Selling Safety Priority #1

Shooting Industry, Nov, 2000 by Roger Combs

The ESP Elite hearing protectors are the latest development in electronics. These fitted ear plugs also have miniature electronic sound reduction/sound amplifying protection. These plugs are ideal for shotgun and rifle shooters, as they do not interfere with the gun stock. Normal voice conversations are clear but the ears are protected while shooting. Qualified dealers are found at many shooting events, or the ear mold may be made by a local audiologist and sent to ESP for the electronics to be inserted.

HOWARD LEIGHT

Howard Leight has a dominant part of the industrial hearing protection market and a good share of the sporting market. Their Leightning 31 ear muffs are rated at NRR 31, among the highest in the industry.

For 2000, they are licensing Ridgeline's electronic hearing protection technology and incorporating it in some Howard Leight muffs. Other Leight models include attached, fold-down eye protection, especially handy for those wearing regular eyeglasses. Leight offers CD-ROMs, video tapes, brochures and other dealer support items for those who wish to learn more.

RADIANS

This product features a fashionable polycarbonate lens with soft Jelli ear plugs attached to the temple posts of the glasses. A breakaway neck cord is included. The glasses are available in four colors: clear, mirror, gray and "shooters" yellow.

RIDGELINE

A few years ago, Ridgeline introduced their Pro Ears LE with Dynamic Sound Compression. For 2000, the new Dimension series of electronic hearing protection reduces the protective "attack" time down to 1.5 milliseconds. Loud sounds above 70 dB are electronically compressed to safe, comfortable levels, while lower sounds are stereophonically amplified to normal levels. A later model, the Dimension 2, adds an input cable to plug into radios, tape or disk players or communications devices. The Dimension 3 adds output capabilities for two-way communications.

SILENCIO

Silencio, long known for its many ear muff hearing protectors, has added electronic protectors to its line. There are two Rangesafe stereo and two Rangesafe mono models this year. Silencio also has several regular ear muff models in a variety of colors, protection ratings and prices -- all clamshell packaged. Silencio also has ear plugs and shooting glasses available.

UVEX

The Howard Leight people offer safety eye protection in their Uvex line. They are available in a choice of several lens shades with plenty of UV protection for the shooter. They are reasonably priced and packaged with a pair of ear plugs included in the display.

WALKER'S GAME EAR

The Game Ear was first developed to amplify sounds in the field primarily for bowhunters. Now, the device does both amplify and reduce loud noises to protect the hearing nerve. The device looks like an older hearing aid with a curved battery and electronics holder worn above and behind the ear. The other ear may be fitted with a second Game Ear or have a standard foam plug inserted. Walker's also has introduced a new line of sports glasses.