Peltor Optime II Headband Ear Defenders Review

These ear defenders could be a good choice if you are regularly exposed to the sound of loud machinery, or just want something comfy and effective to block out the sound of neighbours or traffic.

The Peltor Optime II Headband Ear Defenders are the middle product in 3M’s Peltor range. They have an SNR rating of 31 dB, which means they offer more protection from loud noises than the Optime I Ear Defenders (which have an SNR of 27 dB), but not as much as the Optime IIIs (which have an SNR of 35 dB).

Find out how the Optime II Headband Ear Defenders perform in this review…

Specs

SNR rating: 31 dB

Performance and comfort

These ear defenders meet EN352-1:2002 safety standards, so you can rest assured that they will offer a good level of hearing protection. They perform very well at blocking out sounds, and do a great job at muffling even loud, high-pitched sounds such as sirens and babies crying. You combine these ear defenders with ear plugs to almost block sounds out entirely.

Some of the environments and activities these ear defenders are suited for include:

• Working with loud machinery
• Construction sites
• Woodworking
• Farming
• Shooting

These ear defenders are comfortable and can be worn all day, which is great if you work long shifts with loud machinery. This makes the Peltor Optime II Headband Ear Defenders a great option for tradesmen and construction workers.

They have a strong steel headband, which makes them sturdier and more durable than some of the cheaper ear defenders on the market that have plastic headbands. The headband is adjustable and should fit most adults’ heads fine, though they can be a bit tight if you have a large head.

These ear defenders aren’t ideal for sleeping in unless you normally sleep on your back. While most people won’t want to sleep with these ear defenders on, a few people find them comfortable enough to wear in bed.

Verdict

The Peltor Optime II Headband Ear Defenders are some of the best ear defenders on the market for tradespeople and those working in moderately loud environments. In addition to offering a good level of volume reduction they also feel well made and are relatively light and comfortable. As with most ear defenders though, they can be too tight for some people.

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Alternatives

The most obvious alternatives to the Peltor Optime II Headband Ear Defenders are the Peltor Optime I and Optime III Ear Defenders. If you don’t need such a high level of volume reduction, the Peltor Optime I Ear Defenders, while the Optime III Ear Defenders are better if you need more protection.

Some good budget alternatives include the Mpow Ear Defenders and the Homitt Sound Ear Defenders.

For some more options, see these top industrial ear defenders and these recommended ear defenders for construction.