Customer Reviews

Peltor H10B Behind-the-Head Earmuff with Neckband (Optime 105)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I really wanted to like these, but after they (finally) arrived, they were not exactly as described.

The behind the neck "strap" is really just a connector for the two hearing protectors. It will not stay on your head unless you use the Over the Head Strap, which is not in the product description or picture as of March 2010. Having to use an over the head strap defeats the purpose of getting ear protectors that are behind the neck instead of over the head. The one and only mention of the over the head strap is in the directions for putting on the ear protectors where it tells you to secure the velcro the strap over your head. If this had been mentioned or even pictured on the product page I wouldn't have tried these.

Additionally, the ear protectors interfered with using safety glasses--wouldn't let them sit normally on my face so my eyes weren't completely protected. This doesn't happen with normal over the head protectors (which I'll be ordering to replace these).

I'd like to give these a good review, but they aren't usable for me. They could work for someone who just needs them for studying--if they don't mind a dual behind the neck and over the head system. They do not fit like behind the neck earphones that you can use with an mp3 player or an iPod.

I'm a little puzzled about the negative reviews listed here.

According to the Technical Details:
* NRR 28 dB
* Twin-Cup neckband
* Patented Twin-Cup design
* Behind the neck design allows for easy use with hard hats

According to the Product Description from the manufacturer:
The Peltor Optime 105 Earmuff is recommended for very high noise level environments. Safe, comfortable and economical for all day protection. Note, this is the behind the head model.

According to the Product Description:
For Extreme Noise Levels Up To 105 Dba. Developed For The Ultimate Protection In The Most Demanding Noise Environments. The Optime 105 Features Added Mass And Volume, Plus A Unique Double Shell" Ear Cup Design (two Cups Connected Via A Foam Inner Layer To Reduce Structural Resonances) To Provide The Maximum In Noise Reduction Throughout The Full Range Of Low And High Frequencies. Ansi S3.19 1974/csa Z94.2.", Nrr 29 Db Uom Each

Now I purchased these "behind the head model" for one reason and one reason only: To allow myself to have adequate hearing protection while using the Sperian Protection S8500 Bionic Face Shield for adequate eye protection while using my MS 460 STIHL Magnum(tm) Chain Saw as over the head ear muffs would not even come close to allowing me to wear adequate eye protection. And you know what, the combination of the Peltor H10B Behind-the-Head Earmuff with Neckband (Optime 105) and the Sperian Protection S8500 Bionic Face Shield while workable still came up short. But that was not the fault of the Peltor H10B Behind-the-Head Earmuff with Neckband (Optime 105). And no I have tried safety glasses with both "over the head" and "behind the head" models and the "over the head" models makes wearing any type of protective eye wear much more difficult. And because I have a tendency to "fog" every conceivable type of eye ware (including anti-fog and scrapping soap on the inside of the lens) I have purchased every conceivable type of protective eye ware and they stay on much better with the "behind the head" models. (I did fix the problem by placing a Velcro scrap at the the bottom of the face shield then fastened the strap behind my neck which held the face shield in place).

The Peltor H10B Behind-the-Head Earmuff with Neckband (Optime 105) does everything it is advertised to do and it does it well. Yes there is a Velcro strap that fits on top of your head and this does secure the ear muffs better, but even with my chain saw the ear muffs stayed on without using the Velcro straps.

And these are not Tactical Hearing Protectors which block out harmful noise while amplifying low-level sounds and never claim to be. So to get these hearing protectors to "better hear" music or the spoken word makes no sense what so ever. While my personal preference for hearing protection remains "over the head" ear muffs, I doubt you could buy a better "behind the head" ear protection, especially at this price.

My office is next to a room with air compressors running. I put these on and my office is suddenly quiet! Even with glasses on to look at the computer screen. The foam cups mold right around my thin glass frames and seal completely. The only drawback is after a period of time, your ears will get warm and start to sweat because they are sealed off.

These are simply amazing. I can hear nothing with them on and its helps me studying tremendously. Great for those who don't like the over the head type with just as much protection. The ear cups are soft and comfortable and adjustment is quick and easy. Worth the investment to save your hearing!

I use it for mowing the lawn. works well. pushes sunglasses so every once in a while I have to adjust the glasses.

I just bought these after buying and liking the fit of the over-the-top of the head cousin this spring. Before buying these, I've used Craftsman and Peltor brands since the 1980s. These all were well constructed and these new ones are no less. Probably these Peltor have better NR ratings because I'm looking for and buying better NR. But all of them eventually have the foam inside or the plastic ear surround air cushions harden and crack or just seam split and need to be replaced and I don't fault them for that. I've never found replacements for just these parts so have to just replace whole unit. Unless they are comfortable, you won't use them, so when you find a pair that works well for you, stick with them. Both styles of these are NOT light (not heavy, either, really, just more than less effective ones) and protrude out from head over ears more than many hearing protectors and even more than some other Peltor brand styles I've had. Aside from the hearing protection feature, another I like that these don't get in the way of wearing a hat and they stay in place better when stooped over your work for longer periods of time. One aspect of these that you cannot see in the picture is the adjustable strap that runs OVER the head, so it's really NOT just 'behind-the-head' - just the spring wires are such. I didn't think and still haven't decided that this is necessary, but I can see that they'd want some 'suspenders' for them. Some folks may not like having to work with both the over the head strap and the behind the head springwire when pulling these on when compared with the ease of just dropping the over-the-head cousins onto your head. But, I feel that everyone should have more good quality NR muffs around to have handy for chainsaw and lawnmower and woodshop tool use to cut down on hearing loss.

Best ear protection yet, used 1/2 dozen of various types at least. Highest NRR so they should be the easiest on my ears. I purchased for the behind the head feature so I wouldn't burn my balding head when I can't wear a hat. No problem with the velcro strap mentioned earlier. I don't really find it necessary but my daughter needs the strap to keep the muffs up off the top of her ears. The over the head version should do as well but I really like these!

These earmuffs work great. If you wear a hard hat, they have a velcro stap that goes over your head so they don't slide down. It lays flat so you won't notice the strap. Excellent noise reduction. 8 hrs comfortable.

they were a little awkward to get use to at first but very comfortable, very light weight and keep the volume down

great hearing protection, really cuts the noise, and comfortable too! overhead strap is a bit chinsy, the design for this strap could be better. gave it a 4 stars only because of the over head strap