Surefire EP3 Sonic Defenders Medium (Clear)

by SureFire

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0012XT8B6
• Item model number: EP4-MPR
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,742 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #19 in Sports & Outdoors > Hunting & Fishing > Hunting > Eyewear & Hearing Protection > Earmuffs
  • #30 in Health & Personal Care > Personal Care > Ear Care > Earplugs
  • #45 in Sports & Outdoors > Hunting & Fishing > Tactical & Duty > Protective Body Equipment
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 22, 2008

Product Description

EP3 Sonic Defenders protect your hearing without interfering with your ability to hear routine sounds or conversations. Their double-flange stem design fits most people and provides a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24dB. Sounds, at safe levels, are allowed to pass through into the ear canal, while potentially harmful noises (above 85dB) are reduced via a proprietary design that incorporates the patented Hocks Noise Braker® filter. EP3s include attached stopper plugs, which can be inserted for further protection, and they also block out lower-level noise like that heard on a plane. They can be used in situations where hearing ambient sounds or conversations isn't critical. The right/left color-coded Sonic Defenders are made from a soft but durable, hypoallergenic polymer and are ergonomically shaped, with an adjustable-stem design, providing a secure fit, all-day comfort, and extended product life (3 to 6+ months, depending on usage and care). And their low-profile design means they can be worn while wearing a headset. Each set is packaged in a convenient carry case. Available in clear. 24dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) with stoppers inserted Lowers potentially dangerous noise levels above 85dB Hear safe sound levels (with stoppers out) as if you weren't wearing ear plugs Ergonomic design and double-flange stem design conforms to ear shape for comfort and secure retention Made from hypoallergenic, medical-grade polymer that's soft, durable, and long-lasting Low-profile design allows you to keep them in place while wearing a headset Available in clear

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple, effective, November 21, 2008

By 

Dufmeizer (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surefire EP3 Sonic Defenders Medium (Clear) (Electronics)

These work great alright for the right application. I've been using them for about two years now and as mentioned in the other reviews, great for tactical applications, and decent for motorcycling. For plain open range they're great. For CQC/tactical applications it's not quite perfect but the best I've used so far. I've also used Peltor SWAT Tac but found that the stereo noise amplifier at low levels didn't work as I'd like it. During training evolutions, I often heard noise coming from one direction that were in fact coming from another, very bad. This never hapens with the EP3s as they are not amplified. They' don't offer as much dB protection and firing in closed quarters will leave your head buzzing. But I'd rather have buzzing ears after the fact than not hearing someone coming from around a corner. A quick removal of the "Hocks Noise Braker filter" also allows the inserting of generic sound tubes and makes for a solid comms ear piece. I must be on my fifth or sixth set now (simply because I lose them) and will continue to use them until something better comes along.
P.S. If you wonder what size to order, go for the medium. We purchased all three sizes to outfit our team (16) and all but one (large) use the mediums.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sorta Works..., August 28, 2010

By 

Reality Rick (Somewhere in Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surefire EP3 Sonic Defenders Medium (Clear) (Electronics)

I was really looking forward to trying out this product to see if it lived up to all the great reviews. Especially because I, like you, did some extensive research before deciding to buy it. I went to the range today and here is what I found... I properly inserted the plugs and did a suction test to make sure the fit was good, and it was. I did not close the little plugs on the EARPRO, so I could see if I could truly stomach the sounds of all the shooting. I stepped out of my car and stood on the firing line with people shooting handguns and hunting rifles. I talked to the Range Master and had a short 5 sentence conversation. I could hear him just fine, but the gunshots were starting to get beyond uncomfortable. I had to go back to my car and plug up the little plugs on the EARPRO, as the noise was too uncomfortable. I stepped back out, and it was way more comfortable. I was talking to the Range Master again, and I could understand him just fine but with a little less clarity than when the smaller plugs on the EARPRO were open. I would guestimate you have an improvement of hearing conversation of 1/3rd clarity over standard military ear plugs with the little plugs on the EARPRO closed. So, that part kinda works. The overall effectiveness of the plug is not as good as the military ear plugs, as some noise still wafts through theses Surefire plugs. So, I only kinda recommend these plugs, especially as the price is waaaaay to high. I suggest they should only cost $5 and come with a descent carrying case. If you are looking for a plug that will be a miricle cure to gunshot sounds on the range, look at one of those electronic headsets that filter out high decibels. These aren't really it. BUT if we were in a W.R.O.L situation (essentially WWIII) and you were on patrol with your buddies, then get these plugs, as you will be able to hear good enough while you are doing your "shoot, move, communicate," bit. That, in my opinion, is what these are best for, not for the "hey, I think I'll go to the range today for 4 hours and sight in my AKs." Patrolling: yes, Range: no. But, since I bough 4 pairs, I'll just use them for the range after all. Besides, after buying that many, I might as well get my money out of them, if possible.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!, May 5, 2010

By 

Michael Anson (Southern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Surefire EP3 Sonic Defenders Medium (Clear) (Electronics)

Got these in the mail today and WOW! Little background: I work for the railroad and am no stranger to earplugs. My company supplies the cheapo earplugs, from foamies to soft rubber plugs, to the soft rubber plugs w/ flanges. None of which are all that great. Foamies get nasty after pulling them in and out a few times (especially with dirty hands). The rubber ones seem to create an uncomfortable pressure in your ear and require messing with them a bit to get them comfortable. Typically when you do get them in your ear without the extra pressure, you don't have proper seal for protection, and often can't get an even seal. Maybe its just me, but those issues really bother me, and I end up only wearing them when I absolutely have to.

I stumbled across the EarPro EP3's last week online. Read a few reviews (including reviews on Amazon, my "Goto" for consumer reviews!) and decided to buy them. So far I am super happy about this purchase... only a couple hours in! Yes, hard to give an accurate review this early but I was so impressed I wanted to write a first impressions review!

So first off, they came in a nice clean package. As always, great, fast shipping! Inside the retail package the earplugs were encapsulated in a clear, cheapy plastic case. Not sure if the case was meant for long term or not, but I'll definitely be using it to keep these in until I find something better. Per one reviewers suggestion, I went with the medium size plugs (that and Amazon didn't have "small" size for sale when I looked). In my experience with audio devices I find I use small size plugs (2 sets of Shure in-ear headphones, Skullcandy headphones, Jawbone 2 & Jawbone Prime earpieces). I was skeptic, but I was very pleased when I found they fit my ears. These are SO comfortable I can see wearing them for long periods of time. Looking forward to this weekend when I take out my new rifle & really test these earpieces out!

First impressions: I will totally recommend these to friends. Infact I will most likely be taking these to work to show them to the bosses and the safety team to see if we can start ordering for all our employees! IMO the best PPE (personal protective equipment) is the stuff you'll USE! I bought these to use when I go shooting, but think I'll be taking these to work with me too.