Active headphones for shooting: rating of the best and selection rules

The phrase "headphones for hunting" sounds very strange. People who are far from hunting may not understand at all what it is about and what these unusual devices are in which people go to hunt. However, among those who are closely fond of such a pastime, there is an active debate about whether such accessories are needed or whether it is a waste of money. In today's article, we will look at what active shooting headphones are, why they are needed and how to choose them.

Active hunting headphones have several very important characteristics that affect the overall health of the hunter. Headphones should not be uncomfortable, otherwise it will distract from the hunt, and unnecessary body movements to constantly correct them can unmask the position. Good headphones should allow you to correctly understand the direction of the sound source. The perception of the environment is very important - if a person does not understand from which side a particular sound is heard in relation to him, this can disorient the hunter. This factor is vital to consider when hunting. If a participant in this event does not understand from which side the production and other arrows are from him, then he can easily get into the line of fire, which in turn can lead to tragic consequences.

The size of the "ears" of the headphones should not be very large. When, for some reason, it is necessary to remove the accessory for a while, 99% of people will move the headphones from head to neck with one movement of their hand. This movement is quite logical and convenient. It takes only 1-2 seconds, which is very fast when compared to taking it off and folding it into a pocket or travel bag. It is on the neck that the headphones should not interfere too much with the rotation of the head.

The main task of active headphones is to protect the hearing organs from excessive noise during a shot. Headphones create a muffling effect for a certain period of time during a shot. However, they do not work like earplugs, in which nothing is heard at all. Rustle, steps and speech are perceived by the wearer of this accessory quite normally. Hunters and experienced shooters know for sure that active headphones are not always (but in certain cases) necessary. They will be required in such cases:

• during a night hunt, they will help to hear the approach of prey;
• people with hearing impairments will also be able to successfully use this device and receive the necessary audio information;
• when hunting from an ambush, owners of active headphones will be able to communicate freely with each other and, if necessary, the accessory will protect their ears from the sound of a large number of shots;
• while hunting from a shelter (hut or dugout), being in them, viewing is limited, and the approach of prey can only be judged by the sounds around.

But such a device has certain disadvantages and conditions in which the expediency of their use disappears. In the winter season, their meaning is lost, since they run on batteries. In the cold, the batteries are discharged very quickly, and the headphones pass from a useful accessory to the "excess weight" category. In addition, it is undesirable to wear such headphones too often or for a long time.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular active headphones for shooting and hunting.

This headphone model is used not only for hunting. This device is actively used by builders. The headboard is equipped with a mount that can be fixed on various helmets. Their noise reduction level is lower - from 50 dB, and the output sound power is 30 dB. Such indicators do not correspond to the values ​​that are needed for hunting use. They will not drown out the sound of a shot in full, but they will be able to protect their ears from the noise of a jackhammer or grinder.

Although these headphones are more suitable for construction workers, they can be used at the shooting range or at the shooting range if necessary. They are equipped with the ability not only to damp the sound, but also to amplify it. It will not be difficult to hear people's conversations, but at the same time, you will not have to experience discomfort from too loud sounds. This headphone model does not put pressure on the head as it attaches directly to a helmet or helmet.

Active headphones cannot boast of compactness, however, this model is one of the smallest. Thanks to the soft fabric headband and the absence of a rigid body, a compact design is achieved. Folded for carrying, the earbuds are quickly brought into working order. Thanks to the soft holder, the described headphones can be worn under the headgear, which is simply necessary during bad weather on the hunt. One of the advantages of this model is the subtle volume control on both sides, each equipped with an independent amplifier. The ability to customize a separate "ear" will come in handy for people whose hearing in one ear is worse than the other. This will allow you to customize the headphones to suit your needs in order to better hear the situation around.

It should be noted that these headphones also have a significant drawback. The sound in them is positioned as stereo (that is, on 2 sides).

A headphone model developed by an American company specifically for hunting. The described type of headphones is able to enhance the perception of sounds so much that you can hear the rustle of grass a hundred meters away. In this case, the shot will be felt within 27 dB, which is not considered a loud sound.

A good seal will not let extraneous noise under the headphones. These products from the renowned brand have high quality electronics and increased sensitivity. In addition, the design includes amplifiers and sound suppressors, but the device has a small size, which is very important during long-term use and transportation.

Such headphones are widespread not only in hunting conditions, but also in shooting ranges. This model was made for shooting. In this regard, the developers have made the main emphasis on maximum noise reduction. The described headphones do an excellent job with this task. Any noise above 85 dB is attenuated to a comfortable 27 dB. The fit to the head is so tight that even with the noise canceling turned off, the sounds of the shots will seem much quieter. This model uses only 2 microphones, which is poorly suited for hunting applications (except when hunting is carried out from an ambush).

Amplification of sound on such a model is not done in the best way, this is due to a narrow direction in application. People's conversations will be heard well, but the sounds of sneaking prey will not be so distinguishable.

If you decide to purchase a similar accessory for hunting or shooting, then you should approach it very carefully and responsibly. Otherwise, after the very first tests in real conditions, there will be a desire to change the unsuccessfully chosen model. As with any other technology, active headphones have their own nuances of choice. Let's take a look at the most important parameters to consider in order to choose the right hunting headphones for you.

As previously described, sound perception is vital for any hunter. When choosing such an accessory for yourself, pay special attention to this parameter. Inspection and testing can be done at the store. Select a sound source (TV, radio), and if nothing of this was found in the store, you can simply turn on the music on your phone and change your position from the sound source. In this case, there should be no sound distortion. Changes can be noticed during a conversation. It is desirable that the headphones have the ability to adjust the sound.

When using an electrical design to amplify or suppress sound, there may be some delay in the operation of the device. Ideally, it shouldn't be. But if it is still present, its value should be as small as possible. This parameter applies not only to the transmission of sounds that need to be suppressed, but also to those that need to be amplified.

It so happens that headphones amplify some sound, but it will be impossible to understand what it is, who issued it and where. Therefore, such a parameter as sensitivity is very important when choosing. It is desirable that the model be equipped with the ability to adjust this property. In this case, it will be much easier to adjust the headphones to your hearing.

The more durable the structure and the more degrees of protection it has, the longer it will last. Good headphones are equipped with a battery box protector, which makes it possible to use them in wind and rain without the possibility of moisture, dust and dirt getting into the electrical part. The material from which the headphones are made must be of high quality.

The plastic half of the ear piece should be made of good and strong material that will not break during the first frost. The soft part of the structure should be made of materials that do not absorb moisture and are resistant to mechanical stress.

Comfortable headphones are a great addition to your outfit, but you need to choose the right one. The devices should fit snugly and not fall off the head while shaking, but at the same time, do not squeeze the head too much. Planting density plays a key role in the selection. When hunting, you often have to overcome rough terrain very quickly, and it is extremely inconvenient to hold a gun with one hand and headphones with the other. Also, they should not interfere with the wearing of a headdress, which is simply necessary for hunting, even in summer.

It is necessary to purchase such a device only in specialized stores with a long-term positive reputation. There you can not only find a quality product with a guarantee, but also take advantage of the help of experienced sellers who will help you make the right choice. Besides, in such establishments, you can always ask to show you the quality certificate for the selected product in order to make sure that it is safe and meets all the requirements. If for some reason they could not show you this document, then it is better to refuse to buy goods in this store.

It is highly undesirable to purchase hunting headphones in the markets and in other questionable establishments.The likelihood that in such a place they will sell you a cheap fake under the guise of a well-known brand is very high. In addition, you are unlikely to be able to get at least some kind of guarantee from such a seller.

In the next video, you will find a detailed review of the Howard Leight Impact Sport shooting active headphones.