Hi...looking for an electronic pair of ear muffs for the wife,for Christmas. Just looking for the pros and cons...don't know much about them. And which pair would you recommend . Thanks

Like anything, you pretty much get what you pay for. I've had good luck with the Howard Leight Impact Sport, but I wear earplugs in conjunction with them. Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 22 dB) Green

If you have big bucks to spend, I'd consider these Pro Ears. I don't think that there are better electronic muffs made. Pro Ears ProSlim Gold Electronic Earmuffs (NRR 28 dB)

I have a pair of Howard Leight 'Impact Sport's and a pair of Peltor Tactical 6-5's. They both seem to perform equally as far as noise protection and voice amplification.

Howard Leight 'Impact Sport'

Pro's:
Only require 2 AAA batteries
Battery access from the outside
Automatic shut off
Low profile

Cons:
I lost the exterior battery compartment cover
Bulkier than the Peltors.

Peltor 'Tactical 6-5'
Pros:
Compact size, while being worn and when folded up. They don't take up much room in a range bag.
Separate volume controls for each ear.
Thats pretty much it unless you like the gray instead of the green.

Cons:
Require 4 AAA batteries
You have to snap out the ear pads to replace 2 batteries per side
No automatic shut off as far as I can tell.
I remember to turn them off probably half the time. Always have to carry lots of spare batteries.

For me, the Leights win this battle hands down. Plus they retail for $10 less. A few of my kids and grandkids are getting them for Christmas.

I have no experience with any others out there on the market.

If you can afford to go first class, Pro Ears.
I hear better with them on than without, and the 33dB cutoff damping is superior.

__________________
Science plus Art

We must all shop at the same place... I've got the impact sports as well. Seem to do pretty good, they work well enough that I'm not willing to pay more for a higher end pair, I don't think they would be that advantageous over the howard leight

I've been using the Caldwell brand (purchased from Cabelas) for several years now without any problems. We use them with plugs for the indoor range, and just by themselves for outdoors use, including hunting.

Regards,

Dave