At gun practice or even at work, your ears can be exposed to harsh noises yet it vital to have them protected since repeated exposure can even result to hearing loss. The following is an insightful review on Howard Leight Impact Sport and Peltor Tactical 100 that are quality hearing protectors.
Every year, millions of workers and soldiers in the United States are exposed to hearing hazards. The situation is even more disturbing when you consider that noise induced hearing loss can be permanent and irreversible. The upside of it all is that it can be avoided with the help of proper hearing protection like Howard Leight Impact sport and Peltor Tactical 100. After many years of picking up hunting as a hobby, I do know quite a bit about these two as products worth the buy. Here is a look at the two to help you pick between them.
What are the differences between Howard Leight Impact Sport and Peltor Tactical 100?
Model |
Howard Leight Impact Sport |
Peltor Tactical 100 |
Average Noise Reduction
Rating |
22db |
22 dB |
Comfort |
Well-padded headband that is adjustable for a non-slip fit |
Digital with low-profile ear cups for a comfortable fit |
Communication
Response |
Amplifies low-level sounds like conversations around you up to five times |
Designed with Adaptive Frequency Response technology that helps you hear commands while muffling other background noises |
Battery Type |
2 AAA batteries that can last you up to 350 hours
|
2 AAA batteries with up to 12 hours usage |
Ideal environment |
Ideal for both indoors and outdoors with well-placed stereo microphones for amplification and control sounds up to 82 dB |
Hunting, shooting and at the range |
Availability |
Howard Leight Impact Sport vs. Peltor Tactical 100 – how do they compare?
Noise Reduction Rating
When looking for proper hearing protection, the noise reduction ratings are one of the most important factors to check out. With Howard Leight Impact Sport, it is fitted with a brand new digital compression circuitry that delivers on a .5 millisecond attack time (that interval when a sound goes above 82 dB which is considered safe and when the ear muffs pop in to lower the sound). This really fast attack time makes Howard Leight Impact Sport the better option when it comes to protecting your hearing while still maintaining enough sound for conversation around you. Peltor Tactical 100 is also fitted with 3M technology that amplifies on low level sounds like range commands but you still have your ears protected from really loud sounds. Nonetheless, Howard Leight Impact Sport has knocked it out of the park here with its noise reduction technology.
Design
Howard Leight Impact Sport weighs 3lbs and is made of synthetic material but still has a comfortable feel to it. You can get it in sleek black with hunter green ear cups. You also get a built-in AUX jack so you can play your favorite music whenever. Peltor Tactical 100 on the other hand has a revamped design that makes it the better option here. It comes with a redesigned headband with plush padding and adjustability features. Peltor Tactical 100’s entire design as well has been tweaked to make it convenient enough for long periods of wear when you are out hunting or at the gun range.
Technology
Howard Leight Impact Sport and Peltor Tactical Sport 100 deliver on protecting your hearing but do so using different technologies. With Howard Leight Impact Sport, you get 2AAA batteries that have an expected battery life of 350 hours. They are also low energy use and have an automatic shut-off feature after 4 hours to conserve battery life.Peltor Tactical 100 on the flipside has Adaptive Frequency Response technology and Variable Suspension Time. These two technologies make Peltor Tactical 100 better in this regard. Peltor also has a low battery indicator and it automatically shuts off after 2 hours to conserve the 2 AAA batteries that can be easily accessed on the battery door with tether. To add, it has a 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with 2-way radios and MP3.
Howard Leight Impact Sport vs. Peltor Tactical 100- A Comparison Overview
Howard Leight Impact Sport
- Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to a safe 82 dB,...
- Actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification when ambient sound reaches 82 dB; Noise...
- Features low profile earcups for firearm stock clearance; adjustable headband for secure fit; compact...
- Includes AUX input and 3.5 mm connection cord for MP3 players and scanners. Integrated power/volume knob
Howard Leight Impact Sport is best known for its prominent features. First, it offers a .5 millisecond attack time thanks to its digital compression circuitry. Simply put, this means that Howard Leight Impact Sport can repress right about any noise that exceeds 82 dB with its noise reduction rating of 22. Secondly, Leight Impact Sport amplifies low level frequencies around you like conversations with your fellow hunters or commands at the gun range. The recessed microphones also reduce any wind noises to give you crystal clear sound. This makes them ideal for the gun range and hunting expeditions.
As for their comfort, Howard Leight Impact Sport is as plush as they come. They are water resistant, easily foldable and adjustable. The padded headband and low profile ear cup makes them perfect for long periods of wear. Also, if you are fancy you can go for the teal colored option that looks great and is durable as well.
Pros
- Projected battery life of 350 hours
- Impressive noise reduction of 22 dB
- Comfortable and easily adjustable headband
- Comes with built-in directional microphones
Cons
- You may need to pair them with ear plugs for indoor use
Peltor Tactical 100
- NRR: 22 dB noise reduction rating IDEAL FOR both indoor and outdoor shooters and hunters
- VARIABLE SUPPRESSION TIME reduces echoes indoors
- ADAPTIVE FREQUENCY RESPONSE reduces background noise for clearer conversation and hearing of commands
- DURABLE RECESSED MICROPHONES prevent damage and reduce wind noise
With a noise reduction rating of 22 dB, Peltor Tactical 100 is a popular model in the market for the gun range, hunting expeditions and even just blocking out sounds whenever you want. It also has recessed microphones to reduce wind noise and create an immersive environment. You are also in for comfort and a snug fit with Peltor Tactical 100 as it has recently been re-designed its headband and low profile ear cups.
Peltor Tactical 100 also features the 3M technology that amplifies the low sounds around you like conversations with your fellow hunters while still protecting your ears from loud gunshot sounds. Its Adaptive Frequency Response also amplifies this feature.
Pros
- Quality noise reduction rating of 22 dB
- Comfortable enough for long stints out hunting or at the range
Cons
- Does not work with Bluetooth wireless connectivity
Conclusion
From constructor workers to going to the shooting range just as a hobby, you do need hearing protection whichever way you look at it. Guns can be really loud and you would not to risk your hearing. This article has reviewed Howard Leight Impact Sport and Peltor Tactical 100 that are good options from their amplifying features to comfort for long periods of wear.
Final Verdict- So which is better? Howard Leight Impact Sport or Peltor Tactical 100
Well, it is not easy choosing either Howard Leight Impact Sport or Peltor Tactical 100because they are both premium quality hearing protectors that are reputable in the market. However, if you had to choose just one I would go with Howard Leight Impact Sport because of its noise reduction rating, low energy battery use and reputable brand that back it up.
FAQ’s
Do these work well with full personal protective gear like glasses?
Yes they do. Peltor Tactical 100 are a tad better though because you still get a full seal even with glasses on. While they do cost more than Howard Leight, they come in handy when you have your full protective equipment.
Can you play music with ear muffs?
Yes. Most ear muffs like these come with audio jacks and Bluetooth for streaming music.
