As hunters and shooters, we want to be able to communicate clearly and protect our hearing when we're in the field or on a range. The Peltor Sport Tactical 300 and the Sport Tactical 500 share a lot of common functionality but there are also some differences. If you are in the market for some great hearing protection for your firearm shooting activities, chances are you have already looked into these two options from Peltor.
Ultimately, both headsets have a lot to offer, but it boils down to which features the best suit your shooting needs. Which pair of 3M ear protection is better? Are the updates worth it? Is it worth spending the extra money?
Hopefully, this comparison will help clear up questions you might have had about these two models, and which one might be right for you.
Features Included in Both
The great thing about both of the Sport Tactical headsets and why it’s perfect for hunters and shooters is the suppression of gunshot noise. Both headsets have Dynamic Suppression Time that measures the gunshot sound and automatically suppresses any echoes after the shot.
We understand it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and communicate clearly while shooting. The Clear Voice Tracking feature seeks out good background noise, like voices, so you can always be alert without taking off the headset.
Lastly, the headsets have recessed microphones that reduce wind and fan noise so you can hear more clearly.
Differences
The difference between the two headsets comes down to 3 features that can be found only in the Peltor Tactical 500.
- Bluetooth
- Improved Comfort
- Better hearing protection
Bluetooth
The Sport Tactical 500 has Bluetooth technology to connect your headset to a mobile device letting you listen to music and answer phone calls, all without taking off the headset.
Improved Comfort
With every new model released by 3M, there are slight improvements to the overall comfort of a headset. The Sport Tactical 500 has low-profile cups that reduce interference with long guns, like rifles, making it more comfortable to shoot.
Hearing Protection
Firearms can produce a noise greater than 140 dB. Not wearing proper protection can cause permanent hearing damage. It’s important to consider how well your headset is going to protect you against loud noise.
The noise reduction rating (NRR) is a measurement of how much your hearing protection device reduces the sound around you. The higher the NRR the better it is at reducing the sound.
The Sport Tactical 300 has a noise reduction rating of 24 dB compared to the Sport Tactical 500 with a slightly higher NRR at 26 dB.
If you’re looking for better protection against loud noise, the Sport Tactical 500 is your best option.
Price
With an estimated retail price of $160, the Sport Tactical 300 is a bit more affordable than its 500 series counterparts coming in at $210.
What's the Best Choice?
With the prices being so close, you may be asking yourself which model is better. In the end, the best set of earmuffs for you will vary on several factors such as your desired use and the activity that you'll be using them for.
The Peltor Sport Tactical 300 and 500 do not differ too much from one another, but if you're willing to spend a little extra money, the 500 is a slightly better choice. Both tactical ear protection headsets are very similar in most ways with the major difference being the Bluetooth technology, improved comfort while shooting, and better protection from loud gunshots.
Hopefully, our comparison has helped you make an informed decision on which model to purchase. At First Source Wireless, we’re determined to help hunters and shooters find the best solution for communication and hearing protection. For more headset comparisons and solutions visit our website.
About the Company
First Source Wireless is an authorized dealer of the largest names in tactical communication including 3M Peltor, Ops Core, Silynx, and more. Our blog has been chosen for the Top 20 Survival Gear Blogs on the web.
What equipment is required to ensure gun safety at the shooting range
