SHOOTING HELMETS: THE BEST PROTECTION AND COMFORT FOR YOUR CLAY TARGET SHOOTING PRACTICE

Shooting helmets: the best protection and comfort for your clay target shooting.

When it comes to clay pigeon shooting, your safety must be a priority. That’s why investing in a high-quality clay pigeon shooting helmet is essential. Not only does it provide the best protection for your head, but it also ensures optimal comfort during long training sessions or competitions.

So whether you’re a professional shooter or a passionate enthusiast, don’t compromise on safety. Get the best protection with a shooting helmet and enjoy a worry-free shooting experience.

WHY YOU SHOULD USE SHOOTING HELMETS FOR HEARING PROTECTION

Hunters and shooters are up to 4 times more likely to suffer from deafness!

The sound of a shotgun blast can cause hearing damage if you don’t protect yourself properly, especially if you play the sport on a regular basis. What’s more, shooting without protection can cause permanent damage to the inner ear.

Therefore, although there are people who practice this discipline without any kind of protection, the use of earplugs or shooting helmets is highly recommended, especially if you practice shooting indoors, since in closed spaces the echo and reverberation are greater.

In addition, by using helmets we can extend our shooting practice, as we do not have any problems or hearing fatigue.

Yes, this is so.

In fact, if you are a shooter or hunter, you probably know a fellow shooter or hunter with clear signs of early deafness, as this accessory was not very common in the past.

There are now a multitude of models to help you solve this problem, and it is a very small investment for all the benefits it brings in preventing hearing problems.

However, it is important to have a suitable shooting helmet. Clay target shooting helmets allow you to protect your ears effectively so that you can train and practice your favourite sport in total comfort and without risk.

BUT WHAT IS A SHOOTING HELMET?

A shooting helmet is a must-have accessory, providing a vital layer of protection and comfort for anyone involved in shooting sports or activities.

Constructed from durable materials such as plastic or fiberglass, it offers impact resistance and cushioning to reduce the risk of head injury.

In addition, it is equipped with advanced sound reduction technology, effectively reducing gunshot noise and other loud noises.

It usually has adjustable straps and padding, which can be adjusted by the handles for a secure and comfortable hold.

WHEN IT IS ADVISABLE TO WEAR SHOOTING HELMETS

It is advisable to wear shooting helmets whenever noise exceeds 80 decibels, and we are exposed to it continuously, e.g. on a shooting range.

The ear suffers irreparably with every exposure to impulsive noise (abrupt sounds of high intensity and short duration, such as gunshots). This sound should never exceed 140 dB for adults and 120 dB for children.

Shooting a shotgun produces a noise of about 150 decibels, which can vary depending on the type of ammunition and the weapon used. This fact helps you to realize how necessary shooting helmets are, as they are almost twice the decibel limit above which you need protection.

But the most important thing to consider, of course, is the noise attenuation rating (SNR), or the amount of noise your headphones can dampen that will help keep it out of your ears.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SHOOTING HELMET

When purchasing a shooting helmet, it is important that you consider several factors to ensure the best possible protection.

• Look for helmets that meet safety standards and regulations.
• Pay attention to the noise reduction capabilities of the helmet, as well as the comfort and adjustability features.
• Consider the weight and design to ensure that the helmet does not cause discomfort or hinder movement during shooting.
• If you can, invest in a helmet with integrated communication systems or visors for added comfort.

Also, if you are looking for additional protection, you should consider investing in an electronic shooting helmet.

This is an excellent choice, as these headsets not only offer sound reduction technology, but also amplify low-level sounds, such as conversations or range commands. In addition, they come with a variety of additional features, such as integrated communication systems and visors.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING HELMETS

As mentioned above, not all helmets are suitable for use in hunting or shooting.

It is important that you choose a model designed and manufactured for this purpose, as it has some special features that are essential for proper protection:

• They are made to dampen high-impact noises, such as gunshots.
• They are made of resistant materials to guarantee their proper functioning in adverse conditions.
• They are adjustable for a comfortable, ear-covering position.
• They are comfortable as the earmuffs are lined with soft-touch materials on the outside to ensure maximum comfort when shooting or hunting.
• Low weight, which helps a lot during long training and competition days.
• Easily transportable. Some models can even be folded for easy transport.
• Breathable. It sounds silly, but if it’s a hot day, having your ears covered can be torture, especially if sweat wets the ear cushions, and they don’t dry out.
• Electronic models not only dampen noise, but are able to amplify weaker ambient sounds.
• The configuration of electronic models is really simple and quick. They usually consist of three buttons: power on/off, volume up, volume down.
• They are polivalent: shooting helmets are suitable for hunting, sport shooting and clay pigeon shooting.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF A CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING HELMET

Wearing a shooting helmet has multiple benefits. It is also essential if you want to enjoy a safe and enjoyable shooting session.

• The shooting helmet protects your head and ears from possible injuries caused by recoil or flying fragments, ensuring your safety during shooting activities. In addition, the shooting helmets economize on noise levels, preserving your hearing from the loud bangs produced by firearms. With their sophisticated noise reduction technology, these helmets allow you to focus solely on your shooting technique without interruption.
• It has adjustable straps and padding. This ensures a secure and firm fit, allowing you to wear the helmet for extended periods of time without discomfort.
• It enhances your ability to improve your shooting accuracy, as they are often equipped with integrated shields or lenses that provide a clear, unobstructed view. This allows you to have a more accurate view of your target, leading to better aim and accuracy.
• A shooting helmet with integrated scopes protects your eyes from fragments and reflections, ensuring clear visibility even in difficult lighting conditions. By providing advanced vision and eye protection, shooting helmets contribute to improved performance and overall success in shooting activities.
• It offers the advantage of flexibility. Many shooting helmets come with interchangeable features that allow you to customize the fit and comfort to your particular needs. This adaptability ensures that the helmet can be worn comfortably by people of different head sizes and shapes.
• It is compatible with other shooting accessories such as ear muffs or communication systems, allowing you to further enhance your shooting experience. Whether you’re involved in shooting activities or participating in shooting competitions, a shooting helmet provides the versatility and adaptability needed for optimal performance.

TYPES OF HEARING PROTECTION FOR CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

Although we have only talked about shooting helmets so far, there is also the option of wearing earplugs to protect your ears while clay pigeon shooting.

The plugs for clay pigeon shooting offer you lightweight and inexpensive protection. The ear plugs are inserted into the ear hole to reduce the power with which the sound caused by the detonation reaches our ear canal.

There are different formats of closures depending on the material of manufacture and whether they are disposable or reusable.

One of the most economical models are the Ultrafit Reusable Earplugs, which offer an ergonomic fit inside the ear thanks to their three-ring design. The box contains 50 pairs.

Another more professional option is the Noton Plus plugs which protect against high frequencies and are made of silicone, making them easy to wash and reuse. One of the benefits of using them is that they protect against noise, but allow you to listen to conversations, alarms, mobile phone calls…

As for helmets, they are undoubtedly the option we recommend the most due to the high protection they offer.

You can find different types on the market:

• A popular option is the hearing protection helmet, which offers sound reduction and ear protection. These helmets are adjustable and comfortable, ensuring a perfect fit for prolonged shooting sessions.
• Another type is the full-face shooting helmet, which provides full head and face protection. These are often used in high-intensity activities and come with features such as impact-resistant visors for added safety.
• If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact solution, there are cap or hat style helmets that provide minimalist protection without compromising safety.  

BEST HELMETS FOR CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

As we’ve been telling you throughout this article, when buying a shooting helmet, always consider the level of protection it offers, the comfort features and any additional accessories that can enhance your shooting experience. By choosing the right shooting helmet, you can ensure your personal safety and well-being, while maximizing your shooting pleasure.

That said, here is a link where you can find updated information on the 5 best helmets for shooting sports.

Also, if you are someone who loves to personalize any product to make it more your own, you can get one to your liking at this link.

Do you already use hearing protection helmets in your training or competitions? Tell us about your experience.