Do the peltors sport tactical have larger ear cups in general? I felt like I wasn't even getting a great seal because the headset was contacting the stock etc and pushing them. I may look into earbud type things but I've never been a fan. Just would like a decent pair to be able to hear while protection my ears.
Weird as this mental picture is, I measured my ears (Mrs. a73elkyss just rolled her eye and said "WTH are you doing. I am NOT helping you measure THAT!). I then measured the Howard Leights Cups vs. the Peltor 500 Cups w/gel pads.
HL:
Height OD: 3 3/4"
Height ID: 2 3/8"
Width OD: 2 3/4"
Width ID 1 1/2"
Inside ear Depth: 1/2"
Complete Depth: 1 3/8"
Peltor 500:
Height OD: 4"
Height ID: 2 3/4"
Width OD: 3"
Width ID 1 3/4"
Inside ear Depth: 3/4"
Complete Depth: 2 1/8"
A73elkyss Human Ear:
Height: 2 5/8"
Width: 1 1/8"
Depth: 5/8"
The HL foam is standard cushion that came with them. Kinda stiff and are tough to get a good seal with glasses. Absolutely need to double up when used inside. They are truly slim and contoured well.
Peltor 500 factory cushion changed with their Gel cup. Very comfortable and I get a great ear seal with glasses. I can wear them all day and my ears are fine at the end of the day. But they ARE larger.
This is just me. YMMV. I will also say, the gel cups along with my ears are flexible. There are other things to consider like cost, electronic shot cut off, cup cheek weld size, indoors vs outdoor use, conversation ability, etc.
While the Peltor 500's are my current go to "ears", I'm looking at stepping up to the next level.
As I mentioned, the HL's are now on my nightstand and give me an advantage if all else fails during a "glass breakage" type event, because I doubt the "other" person has "ears on".
Let me just add. I may be a little older than you. I have moderate hearing loss w/Tinnitus (with other medical issues) and wear hearing aids. If I could go back in time, I would have spent WAY more on hearing protection as once hearing starts to go south, there is no practical medical procedure to get it back. And good hearing aids can run multiple thousands of dollars. The old adage of pay me know or pay me later is extremely true.
Jay