Radio equipped earmuff recommendations

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asmcar

331 posts

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#185593 28-Nov-2015 11:00

I'm looking for some AM / FM equipped radio earmuffs for a gift, the range in NZ seems to be relatively small and expensive for what you get ($100+).

Does anyone have any already that can make suggestions? Alternatively, Amazon US seems to have quite a range but would they actually work here / pick up NZ frequencies?

Thanks for any advice in advance!

richms

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#1436754 28-Nov-2015 11:30

I bought and had to return a 3m set from the warehouse because the AM stepping was set to 10kHz and they had no idea how to change it. Was not for me, was for elderly friend. I dont listen to radio, let alone AM.

Bunnings have a cheap tactix one with bluetooth which I have bought for myself. It takes an old style nokia battery which is a welcome change from an internal one I cant replace. Not tried it yet as its too hot in the garage to be doing anything.

Richard rich.ms

asmcar

331 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1436775 28-Nov-2015 11:36

richms: I bought and had to return a 3m set from the warehouse because the AM stepping was set to 10kHz and they had no idea how to change it. Was not for me, was for elderly friend. I dont listen to radio, let alone AM.

Bunnings have a cheap tactix one with bluetooth which I have bought for myself. It takes an old style nokia battery which is a welcome change from an internal one I cant replace. Not tried it yet as its too hot in the garage to be doing anything.

Yeah the concern with buying from overseas would be the not complete compatibility with AM here - those Bunnings ones look really good for the price! Will take a look at them cheers.

richms

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#1436776 28-Nov-2015 11:37

asmcar:
richms: I bought and had to return a 3m set from the warehouse because the AM stepping was set to 10kHz and they had no idea how to change it. Was not for me, was for elderly friend. I dont listen to radio, let alone AM.

Bunnings have a cheap tactix one with bluetooth which I have bought for myself. It takes an old style nokia battery which is a welcome change from an internal one I cant replace. Not tried it yet as its too hot in the garage to be doing anything.

Yeah the concern with buying from overseas would be the not complete compatibility with AM here - those Bunnings ones look really good for the price! Will take a look at them cheers.

No AM on the bunnings ones. Am yet to try them for noise isolation, from a quick wear of them they dont seem that great, but I only really deal with a grinder or a circ saw so nothing major for me.

Richard rich.ms

asmcar

331 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1436784 28-Nov-2015 11:47

richms:

No AM on the bunnings ones. Am yet to try them for noise isolation, from a quick wear of them they dont seem that great, but I only really deal with a grinder or a circ saw so nothing major for me.

Yeah i've realised there's no AM on the bunnings ones, they're not for commercial / industrial use so I don't imagine they will be worn for too long although comfort is still important.

Were these the Warehouse ones you tried: http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/AM%252FFM-Radio%252FMP3-Ear-Muffs?SKU=1921889

richms

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#1436802 28-Nov-2015 12:01

No, it was a 3m product that isnt on the website and I am not sure if still in the shop.

Actually not 100% sure I returned it now, it might be in the pile of crap that I couldnt find the reciept for.

Richard rich.ms

MikeAqua

7785 posts

Uber Geek

#1437270 29-Nov-2015 16:41

I used to buy a lot of these - peltor and bilsom were good brands.

Do you want effective or cheap? You are unlikely to get both.

Mike

JonnyCam

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#1437823 30-Nov-2015 13:50

bunnings Tactix - quick reviw.

costs me $70 on the weekend.
They are ok - couldn't hear the weedeater or mower too much, and a dull hum when using the belt sander yesterday.

Comfort was better than expected and BT range not that bad.
I didn't get as much sweat buildup as I did with my standard muffs.

The voice announcements are comical. The asian lady has a sometimes french, sometimes chinese accent

I had my phone playing a radio stream out via bluetooth and it was nice & clear, could hear it very well over the equipment.
Reception for radio sport FM at our house is not great, but other channels seems to be ok.
audio is not very loud, but I guess they are hearing protectors. the volume / power knob does not seem to be attached very well.

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Weatherbeaten

9 posts

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#1438685 1-Dec-2015 15:50

I have a pair of Peltor Worktunes, a couple of years old, and they have been brilliant. Recently my wife wanted to buy her father a pair, and while my model appears to no longer be available, 3M (who own Peltor I understand) have an updated model with aux input and digital tuning, which look very similar. They are on sale at Mitre 10 Mega for $129 currently. My model seems to have excellent reception and nice sound. They are the yellow and black ones.