3m Peltor Earplugs

3M Peltor’s NEW LEP-200 Level Dependent Earplug is a product designed for hunting, specifically tailored to the requirements of shooters. In addition to protection, greater hearing capability and spatial awareness are assured, as well as connectivity to radio equipment for communication and safety using a magnetic field neck loop accessory. This plugs into a radio and transfers all comms from radio networks to your earbuds via its own wireless connection.

Recharge

The case holds 3xAA batteries (supplied) to charge the buds once clipped inside. Lithium-Ion cells within each bud give up to 18 hours continuous use - depending on volume level - from a 90-minute charge. The case should provide 16 full charge cycles and it is also USB compatible for external power delivery.

Orange ties in well with hunting culture, providing external visibility to other shooters and also helps locate smaller accessories in bags or in underfoot conditions if dropped.

Different sized ear canals are catered for with five sizes. 3x soft rubber, 1 x Foam and Torque tips included to get the best comfort for hours, with a slight variation to protection from 32 to 38dB, which is serious capability.

External sound volume is adjustable over four levels, from -6 to +10dB but that is only for transmitted sounds like conversation or animal movement. Gunfire and other dangerous frequencies are naturally excluded by the plug itself. On-off and volume is controlled by a single push button on each side. In use, these are the most comfortable and natural ear protection I have used.

More Features

The case is IP54 Waterproof rated for storage and charging, with the earplugs themselves capable of IP67 levels, which is basically all-day rain and perhaps short-term full immersion protection. Each earplug weighs 4-grams and the whole storage case with batteries and spares is just 272-grams. I prefer the foam earbuds for my ears and frankly, I can wear them and forget I even have them in for a full day in the field.

The additional hearing available for use when game shooting is significantly beneficial, so the LEP’s are not just hearing protection, they aid hunting. The price of around €510 is quite high but there is also an LEP 100 with simpler functionality, at a more attractive €230. Both units automatically turn off after two hours to save batteries.