Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection Review

Let’s Talk About Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection

The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection offers a unique approach to protecting your ears by combining instant impulse reduction with the ability to still hear speech clearly. These aren’t your grandpa’s foam earplugs; they employ patent-pending filter technology to adapt to varying sound levels without batteries. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear enthusiast, I was eager to see if these could replace my bulky electronic earmuffs in certain situations, especially for fast-paced shooting drills where situational awareness is key.

My ears have been ringing since that ill-advised M82 Barrett .50 BMG demonstration years ago without proper ear protection. This experience has made me acutely aware of the need to protect my hearing, especially at the shooting range. When I saw the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection advertised, I was drawn to the promise of impulse noise protection without sacrificing the ability to hear range commands.

Upon unboxing, the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection felt lightweight and compact. The memory foam tips gave an immediate impression of comfort, and the removable neck cord seemed practical for preventing loss. The build quality appeared decent, though the plastic housing for the filters felt a little less robust than some higher-end tactical hearing protection options I’ve used.

Compared to traditional foam earplugs, the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection promised more advanced protection and functionality. Compared to electronic earmuffs, these offered greater portability and eliminated the need for batteries. I ultimately chose these for their potential to bridge the gap between basic earplugs and more elaborate electronic solutions, hoping they’d provide effective protection in a compact, user-friendly package.

I was cautiously optimistic. The claim of instant impulse reduction was enticing, but I was also skeptical if they could truly deliver the stated level of protection while still allowing for clear communication. The promise of hearing protection without batteries was also a huge plus.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection was at an outdoor shooting range. The range was hosting a practical pistol competition, so I was exposed to a variety of firearms from 9mm pistols to AR-15 rifles. I wanted to evaluate both the impulse noise reduction and the ability to hear range commands clearly.

The weather was dry and mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection performed well in these conditions, providing adequate protection from the gunfire. I could still hear the range officer’s instructions clearly, although voices sounded slightly muffled compared to normal hearing.

The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection was fairly easy to use. The foam tips conformed to my ear canals, providing a snug and comfortable fit. I did have to adjust them a few times to get the optimal seal, but once in place, they stayed put even with movement.

Initially, I noticed a slight pressure sensation in my ears, but this dissipated after a few minutes. The biggest surprise was how well I could still hear conversations while standing relatively close to active shooters. However, distant conversations were difficult to hear.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection has held up surprisingly well. I’ve used them at the range during several more shooting sessions and also while doing some light woodworking in my shop. They still perform as expected.

There are no significant signs of wear and tear. The memory foam tips are still in good shape, and the plastic housings have not cracked or broken. I have been careful to store them in a case when not in use, which likely helps to protect them.

Maintenance is simple: I wipe them down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. The memory foam tips can be replaced if needed, which is a nice feature. So far, this has not been necessary.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard foam earplugs, the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection is a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and sound clarity. While electronic earmuffs offer better overall noise reduction and amplification, the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection provides a good balance of protection and situational awareness in a more compact and affordable package.

Breaking Down the Features of Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Safariland. This name is synonymous with quality and reliability in the law enforcement and tactical communities.
• NRR: 13-38 dB. This rating indicates the level of noise reduction provided, with 13dB continuous reduction in Full-Block Mode and up to 38dB peak impulse reduction in Impulse Mode.
• Quantity: 1 pair. Each package contains one pair of the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection.
• Size: Adjustable. The memory foam tips are designed to conform to different ear canal sizes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
• Color: Black. The black color is discreet and professional.
• Package Type: Clam Pack/ Plastic. This packaging is durable and protects the hearing protection during shipping and storage.
• Included Accessories: Removable Neck Cord. The neck cord prevents loss and allows for easy access when not in use.
• Condition: New. The product is guaranteed to be in new, unused condition.
• Application: Hunting, Shooting. The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection is specifically designed for use in these noisy environments.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the product’s performance and user experience. The NRR rating determines the level of protection, while the adjustable size and included accessories contribute to comfort and convenience. The Safariland name gives confidence in product quality.

Performance & Functionality

The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection does a solid job of reducing dangerous sound levels while still allowing users to hear speech and audio. In Impulse Mode, the peak impulse reduction of 38dB is noticeable and effective at minimizing the jarring effect of gunshots. The 13dB continuous reduction helps to lower overall noise fatigue.

A strength of the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection is its ability to instantly reduce dangerous sounds. The weakness, however, is that the impulse noise reduction isn’t quite as effective as electronic earmuffs. It meets expectations for basic hearing protection, but doesn’t exceed them like higher-end options do.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable, although the plastic housing feels somewhat basic. The memory foam tips are comfortable and conform well to the ear canal, promoting a secure fit. They are lightweight and discreet, making them suitable for extended use.

There is little to no learning curve. The user simply inserts the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection into their ears, and they are ready to go. This makes them a convenient option for those who are new to hearing protection.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection should last for a reasonable amount of time. The memory foam tips are replaceable, which extends the product’s lifespan. The product is easy to maintain by simply wiping down the exterior after each use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection comes with a removable neck cord. This is helpful for keeping the hearing protection readily available when not actively in use. There are no other readily available customization options.

The memory foam tips are replaceable with generic foam tips if desired. Beyond this, there are limited customization options available, which is fairly standard for this type of hearing protection.

Pros and Cons of Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection

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Who Should Buy Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection?

The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection is perfect for:

• Hunters: Hunters who need to protect their hearing from the sound of gunfire while still being able to hear game and communicate with others.
• Shooting range enthusiasts: Individuals who frequent shooting ranges and need reliable hearing protection for extended shooting sessions.
• Tactical trainers: Instructors and participants in tactical training courses who need to protect their hearing while maintaining situational awareness.

Those who require maximum noise reduction in extremely loud environments may want to consider electronic earmuffs instead. People who don’t like the feeling of earplugs may also want to consider over-ear options.

A must-have accessory is a small carrying case to protect the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection when not in use. Replacement memory foam tips are also a good idea to have on hand.

Conclusion on Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection

The Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection offers a compelling combination of impulse noise reduction, clear communication, and comfortable fit. While the build quality is somewhat basic and the continuous noise reduction is limited, the product provides good value for the money, especially when you factor in the Safariland name and reputation. For shooters who want reasonably high levels of hearing protection and the ability to communicate or hear range commands, these are a great option.

The price is certainly justified given the features and performance. These are also considerably cheaper than high-end electronic earmuffs.

I would personally recommend the Safariland – TCI Foam Impulse Hearing Protection to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable hearing protection solution for shooting, hunting, or tactical training. Protect your hearing without sacrificing situational awareness – give them a try!