Peltor Headphones Review

Shooters, hunters, builders need special anti-noise devices that can protect the health of their ears and hearing. For example, the loudness of claps when fired from a hunting firearm can be up to 120 dB, which is unacceptably dangerous for the inner ear and the health of the human nervous system.

Passive and active headphones are used to reduce the exposure to high-frequency annoying noises to an acceptable safe value of 80-90 dB. Passive headphones are very strong noise suppressors, and it is impossible to hear quieter ambient sounds in them.

To solve this problem, active headphones were created. Their design made it possible not only to reduce the volume when firing and other sharp loud sounds, but also to increase the effect of quiet sounds, making it possible to negotiate with the team, the instructor. You can even hear the rustle of leaves and the crackle of branches in them when animals approach. Active headphones have other advantages, as they protect the ears not only from noise, but also from moisture, bacteria and fungi growth.

To make it easier to navigate the wide range of the company, below are presented for familiarization with the most "brilliant" brand models according to the users' version.

They are the most expensive active headphones from the brand. To protect against dangerous noise, these headphones have a corresponding design of cups made of plastic and wood with an additional foam layer to provide better sound insulation... They are capable drown out any passive sound, while reducing the impact by 26 dB. The device is equipped with multiple front-facing microphones for meeting participants.

One of the main advantages is the possibility of long-term operation (up to 600 hours) without recharging. The headphones are powered by 2 AAA batteries and can automatically turn off when idle to save power.

A more budgetary model is the flagship anti-noise headphones. A very convenient device for working with small arms. The noise reduction coefficient is 21 dB, that is, when firing, the device reduces the effect of sounds to an acceptable value of 80 dB. The duration of active work without recharging or replacing batteries is 300 hours. The headphones are equipped with a 35 mm audio input for connecting external devices.

There is a switch on one of the cups, which is needed both to turn on the headphones and to set the automatic volume.

The design of the earbuds is very ergonomic, which makes them easy to fold - they take up very little space. For fastening on the head, there is the possibility of adjusting the length of the headband. The ear cushions are quite soft. The disadvantages of the headphones are a rather large amount of side noise and a slight delay on the first shot after switching on.

Another inexpensive headphones from this brand that have increased functionality for standard active headphones. They have complete damping of high-frequency sounds thanks to the equipment of the cups with two-layer noise insulation.

The main advantage of this particular device is maximum comfort declared by the manufacturer during prolonged wear, because the rollers are made of soft materials, the outer side of which is made of eco-leather. This model is available in several colors, including bright ones to attract attention and increased visibility when working, for example, at road repair facilities.

It is worth paying attention to another equally common model of this manufacturer - the functional Peltor Tactical 6S headphones. Surrounding impulse sounds, dangerous to hearing, are instantly blocked due to a sufficiently high noise isolation (coefficient - 19 dB). The presence of multiple directional microphones not only provides a source of quiet sounds, but also guarantees communication between other hunters or employees during construction work.

Unlike other devices presented above, Peltor Tactical 6S operates on 4 AAA batteries, continuous operation time - 250 hours. The process of changing the batteries is not very convenient, since it is not enough to simply remove the battery compartment cover, you will have to make a complete disassembly. Also disadvantages are the impossibility of automatic shutdown and the lack of a connector for connecting radio stations, players and other devices.

To select the most suitable active headphones, there are several factors to consider.

• Appointment. Despite the fact that all active headphones perform the same noise isolation function, models for shooting on a shooting range, in the forest or for carrying out hazardous work can vary significantly.
• NNR coefficient. This factor indicates the maximum level of noise reduction. It works in the following way: the given coefficient is subtracted from the loudness of the applied noise, as a result of which a real sound is obtained that the ear hears. The higher the noise reduction ratio, the quieter the resulting noise will sound. This characteristic is most important when choosing a device, since it is a guarantee of hearing protection. It must be remembered that a loudness level of up to 95 dB is permissible without harm to health.
• The quality and quantity of microphones. Microphones are needed in order to pick up low-frequency sounds (conversations of people, noise from approaching animals, insects). It is desirable that the directivity of the microphones can be adjusted.
• Ergonomic... For professionals, absolutely everything is important: the weight of the device, its dimensions, the ability to easily fold, compactness, access to the battery compartment. Obviously, lighter and more compact headphones will be much more comfortable to carry and wear on your head.
• Convenience. Good active headphones should not cause discomfort with prolonged use, so the desired characteristics will be the softness of the ear cushions, the ability to adjust the length of the headband, and a design that will not squeeze anything. In this case, the headphones should protect from wind, rain, dirt in the ears.
• Additional functions. Simple active headphones can be supplemented with various accessories, making them a multifunctional device. For example, they can be equipped with a 35 mm jack for connecting multimedia devices. Functionality can also be manifested in the ability to change the color of the cups. More expensive models are equipped with an automatic shutdown function after prolonged inactivity, as well as switching the noise isolation mode.
• Economical energy consumption... This includes not only the automatic control of the operating time, but also the operating time without recharging.Most headphones run on 2 or 4 "little finger" batteries.

The presence or absence of any of the above parameters always corresponds to the value of the goods. The most expensive headphones are those that are fully adjustable and have a higher NNR ratio.

For a video review of the Peltor Rangeguard headphones, see below.