Top positive review
9 people found this helpful
My Ears Thank Me Every Time I Put These On
By MBS on Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
My Ears Thank Me Every Time I Put These On I used to be terrible about protecting my hearing. Whether it was loud concerts, power tools in the garage, or even just the sheer volume of my own questionable singing, I figured my ears could handle it. Spoiler alert: they can't, not long-term anyway. I finally realized I needed to get serious about hearing protection, but I didn't want something bulky or uncomfortable that I'd dread wearing. That's where these Walker's Razor Slim Electronic Earmuffs came into my life, and honestly, my ears have sent me thank you notes (if ears could write, which, thankfully, they can't – that would be weird). The first thing that struck me was how not bulky they are. The "Slim" in the name is legit. They have a really low profile compared to other earmuffs I've seen, which makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods, even with safety glasses or hats. The "Battle Brown" color is also pretty sharp, if you care about looking good while protecting your hearing (and who doesn't?). But the real magic is the electronics. The sound amplification is fantastic. I can have a conversation at a normal volume with them on, which is crucial when you're trying to communicate on a job site or at the range. And the moment a loud noise hits – BAM! – the sound-activated compression kicks in instantly (seriously, 0.002-second reaction time is faster than I can even flinch). It mutes the harmful noise down to a safe level while still letting you hear everything else. It's like having a personal sound engineer for your ears, constantly adjusting the volume for safety and clarity. I've used these for everything from woodworking with loud saws to attending shooting events, and they perform flawlessly. They're comfortable enough that I forget I'm wearing them until a loud noise happens, and then I'm just grateful they're doing their job. The audio input jack is a nice bonus too – perfect for listening to music or podcasts while working on quieter tasks, still with the protection ready to go. If you value your hearing (and you absolutely should!), but hate feeling like you're wearing two bricks on your head, these Walker's Razor Slim earmuffs are the answer. They're comfortable, incredibly effective, and the electronic features make them practical for so many different situations. My only regret is not getting them sooner.
Top critical review
Decent for general noise but not for shooting/hunting unless you wear earplugs with them
By Lance Maverick on Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2025
TL;DR: These 23dB NRR are a starting point for general noise, but for firearms, it's highly recommended to use hearing protection with a much higher NRR (e.g. 27-31dB or higher), or to "double up" with both earplugs and earmuffs for maximum protection. Walker's claims that their Razor Slim Electronic Ear Muffs with a 23dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) are good for shooting ranges and hunting can seem contradictory to the high decibel levels produced by firearms. Here's a breakdown of why they might make this claim and what to consider: Walker's Claims: On the product page for the Walker's Razor Slim Electronic Ear Muffs, they state that the 23dB NRR "effectively reduces harmful noises like gunshots to safe levels." They market these earmuffs as "ideal for avid shooters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts." Understanding the Discrepancy: As previously discussed, firearms like the S&W M&P Shield .40 can produce sound levels in the range of 155-160 dB. While a 23dB NRR is a significant reduction, applying common real-world reduction estimates (like the OSHA 50% correction factor, which would be about 11.5 dB effective reduction for a 23 NRR) would still leave you exposed to noise levels potentially above the immediate hearing damage threshold of 140 dB. For example, 155 dB - 11.5 dB = 143.5 dB, which is still dangerous. The Role of Electronic Features: The key to Walker's claim lies in the "Electronic" aspect of these earmuffs. They are equipped with: ~ Sound-Activated Compression: This technology is designed to instantly compress or "clip" any sound that exceeds a certain safe decibel level (often around 82-85 dB). So, while the NRR of 23dB indicates the maximum passive noise reduction, the electronic compression system aims to ensure that no sound reaching your ears, including sudden gunshots, surpasses a safe, non-damaging level. This means instead of simply reducing a 155 dB gunshot by 23 dB, the electronic circuitry actively works to bring that sharp, loud peak down to a much safer level. ~ High-Gain Omnidirectional Microphones and High-Definition Speakers: These features allow you to hear important ambient sounds and communicate at the range or in the field, which is crucial for safety and practical use, without compromising the protection against loud impulse noises. Conclusion and Recommendations: While Walker's electronic earmuffs are designed to provide protection for shooting by actively managing sound levels, it's crucial to understand that: ~ NRR vs. Electronic Compression: The NRR primarily refers to the passive noise reduction capability. The electronic compression is what makes them suitable for impulse noises like gunshots by clamping down on peak sounds. ~ "Doubling Up" is Still Best Practice: For maximum protection, especially in very loud environments like indoor shooting ranges or when using extremely high-caliber firearms, "doubling up" your hearing protection (wearing earplugs under earmuffs) is highly recommended. ~ Consider Exposure: The effectiveness also depends on the duration and consistency of exposure. Even with electronic muffs, prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments without proper protection can be detrimental. In essence, Walker's claim is based on the active noise management capabilities of their electronic earmuffs, which are designed to protect against the peak sound of gunshots, rather than just a linear reduction based on the NRR alone.
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