I have a lot of hearing protection options. In the ear, over the ear, custom molded, electronic, passive…if they make them, I have them or have tried them.
I took the first plunge into the Bluetooth-enabled hearing protection world with a pair of Peltor Sport Tactical 500 muffs, which still top my list as best over-the-ear hearing protection ever devised by man.
I always thought Bluetooth connectivity in my hearing protection was a frivolous waste and a distraction. Now, not so much. You can always turn it off, but when you want or need to hear your phone for calls, texts, alerts or just to listen to music, it comes in pretty handy.
As for in-the-ear Bluetooth options, the best I’ve found are these ToughTested Ranger Bluetooth water-resistant earbuds.
They come with a carrying case and a range of ear plug options as well a rechargeable Power Stick. It’s basically a USB rechargeable battery you can take with you that gives you as much as 32 additional hours of use.
And that’s after the Ranger’s charge runs down (a full charge lasts about 6 hours).
I like that they’re corded (I have separate Bluetooth in-ear plugs that aren’t). The cord is Kevlar reinforced so should stand up to a lot of use and abuse. I’ve had mine for months and have used them continuously with no apparent wear.
The Ranger earbuds are water resistant, so you can wear them out in the elements and not worry about them. The backs of each earpiece are magnetized so you can wear them around your neck and connect them to hold them in place and ensure they won’t fall off.
They’re also excellent when used to take and make phone calls. The sound quality is as good or better than corded buds.
The unit itself has a small USB charging port with controls for connecting and disconnecting calls, skipping songs and on/off. It isn’t a volume control, however. Volume is handled on your phone.
The Ranger earbuds have a 23 dB noise reduction rating so they’re fine for use when shooting outside, but I wouldn’t rely on them for indoor shooting. The only in-the-ear plugs I’ve found that provide enough protection for indoor range concussions are custom-molded silicone plugs. And even then, I tend to double up with a set of muffs.
I’ve really been surprised at how much I like these things. The Ranger earbuds are really durable, well made and work as designed…something I can’t say for other Bluetooth buds I’ve tried.
They live in my everyday carry bag and I use them all the time for music, Zoom conferences and phone calls, not to mention mowing the lawn and listening to music or podcasts while walking the dogs. It’s good to have them with me, too, for impromptu shooting sessions.
Maybe the best thing about them is the price. The Ranger Bluetooth earbuds run about $89 which, for good Bluetooth buds, is a downright bargain.
These things have become must-have items that I’d instantly miss and quickly replace if I lost them, putting them firmly in the class of gear I own that definitely doesn’t suck.
Now, this is the first product (as long as it works as advertised) I think may qualify for the moniker you’ve chosen for this series. My Bose earbuds cost me about $150.00 and most certainly aren’t safe for shooting.
Think I’ll give these a try. Guess if I want more noise reduction, (indoor ranges), I’ll just wear my generic over the ear muffs.
Tom, please let us know what you think of them, since the only other review was 1-star…
Amazon has these for $70 with only 1 review, which was 1 star. BH Camera has it for $50. No reviews at Cabela’s or Bass Pro, which have them for $90. Not sure if I’ll pull the trigger. I use the Peltor 500 at least weekly, but for hunting, these might be less sweaty when hiking all day
Your $50 BH Camera price is bull$#it, their online price is $89.99.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1464898-REG/toughtested_tt_hfb_rb_ranger_bluetooth_earbuds.html
I’ll try and remember to keep tabs on this one as well. I’m always looking for something better when it comes to hearing protection with some technological advances mixed in.
Thanks for the “heads up” and review Dan.
Instead of this I would recommend putting a pair of Comply SmartCore tips on your preferred bluetooth headset. I like the Anker Spirit Pro, fully waterproof, longer battery life, durable, excellent sound quality, less obnoxious styling, cheaper too. This combo is better in every way.
How bulky are the ear buds? Can you also wear muffs over them? I currently use custom plugs under active muffs, but active ear buds seems the better way to go if you want to hear range commands or talk with somebody.
That 24 NRR attenuation (not 23 dB) sounds a little thinner than I’d want to use, whether indoors or out. Was that with their optional foam tips or with the silicone flanges in their illustrations?
I have been using AXIL GS Electronic (same as Ghost Stryke Essential) with Comply memory foam Canal Tips. (They also make the GS Extreme with Bluetooth but I haven’t tried those.) I believe the 30-plus NRR because they compare well with passive foamies. My only complaint is the electronic nodule on the lanyard interferes with getting a cheek weld until I flip it out of the way.
Bluetooth connectivity in hearing protection does seem like a frivolous waste and a distraction. Interesting, but pass.