"new" ear plug technology?

[Martin52]

I have found these to be very good - http://www.auritech.co.uk/universal-fit/shoot/

Some interesting supporting information is also on their website.

 

[normmatzen]

First, Mattin52,
These British plugs at almost $30 are similar to the Etymotic ER-20 or Ety-Plug. Only difference, the ER-20 has WAY better fidelity, the same (but more exact) 20 dB attenuation and only $10 street price.

RJTfroggy.

You didn't mention you had Etymotic blast protectors! I am guessing you bought the available custom ear tip for them. I don't know what agreement Etymotic has with the people making the impressions and ear molds, but they actually cost the dispenser a bit less than $150, at least the ear mold labs I have dealt with.

If I were you, the first thing I would do is call Etymotic on the land line and explain your lack of satisfaction with the custom ear molds. The second thing I would do is get out the original box and try the included ear tips till you find a pair that both fits you and works well at the range. I will bet the grey foamie will work the best, but they get grungy quick. I use the white three flanged silicone tips.

Pleas PM me after you call Etymotic! I still know those folks and have some clout if you are still unhappy.

 

[Martin52]

First, Mattin52,
These British plugs at almost $30 are similar to the Etymotic ER-20 or Ety-Plug. Only difference, the ER-20 has WAY better fidelity, the same (but more exact) 20 dB attenuation and only $10 street price.

Thanks, I appreciate the comment. I am going to try them under my electronic muffs. There are quite a number of ER-20 plugs on Amazon - are these what you are referring to:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044DEESS/?tag=accuratescom-20

Just noticed the Etymotic site says the ETY PLUG is not suitable for shooting.
http://www.etymotic.com/consumer/hearing-protection/er20hd.html

 

[normmatzen]

The ER-20 plugs are available on Amazon but are probably cheaper on ebay.

Etymotic has a policy of only selling from their web site for MSRP so they don't step on their distributors, as a lot of companies do. The distributors, like those on ebay and myself 10 years ago when I had a web site called TheEarPlugGuy where I sold ER-20 plugs for $10 with free shipping, can sell for whatever they want!

Etymotic does not recommend using the ER-20 for shooting as the attenuation is only 20 dB. However using them under muffs is a different matter! Muffs are actually un-safe by them self as the models popular with shooters have a maximum protection of about 28 dB. With ER-20 plugs under them, the attenuation jumps to 38 dB or higher and fidelity is still good.

 

[Martin52]

Etymotic does not recommend using the ER-20 for shooting as the attenuation is only 20 dB. However using them under muffs is a different matter! Muffs are actually un-safe by them self as the models popular with shooters have a maximum protection of about 28 dB. With ER-20 plugs under them, the attenuation jumps to 38 dB or higher and fidelity is still good.

ok,that clears it up, thanks Norm.