I know most people probably buy these Champion Electronic Ear Muffs for the shooting range- you know, firing pistols, rifles, shotguns. Maybe even something exotic and large caliber. These muffs, and many like them, are designed to block the low frequency "BANG" - thus protecting the eardrums. The special thing about the electronic versions, like these, are the tiny microphones and internal speakers that, while blocking the extremely loud concussive forces of gunshots, allow in higher frequencies- specifically, voices. A firearm could be in use feet away from someone with these ear muffs on and the shots sound like nothing more than fingers snapping. Simultaneously, the shooter could be speaking in a normal voice- a whisper, even- and the electronics let the voice in via the microphones and the person with the ear muffs on can hear the human voice perfectly fine during a barrage of gunfire. I do own firearms and shoot skeet, specifically. That is not why I bought these. I have been dreaming of these electronic earmuffs since I first saw military grade ones demonstrated in the late 1990s. The price was astronomical for years, out of my reach. Recent technologies, market competition and consumer demand drove these prices right to where they should be- affordable. So I finally got this pair. And I couldn't be more pleased. I don't use them on the firing range. I am a professional pyrotechnician. I design and fire large scale fireworks displays. My guns aren't measured in caliber- but in inches. I shoot out of 3 inch guns, 4", 5", 6" and so on and so on... all the way up to SIXTEEN INCH STEEL GUNS BURIED FOUR FEET INTO THE GROUND. The smallest, 3" guns would blow a hole through a human torso and still get enough lift to go off in the air. That's the smallest. The larger, more common five and six inch guns have to have enough lift to get up to 300 feet in the air. That's a loud explosion- and when I light one of those, I am one to three feet away. If I only lit one, that wouldn't be much of a fireworks show. I put these earmuffs to the test. As pyro workers on the ground, we have to be in constant communication with our coworkers. The business is all about safety. Timing, placement, coordination and communication during the show is key. Until now, we had to shout to each other (with mixed results) over the sound of the massive explosions we're setting off; often over other ear protection that blocks all sound. These earmuffs eliminate that. We can speak in normal voices while gigantic mortar style explosives are being lit all around us. We can work, coordinate and remain in communication while protecting our ears- and this is an industry changing invention. Better communication between workers means better fireworks shows. These should be standard issue to all fireworks professionals. The earplugs that block all sounds are great for protection, but terrible for the job of fireworks pro. I cannot believe the difference in the working experience wearing these earmuffs. There probably isn't a more abusive test to put these earmuffs through than from the ground during a fireworks display. Perhaps in a military conflict, there would be more explosions, but I assure you that the proximity of ear muffs to explosives going off is mere feet- and the only sound that comes through to the user is a "snap," not even as loud as popping bubble wrap. Not everyone is a pyrotechnician. But if you're looking for this type of product, I can attest that this pair works and I have put them through what I consider extreme testing environments. Highly recommended.
