anschuetz)
November 15, 2022
By Richard Nance
Electronic hearing protection options have rapidly improved and expanded within the last 20 years. There have been manufacturing and technology advancements, but the public has become aware and concerned with their health and safety measures. Introduced in 1972, 3M’s E-A-R foam earplugs offered a 33 decibel (dB) rating at that time; that’s high considering the average foam plug ranges 15 to 30 dB. However, plugs can make hearing conversations and range commands challenging, especially for those who are already hearing impaired. Hence, it’s no surprise that we are seeing an increasing number of shooters use a combination of ear plugs and electronic hearing protection for maximum benefit. The earmuff — the concept was invented in 1873 for winter warmth — and plug work well together to protect a person’s hearing. However, Peltor Sport’s electronic technology reduces background noise for clear conversations and hearing of commands.
Even for shooters who prefer to only wear earmuffs, the Peltor Sport Tactical 100 suppresses harmful gunshot noise while amplifying low-level sounds.
From wearing vintage earmuffs to using expensive tactical communication headsets, I’ve used just about every make and model of electronic hearing protection as an active police officer and a gunwriter. For most shooters, the right product is often in between extremes. In my opinion, that’s where the Peltor Sport Tactical 100 fits.
Comfort If you’ve ever worn earmuffs all day at the range, you know that if they are quickly engineered, the ear cups are uncomfortable or the head strap squeezes with too much pressure, which can cause a headache. Peltor Sport’s Tactical 100 includes soft ear cushions that seal nicely to keep the noise out — and your head doesn’t feel like it’s in a vise. The padded headband is also intuitively adjustable.
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Comfort, convenience and quality are enhanced by cushioned ear cups, an external compartment for two AAA batteries and recessed microphones. (Photo by Michael Anschuetz) Functionality The Peltor Sport Tactical 100 is powered by two AAA batteries, which are readily accessible from an external battery door. The system is turned on and off by a rotating volume control knob on the right cup. The unit also includes a 3.5mm audio cable, which can be plugged into the bottom of the right cup to use with a digital device such as a smartphone or transceiver.
The headset beeps when powered on. When the battery is low, the unit beeps three times. An additional warning occurs as the unit powers down to indicate that the batteries need to be changed.
To preserve battery life, the Peltor Sport Tactical 100 features a 2-hour auto shut-off that’s preceded by one beep every second for 10 seconds. Adjusting the volume control resets the auto shut-off function.
One of the most impressive features is called “Variable Suppression Time.” It helps to reduce echo when shooting indoors. There are three suppression time levels; there is a beep as you increase or reduce the volume. The shortest suppression time is achieved when the volume is at its lowest level. This enables you to hear speech more quickly as compared to the two longer suppression times.
Recessed microphones in each cup work to minimize wind noise, and the Adaptive Frequency Response feature reduces background noise for clearer speech recognition. Being able to hear what a person is saying is not only a convenience while at the range, it enhances safety.
If you’re looking for comfortable, quality electronic hearing protection, find your own pair of the Peltor Sport Tactical 100 .
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