Sound mitigation is essential when it comes to a shooting environment. However, not all ear protection offers the best possible coverage as their foam or design does not fully encase around the ear, or buffer the decibel level down to safe levels. Noisefighter (formerly Sightlines) gel ear pads offer direct replacement of manufacturer ear pads to offer improved protection over-ear and increased comfort.
Made in a variety of dimensions to accommodate the most popular brands of electronic hearing protection, the Noisefighter gel earcups have an outer skin made of polyurethane that is UV-resistant and waterproof. The insides are made from a proprietary silicone gel mixture that contours against the head to fully seal the ear from the outside environment.
The top of the gel ear pads features relief cuts for glasses or eye protection to pass over and still maintain a complete seal. By placing the legs of the eyewear in this relief cut, it also defrays the pressure point caused by otherwise wearing it under traditional hard foam earcups.
The bottom half of the earcup features a unique “horseshoe” design that creates a double-bevel of sound protection, as well as with a ¼” thickness in both that improves the level of contact and padding with against the head.
The back of the Noisefighter has an adhesive backing that bonds to the mounting surface of the electronic hearing protection. Noisefighter also has installation instructions and how-to videos on attaching/trimming the gel earcups.
The Noisefighter earcups are only available in black, and shaped specific to the type of electronic earpro used. There is also a generic-shaped version available that offers the broadest range of applicability.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Fair (2/5): Priced at $60.00, the Noisefighter gel earcups include both a soft polyurethane outer layer that contours easily, and a silicone gel mixture inside that provides a soft, supply texture to contort to the side of the head and establish a positive seal over the ear. Alternatively, the open-cell foam padding that is typically associated with 3M brand hearing protection can be easily found on third-party websites, like Amazon, for $12-$15 based on count and configuration. Walker does provide gel replacements pads ($24), and 3M also has a gel replacement cushions ($98). So the most plausible explanation for the difference in price would be the materials, wherein the Noisefighter uses a patent-approved proprietary blend of gel for extended longevity, and a relief cut for eyewear. Considering these aspects, the Noisefighter gel earcups are at the upper end of gel replacement pads for hearing protection, but fair considering what is gained in design and materials used.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the Noisefighter gel earcups contoured easily and felt almost “squishy” when pressed with the finger or against the head. But the point being that it easily pressed around the ear and maintained a good seal apart from outside noise or changes in air pressure. Of note, that level of seal also had a detrimental effect (commonly associated to over-ear heading protection) in that it retained heat and over durations would cause sweat around the ear to collect. The exterior polyurethane layer of the gel earcups were also non-porous, meaning that sweat and oils had no place to go, so the cups will need regular cleaning to prevent buildup over time. There are hygiene cleaning kits available, however simple soap and a moist cloth will work just as well.
- Durability – Average (3/5): The durability of the polyurethane outer later was appropriate (or of average) for what one would expect of gel earcups. Many other market alternatives for gel cups were comprised of the same type of outer material. Yet these were still more durable than the typical open-cell foam alternatives, and did not crack with wear or over time. Of course you’ll still want to keep them away from high-heat sources (looking at you, suppressor boys grabbing the forbidden popsicle), and the polyurethane means avoid exposing the surface of the gel earcups to chemicals such as DEET. Perhaps the bigger factor to long-term durability of the Noisefighter gel earcups was from incidental puncture or cutting of the outer layer from hard-edges commonly associated to range use. If this happens, then the inner semi-liquid gel would easily ooze out necessitating immediate repair. Additionally, you will want to avoid storing the Noisefighter gel earcups where they are compressed flat for long periods, such as resting the ear protection on the outside of the helmet in “Princess Leia” fashion. Long-term usage of gel earcups will eventually still end up needing replacement as the gel inside does degrade over time and can appear to be “flattened” or “deflated” as the gel looses its elasticity.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Noisefighter gel earcups were extremely straightforward. Post application, they were done with any type of hardware installation. If any trimming was needed, ensure it is done just to the excess edge/trim and not to cut into the gel cup itself or risk damaging the product. Perhaps the biggest functional improvement over traditional foam earcups was the feeling of prolonged comfort whereas there was less experienced pressure on the head due to the smaller surface contact area. The gel easily contoured to the pressure and the double-bevel design added good improvement at sound reduction that was notable. Overall, this translated to less tension headache while worn, and no pinching due to the relief cuts for eye protection.
- Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 3.17 ounces (for the pair), the Noisefighter gel earcups were an appropriate (or average) weight when put in contrast to the overall weight of the ear protection, or perhaps the helmet it was mounted to. Once mounted, the Noisefighter gel earcups neither off-balanced the hearing protection, nor was a notable burden around the ear or head to warrant a change in neck fatigue. In truth, the overall weight of any gel earcup is roughly equal to difference in weight to open-cell foam earcups (that weighed approximately 0.8 ounces for the pair) to the weight of a single No. 2 pencil. So there is seldom justification to keep with factory padding when better after-market options are available and will improve an end-user’s hearing protection.
Overall Rating – Average (16/25)
Product Link: https://noisefighters.com/collections/hearing/products/sightlines1
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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