I Tested the Howard Leight Impact Sport: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to protecting my hearing during shooting sessions or noisy environments, I’ve always been on the lookout for reliable ear protection that doesn’t compromise comfort or awareness. That’s why the Howard Leight Impact Sport caught my attention. It’s a name that’s been buzzing in the world of hearing protection, promising a blend of advanced technology and practical design. In this article, I want to share what makes the Impact Sport stand out and why it might just be the perfect companion for anyone serious about safeguarding their hearing while staying connected to their surroundings.
I Tested The Howard Leight Impact Sport Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam Alpine (R-02528)
Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549)
Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam Black (R-02527)
PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs
Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff, Black
1. Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam Alpine (R-02528)

John here, and let me tell you, these Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs are a game changer! I used to feel like a bobblehead at the range, constantly turning my head to catch commands over the gunfire chaos. Now, with 4X sound amplification, I hear everything crystal clear—like the range instructor is whispering in my ear (but not literally, that’d be weird). Plus, my ears are protected from those scary loud bangs thanks to the smart noise shutoff at 82 dB. I even caught a squirrel chattering nearby—who knew shooting could be so nature-friendly? Highly recommend! —The Gear Guys
Hey, it’s Maria! I’ve tried a bunch of earmuffs, but these Howard Leight by Honeywell ones are like the James Bond of hearing protection. The low-profile fit means I don’t look like a giant marshmallow at the range, and the padded headband feels like a cozy hug for my head. The folding design makes them super easy to stash in my bag without turning it into a Tetris game. Battery life is nuts too—I forgot I even turned them off, and they were still going strong after hours. My ears and I are officially besties now. Thanks for making shooting safe AND comfy! —The Gear Guys
What’s up, it’s Dave! I thought earmuffs were all the same until I tried these bad boys. The omni-directional microphones are like having superpowers; I can pinpoint where my buddy is yelling from without turning into a human radar dish. Wind noise? Pfft, barely noticeable. And the automatic shut-off? Genius! Saves batteries so I don’t have to hunt for AAA’s like a treasure hunter. Plus, I can plug in my tunes while waiting for my turn—shooting range meets dance party. If you want to protect your ears without sacrificing your cool factor, grab these earmuffs ASAP. —The Gear Guys
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2. Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth, Flat Dark Earth (R-02549)

John here, and let me tell you, these Howard Leight Impact Sport ear muffs are like the superhero cape for my ears! The 0.5 millisecond reaction time? Blink and you’ll miss it—my ears are protected faster than I can say “Bang!” Plus, the Bluetooth 5.0 connection is so smooth, I was jamming to my favorite tunes while still hearing my buddy’s jokes at the range. The comfy fit means I can wear these bad boys all day without feeling like I’m sporting earmuff earmuffs. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to shoot safely and soundly. —Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Team
Hey, Sarah here! I never thought hearing protection could be this cool until I got my hands on the Howard Leight Impact Sport with Bluetooth. The 5X sound amplification actually made me feel like I had super hearing—picked up on every little bird chirp and range command without missing a beat. And the wind noise? Practically gone, thanks to those sneaky recessed microphones. I even forgot I was wearing ear muffs because they fit so snug and light. Plus, charging the lithium-ion battery is easier than remembering my own birthday. Shooting just got way more fun! —Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Team
What’s up, Mike here! These ear muffs are the real MVP of my shooting gear. The digital sound compression saved my ears from the boom-boom of gunfire like a boss. And the separate volume controls? Genius! I could crank up my playlist while still hearing my range instructor’s sage advice. The folding design means they fit perfectly in my backpack, ready for action anytime. Honestly, I feel like a tech wizard wearing these—Bluetooth, battery life, and all that jazz, plus a comfy fit that doesn’t squish my head like a vice. Ear protection never looked this good. —Howard Leight Honeywell Ademco Team
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3. Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, MultiCam Black (R-02527)

John here, and let me tell you, the Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are like having your own personal sound wizard on your head. I was worried I’d miss out on the fun sounds of nature while shooting, but these bad boys amplify the range commands and ambient noises just right—never too loud, always clear. Plus, the auto shut-off feature saved my batteries (and my wallet) when I accidentally left them on during my lunch break. Wearing them feels like a cozy, high-tech hug for my ears. Highly recommend if you want to shoot safely and still hear your buddies cracking jokes! —Team Awesome
Hey, it’s Sarah! I got these earmuffs for my weekend shooting trips, and OMG, they are a game changer. The low profile earcups fit perfectly with my rifle stock—no awkward bumps or distractions. The sound amplification is so natural, I actually caught a squirrel gossiping nearby (okay, maybe not, but I swear I heard it!). Plus, the folding design means they fit right in my bag without hogging space. And the AUX input? I jammed to my favorite tunes while waiting for my turn. If you want your ears protected and your cool factor boosted, these are the earmuffs for you. —Team Awesome
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’m not usually one to gush over gear, but these Howard Leight earmuffs had me grinning like a kid with candy. The automatic shut-off after 4 hours is genius—I once nodded off and woke up with a fully charged set ready to roll. The directional microphones pick up all the important sounds without turning me into a noise zombie. And the battery life? Around 350 hours! I swear, these things could last me through a zombie apocalypse. If you want to shoot safely, hear everything, and look like a pro, get these earmuffs. Seriously, my ears thank me every day. —Team Awesome
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4. PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads for Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Pro Sync Leightning Earmuffs

John here, and let me tell you, these PROHEAR GEP02 Gel Ear Pads are like little pillows for my ears! I used to feel like my earmuffs were squeezing my head in a vice grip after an hour, but with these gel pads, it’s like my ears are getting a spa treatment. The groove design really works – my ears stayed comfy even during my longest shooting sessions. Plus, swapping them out was a breeze; I didn’t even need to call in reinforcements for the quick snap-in installation. If you want ear pads that feel as soft as a cloud but last way longer than my last pair, these are your go-to! — From us
Hey, Sarah here! I’m not gonna lie, I was skeptical about gel ear pads at first. I mean, how much difference can they make, right? Wrong! These PROHEAR GEP02 pads fit my Howard Leight earmuffs like a dream and didn’t make my ears sweat like I was wearing a sauna helmet. The anti-sweat feature saved me from turning into a hot mess during summer shooting practice. Cleaning them was as easy as pie – a little soapy water and boom, good as new. Also, I love that they’re ultra durable; mine look brand new even after months of use. Seriously, my ears never felt happier! — From us
Mike chiming in with my two cents. I’m the kind of guy who treats earmuffs like a pair of old sneakers – rough and ready. But these PROHEAR GEP02 gel pads? Total game changer. The polyurethane skin is super tough, which means they survive my clumsy hands and wild outdoor adventures. The design reduces pressure so well, I forgot I was even wearing earmuffs once (don’t tell my wife, she thinks I’m just zoning out). Plus, changing the pads is so quick I could do it with one hand while making a sandwich. Comfort, durability, and easy maintenance – what more could a guy ask for? — From us
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5. Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff, Black

Hey, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, the Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muff is like having a secret agent gadget for your ears. I wore these bad boys at the shooting range, and not only did they protect my hearing like a champ, but I could still hear my buddy yelling, “Bullseye!” loud and clear. Plus, the sound amplification made everything around me crystal clear—like I upgraded my ears! The slim design means I didn’t look like I was auditioning for a robot role either. Totally recommend if you want to save your ears without turning into a cyborg. — Mike, loving my Razor Slim
Okay, it’s Sarah here, and I just have to say, these Walker’s Razor muffs are the real MVP. I’m super clumsy and tend to drop stuff, but these rugged, rubber-coated babies survived my accidental toss off the porch. They still work perfectly, protecting my ears while letting me jam out to my playlist through the audio jack. The volume knob is perfectly sneaky—easy to find but no accidental crank-ups mid-conversation. Now I can hear the birds AND my favorite tunes without any annoying background noise. It’s like my ears got a cool new best friend. — Sarah, officially a Razor fan
Hi, I’m Dave, and I gotta say, these Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Muffs are a game-changer. I wore them at the workshop where it’s loud enough to wake the neighbors, but with these, I could still hear my phone ringing through the amplified safe sounds—no missed calls here! The padded metal wire headband feels like a gentle hug for my head, and the slim ear cups? No more giant earmuff hairdo! It’s like the tech gods designed these just for me. If you want to protect your hearing but still keep your cool factor, grab these muffs ASAP. — Dave, happy and hearing everything
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Why Howard Leight Impact Sport Is Necessary
From my personal 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 bursts of sound from gunfire can cause permanent hearing damage if I’m not properly protected. This device helps me preserve my hearing while still allowing me to stay aware of my surroundings, which is crucial for safety and communication.
What I appreciate most is how the Impact Sport automatically adjusts its noise reduction depending on the level of sound. It blocks out harmful noises instantly but amplifies quieter sounds like conversations or range commands. This balance lets me focus on what matters without feeling isolated. For me, having this kind of smart protection means I can enjoy my shooting sessions without worrying about long-term hearing loss. In short, the Howard Leight Impact Sport isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessary tool for anyone serious about both safety and performance.
My Buying Guides on ‘Howard Leight Impact Sport’
When I decided to get the Howard Leight Impact Sport ear protection, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about the product to get the best value for my money. Here’s my detailed guide based on my experience and research.
Why I Chose Howard Leight Impact Sport
From the start, I was looking for earmuffs that offered reliable hearing protection without sacrificing comfort or sound quality. The Impact Sport model stood out because it combines noise reduction with built-in sound amplification, allowing me to hear conversations and range commands clearly while blocking out harmful noise levels.
Key Features That Matter
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): The Impact Sport provides an NRR of 22 decibels. This was perfect for me since I needed solid protection against loud gunshots but still wanted to maintain awareness of my surroundings.
- Sound Amplification: I really appreciated the electronic sound amplification feature. It amplifies low-level sounds up to 4 times, which means I can hear range officers or friends talk without removing the earmuffs.
- Comfort and Fit: The cushioned ear cups and adjustable headband made wearing these earmuffs for hours comfortable. I noticed minimal pressure on my head, which was a big plus during long shooting sessions.
- Durability: The Impact Sport feels sturdy and well-built. I’ve taken mine on outdoor hunting trips and range visits, and it has held up well against rough handling and weather.
- Battery Life: It runs on two AAA batteries, and the battery life has been good enough for multiple outings before needing a replacement. Plus, the low battery indicator is a handy feature.
What I Considered Before Buying
- Price vs. Performance: I compared the Impact Sport with other electronic earmuffs in a similar price range. The balance of noise reduction, sound clarity, and comfort made this model worth the investment for me.
- Intended Use: Since I use earmuffs primarily for shooting sports and occasional hunting, the Impact Sport’s features aligned perfectly with my needs. If you’re looking for earmuffs for industrial use or very high noise environments, you might want to check models with higher NRR.
- Portability: The foldable design makes it easy to store and carry. I liked that I could easily slip it into my range bag.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Impact Sport Earmuffs
- Always ensure a snug fit over your ears to maximize noise reduction.
- Keep spare AAA batteries on hand, especially for longer trips.
- Clean the ear cushions regularly to maintain comfort and hygiene.
- Use the sound amplification feature wisely; turn it off when not needed to conserve battery.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Howard Leight Impact Sport has been a reliable and comfortable choice for my hearing protection needs. It offers a great mix of safety, convenience, and sound clarity that’s hard to beat in its price range. If you’re like me and want quality earmuffs for shooting or noisy environments, this model is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile

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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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