From construction workers to hunters, a proper quality hearing protector is usually a must-have. Peltor RangeGuard and Howard Leight will often come up in your search for the best so here is an insightful review on these two to find out which one is the best for you.
Years ago, I got into hunting. The thrill and solitude that comes with being out there in the open looking for game is unmatched. One of the must-haves when out shooting is proper hearing protection. After being frustrated by the many models in the market ranging from breathable ones to those are tiny, I have known quite a bit about them. So after much research and testing, I came up with Peltor RangeGuard and Howard Leight as the top contenders. Which then between the two is best?
What are the differences between Peltor RangeGuard and Howard Leight?
Name of device |
Peltor RangeGuard |
Howard Leight |
Average Noise Reduction
Rating |
21 dB |
25dB |
Comfort |
Well-padded headband and ear cushions for long periods of wear
|
Gel cups and an adjustable headband for a non-slip fit |
Communication
Response |
Amplify low-level sounds for vocal communication |
Amplifies conversation, range commands and other low sounds |
Battery Type |
2 AAA |
2 AAA |
Additional
Features |
4 hour auto switch off, low battery warning, 3.5mm audio input jack |
Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack |
Availability |
Peltor RangeGuard vs. Howard Leight- How do they compare?
Noise Reduction Ratings
This is a crucial feature to look at because it determines the kind of hearing protection you can get. Howard Leight has a noise reduction rating of 25 dB while Peltor Rangeguard delivers on 21 dB making Howard the best option. Howard’s noise reduction rating allows you to enjoy maximum protection by minimizing the effect of harmful sounds from various machineries. It has also added bass delight which improves the sync experience. Peltor on the other hand is notenough for indoor shooting or high caliber shooting. For added protection, consider layering up with ear plugs underneath the Peltor Rangeguard headset.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Shooting and hunting all require a comfortable headset especially if you have them on for long periods of wear. When it comes to Peltor, itscomfort is the best feature of this headset.The ear seals are made of comfy material that remain sealed providing protection as they also cushion your head. You can also opt having gel cups added on to them. The overall weight and design on Peltor Rangeguard also make it light and easy on the head. You can easily forget you even had them on.Howard Leight on the flipside is easy on the head and lightweight but still effective in protecting your ears. Peltor still guarantees a better experience though with its padded headband for added cushioning.
External Communication using the Headsets
Both Peltor Rangeguard and Howard Leight are fitted with electrical components to offer great sound quality and communication response. Peltor Rangeguard is fitted with 2 recessed microphones to give you stereo sound. Actual audio quality on the range is impressive enough that it is generally easy to have a conversation and listen to different sounds when wearing these muffs. For Howard Leight, they are fitted with a 3.5mm audio jack and a cable so that you can be able to connect it to your phone or mp3 player. The cable is quite long measuring 6ft making the use of it easy. This feature makes the Howard not only a protective gear but also a good headset for communication response.
Peltor RangeGuard vs. Howard Leight- A Comparison Overview
Peltor RangeGuard
- Power Source Type: Battery-Powered
- Included Components: Earmuffs
With a noise reduction rating of 21 dB you can easily tell why Peltor RangeGuard has made it to our list but that is not all there is to it. It has an AUX jack, 4-hour automatic shut off battery and a comfortable headband for a snug fit.
You also get the 3M technology that is designed for superior performance for both hunters and shooters. They protect you from the loud noise of a gunshot while still allowing you to carry on conversing with people around you. As for its design, Peltor RangeGuard weighs 10.1oz and measures 10 x 6 x 5 inches so while it might not be the lightest hearing protectors out there, they are still ideal for hunters and gun range shooters. They also have a low profile ear cup design making them comfortable with a wide range of rifles.
Peltor RangeGuard is also fitted with a whole range of accessories that makes it shine out here. For example, Peltor range guard runs on 2 AAA batteries where the battery compartment is on one ear on the ear cups. The battery door is external and easy to open in case you need to change the batteries. There is also an improved feature where it has a 4-hour auto shut off, so if you forget to switch it off, it will go off by itself. It also gives a low battery warning to avoid any inconvenience.
Pros
- Well designed for comfort both indoors and outdoors
- Shuts off automatically
- Comes with an audio jack
Cons
- Does not have Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- A tad heavy
Howard Leight
- 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 is among one of the most satisfactory ear muffs in the market. It has a cool fresh design that is definitely up to date and the headband it has a chic pattern. This sleek design makes them attractive as they look like the stereo headphones rather than a protective gear that helps cancel or lower any hazardous sounds.
With this product you not only get protection but also entertainment as you can play music using the audio jack. It comes in one color, black, with a few plastic finishes to achieve the overall good look. It also does measure up in terms of its other design features like its low profile ear cup design and re-engineered headband for a comfortable fit. However, these headphones are somewhat heavy for some users.
Howard Leight is also what we call plug n play earmuffs that do not require batteries or any other energy. To add, it is also durable because there are no switches or knobs on it making it less prone to damage. Howard Leight also stands out because of its patented air flow control technology and that audio devices connected to it can add and reduce the volume, power off the headphones and do song selection.
Pros
- Superior stereo quality
- Light weight ear cup design
- Patented air flow control technology
Cons
- Sturdy headband makes it uncomfortable at times
Conclusion
As you can now tell shooting or hunting can never be a completely safe experience without a proper quality hearing protector. This article has reviewed Peltor RangeGuard and Howard Leight that have been tweaked to be modern like the AUX jack featureswhile still being quality enough to protect you from loud and potentially damaging sounds like gunshots.
Final Verdict- So, which is better? Peltor RangeGuard or Howard Leight
Both Peltor Rangeguard and Howard Leight are formidable options for your hearing protection. However, when it comes down to it, I would recommend Howard Leight because of its impressive noise reduction rating as well as variety of models to choose from.
FAQ’s
Can you connect to Bluetooth with Peltor RangeGuard and Howard Leight?
Sadly, this feature is not made available with Peltor RangeGuard so you cannot connect it to Bluetooth. As for Howard Leight you can connect it to Bluetooth.
Should I go for a particular color of headsets?
Well, it all depends on where you want to use them. For hunting expeditions, a camouflaged pair works best while if you are in construction it is always advisable to go with bright colors.
