Next-Generation Electronic Earmuffs: Improving on a Legend
Category: article
Dec 20th, 2021 by Keith Worrall
Modified Dec 20th, 2021 at 2:12 PM
Next-Generation Electronic Earmuffs: Improving on a Legend
Available now, NEW Howard Leight Impact Sport Bluetooth electronic earmuffs offer wireless connectivity, faster compression, rechargeable power supply and exciting new size and color choices
WESTWOOD, Mass. (December 20, 2021) – Launched over a decade ago, the lightweight, slim and comfortable Howard LeightTM ImpactTM Sport electronic earmuff has delivered consistent and reliable performance, great value, and proven longevity, earning the trust and loyalty of legions of shooting sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
For 2021, engineers in the Honeywell product development team have taken this legendary performer and applied additional technologies to produce the next generation of Howard Leight over-the-ear electronic hearing protection. Building on over 30 years of continuous technological innovation, the NEW Howard Leight Impact Sport Bluetooth® electronic earmuff retains everything customers love about Impact Sport Classic, while offering new levels of performance and functionality.
The magic starts inside with the addition of Bluetooth 5.0 technology – the latest version of the Bluetooth wireless communication standard. Bluetooth 5.0 allows wearers to stream music or other audio content into Impact Sport Bluetooth from their Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Bluetooth 5.0 incorporates Bluetooth Low Energy, which translates to reduced power usage and longer battery life.
Easy-to-use Bluetooth controls are integrated right into the headset, and there are separate volume controls for both Bluetooth audio and the ambient sound entering the headphone via the external omni-directional microphones. That means wearers can stream Bluetooth audio into the headphones while also being able to hear what’s going on around them; both adjustable audio signals are controlled independently.
Wearers of the new Impact Sport Bluetooth will enjoy the same comfortable fit, slim-profile earcups, four-hour auto shutoff feature, automatic attenuation of potentially dangerous noise over 82dB, and up to 4X amplification of ambient sound delivered by Impact Sport Classic. But the advantages don’t end with Bluetooth technology.
Impact Sport Bluetooth also delivers faster Sound-Activated Compression. A 0.5 millisecond reaction time means a more natural acoustic experience at the shooting range, or anytime attenuation of loud sounds over 82dB occurs.
Impact Sport Bluetooth features a powerful new, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, which can be recharged in two hours and offers excellent life for a Bluetooth device – up to 20 hours of operation per charge, depending on the use of the headset’s features. Like all Howard Leight electronic earmuffs, Impact Sport Bluetooth comes with a four-hour auto-shutoff feature that remembers to turn your muffs off to preserve battery life when you forget.
Individuality has always been a big part of the original Impact Sport’s appeal, and new Impact Sport Bluetooth recognizes this with a variety of all-new colors, a highly favored existing color, and two size options to serve the varying needs and tastes of any shooting sports enthusiast. “Growth within the shooting sports is increasingly diverse,” says Nancy Kufferman, Senior Offering Manager – Howard Leight. “We’re offering additional sizes and color choices across many of our lines to better serve the needs and preferences of these new participants, while also expanding options for seasoned participants,” Kufferman continues. “From women and youth to more specific applications such as hunting and tactical, Howard Leight is delivering more styles, more sizes, and more aesthetic choices in reliable, high-quality hearing protection.”
Medium/Large size Impact Sport Bluetooth electronic earmuffs are available in four colors, including an all-new Brushed Bronze earcup color with a unique, distressed brown headband; an all-new highly patriotic 2nd Amendment pattern; a stealthy new Flat Dark Earth color; and Howard Leight customer-favorite OD Green.
Designed for an improved fit on youth, most women, and men with smaller heads, the new Youth/Adult Small size Impact Sport Bluetooth electronic earmuff is available in 2nd Amendment, plus an all-new Metallic Rose Gold color.
By customer demand, the new Impact Sport Bluetooth electronic earmuff is also be offered in a special Impact Sport Bluetooth Promo Pack. This exciting SKU includes one pair of Impact Sport Bluetooth muffs in a one-off Metallic Charcoal Gray color along with a bonus set of gel ear cushions.
Howard Leight Impact Sport Bluetooth Electronic Earmuff Models
• NEW Medium/Large in Brushed Bronze / Item # R-02543 / UPC: 033552025436
• NEW Medium/Large in OD Green / Item # R-02548 / UPC: 033552025481
• NEW Medium/Large in Flat Dark Earth / Item # R-02549 / UPC: 033552025498
• NEW Medium/Large in 2nd Amendment / Item # R-02545 / UPC: 033552025450
• NEW Youth/Adult Small in Metallic Rose Gold / Item # R-02544 / UPC: 033552025443
• NEW Youth/Adult Small in 2nd Amendment / Item # R-02546 / UPC: 033552025467
• NEW Medium/Large Promo Pack in Metallic Charcoal Gray with Bonus Set of Gel Ear Cushions / Item # R-02547 / UPC: 033552025474
Howard Leight Impact Sport Bluetooth Electronic Earmuff Features
• Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 21dB with Standard Ear Cushions / 19dB for Promo Pack model with Gel Ear Cushions
• Automatically shuts off noise over 82dB
• Fast, digital dynamic sound compression with 0.5 millisecond reaction time
• Up to 4X amplification of ambient sound
• Air Flow Control technology allows for a slim earcup design ensuring firearms stock clearance
• Adjustable, padded headband for a secure and comfortable fit
• Convenient folding design for easy storage
• 2 high-gain omni-directional microphones
• Bluetooth® 5.0 Sync technology
• Easy-to-use Bluetooth controls integrated into the headset
• Separate volume controls for Bluetooth and external environment
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery (2-hour charge time) delivers up to 20 hours of operation per charge
• Automatic shut off after 4 hours
• USB-C recharging cable Included
• Replacement ear cushions available
• Available in 2 Sizes: Youth/Adult Small and Large
• Impact Sport Bluetooth MSRP: $149
• Impact Sport Bluetooth Promo Pack MSRP: $159
John Jenkins, Senior Manager Quality Engineering – Howard Leight, says wearers of new Impact Sport Bluetooth electronic earmuffs can expect to experience trusted Howard Leight reliability, comfort and performance, with increased levels of functionality. “These new Impact Sport Bluetooth models retain or improve upon everything shooting sports enthusiasts, hunters and professional users expect from a comfortable and reliable Impact Sport electronic muff, then further enhance functionality with wireless connectivity via the latest Bluetooth V.5.0 technology,” says Jenkins. “And our Product Leadership Team has done an excellent job making sure these benefits can be enjoyed by more people than ever by introducing a new Youth/Adult Small size and rolling out even more colors and styles to meet individual tastes and applications. We couldn’t be more excited to deliver these exceptional new muffs to the shooting sports industry.”
NEW Impact Sport Bluetooth Electronic Earmuffs are available now at Howard Leight Shooting Sports dealers and online at howardleightshootingsports.com. MSRP is $149 and $159 for the Promo Pack.
ABOUT HONEYWELL HOWARD LEIGHT
Honeywell Safety Products empower individuals and families across the globe to enjoy more and worry less. Our high-quality hearing and eye protection help people to more safely enjoy the events and activities they love. Our broad selection of comfortable and stylish protective eyewear delivers safety without compromise, many of which meet ANSI high-impact standards and offer UVA/UVB protection. Building on over 30 years of innovation, we’re continually developing new designs, materials and technologies to enhance comfort and protection for industry trade professionals, recreational and competitive shooters, DIY homeowners, and all fans of live music and sporting events. Whatever your passion, trust Howard Leight to block out the noise so you can listen to what’s important, while staying safely focused on the big moments that matter. Learn more at howardleightshootingsports.com.