So I bought these to use on my jet ski so the wind noise didn't destroy my ears thinking I could just pop the filter plug open and closed easy when needed. First off their super comfortable. For some reason I thought the "lock" or whatever it's called would be a hard rubber, but it's super soft and does a great job holding them in my ears. Even when I'm soaked from sweat and lake water. Easily the most comfortable plugs I've used, and they stayed locked in place the entire time I had them in. Unfortunately you need to take the whole plug out of your ear to easily open or close the filter. If you try to close the filter with them in your ear you're going to push the whole plug too deep and potentially hurt yourself, and while trying to open it with the plug in my ear I somehow managed to break the harness that holds them together. I also couldn't just leave the filter open while moving because they whistled like crazy. Only other minor complaint is that they're a little awkward to get in. The actual plug curves up compared to the locks, which probably helps with the comfort, but took me a bit to figure out and actually get into my ear canal. Overall I'm really happy with them, they worked okay on the jet ski. Cut out all of the wind noise but when we stopped to talk I had to pull one out to hear which was not ideal because they're a little weird to get back in. I'll be moving these over to my shooting ear pro where I know I'll love them because that's they're actual intended purpose. Read more
I got the medium and now that I've had them for a while, it makes me wonder if ear canals can be different sizes like feet can be, or if I need the small size after all--my right ear seems to work loose a little easier, but not my left. Pushing them back in solves in the problem. Maybe I just have difficult ears. I have the same problem with earbuds. That being said, these are super comfortable! I haven't had to wear them all day, but they're good for a couple of hours and I felt at the time that I could go even longer without a problem. They're a bit tricky to put in the first couple of times, but I like the secure feeling the design gives and I've never had them fall out, like I have with the traditional foam ones. The lanyard provided is a bit difficult to attach, since the lanyard tips are these little balls you have to push through tiny little holes in the earplug, so once it was attached, I've never taken the lanyard off again. It makes it easier to keep track of the things, but maybe for someone else, that would be annoying to remove and reattach regularly. I just keep them in the case and everything is fine. I've used them around circular saws, vacuums, and lawnmowers and they work great for blocking out so much of the noise! Can't comment on how well they do with really loud, constant noise, like engines or shooting or very, very loud equipment, but at least around the average household/office noises, they work very well. I always leave the valves in, so everything is muffled and I'm okay with that because I'm used to it with other forms of ear protection. They seem to do a better job of filtering out the really loud noises than some ear plugs I've had, while still preserving normal voice levels, if that makes sense--maybe that's not how it's supposed to work, but it works great for me! I'm looking at getting a second set for my tool kit, since this set lives in my purse and has saved my ears unexpectedly on more than one occasion. Read more
I have been using the Sonic Defenders since the first generation. Since my first pair, these have improved consistently. Overall, I like the product. The primary design of this Ear Pro line is to reduce all noise, and reduce overly loud noises more so than ones of normal volume. It uses a passive design in which a valve on the ear plugs closes (from the sound wave) when higher volume noises or made, but is not closed by low volume things such as voices. To run these as a conventional ear plug, they come with valves you can close so that all noise is reduced. The two things most people seem more curious about is how well this product works, and how comfortable it is. My personal assessment is as follows... -effectiveness-the passive noise reduction does work, but may not work well enough for all users. For example, it reduces the sound of indoor gunfire to a point in which it is still a very unpleasant experience, but manages to reduce the sound enough to reduce the chance of hearing damage. This same situation outside (which will not be as loud) is a different story...these reduce the sound acceptably. So for inside usage, closing the valves may be necessary. -comfort-these are much more comfortable than easier generations. Still, application is key. Adjusting how deep the plug sits in the ear canal, as well as how well the frame rests in the ear, as well as that you have the right size, is absolutely critical to effective function and comfort. Once the above are given attention to, they are comfortable for prolonged wear of numerous hours. Cleaning these is a step that should not be ignored (otherwise, you could get an ear infection). I generally use alcohol to disinfect them, and break down any wax buildup. When used daily, I think these work work for at least a year when properly cleaned. If not properly cleaned, I think they tend to die earlier. So these are not magic, but I think a good product nonetheless. The passive noise reduction can be useful for many people, but it does have some limitations that may not make it the best choice for others. Read more
