Gear Review: Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs

Sep 17th, 2009 | By | Category: Gear Review

[starreviewmulti id=1 tpl=31 style=’darkness’ size=’12’ average_size=’20’]Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic EarmuffsHearing protection on the range is extremely important. I know from experience that once the damage is done, it’s done. I picked up a set of Howard Leight Impact™ Sport Electronic Earmuffs from the local sporting goods store. These were branded Field and Stream and I paid a significant premium for the logo. I found the Howard Leight brand online between $40-$50. The Field and Stream branded version cost $70.

Short Description

The Howard Leight Impact™ Sport Electronic Earmuffs are extremely low profile earmuffs that will comfortably fit under an Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).  They come packaged with 2 AAA batteries and a cable to connect a radio, mp3 player or other audio device.  Weight is a manageable 10.25 oz.

According to Howard Leight’s website the Impact Sport has a NRR of 25 and automatically shut off the electronic amplification at 82 db. These specifications are in line with or better than other earmuffs we have used. Additionally, the Impact Sport has an auxiliary input that is allows easy integration to you radio speaker. The nice thing is the radio volume controls the volume in the headset. The headset also has an automatic shut off of the electronics after four hours to preserve battery life.

Competition

Peltor Communications – Tactical 6-S, NRR 19, 8.8 oz. $90 online

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs Folded for StorageHow and where we use hearing protection

  • On the range

What we think

I have used these on the range for about six months and have not had any issues with them. They are completely comfortable over my Oakley M -Frames and I still get a good seal with the ear-cups. I have had issues with cheap earmuffs not fitting correctly over my shooting glasses. My 10-year-old likes to connect these to iPod while cutting grass. The Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs exceeded my expectation.

The Impact Sport is an exceptional value especially when compared to other electronic earmuffs.

Pros

  • Low Cost
  • Slim Design
  • Good auto quality
  • Good audio amplification

Cons

  • Overpaid for the F&S logo – but still much less expensive than competing brands
  • Occasional audio clamping caused some undesired muffling
  • Included instructions were lacking in detail
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Article by Lee

Website: http://aggdefsol.com

Lee retired from the U.S Army in 2008 as a First Sergeant where he saw combat action during both Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He led a physical security detachment in Central America; subsequently, ran a law and order detachment in Europe. Post 9/11 he was detailed with installation physical security which included both military and DA police training and operations, local and state law enforcement liaison.

One comment
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  1. Mike November 19th, 2009 10:53 pm

    I just ordered a pair and they should arrive tomorrow. I got them on Amazon for $25 because of a gift card. So it’s a pretty good deal. Thanks for the review, I really look forward to trying them out!