Walker's Razor Slim Electronic Muff Review: Low-Profile Hearing Protection That Lets You Hear Conversation

Ordinary ear muffs protect your hearing by blocking everything, including the person next to you. Electronic muffs solve that problem. The Walker's Razor Slim Electronic Ear Muffs use built-in microphones to pass through, and amplify, safe sounds such as voices, while reducing hazardous noise.

They're among the most widely used muffs at shooting ranges. This review covers how they work, how they fit and what to keep in mind.

Who it's for

• Recreational shooters and hunters who need protection but must hear range commands or game.
• People using loud equipment, such as mowers, saws and power tools.
• Instructors and range officers who talk to others all day.
• Anyone who finds bulky muffs uncomfortable or in the way.

What we liked

• You can hold a conversation. Two hi-gain omnidirectional microphones pick up surrounding sound and play it through at a safe level.
• Natural sound. Walker's enhances the low-end frequencies for a fuller, more accurate sound than thin, tinny electronics.
• Slim ear cups. The low-profile design keeps the cups out of the way of a rifle or shotgun stock.
• Tough build. A rubberized coating protects the electronics, and the housing is a sound-dampening composite.
• Sensible controls. The volume knob is recessed, easy to turn but hard to bump by accident.
• External battery door. Change batteries without taking the muffs apart.
• Audio input. Plug in a phone or music player and they double as headphones with hearing protection.
• Folds for storage and adjusts to most head sizes.

What could be better

• Slim cups mean moderate protection. Thin cups hold less sound-absorbing material than large passive muffs. For indoor ranges and very loud firearms, many shooters wear foam earplugs underneath as well. Check the noise reduction rating on the package for your use.
• Glasses break the seal. Thick temple arms on safety glasses create gaps around the cushions and let noise in.
• Batteries are required for the electronic features. Without power, they work as passive muffs only.
• Easy to leave switched on. Turn the knob off after use to avoid a dead battery.
• Clamping pressure. Some people find them tight over several hours, especially with larger heads.
• Wind noise. Microphones can pick up wind outdoors.

Key specs explained

• Electronic hearing protection: microphones and speakers let quiet sounds through and limit loud ones.
• Omnidirectional microphones: pick up sound from all around, so you can tell where it's coming from.
• Low-profile: thinner ear cups that sit closer to the head.
• Noise reduction rating (NRR): the standard measure, in decibels, of how much a protector reduces sound.

Tips for getting the most out of them

1. Check the seal. The cushions should sit flat against your head all the way around.
2. Choose thin-armed shooting glasses to keep the seal tight.
3. Double up with foam plugs indoors or with large calibers.
4. Turn them off when you take them off.
5. Keep spare batteries in your range bag.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I hear people talking while wearing them? Yes. Turn up the volume and voices are amplified.

Q: Do they work without batteries? They still block sound passively, but the microphones and amplification won't work.

Q: Can I listen to music? Yes, through the audio input jack with a cable.

Q: Will they fit a youth or a small head? The headband is adjustable, though very small heads may not get a perfect seal.

Should you buy it?

Walker's Razor Slim muffs are popular for good reason: they're comfortable, compact, affordable and let you hear what matters while taking the edge off loud noise. Treat them as one layer of protection, add earplugs in the loudest settings and make sure the seal is good. Used that way, they're a dependable choice.

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