The basic framework of the Predator, which includes the ear casings, swivel fixture, and headband, is made of high-impact plastic. Each earmuff is independent, containing its own wiring and on/off volume control. The volume control features an infinite adjustment within its operating range. In other words, it is not a graduated or step adjustment. The receiver for each earpiece is located in the center of the outer shell and is protected with small foam disks. The ear contact area is made of a plush sealed foam ring that is replaceable. Two standard, easy to find N-size batteries are installed inside the ear cup and protected by a layer of thin foam. I haven't tested them fully yet but the reported battery like is an astounding 300 hours of use.

Each earmuff can be rotated a full 360 degrees on the yoke attachment. The yoke, in turn, can be folded inward to collapse the unit into a super compact size. The headband has approximately 3 ½ inches of ratcheted adjustment on each side. A 7-¼ inch plush foam pad is centered on the headband to provide comfort as well as help reduce bone transmitted noise levels.

Electronically, the Predator 300 protects hearing through a feature pioneered by Pro Ears called DLSC or Dynamic Level Sound Compression. Basically, what this means is that any sound that is considered harmful will be compressed to a safe level -- not completely blocked. As opposed to the standard protection method where the unit simply shuts off the amplification system when presented with a loud noise, causing gaps or silent spaces in hearing, this system allows the wearer to hear everything, only safely. The time that it takes the electronics to react/recover is called the "attack" time. The Predator 300 "attack" time is only 5.5 milliseconds. 

In the same manner, soft sounds are amplified electronically. This particular unit is able to amplify normal hearing levels by 8 times. Again, independent volume controls can be used to vary this level.

Testing:

As always, my first test was an overall quality inspection. The unit I received was spotless in form and mechanically sound (no pun intended!). There was not one blemish or mechanical glitch to be found. This is an incredibly high quality piece of equipment, especially when considering the low cost.

I then placed the Predators on my head and made the necessary adjustments. When I stepped out onto my back deck, it was like entering a surround sound theater! It sounded like hundreds of birds had descended on me. A couple of my children immediately noted the same thing -- birds everywhere! That was a good start.

My son, Tyler, and I started to experiment by timing how long it took to hear things with and without the Predators. He would walk off into the distance, wait a minute or two, and then start walking slowly toward me. When I would yell out, he would mark the spot. 

On average, I was able to make out the sound of his approach 40 yards sooner with the unit on verses off. That is definitely noteworthy. Another thing I noticed was the sound of water trickling while sitting in the woods waiting on Ty. When I took the Predators off, the sound was gone. Due to each cup having it's own system, I was able to pinpoint the location and determine the running water was to my left.

When Ty got back we investigated and sure enough, there was a little stream approximately 25 yards away barely flowing. This feature and the ability to hear far away sounds make the Predator invaluable to the hunter under a wide variety of circumstances. And the sound quality was so natural that it was like wearing nothing. Not that tinny 
sound I was used to with other electronic systems.

The protection test was much easier.
First, I took a large hammer and struck my all-metal car ramps with force. That hurt the ears! Then, with the Predators on the ramps were hammered again. Unbelievable! The sound of the strike was as clear as day but it was about the same level as someone talking - not loud at all. 

Next I fired a 12-guage shotgun with the unit on, and listened. To make a short story ever shorter, the shot sounded like it was far off. 

They really worked great! The thing that really struck me was the units ability to protect hearing but allowing all sounds to be transmitted to the wearer. With the Predator I was able to hear conversation even while being protected from loud noises like a firearm.

The Pro Ears Predator 300 unit is a good-looking, comfortable device that lives up to all its claims. Taking them along on the hunt should not be a hassle as they fold up small enough to fit into a jacket pocket. They'll keep your ears warm too!

Design: 5 of 5
When it comes to this industry, Pro Ears is the leader in design -- hands down.

Quality: 4.5 of 5
Top notch. The only suggestion I have is to improve the battery covers. 

Spec Sheet: 

• Clean, crisp natural sound quality.
• Fast "Attack Time" -- reacts/recovers in 5.5 milliseconds.
• Dynamic Level Sound Compression (DLSC) protects hearing without shutting off/down the amplification system. 
• Total Harmonic Distortion Level .005%.
• Harmful noise levels are safely compressed while soft levels are amplified.
• True directional Stereo.
• Independent volume controls without connecting wires. (P-200 & P-300)
• Longest battery life in its class 300 hours. Batteries included.
• Frequency Response Attenuation & Flatness
• 100 Hz/-29.1 dB
• 200 Hz/-5.88 dB
• 300 Hz/-3.4 dB
• 1000 Hz/-0 dB
• 5K Hz/-.3 dB
• 10K/-1.36 dB
• Sleek, low profile, comfortable, collapsible design.
• Available in Natural Gear Camouflage, Black and Green
• 1 Year Warranty on electronics.
• Proudly MADE IN USA

RidgeLine, Inc.
101 RidgeLine Dr.
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Phone 719-783-4161
Fax 719-783-4162

Dealers Only 800-891-3660
Email: sales@Pro-Ears.com
Web site: www.Pro-Ears.com

Dealers Only 800-891-3660
Email: sales@Pro-Ears.com
Web site: www.Pro-Ears.com