Three Excellent Ear Protectors for the Workshop

In our busy joinery and woodworking environment, protecting one’s hearing is essential. The planers, routers, saws we use are not only loud, they are relentless. We value ear protection that is comfortable, effective and hardwearing. We shared some hours using each others ears and found three winners. These are ones which over the years we have found particularly well-suited to workshop life and offer great protection from the woodworking sound. We imagine its difficult to design a pair of protectors without making the consumer look a tit, but some companies have made the effort. Appearance took a few options out of the race before they touched ears.

3M PELTOR Optime III H540A

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 35 dB

Why its a winner: Purpose built for heavy, loud equipment. It’s solid, and very old school when blocking loud kit and surprisingly comfy given its size.

Drawback: It is a bit chunky and gets a little warm in summer.

Verdicts: A bit Star Wars'y but when it comes to doing its job this may well be the best.

ISOtunes LINK 2.0

NRR: 25 dB
Why its a winner: New school over-ear bluetooth ear defenders, light and comfy. Listen to your tunes or take calls whilst you work.

Drawback: Slightly inferior to the more heavy duty sets when it comes to blocking noise but they’re easily good enough for most sites and workshops.

Verdict: The extras make it worthwhile and the fact its sound reduction qualities are still great, its probably the best all round option.

3M WorkTunes Connect (with AM/FM)

NRR: 24 dB
A really good piece of kit. A modern ear set with bluetooth and built-in radio but with a traditional bulky, sound proof exterior. 

Drawback: The radio reception ain't great, also if you care about the appearance it does look a little bulkier than needed. 

Verdict: Great all rounder. You would not regret buying these but personally Id go for ISOtunes LINK 2.0 due to the more reliable media.

Final Verdict:

• For brutality and efficiency, you want the Optime III 

• For comfort and modern features, the ISOtunes LINK 2.0 is perfect
  

Remember. Protecting yourself is vital and you should put your health before any deadline. Thanks for reading. Lee