Mad Mike from United States, CA Public Profile

After using almost the entire surefire sonic defender line for three years, I finally think I can make an honest review.

Now granted, ear plug comfort varies from person to person, and is all about the individual. It's like buying gloves or shoes, but more important since you might cause your ear to be sore or poke your ear drum. Worse if you don't wear them properly because of a bad fit, then they do nothing to protect you.

Just as a personal preference I like using the "solid slug" or solid core plugs like the EP 5 or EP 10. I find it easier to clean and I prefer having more ear protection, then having the the convenience of being able to hear conversations just slightly better. Often times when using the EP Sonic defenders with the noise filter brakes, I often "close the hatch" on them anyway to better protect me when shooting or working near generators.

However, the reason why I stopped buying the other EP 3,EP 4 and EP 7 Sonic defenders; is that after a day of use and hanging them up, the noise filter brakes pop out and land on the floor and I've lost some. Don't have to worry about that with the EP 5 and EP 10.

I slightly favor the EP 10 now since the foam does a better job of sealing up your ear hole, while during an 8 hour shift, the EP 5 can "walk out" a little bit and need to be pushed in every couple hours or so. Also every week or so it will get dirty and stiff and need to be cleaned with hot water...soap only if you plan on multiple people using the same pair

This is definitely a step up from the under $100 models from Peltor and other brands.

I absolutely hate the Howard Leight Impact Sport, even though it's considered a great beginners hearing protection for the money, in my experience, the seal to your head can be broken so easily by simply turning your head or clenching your teeth, The Howard Leights were worthless to me. Also the Howard Leight Impact Sport's ear pads would often stick to each other and be a hassle to unstuck, almost always pop off the muffs and thus I had to reinstall them every day at work before using them; else the hearing protection is diminished.

So now, you know why I bought the Peltor Tactical Sport.

While I'll admit I bought the separate Peltor Aviation Parts & Ac: Camelback Gel Sealing Rings HY80 HY80 for $46 (which I think is a must have); out of the box with the stock foam pads, the Peltors have a better seal and thus protecting your hearing.

The Audio quality is league better than the Howard Leight and almost sounds true to life and dose not ruin your ears if the wind picks up. Only complaint is that it seems like the ear cup with the buttons and battery compartment seems to be a bit dull sounding by a few clicks compared to the opposite cup and while there is a proper way to wear them, I don't distinguish them by right or left as some people might wear them differently and with one side having sharper amplification, that might be a consideration, though maybe my set is faulty by not having eq