Serious shooters need heavy-duty hearing protection, and two popular products are the Peltor Comtac III and MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X. These advanced ear muffs usually cost over $250 and offer superior sound protection and advanced functionality.
You can purchase good hearing protection for gun users for around $100 or less, but these earmuffs are designed for serious users who want superior hearing protection. Users include people who frequent shooting ranges, people who hunt often and people engaged in combat training exercises.
MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X
Peltor COMTAC III
MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X
Peltor COMTAC III
The MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X is equal in quality and available. Based on Doctear’s analysis, the Peltor Comtac III is the better choice, but currently unavailable. Read on for a more detailed comparison.
Read our Peltor COMTAC III Review here.
Doctear's Analysis of MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X vs Peltor Comtac
When choosing between the MSA Sordin vs Peltor, users will want to consider several factors. These features include hearing protection (noise reduction rating), amplification of soft sounds, ease of use, comfort and other features. These muffs fall under electronic hearing protection with noise-reducing mics and communication capabilities.
Hearing Protection / Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of the Sordin vs Comtac
Noise protection is one of the most important features to consider when choosing hearing protection.
3M’s Peltor Comtac III offers NRR 20dB and is NAVLAP certified. They are tested at a 3M NAVLAP accredited facility.
MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X has an NRR of only 18dB in comparison. However, the Sordin can compress sounds up to 82dB, and some reviewers of the product have stated that the product does a good job of protecting hearing. The 18dB NRR may, in fact, be a worst-case average. The seal is excellent even when wearing eye protection.
The volume can be lowered so that all sounds are suppressed or increased to amplify low volume sounds. With amplification, the user can more easily hear footsteps and people talking.
When comparing the Comtac vs Sordin, both items seem to have good hearing protection, although the Peltor Comtac III seems to have a higher NRR rating. However, for shooting ear protection, there is often debate whether the NRR of the Sordin’s is up to the task – with compression up to 82dB.
Another notable comparison is the Howard Leight Impact Sport vs Peltor Tactical 6S.
Ease of Use and Comfort of the Peltor vs Sordin
Ease of use and comfort is another important factor when comparing Sordin vs Comtac, especially for users who will be wearing these on their heads for a long time. For example, people hunting or doing military training exercises will want something comfortable over a longer period of time.
3M designed the COMTAC to be used with other ballistic helmets and firearms. The sizing of the headpiece is designed to be adjustable so that it can fit different users. The ear cup was also designed to provide a better fit. COMTAC offers gel cushions designed to improve the comfort of wearing the device over a long period of time. Again, the fit is adjustable for different users.
The MSA Sordins comes with comfortable ear seals equipped. Gel covers fit well around safety glasses for those who use them and are more comfortable than foam cups with other hearing protectors. The batteries can be easily installed and can last as long as 600 hours. The slim and foldable design makes it easy to carry around. In addition, the size is easily adjustable so that it can fit on anyone’s head.
When comparing Peltor vs MSA, both of these hearing protection devices have positive ratings for ease of use and comfort, as one would expect for a higher-priced product.
External Communication using the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X vs Peltor
While hearing protection is important, another essential aspect of a good hearing protector is hearing a conversation and softer sounds. One notable difference between the MSA Sordin vs Peltor COMTAC III is that some COMTAC models come with an optional noise-reducing microphone, whereas the MSA Sordin does not. COMTAC is thus a good choice for team exercises or combat training. Additionally, they can easily remove the boom microphone if it is not needed.
The COMTAC uses compression rather than clipping, which makes the conversation more audible. Clipping can cut off the parts of the conversation, so compression improves overall sound quality and makes speech easier to understand.
Talk-through technology allows safe audio to go through while still protecting from harmful loud noises. The microphone uses advanced digital circuitry to filter out loud sounds while allowing safe sounds to get through. In addition, loud sounds are compressed to a safe decibel level, while weak sounds are amplified to be more easily heard.
The MSA Sordin comes with comfortable ear seals and can amplify safe sounds up to 4 times. Like the COMTAC, the Sordin also compresses loud, harmful sounds while amplifying weaker sounds. When comparing the less expensive Peltor Tactical Sport vs MSA Sordin, the Sordin does a noticeably better job amplifying weak sounds and transmitting conversation without clipping.
Price of the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro-X vs Peltor Comtac
Both the MSA Sordin and COMTAC cost a bit more as they are higher-end products. Although the COMTAC sometimes costs twice as much as the Sordin and can be priced very high, look for deals on these muffs.
The MSA Sordin also comes with a 5-year guarantee on electronics. Generally, when comparing pricing between the Peltor Comtac III vs MSA Sordin, the Sordin is usually more affordable and typically the more popular choice for ear protection among casual gun users.
See Also: MSA Sordin vs Pro Ears
Other Features of the MSA Sordin vs Peltor Comtac 3
COMTAC is also salt water-resistant, which makes it a good choice for outdoor use and extreme environments. The kit includes a camo bag, batteries, gel cushions and adapter. The Comtac III muff is the Peltor Tac earmuff line; you may want to check out their other tactical earmuffs for a lower-budget Peltor tac option.
The MSA Sordin also is waterproof and splashproof. Another nice feature is that it automatically shuts off after four hours to conserve battery life. The unit has a low battery indicator and requires two AAA batteries, which are included.
Sordin Supreme Pro X vs Peltor SportTac
When looking at Sordins vs Comtac, there is a clear distinction. But the Peltor Sporttac vs Sordin Supreme Pro is much closer.
These two muffs are very similar, but the NRR of the Peltor Sporttac vs MSA Sordin is 26 to 25 dB respectively.
Although the Sordin Supreme Pro comes with gel ear cups.
MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X
Peltor SportTac
MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X
Peltor SportTac
Bottom Line
Note: If you would like to purchase either model, you can get them here: Peltor Comtac III or MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X
To sum it up, both the MSA Sordin and Peltor Comtac III are top-quality hearing protection devices. Choosing between the MSA vs Peltor will depend on your budget and what you require in your hearing protection headwear.
The Sordin seems a popular choice for people who frequent shooting ranges. However, some users advise using earplugs for higher-powered firearms due to the lower NRR rating.
The COMTAC, although usually more expensive, is an excellent choice for combat training, particularly with the included microphone to communicate with team members. In addition, the amplification of soft sounds allows users to maintain situational awareness while louder harmful noises are compressed to safe decibel levels.
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