Shooting sports like hunting and target practice can be a fun hobby, but the loud noises from gunshots can damage your hearing over time. That’s why using proper hearing protection is absolutely crucial for all shooters.
In this article, we’ll compare two of the most popular electronic earmuff options: SoundGear and Tetra. We’ll break down the key features, pros and cons, and help you decide which is the best option for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | SoundGear | Tetra |
| Manufacturer | Walker’s Game Ear | Silynx |
| Noise Reduction Rating | 24dB | 24dB |
| Sound Amplification | 4x | 8x |
| Sound Quality | Natural, high-fidelity | Can sound distorted at higher volumes |
| Power Source | Two AAA batteries | Two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries |
| Battery Life | ~350 hours | 16-20 hours per charge |
| Wireless Connectivity | None | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Microphones | Embedded only | Optional detachable boom mic |
| Comfort | Thick, plush cushions | Can feel tight after prolonged use |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
| Best Uses | Recreational and hunting use, situational awareness | Military, tactical, and all-day use, communications |
In summary, SoundGear provides excellent sound fidelity and comfort, while Tetra offers robust connectivity features and all-day battery power. Choose the pair that best matches your shooting needs and preferences.
Overview of SoundGear and Tetra
Both SoundGear and Tetra are electronic earmuffs that actively amplify quiet sounds while suppressing loud noises like gunshots.
This allows you to maintain situational awareness and hear range commands and conversation, while protecting your ears from noise over 82dB.
SoundGear is manufactured by Walker’s Game Ear, a leader in hunting gear and accessories.
The Tetra model is made by Silynx, which specializes in military and law enforcement communications equipment.
These earmuffs utilize similar digital sound compression technologies, but there are some notable differences when it comes to features and performance. Let’s take a closer look.
Also Read: Differences Between AXIL GS Extreme And Walker’s Earbuds.
Key Differences Between SoundGear And Tetra Ear Protection
- Sound Dampening and Suppression
The most important function of any hearing protector is blocking hazardous shooting noise. Both SoundGear and Tetra provide an impressive Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24dB. This means they can reduce loud impulse sounds like gunshots by 24 decibels.
For comparison, most passive earplugs and earmuffs provide 15-33dB of noise reduction. So both of these electronic muffs are at the higher end of hearing protection.
In terms of sound dampening materials, the SoundGear uses liquid-filled cushions that create a tight seal around the ear. Tetra uses foam-filled cushions that are comfortable but may not block noise quite as effectively.
- Sound Amplification and Clarity
These electronic muffs contain external microphones that amplify quieter noises like voices and environmental sounds. This allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings while protecting your hearing.
The SoundGear provides a natural sounding amplification up to 4x with its high-fidelity stereo microphones. The Tetra amplifies sound up to 8x, but some users report that the audio quality is not as clear.
Both models feature sound-activated compression circuits that instantly suppress loud noises over 82dB while allowing softer sounds through. This helps improve situational awareness for hunting, shooting sports, and tactical applications.
- Power and Battery Life
The SoundGear runs on two AAA batteries and provides approximately 350 hours of battery life.
This is suitable for casual use, but batteries may need to be replaced frequently for avid shooters.
Meanwhile, the Tetra is powered by two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. A full charge provides 16-20 hours of runtime.
The batteries are removable and can be swapped out with freshly charged spares for continuous all-day use.
So Tetra may be a better choice if you’ll be shooting for prolonged periods and want to avoid constantly replacing disposable batteries. But SoundGear is more convenient if you just need hearing protection for occasional short-term use.
- Connectivity and Compatibility
A key advantage of the Tetra system is its Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with communication devices. The earmuffs can pair with radios, phones, or other audio sources so you can seamlessly hear audio signals while maintaining hearing protection.
The SoundGear does not offer any wireless connectivity options. However, it does have an auxiliary input jack so you can connect and listen to a music device or two-way radio with a wired connection.
If you want hearing protection that integrates with your communications, Tetra is probably the better pick thanks to its native Bluetooth support.
- Microphones And Ambient Listening
Both models allow you to hear ambient sounds and conversations thanks to built-in microphones and sound compression circuits.
The Tetra provides the option of an external boom microphone for improved voice pick-up and communication. The SoundGear does not offer a mic attachment.
So if clear voice transmission is a priority, Tetra paired with the boom mic is your best bet.
- Ergonomics and Wearability
Good hearing protection needs to be comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. Both the SoundGear and Tetra feature ergonomic over-the-head bands padded with sweat-wicking synthetic leather.
However, many users report that the SoundGear has thicker, plusher ear cushions that form a tight seal and are comfortable even when worn for hours. The Tetra may start to feel tight over time.
So when it comes to all-day comfort, SoundGear seems to have a slight ergonomic edge over the Tetra design. But overall both models are reasonably lightweight and designed for sustained wear.
Also Read: Differences Between Sordin Supreme Pro X And Peltor Hearing Protector.
Performance Comparison
Now let’s compare how these two electronic earmuffs stack up in key performance areas for shooters:
- Noise Reduction
With their 24dB NRR rating, both the SoundGear and Tetra provide excellent noise dampening from gunshots and other loud blasts. SoundGear may block a tiny bit more sound thanks to its tighter ear cushion seal. But both deliver ample hearing protection for most shooting activities.
- Situational Awareness
The Tetra’s 8x sound amplification allows you to crank up quieter noises for maximum environmental awareness. However, some users feel the SoundGear provides a more natural and higher fidelity sound reproduction. For situational awareness with sound quality, SoundGear may have a slight edge.
- Battery Life
Tetra’s rechargeable batteries mean you can shoot all day without battery swaps. For occasional short-term use, SoundGear’s 350 hours from disposable batteries is adequate. So Tetra wins out for all-day battery performance.
- Wireless Connectivity
Tetra is the clear winner when it comes to integrating communications and audio. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless pairing with other wireless devices. SoundGear only offers a wired input jack option.
- Voice Transmission
If voice communication is essential, Tetra paired with its boom mic attachment is superior for transmitting speech and ambient sounds.
- Comfort
For all-day wearability, most users find the SoundGear more comfortable and plush. The Tetra can begin to feel tight after prolonged use.
Considering these comparisons, Tetra seems to excel for connectivity and all-day power, while SoundGear offers better ambient sound reproduction and wearing comfort. Choose based on your priorities and needs when shooting.
Recommended Uses
SoundGear Recommended For:
- Hunting and recreational shooting where situational awareness is key
- Occasional short-term use where disposable battery replacement is no hassle
- Shooters who value comfortable fit for extended wear
- Range days or competitions where amplification of ambient sound is beneficial
Tetra Recommended For:
- Tactical shooting situations that demand constant power and communications
- All-day shooting activities where rechargeable batteries allow continuous use
- Military, law enforcement, and security personnel who need connected communications
- Group shooting events where voice transmission is crucial for coordination
Both are excellent electronic earmuffs for hearing protection and situational awareness. Choose SoundGear for casual use and audio fidelity, or Tetra for connected communications and all-day battery life.
Also Read: Comparison of Winchester SXP And Benelli Nova.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SoundGear is manufactured by Walker’s Game Ear, a leading maker of specialized hunting gear and accessories.
For military and tactical applications, the Tetra earmuffs are likely the best option. They provide excellent noise reduction, long battery life with rechargeable units, and Bluetooth connectivity to coordinate communications. The optional boom mic also enables clear voice transmission in combat/tactical environments.
For most forms of shooting, an NRR rating of 20-30dB offers ample protection. This blocks noise from gunshots and explosions, while still allowing softer sounds through. Both Tetra and SoundGear meet this benchmark with an NRR of 24dB. For extremely loud firearms or artillery, an NRR over 30dB may be preferable.
For pure noise reduction, passive earmuffs and earplugs with high NRR ratings like NRR 33 are recommended for shooting. However, electronic muffs like SoundGear and Tetra allow situational awareness by amplifying ambient sounds, a crucial benefit for hunting, competitive shooting, and tactical environments. So electronic muffs provide better all-around utility than passive options.
Conclusion
Protecting your hearing is crucial for any shooter, whether casually target practicing or competing at a high level. Electronic earmuffs like SoundGear and Tetra allow you to maintain situational awareness while blocking hazardous gunshot noise.
For connectivity and all-day battery life, Tetra is the top choice. But SoundGear offers superior comfort and audio fidelity. Evaluate your personal needs and priorities to decide if SoundGear or Tetra is the best electronic hearing protector for how and what you like to shoot.
Your ears will thank you.
