In the world of hearing protection devices, there are two most widely compared brands are Peltor and Howard Leight. The following article compares some of their best offerings in the market today: Peltor Tactical 100 and Howard Leight Impact Sport.
Anyone who works in loud environments knows how the uncomfortable this incessant noise can get. Not only does it mess with your ability to work, it may also affect you ears negatively. In extreme conditions, it may even cause permanent hearing loss. To protect yourself from this, you require hearing protection ear muffs such as the Peltor Tactical 100 or Howard Leight Impact Sport. These two entry-level ear muffs guarantee decent ear protection without breaking the bank. Additionally, they are wonderful for both indoor and outdoor shooting. A good set of ear muffs needs to be comfortable enough for all activities and these two devices also check this box. However, there are a few differences between them which we’ll see in the table below.
What are the differences between Impact Sport and Peltor Tactical?
Impact Sport |
Peltor Tactical 100 |
|
Noise reduction rating |
22 dB |
22 dB (decibels) |
Weight |
2.2 lbs. |
1.29 lbs. |
Comfort padding |
Padded headband |
Lightweight foam material |
Power source |
2 AAA batteries (350 hours) |
2 AAA batteries (200 hours) |
Automatic shutoff feature |
After 4 hours |
After 2 hours |
Sound activation protection rating |
82 dB |
80 dB |
Availability |
Peltor Tactical 100 Vs Impact Sport – how do they compare?
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, we considerhow well-fitting and gripping the pair of earmuffs is. In this category, the Peltor Tactical 100 offers more comfort than the Impact Sport. Peltor features a thicker and softer foam material on the headband that feels amazing against the skin. The ear cups are also deep and well-cushioned to completely seal out noise from the environment.On the other hand, Impact Sport features a low profile headband with thin covers with properly cushioned ear cups. Although comfortable, the Peltor 100 really does feel more comfortable and premium.
Design
Another important factor to look at is the design of the ear muffs. This refers to how striking and practical the design is to daily use.Peltor and Impact Sport really differ when it comes to design. While the Impact Sport goes for a tough military design, the Peltor 100 is more refined, neat and modern. Once again, the Peltor 100 is better since it is more striking and features an easily adjustable headband compared to the Impact Sport. The only plus to the Impact Sport is that it is available in nine different colors. However, the use of so much plastic makes it feel cheap. All in all, Peltor wins in design.
Battery life
The battery life is essential when it comes to electronic hearing protection. Most people that use electronic hearing protection wear them continuously for several hours a day, they should therefore have a long battery life. Here, Impact Sport offers longer battery life than the Peltor 100. It offers 350 hours against the Peltor’s200 hours. Furthermore, the two devices are both powered by 2 AAA batteries. The Impact Sport comes with the batteries in the package while the Peltor which is a great additional plus for the Howard Leight product.
Sound activation rating
Sound activation rating refers to the noise level at which when exceeded, amplification of ambient sounds is shut off. This means that the lower the rating, the better the ear muffs are. Peltor once again takes the win against the Impact Sport since it has a lower rating. With the 80 decibel rating, sounds below it are amplified to 80 and sounds exceeding are automatically reduced keeping your ears safer. The Impact Sport on the other hand has an 82 decibel rating which is also great. The lower rating on the Peltor however is better and provides a great user experience.
Peltor Tactical 100 Vs Impact Sport – A comparison review
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
The Peltor 100 is a great hearing protection device that offers a decent noise reduction rating of 22 decibels. With this, loud gunshots are significantly reduced to protect the ears from damage. The ear muffs are also fitted with a pair of durable recessed microphones that do a great job in amplifying surrounding noise. This enables you to hear your colleagues properly even though the ear muffs are on. But perhaps the best feature of the Tactical 100 is its adaptive frequency response time. It’s a feature that reduces background noise adaptively for clearer conversations and hearing. It works hand in hand with the variable suppression time that reduces echoes when indoors.
Another reason the Tactical 100 is a worthy purchase is the comfort level it offers. The headband is covered in thick soft padding that feels great on your head. Furthermore, the overall design and finish is beautiful and striking. The ear cups are also quite soft and comfortable sealing off noise from the environment. When it comes to power, these ear muffs are powered by 2 AAA batteries that provide 200 hours of battery life. There’s also an automatic shutoff feature that activates after 2 hours to conserve battery.
Pros
- Decent NRR of 22 db. Is great for low caliber firearms
- Large volume dial is easy to control even in gloves
- Gel cup ear seals for better hearing protection
- Comfortable and feel great against your head
Cons
- Speakers are not really loud
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
The Impact Sport is one of the best entry-level ear muffs in the market. With a 22 decibel noise reduction rating, it offers great protection against low caliber guns. It is also known for its amazing battery life of up to 350 hours. This translates to about 6 hours of use each day on a full charge which is quite something. The Howard Leight is also quite easy to carry due to its folding design. It has a two way fold design that allows it to fold into itself into a small compact package.
For power, the Impact Sport needs 2 AAA batteries. There’s an automatic 4 hour shut off feature to conserve these batteries. These ear muffs are also really comfortable. The headbands and ear cups are well-coated with a layer of soft cushioning. Furthermore if you want to listen to music, these ear muffs come with a 3.5 mm jack and cable. Lastly, the Howard Leight Impact Sport comes is available in nine different colors.
Pros
- NRR of 22 db is great for low caliber guns
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Low energy use with a battery life of 350 hours
- Water resistant
Cons
- Thin cushioning on ear cups doesn’t seal ears properly
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Peltor and Impact Sport are great entry-level products. The Peltor is much more comfortable and offers better user experience while the Impact Sport is more budget friendly.
So which is better? Impact Sport or Peltor 100?
With all factors considered, the Peltor Tactical 100 is better than the Impact Sport. Not only does it compress sound better but is also more comfortable and portable to carry. This makes them the ideal choice for hunts.
FAQs
-
Does the Impact Sport have automatic shutoff feature?
Yes. It shuts off after four hours of inactivity
-
Does the Peltor come with batteries?
Yes. Peltor 100 comes with two AAA batteries in the package
