Electronic earmuffs review 
By Sam Talbot 
 
As someone who frequently shoots with new equipment and in new disciplines, clear communication with instructors and range officers is essential. So many times, I have been offered what was no doubt great advice, but couldn’t quite hear it, and so I ended up not improving and getting the same old mediocre score. 

Protecting your ears is important, but not being able to hear other people can clearly be a big problem, which is where electronic earmuffs like the Caldwell E-Max Pro Series can make a big difference. 

If you’ve used noise-cancelling headphones before, electronic earmuffs function in almost the opposite way. Instead of cancelling ambient noise, they block the loud bangs, while amplifying quieter noises like voices. This makes it much easier to communicate on the range without compromising your hearing protection. 

I will say though, always be careful with electronic earmuffs because sometimes the volume can be too high initially. If you’re using them for the first time, I would recommend first trying them out a good distance away from any shooting to make sure they are working properly and giving yourself time to calibrate them. 

The E-Max Pros offer a 23dB Noise Reduction Rating and deliver stereo sound, providing clarity and spatial awareness. They also fit snugly over the ears, offering full insulation across the ear cup. They’re slightly on the firm side, which can get uncomfortable over a long day, but I’d rather they be too firm than too loose – better to be safe than sorry. 

While I don’t think I could wear them for an entire day straight, taking them off between rounds of shooting makes all the difference. For those who like to double-up on ear protection, especially if shooting indoors, the cups are large enough to accommodate ear plugs without compromising the fit.  

The battery compartment is easy to access, and securely locked in place, giving you confidence that it won’t pop open during use. There’s even a 3.5mm audio jack, so you could technically plug in your music if you so desired. 

Another thoughtful feature is the auto shutoff, which occurs after four hours of inactivity. That means you won’t be wasting all your battery life if you happen to forget to turn them off. The volume controls are very user-friendly, the plus and minus buttons are deeply indented, making them easy to distinguish by feel. 

I have generally kept the volume turned down fairly low to ensure gunshots don’t sneak through, especially when shooting higher-calibre firearms. Overall, a solid option for anyone who needs to balance communication with hearing protection. 

The E-Max Pro Series is available in a range of colours, including youth sizes, and can be found at most reputable gun shops for just over $100.