Gear Review: MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X Neckband hearing protectors

[TheTrevor]

Alternate working title: "You paid WHAT for those earmuffs? Seriously? And they're worth it, you say?"

2280

Hearing protection is a topic I feel very strongly about, due to personal experience with the hearing damage than can quickly accumulate when unprotected ears are exposed to loud environments. In my teen years, during the late 1980′s, a good friend of mine organized several road trips to rock concerts in nearby cities. Every single one of these concerts was at an indoor arena of some sort, and after every one of those concerts my body was sending me warning signals that I was damaging my hearing. In those days, though, there were no tables with volunteers handing out free pairs of foam earplugs, and I had no idea I was permanently damaging my hearing. As a result, I have persistent tinnitus in my right ear, and mild hearing loss in certain frequency ranges, all 100% preventable with proper hearing protection.

These days, I’m deadly serious about my hearing protection. I double up with earplugs and over-the-ear muffs at indoor ranges, so the advent of decent affordable electronic over-the-ear (muff-type) hearing protection was very welcome. Amplified ear-pro allows me to turn up the volume a bit so normal sounds get past the earplugs, but I still get full protection when a loud sound triggers the suppression circuit. For the last 3+ years I’ve used the ubiquitous Howard Leight Impact Sports, which are an excellent budget option for electronic ear-pro. When I got serious about shooting, though, it was time for something that would be comfortable being worn all day, survive any weather conditions, and deliver great sound quality. Oh, and it had to be hat- and helmet-compatible…

Short-attention-span version of review: $321 shipped with optional gel ear-cups from SRS Tactical (https://www.srstactical.com/communications/electronic-ambient-listening-headsets/msa-sordin-supreme-pro*x,-neckband/76302*x.html). Totally worth it, you can wear them all day for weeks with zero discomfort. If you need to be able to turn your ear-pro around backwards to hear instructors etc, get the headband version. If you shoot a lot, save your pennies and get you a pair of these. You WILL thank me later, long after the sting of the purchase has faded.

Full review at my blog, as it's far too long to fit into a PF post, including tips I worked up while using them intensively. (http://trevoronthetrigger.wordpress.com/2014/04/27/gear-review-msa-sordin-supreme-pro-x-neckband-hearing-protectors/)

Glad to answer any questions, here or at the blog. Please note that I paid full price for mine and receive no compensation from the manufacturer or any distributors linked in my article.

[HopetonBrown]

These have a woefully low NRR rating of 19. I wear a pair of amplified Pro Ears rated 25 outdoors and another pair of 33 indoors. I tried on a pair of these Sordins and they were also rather small fitting for those with large brain boxes. The silicone gel pads are appealing.

[TheTrevor]

NRR is a weighted average of sound attenuation 20Hz-20kHz and is only useful as a general measure. For the audio frequency peak range of 1-2kHz for 9mm pistol fire, the Sordins are good for something like a 29dB reduction.

[orionz06]

NRR is a weighted average of sound attenuation 20Hz-20kHz and is only useful as a general measure. For the audio frequency peak range of 1-2kHz for 9mm pistol fire, the Sordins are good for something like a 29dB reduction.

This is good to know, this is why my Sordins sound, to myself and others, to be far better than the 22NRR.

[JV_]

I had the MSA Sordins with the gel cups and I felt that the 22NRR was pretty accurate. I double plugged on indoor ranges, where I felt it was required, and occasionally at outdoor ranges.

I came from a set of 33NRR Pro Mag Gold muffs, it took a lot of adjustment time, and I felt like it was a mistake. I've since gone back to a higher NRR set of muffs.

[JAD]

Sames. I went back to 33s (plus plugs indoors). The sordins would be good for a class but so would a $50 pair of Howard Leights, unless one went to an awful lot of classes.

[cclaxton]

What are the lowest profile electronic muffs that will be me above 29dB NRR? I need something to shoot 3gun without hitting my muffs.
Cody

[JV_]

IME, if you want an NRR > 29, it's not low profile. If you'll lower that to 26, Pro Ears has some low'ish profile units.

[orionz06]

One issue that is overlooked all the time in favor of price is fit. I've seen dozens of people with the HL Impacts that did not seal completely behind the ear on the bottom.

[cclaxton]

Thanks, JV.
Has anyone tried out the new Hear Defenders -DF? These use the Double passive filters.
I was thinking of ordering the Chameleon custom fitted earplugs and get them fitted with the DF option.

Cody

[TheTrevor]

One issue that is overlooked all the time in favor of price is fit. I've seen dozens of people with the HL Impacts that did not seal completely behind the ear on the bottom.

Truth. My biggest issue with the HL Impact Sports is how they make a poor seal on a lot of heads, with a lot of different types of eye pro. I find them uncomfortable at best after an hour or two, in part because they don't work well with eye pro other than goggles.

[PPGMD]

What are the lowest profile electronic muffs that will be me above 29dB NRR? I need something to shoot 3gun without hitting my muffs.


MSA Sordin's with plugs underneath them.

Trevor your muffs still look new. There is still finish on the brass things that hold the headband of the muffs. :p

One thing to watch is the cable, over time if can crack. I talked with SRS and they said it is a non-warranty item, and that the best thing to do is wrap the crack with electrical tape. I also replace the foam about once a year.

Oh one final thing, if you have warranty issues, talk to SRS first, they can do a lot of the warranty work for you which will save you time.

[TheTrevor]

Good info, PPG. I'm going to break some stuff into a "pro tips" post linked off the main review, and will definitely include your notes.

Seems like I also need to do a post on the actual effectiveness of the Sordins at blocking gunfire noise.

I would be glad to review other premium ear-pro and compare it to the Sordins. However, seeing how I buy this stuff myself Consumer Reports style, it's not going to happen soon unless someone offers to loan me a set. The Wife Acceptance Factor on buying multiple sets of $300 ear-pro is best expressed as the square root of -1.

[HopetonBrown]

I have 3 pairs of Pro Ears, you can borrow one if you like. I could just leave a pair with Rick at Reed's.

[cutter]

If you have a hat size over 7 1/4, the over the head Sordins don't fit. The neckband is the only way to go.

[orionz06]

If you have a hat size over 7 1/4, the over the head Sordins don't fit. The neckband is the only way to go.

I've seen guys with much larger craniums than that wear the headband models with great comfort.

[SeriousStudent]

I love the Sordins with the gel cups for a multi-day outdoor class. Anything else gives me a headache after about 4 hours.

Just the shape of my humongous grape, I guess. I wore a 7 and 3/4 cover with a crewcut.

[JAD]

I've seen guys with much larger craniums than that wear the headband models with great comfort.

7 1/2, no complaints.

[R.M.T.]

If you have a hat size over 7 1/4, the over the head Sordins don't fit. The neckband is the only way to go.

Um 7 3/4 here, I am wearing over heads with all different kinds of hats an I don't have any problems, it's super subjective with where your ears are located.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TheTrevor]

I have 3 pairs of Pro Ears, you can borrow one if you like. I could just leave a pair with Rick at Reed's.

Sure, that would be great, thanks. I'd probably need them for about 3 weeks to cover indoor range, outdoor range, and USPSA. PM me with the details if that works for you.

[TheTrevor]

Just published a separate full-length Pro-Tips guide for the MSA Sordin Supreme series ear-pro. PPGMD is properly credited for his contribution, let me know if I missed anyone else.

http://trevoronthetrigger.wordpress.com/2014/04/28/pro-tips-msa-sordin-supreme-series-hearing-protectors/

[cutter]

Um 7 3/4 here, I am wearing over heads with all different kinds of hats an I don't have any problems, it's super subjective with where your ears are located.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Truly a case of YMMV. But I have to say SRS Tactical has a great return policy.

[PPGMD]

Well after almost 5 years of use, I am getting static in the right ear cup.

I tried to call SRS today, but they weren't answering, I am going to try again today.

I need to get this shipped back to them since the electronic warranty is only 5 years.

[TheTrevor]

Well after almost 5 years of use, I am getting static in the right ear cup.

I tried to call SRS today, but they weren't answering, I am going to try again today.

I need to get this shipped back to them since the electronic warranty is only 5 years.

Please post updates, I'll be interested to hear how this goes.

[PPGMD]

I talked to SRS today, and they confirmed that I am under warranty. And to just send it in with a note describing what is wrong.

[Slavex]

I had static issues and batteries dying really quickly with mine last fall. I called Steve at SRS and he asked me if I was changing both batteries. Hmm says I. Look at that, no, I wasn't. Replaced both, good as new. It's almost impossible to tell, when looking in the muffs that there are two batteries in there. Of course one must ignore the pictogram on the outside too.... Of course a certain PD I know didn't have 5 pair in their garbage box for the same reason

I found that while wearing a hat, I couldn't get a good seal, especially if the hat had that stupid button on the top. I trimmed my Sordins so that they could expand more, there is lots of material you can remove to do it. Having run the strap version I'm actually happier with my modified ones.

[Rich]

I didn't mind wearing none electronic ear muffs when shooting in IN. But here in SWFL I cant deal with the sweat and have to use plugs.

OP no one in the 70` and early 80`s that I know of wore protection. Like you I've been to a lot of hard rock concerts! 1986 Slayer at the Ritz was the loudest because the place was small.
That and using a skill saw did a number on my ears. Though I don't have to blast the TV like my Father who worked with power tools all his life.

[PPGMD]

I had static issues and batteries dying really quickly with mine last fall. I called Steve at SRS and he asked me if I was changing both batteries. Hmm says I. Look at that, no, I wasn't. Replaced both, good as new. It's almost impossible to tell, when looking in the muffs that there are two batteries in there. Of course one must ignore the pictogram on the outside too.... Of course a certain PD I know didn't have 5 pair in their garbage box for the same reason

Definitely not a battery issue in my case. I always change both, and they last about a year with my usage. In fact I just changed them last week and the issue continued, in fact it got worse. While shooting the Falling Plate Event the right ear muff totally died no sound whatsoever. I have them packaged up and will be dropping them off at the post office today.

[tango-papa]

Thanks to all for this thread and the information, research and write-ups shared/referenced.
I was getting ready to purchase a set of Peltor tacticals.
However, the information in this thread makes picking the MSA's a no-brainer.

tp

[PPGMD]

Well they said it was the cable, and that it would cost $137 to fix. :(

[TheTrevor]

Well they said it was the cable, and that it would cost $137 to fix. :(

Ouch. That's a little rough on the wallet.

[PPGMD]

Ouch. That's a little rough on the wallet.

Yes I wasn't expected to shell out $140, but SRS doesn't have much choice as MSA says that the cable is a non-warranty item. He thinks that the cable splitting is due to UV damage, and that there must have been a bad batch as they are getting a lot of ones from my vintage back for cable replacement.

Considering the amount of use I have got out of them, I'm not too disappointed. Though I am hoping that it was simply a bad batch of cables and I should get many more years of use out of mine.

But I will be wrapping it with electrical tape the moment I receive them, though I am considering ordered a roll of Battle Systems FDE tape and use that because tactical. Oh while I was at OC Tactical comtemplating that I noticed that they are selling their replacement padded head bands to the public again.
http://stores.octactical.com/hp2-hearing-protection-cover/

Though only a few limited options, so I don't have to worry about anyone else rocking a Desert DPM headband. You know awkward it is when you go to a party and someone else is wearing the same shirt. :p

[PPGMD]

Well it is on it's way back to me. With a hygiene kit it is $152.

He also said that they put heat shrink wrapping over the exposed part so I don't need to wrap it with electrical tape.

I will get some photos after they return it.

[PPGMD]

Well it is back. Other than the new cable it looks just like I sent it in, complete with the wear and nicks.

The heat shrink tubing went up all the way into the head band, but just barely, so I added a couple of extra inches with electrical tape. That along with a new set of foams from a hygiene kit has made it like new. Well minus the exterior wear from five years of use.

I am very pleased that the SRS decided to do the heat shrink wrapping of the cable as they anticipated my need and provided a solution that is much more sightly than someone seeing my head set wrapped up with electrical tape.

http://www.lazyeights.net/Avion/MiscGunPics/MSASordin1.jpg
http://www.lazyeights.net/Avion/MiscGunPics/MSASordin2.jpg

[OldRunner/CSAT Neighbor]

PPGMD thx for the detailed update & pics. 5yrs old eh, they look like they are in pretty good shape, same age as my OTH Pro-X's.

Bought a pair of BTH DEHPs to use in my helmet, also to augment my OTH Pro-X's. If anyone is considering the BTH version, quit considering & BUY them. They are much more comfortable IMO + they work even better w/ long-guns.

[PPGMD]

Finally after five years, I've used the headphone jack for the first time.
http://www.teampegleg.com/wp-content/gallery/misc-images/MSASordiniPodShuffle.jpg

I never used it before because I thought that the cable would get in the way. But since it is all attached to the headset, it works really well.

And no worries about the rain as the iPod is more waterproof than the headset, since it was waterproofed by a third party service (I use it in the pool).

[Losi b]

Reviving an old thread. I am about to buy some electronic hearing protection for pistol and AR indoor range use. Are these still near or at the top of the list for high quality "LOW PROFILE" muffs or have others surpassed them? My main concerns are low profile for good clearance of the rifle stock and comfortable with eye protection.

[JM Campbell]

Great for your purpose imo. I would still use foam plugs under them with rifles indor.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[RJ]

Reviving an old thread. I am about to buy some electronic hearing protection for pistol and AR indoor range use. Are these still near or at the top of the list for high quality "LOW PROFILE" muffs or have others surpassed them? My main concerns are low profile for good clearance of the rifle stock and comfortable with eye protection.

We did a group buy here on p-f.com in October, several members purchased direct from SRR. I bought a pair of the Pro X and am very happy with them.

I previously have used HL Impact Pros, and Impact Sports.

[Losi b]

Thanks for the input guys. I ordered mine locally from DSGARMS.COM for $269.00 with the gel ear cups. https://dsgarms.com/msa75302-x-g
My gun bag is a little small for the to fit inside. What bag do most use for these muffs?

[JM Campbell]

I put one muff cup in a Web hydration carrier on the side of my back pack for the last few years. Haven't broken them yet or torn a gel cup.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[Mjolnir]

My Sordins beep like it has low batteries and cut out for no damned reason.

I'm seeking an alternative...


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"One cannot awaken a man who pretends to be asleep."

[RJ]

My Sordins beep like it has low batteries and cut out for no damned reason.

I'm seeking an alternative...


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"One cannot awaken a man who pretends to be asleep."

Not trying to be a smart alec, but did you replace both batteries? I heard of a story (might have been here) where an agency was having similar issues, only to discover that they have a battery compartment where it is a little tricky to get the bottom battery out.

But if not: I've seen where a lot of folks use Peltor Pro Ears, IIRC...

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ears-Electronic-Protection-Amplification/dp/B003U5SGR6

[NEPAKevin]

Lightning Deal on Amazon MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X with LED Light - Electronic EarMuff with black leather band and Orange-CamoCups (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TYIVALW/ref=gbps_tit_s-3_6202_819f0c61?smid=A3LY82VSIBHIWS&pf_rd_p=2530346202&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=YB3TFXC0AYC5J0W8VRR1)

ends 1PM EDS