I've become uber-paranoid about hearing protection after a scare (careless move on my part)  a couple of weeks ago.

 

I've just ordered Surefire Defenders to use instead of foam plugs (which I believe let me down outdoors).

 

Indoors I still use my Howard Leight electronics but because I've become paranoid I don't even switch them on lately.

 

And when I used to switch them on I kept it at the lowest setting just past "click".

 

Do you guys who use electronic ones keep the dial halfway up?  do you really believe that it only muffles the dangerous pops?  For those that wear electronic and hear dialogue fine (so dial turned up) you still fee like you've got good protection?

 

Maybe I just have very sensitive ears.

 

I dont wear my howard leights anymore, but when I did i had the sound cranked all the way up, never had an issue.

 

now adays I just use my surefire earplugs , which are great 

I turn mine on before the shooting starts and adjust them so that normal conversation is at a normal volume.  I don't need them to be set super loud, enough to hear some one say something when there are no loud bangs.

When shooting outdoors, I turn my Howard Leight Impact Sports up to about 2/3-3/4.  If I'm shooting indoors, I double-up with foam plugs underneath so I'm up to full volume or close to it.

All electronic ear-pro is not created equal.

 

I have 2 pairs of MSA Supreme Pros and 1 pair of Peltor Commtacs. I keep the volume at max, indoors and out, with no issues. I can still hear conversations around me at normal levels as the ear-pro cuts the gunshots out.

I got PM4011.  Gunshots sound about the same on any volume settings, well muted.  Settings affects only speech and other "normal" sounds, so it is safe even on max.