You probably don’t know WarBird Protection Group yet, but you will. They’re a new company that’s off to a fast start, launching last month with a line of soft, concealable body armor in three different models at three price levels.
Yesterday they introduced their new INTREPID line of electronic hearing protection. Again, there are three models at three price points depending on the features you want and need. (We also hear yet a third line of products will be rolled out next week). Here’s their announcement of the INTREPID ear pro . . .
WarBird Protection Group launches its cutting-edge INTREPID line of hearing protection products—lightweight, rugged, comfortable, feature-rich electronic ear muffs. Designed and developed to exceed expectations on the jobsite, shooting range, garden or in the workshop, the Intrepid line of ear muffs provide the premium protection and hearing enhancement technology that professionals and hobbyists alike demand.
WarBird’s new Intrepid hearing protection lineup includes the all-new Intrepid, Intrepid RC and the flagship ear muff, the Intrepid BT. Designed from the ground up to offer features that professionals demand, there is an Intrepid ear muff to fit just about everyone’s needs.
INTREPID: The most affordable electronic hearing protection WarBird has to offer, the Intrepid provides protection in demanding environments without sacrificing comfort or function. For those seeking quality electronic hearing protection with digital Sound Active Compression, comfortable foam ear cushions, full dynamic range HD speakers and AAA battery powered, the Intrepid checks all those boxes with a very competitive price tag.
Technical Specifications:
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- NRR 23dB
- Two omnidirectional microphones
- Full dynamic range HD speakers for clear, balanced sound (40mm, 20 ohm)
- High-definition sound effects
- Low frequency-tuned for natural sound clarity
- Sound-dampening composite housing
- Sound active compression – 0.01 second reaction time
- HiFi audio input jack-3.5mm
- Positive response power, volume and select buttons
- Comfort headband with metal frame
- AAA battery powered (not included)
- Auto shut off
- Semi-rigid case included
- Price $79.00
INTREPID RC: Protection meets comfort and style in WarBird’s Intrepid RC rechargeable hearing protection muffs. The Intrepid RC provides all of WarBird’s audio technologies, but with the addition of TPU-covered gel ear pads and USB-C charging for added comfort and convenience!
Technical Specifications:
-
- NRR 23dB
- Two omnidirectional microphones
- Full dynamic range HD speakers for clear, balanced sound (40mm, 20 ohm)
- High-definition sound effects
- Low frequency-tuned for natural sound clarity
- Sound-dampening composite housing
- Sound active compression – 0.01 second reaction time
- HiFi audio input jack-3.5mm
- Positive response power, volume and select buttons
- TPU-covered gel ear padsComfort headband with metal frame
- USB-C charging port (rechargeable)
- Up to 8-hour battery life with auto shut off
- Semi-rigid case included
- Price $99.00
INTREPID BT: Warbird’s flagship ear muff, the Intrepid BT is packed with all the features WarBird has to offer. The Intrepid BT is bluetooth enabled, USB-C rechargeable and equipped with the same premium TPU-covered gel ear pads for the most comfort and versatility.
Technical Specifications:
-
- Bluetooth enabled
- NRR 23dB
- Two omnidirectional microphones
- Full dynamic range HD speakers for clear, balanced sound (40mm, 20 ohm)
- High-definition sound effects
- Low frequency-tuned for natural sound clarity
- Sound-dampening composite housing
- Sound active compression – 0.01 second reaction time
- HiFi audio input jack-3.5mm
- Positive response power, volume and select buttons
- TPU-covered gel ear pads
- Comfort headband with metal frame
- USB-C charging port (rechargeable)
- Up to 8-hour battery life with auto shut off
- Semi-rigid case included
- Price $149.00
At the heart of all Intrepid models, WarBird utilized digital sound compression circuitry that delivers a lightning-fast 2 mS attack time, as well as sound active compression, which allows low-decibel sounds such as conversations or range commands to be heard clearly, while protecting users’ ears from high-decibel impulse sounds when they occur. These features provide users with the utmost in hearing enhancement and situational awareness while on the jobsite or on the range, and fast-acting protection when needed.
For more information on the WarBird Intrepid, Intrepid RC and Intrepid BT, please visit www.warbirdpro.com.
One Response
“NRR 23dB” note: NRR is not an actual reduction, its a noise reduction rating. To get the actual reduction, for example, for NRR 23dB the math is (NRR – 7) /2 = (23 – 7)/2 = 8 dB reduction
Not good enough for unsurpressed MSR fire with 16 inch barrel where the average firing noise level is ~165 dB. The most an NRR 23dB rating its going to offer is 8 dB reduction which means the reduction of firing noise level is going to be to ~157 dB which is still above the safe vs exposure time level of 120 dB average (or 140 dB peak sound pressure level). If you were really interested in protecting your hearing you would need to also wear in ear foam plugs with NRR 29 dB with the NRR 23dB to get to the threshold of safe vs exposure time of 120 dB average (or 140 dB peak sound pressure level which is the hearing pain threshold lower limit for sound energy).
What is it with NRR 23dB and shooting hearing ear protection in the industry. Its the absolute minimum a shooting hearing protection can have, its like almost no serious engineering at all using common materials, and that’s based upon an average of 140 dB sound pressure level for a .22 LR rifle. But tons of people get them and use them and swear they work fine and go on firing their MSR’s with them alone then wonder one day why they have tinnitus or can’t hear certain frequency ranges any more. Its not just exposure in terms of peak reduction like people think, this is impulse noise so its reduction AND exposure time.