EP4 Sonic Defenders® Plus protect your hearing without interfering with your ability to hear routine sounds or conversations. Their triple-flange stem design fits larger ear canals 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 to safe levels via a proprietary design that incorporates the patented Hocks Noise Braker® filter. EP4s 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.
More Information:The Difference between EP-3's and EP-4's: There is often confusion as to which set of Surefire Sonic Defenders is right. The only difference between EP-3's and EP-4's is that the EP-4's have a third flange on the ear canal piece to provide an additional noise reduction with the stoppers
out. With the stoppers
in both the EP-3's and EP-4's provide the same 24dB noise reduction. We have ran the EP-3's through shoot houses (handguns) and with the stoppers in, there was no discomfort. Some people with smaller ears have found the additional length of the EP-4's to be uncomfortable.
Sizing: Most everybody wears a medium (including women). If you are an especially large human, get a large. You can trim them to shape to further customized fit.
Color: Surefire has started offering the Sonic Defenders in black. While we love black as it looks all ninja and cool, it also soaks up heat like crazy in the sun (we are in Arizona). We carry the clear color as it stays cooler as well as a bit more discreet when worn.