Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff – Black, NRR 22

Description

The Impact Sport has been the go-to electronic muff at ranges everywhere for good reason. Two microphones amplify low-level sounds like range commands, conversation, and the crunch of leaves up to four times, so you stay dialed into what's around you. The moment a sound crosses 82 dB, like a shot going off, the amplification cuts out and you're left with a solid 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating protecting your ears. It's the best of both worlds: talk between strings, hear the RO, then get protected the instant the trigger breaks.

What the Impact Sport Does On the Range and In the Field

The slim earcup design is the star here for anyone shooting long guns. The bottom of the cup is cut away to give your rifle or shotgun stock room, so you can get a clean cheek weld without the muff getting shoved out of place. Folks who shoot 3-gun, run action matches, or hunt tend to appreciate that low profile more than anything. A padded leatherette headband with telescopic height adjustment keeps things comfortable through a full day, and the whole thing folds down tight to drop into a range bag.

Battery Life and Audio on the Impact Sport Earmuff

Battery life is where these really shine. Running on two AAAs, you get roughly 350 hours, and an automatic shut-off kicks in after four hours to keep you from draining them by accident. There's also a 3.5mm AUX jack on the left cup, so you can plug into a phone, radio, or scanner while you shoot. The single knob handles both power and volume for both cups, which makes it easy to adjust by feel.

A couple things worth knowing: the NRR of 22 handles pistol, shotgun, and most centerfire rifle work well, but if you're right next to a loud muzzle brake or stuck in a tight indoor bay, some people double up with foam plugs underneath for extra peace of mind. Like most closed muffs, they can run a little warm on hot days. For the price and performance, they've earned their reputation as the benchmark electronic muff.