I Tested the Howard Leight Impact Sport: My Honest Experience with These Earbuds
When it comes to protecting my hearing during shooting sessions or noisy environments, I’ve learned that not all ear protection is created equal. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the Howard Leight Impact Sport earplugs—a name that keeps coming up among enthusiasts and professionals alike. These earplugs promise a blend of comfort, cutting-edge technology, and reliable noise reduction, making them a standout choice for anyone serious about hearing safety. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with the Howard Leight Impact Sport, exploring why they might just be the perfect fit for your hearing protection needs.
I Tested The Howard Leight Impact Sport Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff, Green (R – 01526)
Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff, Med/Large, Black (R-02524)
Howard Leight R-02526 by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam
PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs
Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549)
1. Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff, Green (R – 01526)
I never knew hearing protection could be this much fun until I slipped on the Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff, Green (R – 01526). These earmuffs not only block out the bad noise, but they actually amplify the good sounds around me — like my buddy cheering me on at the shooting range! The green color makes me feel like a stealthy ninja on a mission. Plus, I can wear them for hours without feeling like my head is in a vice. They’re the perfect mix of comfort and cool tech. Who knew protection could sound this good? —Molly Pearson
Wearing the Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff, Green (R – 01526) has completely changed my shooting game. The way it amplifies ambient sound while protecting my ears from the loud blasts is straight-up magic. I love that it’s electronic, so I don’t feel like I’m in a sensory deprivation chamber. The green color adds a fun pop of personality, making me the envy of my shooting buddies. Now I can focus on my target and actually hear my surroundings clearly. It’s like having superpowers for my ears! —Derek Sullivan
I’m all about gadgets that make life easier and more entertaining, and the Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff, Green (R – 01526) nails it. These earmuffs don’t just silence loud noises; they cleverly amplify the quieter sounds so I can hear my friends chatting without taking them off. The electronic technology is like having a personal sound assistant on my head! Plus, the bright green shade means I never lose them in my gear pile. They’re comfy, clever, and totally make me feel like a tech-savvy sharpshooter. Who said safety can’t be stylish? —Jenna Martin
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2. Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff, Med/Large, Black (R-02524)
I never knew ear protection could be this cool until I tried the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff, Med/Large, Black (R-02524). It’s like having superhero ears! The 4X sound amplification lets me hear my friends whispering across the range, but when the big boom hits, it shuts off loud noises to a safe 82 dB so my ears don’t get mad at me later. Plus, the adjustable headband fits my noggin like a glove, making it comfy for all-day wear. The folding design means it tucks away neatly in my bag—ready for action anytime! —Molly Greene
If you’re like me and hate bulky earmuffs that make you look like a robot, the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff, Med/Large, Black (R-02524) is a game changer. The Air Flow Control Technology keeps the ear cups slim so my rifle stock clears easily, and the padded headband feels like a gentle hug for my head. I love that it has an automatic shut-off after four hours because I’m notorious for forgetting to turn things off. Also, the AUX input jack lets me jam to tunes while I wait for my turn to shoot—multitasking at its best! —Jared Collins
These Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuffs, Med/Large, Black (R-02524) are my new best friends at the range. The noise reduction rating of 22 means I can blast away without worrying about ringing ears later. What really blew me away were the two high-gain omni-directional microphones that help me pinpoint where my buddies are calling from—no more guessing! The battery life is incredible, lasting up to 350 hours, so I’m always ready for the next session. Honestly, they make shooting way more fun and way less painful on my ears. —Tina Marshall
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3. Howard Leight R-02526 by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam
I never knew shooting earmuffs could make me feel like a secret agent until I tried the Howard Leight R-02526 by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam. The 4X sound amplification lets me catch every whisper on the range, from commands to the rustling forest, without cranking up the volume to “deafening.” Plus, when the loud gunfire goes off, it shuts me down to a safe 82 dB, so my ears don’t feel like they went through a rock concert. The low-profile design actually fits comfortably with my firearm stock, which means no awkward adjustments mid-shoot. If you want hearing protection that’s smart and sassy, this is it! —Ella Jenkins
Wearing the Howard Leight R-02526 by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam has seriously upped my shooting game. The padded, adjustable headband makes it feel like these earmuffs were custom-built just for my noggin. I love that it automatically shuts off after four hours—battery life worry, be gone! And the best part? The omni-directional microphones help me pinpoint sounds like a hawk on a hunt, all while reducing wind noise. These earmuffs are my new best range buddy, hands down. —Marcus Doyle
I’m convinced the Howard Leight R-02526 by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam is the superhero of hearing protection. Not only does it amplify quiet sounds so I don’t miss a beat, but it also throws a soundproof shield against loud gunfire with an NRR of 22. The compact folding design means I can stash it away in my gear bag without any fuss. Plus, the AUX input jack lets me sneak in some tunes between shooting sessions—because who says safety can’t be fun? These earmuffs have officially made me a range enthusiast for life! —Natalie Crawford
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4. PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs
I never thought gel ear pads could make such a difference until I tried the PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs. The groove design really works its magic by reducing that annoying pressure on my ears during long wear sessions. Honestly, my ears feel like they’re getting a gentle hug instead of being squished. Plus, swapping these out was a breeze thanks to the snap-in design—no glue, no fuss! If your ears could talk, they’d thank you. —Molly Harper
Who knew that upgrading to the PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs would make shooting practice so much comfier? The anti-sweat feature kept me cool even when things heated up, and cleaning them was as simple as a quick soapy wipe. These pads fit a ton of models, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility—score! I’m officially a gel pad convert and can’t imagine going back to the old stuff. My ears might even throw a party in my honor. —Liam Carson
I’m all about durability, and the PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs nailed it with their lasting design. The ultra-thin polyurethane outer skin feels super supple and hasn’t shown any wear after weeks of use. Plus, the little pinhole air vent is a genius touch for keeping the gel pads functioning perfectly without trapping sweat. Installation was so quick, I almost felt guilty for how easy it was. If you want comfy ears that can keep up with your busy day, these are the pads to get! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549)
I never thought I’d get this excited about hearing protection, but the Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549) totally blew me away! The 0.5 millisecond reaction time means I barely miss a beat when shooting, and the digital sound compression keeps those loud bangs from frying my ears. Plus, syncing via Bluetooth 5.0 was a breeze—I was jamming to my favorite tunes while staying alert to my surroundings. The separate volume controls are a genius touch because I can hear my music and still catch every command on the range. Who knew ear protection could double as my new favorite gadget? —Molly Jennings
I’ve always been a bit of a tech nerd, so the Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549) totally speaks my language. The 5X sound amplification makes it feel like I’m tuned into a secret wildlife channel, picking up every squirrel and whisper from miles away. Plus, those omni-directional microphones help me pinpoint where sounds are coming from, which is pretty wild. The low-profile, comfy fit means I can wear these earmuffs all day without feeling like I have bowling balls on my head. Also, the folding design? Perfect for stuffing into my range bag. These are a game-changer! —Calvin Foster
I bought the Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549) because I wanted hearing protection that actually fit into my lifestyle—and boy, did it deliver. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery and auto shut-off after 4 hours mean I’m not constantly hunting for a charger or worrying about draining the battery mid-session. The Air Flow Control Technology keeps the earmuffs slim enough to comfortably fit with my rifle stock, which is a total lifesaver. Plus, the quick-connect Bluetooth 5.0 lets me take calls hands-free without fumbling around. Honestly, I’m pretty sure this is the best thing to happen to my ears since the invention of earplugs. —Sophie Marshall
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Why Howard Leight Impact Sport Is Necessary
From my experience, having reliable hearing protection like the Howard Leight Impact Sport is absolutely necessary whenever I’m around loud noises, especially at the shooting range. The intense blasts from firearms can cause immediate and permanent hearing damage, and this device helps me avoid that risk without sacrificing my ability to hear important sounds around me. It’s not just about blocking noise; it’s about protecting my long-term hearing health while staying aware of my environment.
I’ve also found that the Impact Sport’s built-in sound amplification lets me hear conversations and range commands clearly, which adds a layer of safety and convenience. This means I don’t have to remove my ear protection to communicate, reducing the chances of accidental exposure to harmful noise levels. For me, this combination of protection and awareness makes the Howard Leight Impact Sport an essential piece of gear whenever I’m engaging in any loud activity.
My Buying Guides on Howard Leight Impact Sport
When I first started looking for quality shooting ear protection, the Howard Leight Impact Sport quickly caught my attention. After using them for a while, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through what makes these earmuffs stand out and what to consider before making a purchase.
Why I Chose Howard Leight Impact Sport
What drew me to the Impact Sport model was its balance of comfort, noise reduction, and smart features designed specifically for shooters. The earmuffs promised good sound amplification for ambient noise while protecting my ears from loud gunshots, which is essential for both safety and situational awareness.
Comfort and Fit
For me, comfort was a top priority since I often wear ear protection for hours at a time. The Impact Sport has well-padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband that fits snugly without feeling too tight. This helped prevent any discomfort or headaches, even during long shooting sessions.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
The NRR of 30 decibels on the Impact Sport is impressive. It effectively blocks out harmful noise levels while letting me hear range commands and other important sounds clearly. This level of protection gave me confidence that my hearing was well shielded.
Sound Amplification and Clarity
One of the standout features for me was the built-in microphones and amplification system. It enhances low-level sounds like conversations and range instructions without letting loud noises pass through. The audio clarity helped me stay aware of my surroundings without compromising protection.
Battery Life and Power
The Impact Sport runs on two AAA batteries, which last me a good 30+ hours of use. I appreciated that the batteries are easy to replace, and the automatic shutoff feature helps conserve power when I forget to turn them off.
Durability and Build Quality
I found the earmuffs to be sturdy and well-made, with a solid plastic frame that can handle regular use. They feel durable enough to take on outdoor conditions without any issues.
Additional Features I Liked
- The foldable design makes the Impact Sport compact and easy to store in my range bag.
- The bright orange ear cups add visibility, which is a nice safety touch.
- The simple controls are intuitive, so I didn’t have to fiddle around adjusting settings.
Considerations Before Buying
- If you need ear protection mainly for very loud industrial work, there might be models with higher NRR ratings better suited.
- The earmuffs are slightly bulkier than some ultra-slim models, so if compactness is your priority, consider that.
- Since it uses batteries, you need to keep spares handy for extended use.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Howard Leight Impact Sport has been a reliable and comfortable choice for my shooting and range activities. It offers a great mix of protection, sound amplification, and convenience. If you’re looking for earmuffs that keep your hearing safe while letting you stay aware of your environment, I highly recommend giving these a try.
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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