Hearing protection while shooting is a must. Like many of my generation, I seldom used any sort of hearing protection as a youth even when shooting a 12 gauge shotgun or a .357 revolver. It simply wasn’t on our radar of things to worry about. The chart below illustrates hearing loss in the left ear – which would be typical for a right-handed shooter as the left ear is cocked towards the muzzle blast. Pro Ears Predator Gold ear muffs are the solution.
My first attempt to protect my hearing was with the cheap multi-packs of foam earplugs. These generally have a Noise Reduction Rating of 30+ and do a good job of suppressing the sound blast. The downside is that it is difficult to clearly hear anything or anyone. Being able to suppress dangerous noise levels is one thing but it is super important to be able to still hear the range officer or a fellow quail hunter.
The next step up is the passive ear muff. These are what you generally see lining the shelves of your big box store or for sell at the range. The Noise Reduction Rating of these ear muffs are all over the place depending upon brand and quality. Their advantage over foam ear plugs is that they tend to block more of the blast overpressure wave – especially in an indoor range. However, they also block even more of the sounds you want to hear.
My first pair of electronic ear muffs were a revelation. These greatly reduced the muzzle blast but yet I could still hear other voices on the range. The adjustable volume control will let you dial in the bird sounds or crunching leaves yet still protect your hearing. This is a big leap forward. I have done quite a bit of high volume dove shooting in Cordoba, Argentina and it is critical to be able to communicate with your “bird boy” and with other hunters. In Cordoba it is common to shoot thousands of rounds so hearing protection is an absolute requirement. Electronic muffs greatly enhance the experience.
Still, I knew that my electronic ear muffs were lacking in quality. They worked by digitally clipping off the loudest sounds while amplifying normal background sound which creates an unnatural sensation. Kind of like having someone repeatedly hitting the mute button during an action movie.
I was now on a quest to find the perfect pair of electronic ear muffs. Ear muffs that are comfortable enough to wear on an all day dove shoot while presenting a more natural sound experience. Enter Pro Ears Gold Series.
Pro Ears are known for innovative solutions and the Gold Series are top of their product line. I picked up a pair of the Predator Gold Electronic Ear Muffs at SHOT SHOW and have had the opportunity to wear them at the range and out hunting.
On the range: Simply outstanding. The best pair of electronic ear muffs I have worn. There is an awesome video on the Pro Ears website that audibly demonstrates the technology. The key to this high quality is that Pro Ears compresses the sound of the gunshot rather than simply clipping above a certain decibel level. The result is smooth, consistent sound where you can clearly and cleanly hear everything going on around you – other shooters, the range officer, and the shots.
In the field: I have worn the Predator Gold ear muffs while out hunting deer and hog. While hunting in a blind, the adjustable volume control allows you to set the desired volume to your choosing. You can crank it up and hear every bird chirp and whispered comment or lower it to use primarily to reduce the gunshot. Out still/stalk hunting, they really sharpen your senses as you hear every leaf crunch under your boot. The “directional stereo” from the dual microphones works perfectly and it is natural to tell whether that squirrel is barking from your left, right, or back. 
Technology: Pro Ear Gold Series utilize a hybrid analog/digital system with a 1.5 millisecond attack time. Most active hearing systems are digital only. The Predator Gold also features dual circuit boards – one in each ear cup – and gold connectors. A microprocessor continuously runs diagnostics to detect problems. A feature I really appreciate is the auto-shut off to conserve battery life. There is a 3.5 mm mini-jack so you can listen to your favorite tunes if so inclined – nothing I would do on the range but kind of fun on a dove hunt. Low profile cup. Lightweight 9.3 ounces. NRR 26. Pro Ears are so confident of the quality of these ear muffs that they have a five year warranty.
Did I mention that they are made in the USA? +1 on that.
by Mike Coker
Mike Coker
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I bought my Pro Ears Gold Predator’s about a year ago I shoot at an indoor range 1 or 2 time a week. What I like most about them is I can hear the RO and other shooters talking and my hearing is protected. I had forgot what cheap muffs were like until I loaned my Pro Ears to a new shooter today. I used her range rentals so she could hear me give her a few pointers wow I’ll never do that again.
Thanks – great review. I’m in the market for some new ear muffs to replace the crappy ones I bought at the range.