View Full Version : Peltor TEP-100 ear plugs
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-PPE-Safety-Solutions/Personal-Protective-Equipment/Products/Product-Catalog/TEP-100/
Rave reviews on this product from a very experienced user. Anyone here with experience with this product?
I love my peltor comtacs and they make a lot of great stuff. These plugs might work great, but I'm not interested in rechargables at all. I have a similar plug that uses hearing aid batteries. Probably not too tactical, but they work very well, and when they die, its very easy to replace the batteries. Pretty expensive, and I probably wouldn't have bought them, but I won them at a match.
Been using them for about two months now at a number of weekend long 3gun matches. I easily have 40+ hours wearing them already, and I can't say enough good things about them. Wearing Sordins all day when it's 90+ degrees out makes them smell atrocious from sweat, and often give me a headache if combined with some minor dehydration. None of those are issues with these new peltors
I'll be using them at the range for work the next few weeks and am looking forward to it
2501,
How long does the charge last? How long to recharge?
I've been using them for the past year. I received a pair to test for my Infantry Battalion. Both my Soldiers and I have used them for flat ranges, field exercises, deployment, and a crap ton of uspsa/steel challenge matches. Everyone who has used them enjoyed them and preferred them over standard ear pro. They hold up to austere conditions and have an impressive run time.
I like them, but for $270 on amazon I would save my money. If I had more disposable income I would buy them. However I'm cheap and would rather spent the money on reloading components.
Edit:
As for battery life the longest I ever used them was 12 hours on a flat range. As for how long it takes to charge, don't know. I just put them back in the case when not in use. When I pull them out they are fully charged.
I don't know what the battery life is on these. They last all day and then I stick them back in the case. Hasn't been an issue yet
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taadski
08-23-2015, 04:09 PM
3m claims 9 hours of battery life with a 90 minute charge time.
They look interesting. Not sure they would fit my weird shape ears and that would suck considering how expensive they are.
Now I'm more interested. I watched a couple of videos, but I do wonder how they might fit. Might have to check a pair out.
LittleLebowski
08-23-2015, 06:17 PM
Now I'm more interested. I watched a couple of videos, but I do wonder how they might fit. Might have to check a pair out.
Me too.
Default.mp3
08-24-2015, 10:51 AM
Brochure says up to 16 hours of run time. They have different sized tips that you can swap in to better fit your ears. If they use the audio industry standard nozzle sizes, you'll have plenty of options to figure out fit, as there are many aftermarket options for IEM sleeves (triple flanges, double flanges, olives, foamies, etc.). Many people can't stand having stuff in their ears for long periods of time, so that's something to be aware of; despite being a long time IEM user, I will occasionally still get itchy ear canals if using a worn out triple flange sleeve for an extended period of time. That issue can be partially alleviated with ear drops they make for hearing aid users who also have this issue. Note that pure plugs do not provide complete hearing protection, due to bone conduction.
taadski
08-24-2015, 02:26 PM
3m claims 9 hours of battery life with a 90 minute charge time.
Brochure says up to 16 hours of run time.
Yep. You're right. Good catch. After looking again, my mistake. The 9 hour battery life came from a user review video I'd watched.
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LittleLebowski
09-24-2015, 10:35 AM
How comfortable are these?
.... Many people can't stand having stuff in their ears for long periods of time, so that's something to be aware of; despite being a long time IEM user, I will occasionally still get itchy ear canals if using a worn out triple flange sleeve for an extended period of time. That issue can be partially alleviated with ear drops they make for hearing aid users who also have this issue. Note that pure plugs do not provide complete hearing protection, due to bone conduction.
This is me; I have to be careful and wipe down ear pro, iPod earphones etc. with isopropyl frequently, or my ears start to itch.
I also have issues scuba diving unless I use Auro-Dri or similar after a dive, I'm just really susceptible to ear infections.
I would also be concerned about the part in bold, especially in the low frequency range.
LittleLebowski
09-28-2015, 07:52 AM
Mine just got here Saturday and I totally forgot to bring them to the dinner with SLG and humblebrag.
Damn, these things are cool. Comfy and light. Pelican-like case, tough and water proof. The case is also the charger when the earplugs are seated in it. You can charge the earplugs using the 3 AAs within the case OR use the integrated USB port as there is no worry about double charging. Two types of sound enhancement; normal which is slightly enhanced over my ears and high volume which I can't help but think would be advantageous in say a listening post in the forest.
Cannot wait to go shoot with these.
APS-PF
09-29-2015, 02:19 PM
According to the datasheet you can expect a 23NRR with the included eartips and 30NRR with skull screw eartips purchased separately. I am curious if the amplification feature is affected by the skull screws or if they are much less comfortable. The foam plugs that I typically use are ~33NRR and would give up a little protection for the amplification. But not sure about dropping to 23NRR.
Bill Wilson was raving about these, and I decided to try them. About $130 from Botach. First range session yesterday, and initial impression is very positive.
Mine just got here Saturday and I totally forgot to bring them to the dinner with SLG and humblebrag.
Damn, these things are cool. Comfy and light. Pelican-like case, tough and water proof. The case is also the charger when the earplugs are seated in it. You can charge the earplugs using the 3 AAs within the case OR use the integrated USB port as there is no worry about double charging. Two types of sound enhancement; normal which is slightly enhanced over my ears and high volume which I can't help but think would be advantageous in say a listening post in the forest.
Cannot wait to go shoot with these.
Thanks alot. And...
I'm seeing $229 here (https://www.botach.com/3m-peltor-tep-100-tactical-digital-earplugs/): https://www.botach.com/3m-peltor-tep-100-tactical-digital-earplugs/
Typo or did I miss a sale? :)
My bad, with all the recent savings on cool stuff, due to PF, I was confused.
JodyH
11-30-2015, 01:10 PM
Stop... making... me... spend... money!
Stop... making... me... spend... money!
Ha, do you know how many "Jody bucks" I have spent lately.
JodyH
12-06-2015, 11:22 AM
Wore my new TEP-100's for the first time Saturday at our match.
They were in my ears for around 4-5 hours.
Zero problems with fit or comfort and I had no ringing in my ears at the end of the day (despite getting hammered in between two open guns at one time).
Same report here. Been wearing them daily at the range and really liking this product.
Those are rechargeable, right? Like plug in rechargeable?
I've used a pair of electronic plugs that require battery changes. Once the battery is in, it is dead in 9 hours or something. Rechargeable could be a plus.
JodyH
12-06-2015, 08:05 PM
Those are rechargeable, right? Like plug in rechargeable?
I've used a pair of electronic plugs that require battery changes. Once the battery is in, it is dead in 9 hours or something. Rechargeable could be a plus.
They recharge while inside the storage case off of 3 AA batteries.
They recharge while inside the storage case off of 3 AA batteries.
It really is an ingenious design, the way they recharge simply by putting them away in their case.
It really is an ingenious design, the way they recharge simply by putting them away in their case.
Siemens hearing aids, on the high end, used to have a similar set up. We designed that in like 1997. Ecc 1:9.
Siemens hearing aids, on the high end, used to have a similar set up. We designed that in like 1997. Ecc 1:9.
Huh, what did you say? :)
Fortunately, I don't know anything about hearing aids.
Huh, what did you say? :)
Fortunately, I don't know anything about hearing aids.
I find that incongruous with your interest in RMRs.
1911Nut
04-02-2016, 12:53 AM
As always, I'm late to the party. Just wondering . . . . are all of you that are using the Peltor TEP-100 ear plugs still satisfied with their performance and durability? Has anyone experienced any issues? Or am I so late to the party that some other manufacturer has come out with plugs far superior to these?
Thanks.
1911Nut
04-03-2016, 07:39 PM
Gonna try this one last time: Is anyone still using the Peltor T-100 ear plugs? If so, are you pleased or displeased with them? Any issues with durability? Any hel is appreciated. Thanks!
Been using them occasionally, and so far so good. Still go with my over the ear Peltor muffs for big sessions and matches.
1911Nut
04-03-2016, 11:44 PM
George: When you wear your over-the-ear muffs in matches and during extended training sessions, do you mean you double-muff and wear them over the Peltor plugs, or that you wear the muffs in lieu of the plugs? And if so, why don't you wear the plugs for matches and extended training sessions?
I am inquiring because I see the plugs as an opportunity to avoid wearing over the ear muffs for 3+ hours during a match in 100+ degree weather in AZ, and for the increased NRR value (over muffs) when using the skull screw tips on the plugs.
LittleLebowski
04-04-2016, 07:29 AM
Gonna try this one last time: Is anyone still using the Peltor T-100 ear plugs? If so, are you pleased or displeased with them? Any issues with durability? Any hel is appreciated. Thanks!
I am. Pleased but a rifle class probably needs external hearing protection on top of them. Pistol classes are fine, the charging mechanism works. Quite durable.
George: When you wear your over-the-ear muffs in matches and during extended training sessions, do you mean you double-muff and wear them over the Peltor plugs, or that you wear the muffs in lieu of the plugs? And if so, why don't you wear the plugs for matches and extended training sessions?
I am inquiring because I see the plugs as an opportunity to avoid wearing over the ear muffs for 3+ hours during a match in 100+ degree weather in AZ, and for the increased NRR value (over muffs) when using the skull screw tips on the plugs.
I made the mistake of wearing just the TEP while shooting carbines, with other shooters, under a covered area. Not enough protection, and I had some ringing in my ears. After that, I went back to my regular over the ear Peltor muffs (alone) and carry the TEP plugs in my travel bag, since they are so small, for intermittent use.
Those that have used these:
If you wear them under good electronic muffs (MSA/DEHP, etc.), do you get the benefits of "doubling up" while retaining the ability to hear people as if you weren't wearing earpro?
ETA: I'm worried about possible weird electronic issues like interference or annoying artifacts or noise from the double amplification. Right now I wear Howard Leight Max plugs under TCI DEHPs. The electronics do help me hear a little, and bring double earpro back to single earpro type hearing levels. But, I've always felt like I've spent a lot of money on a feature that I am not able to really take advantage of: i.e. actually hearing things as good or better than normal. I'd probably pay another ~$200 to reclaim that feature.
For real world stuff, just the single level of hearing protection is what I use, and is likely sufficient. I get amplified hearing, and decent protection. For range use, I always put custom molded plugs in (35bd) and Peltor muffs on top. If I didn't have the Peltors, I'd put Leight muffs on top, as I think they are the highest rated. Any single piece for range use is insufficient, ime. I need to order these peltor plugs already and try them. A teammate has them and likes them.
LittleLebowski
04-10-2016, 08:24 AM
Others have found them for cheaper but I'm seeing them on Amazon and elsewhere for $270 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PABOJ0Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00PABOJ0Q&linkCode=as2&tag=ratio07-20&linkId=QS4ZTMSVC7K6R3TK). I like mine.
For real world stuff, just the single level of hearing protection is what I use, and is likely sufficient. I get amplified hearing, and decent protection. For range use, I always put custom molded plugs in (35bd) and Peltor muffs on top. If I didn't have the Peltors, I'd put Leight muffs on top, as I think they are the highest rated. Any single piece for range use is insufficient, ime. I need to order these peltor plugs already and try them. A teammate has them and likes them.
Has your teammate tried them under ComTacs, for range use? I'd be very interested in hearing about that.
1911Nut
04-10-2016, 04:13 PM
I purchased a set of the Peltor TEP-100 plugs from Botach for $229 shipped and received them in less than a week. Tried them for the first time in an IDPA match yesterday and was pleased with them. I finished the last stage early and put them back in the box to charge and put on my HL electronic muffs while taping and helping with the balance of the match. I was very surprised at how much louder the shooting seemed while wearing the muffs I have been using for years as compared to the TEP-100 plugs. The only issue I had with them during the match was during the last stage, when the plugs began to beep intermittently. Turned out that they emit a warning beep when they have been on for 2 hours to warn the wearer that they are going into auto-shutdown mode. All the wearer has to do is push the power button in each plug to reset and quiet the intermittent alarm and reset the auto-shutdown feature. It's only one match, but I think I am going to like these plugs. The additional sound protection as compared to muffs is welcome, and they should be significatntly cooler to wear during the hot summer months here in AZ.
LittleLebowski
02-07-2017, 11:37 AM
Bump, since I have input. I used these this weekend at a Steel Challenge match and pretty much forgot I was wearing them. I love these for pistol matches. Easy to loop around your neck if not in use as opposed to traditional ear muffs.
Here's my annual asking:
"Has any one tried putting these under electronic muffs?"
Nephrology
02-08-2017, 01:50 AM
I made the mistake of wearing just the TEP while shooting carbines, with other shooters, under a covered area. Not enough protection, and I had some ringing in my ears. After that, I went back to my regular over the ear Peltor muffs (alone) and carry the TEP plugs in my travel bag, since they are so small, for intermittent use.
I've been doubling up with the Peltors & Surefire EP4s. Pretty happy with that combo so far.
Robinson
02-24-2017, 04:32 PM
What is the audio quality like with these plugs? I'm wondering how they compare to my SportEAR hearing aids which were much more expensive. The SportEAR devices are digitally programmed and use custom molded shells, so probably not a fair comparison but still I'm curious.
El Cid
01-15-2018, 02:54 PM
Anyone have any long term use they can comment on? Paul Howe was using them in a recent class and seemed happy with them. Our lead FI is talking about getting them for the FI's. He will let us choose the Comtac III's if we prefer. I already have MSA Sordins so I started researching the TEP-100's. Lots of feedback is mixed and several mentioned wind noise or the inability to determine sound direction.
Thanks!
frozentundra
01-15-2018, 07:39 PM
Anyone have any long term use they can comment on? Paul Howe was using them in a recent class and seemed happy with them. Our lead FI is talking about getting them for the FI's. He will let us choose the Comtac III's if we prefer. I already have MSA Sordins so I started researching the TEP-100's. Lots of feedback is mixed and several mentioned wind noise or the inability to determine sound direction.
Thanks!
I don't have anything to add, but didn't want to bury the above post.
I'm also interested in the long term ruggedness and performance, as I need to figure out a better solution for daily industrial applications. I have two pairs of Sordins which won't fit under hard hats or welding hoods. My hearing is really starting to suffer :( .
Foam plugs often get pulled out to communicate well, and being effectively deaf while walking around industrial job sites is hazardous in it's own right.
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