1.
What is the difference between the PRO
EARS and other brands of protection/amplification?
PRO EARS workmanship,
technology and electronics are far superior to any other models
currently being offered. While others are just now offering circuitry
that is, at best, inferior to our original and outdated 'LE' models,
we have advanced the electronics in our DIMENSION and Predator
Series in a multitude of ways.
| A. |
First,
we are the only company to offer true, Dynamic Level Sound
Compression. While others claim to offer 'compression' technology,
they are in fact offering old technology such as 'Peak Clipping',
which merely shuts off the electronics when presented with
a high noise level or 'Automatic Level Control', which reacts
to high noise levels by lowering the volume. 'Peak Clipping'
just turns the amplification off so nothing is heard. ALC
does not 'compress' the dangerous sound levels and raise
softer sounds, therefore, the ability to hear lower sound
levels during an instance of high sound levels is defeated.
Only Ridgeline's 'DLSC' technology protects hearing while
at the same time allows the wearer to hear lower sounds.
DLSC instantly reacts to 'compress' all noises over the
70 dB threshold by 50% to a safe level and amplifies all
sounds below that to 70 dB. |
| B. |
Our
Attack/Recovery Time is the fastest in the industry at 1.7
milliseconds. Others are as long as 20 milliseconds. |
| C. |
Our
sound quality (now audiophile quality) is the clearest,
most natural ever offered and you can tell the difference
as soon as the units are turned on. While others sound 'tinny'
or muffled, PRO EARS are clear and natural. |
| D. |
Our
models are lighter and our adjustable, padded headbands
and special replaceable Sealing Rings make PRO EARS the
most comfortable to wear. |
| E. |
Each
cup has its own set of independent electronics and controls
so each may be adjusted separately. This eliminates the
need for connecting wires running across the top of the
headset to snag or break. |
| F. |
We
use a lighter, smaller, less-expensive 'N' battery that
provides longer life than the 9 volt, AA or AAA batteries
used by our competitors. PRO EARS get a minimum of 200 hours
battery life while some competitive products get only 45
to 50 hours. The reason for our longer battery life is due
to the superior Surface Mount Technology of our circuit
boards and the fact that we have no power robbing wires
running across the top that cause electrical resistance.
|
| G. |
We
stand behind our quality with the industry's longest Warranty.
Five (5) Full Years of Warranty protection for all Dimension
Series models. A Warranty that is five times longer than
the standard. |
There are
many more improvements in the Dimension series including programmable
(in the field) sensitivity and gain settings, upgraded speakers,
sturdier battery compartments and "N" size batteries
that are smaller, less expensive with longer life than the competitions.
A
Sampling of the Competition:
The Peltor
Tac 6 uses 'Analog Peak Clipping' technology, which is a
technology that's been around for many years. When sounds/noises
exceed 82 dB around the user, the Peltor Tac 6 circuitry shuts
down (off) electronically. The circuitry will not return to
normal operation until the sound/noise level drops below 82
dB. The Attack Time of this unit is 5 Milliseconds. The effect
is a clipping on and off. At a shooting range or any area which
has a high noise level, the unit will be constantly turning
off (clipping) because of this high level of ambient noise.
In fact, if the ambient noise level exceeds 82 dB, the electronics
simply stay shut off. The NRR of the Peltor Tac 6 is 19.
The Peltor
Tac 7 uses the same circuitry discussed above, only with
a single volume control that is connected to the opposite ear
cup by a wire. The obvious disadvantage of this arrangement
is adjustability of both sides in the event the wearer has hearing
loss in one or both ears. The NRR on the Tac 7 is 24. The Attack
Time is 5 Milliseconds. We have also been advised the battery
life is 45 to 50 hours max.
Silencio
uses the same 'Analog Peak Clipping' technology as the Peltor
units. There are, however, a few differences. Most notably,
the Attack Time is 20 milliseconds
ten times slower than
the PRO EARS DIMENSION Series. Note that the 20 millisecond
attack time occurs at the beginning of the shut down as well
as the recovery time. The threshold for responding to a loud
noise is 90 dB, well above the danger level.
Since PRO
EARS is the acknowledged leader in the field of electronic hearing
protection/amplification systems, our competitors have, in an
effort to appear equal, taken our product descriptions, trademarked
copy and slogans and slightly altered them to make themselves
look better. While they use terms such as 'Automatic Gain' and
'Compression' to describe their products they, in fact, offer
neither. It is up to you, the consumer, to study each product
before buying to ensure you are getting exactly what you are being
sold. Our reputation, overall quality, advanced technology and
our eagerness to stand behind every product we sell is notice
to all. At RidgeLine, Inc., we are "Colorado Made - USA Proud'
and we are the only company that can make that claim.
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2.
What is the difference between the Pro-Slim 'Dimension' and the
Pro-Mag 'Dimension'?
The Pro-Slim
Dimension is a lighter; shallower unit designed for all-around
shooting applications and use in moderate-to-high noise level
environments. The Pro-Mag Dimension is designed for high-to-extreme
noise environments such as indoor ranges, very high caliber loads,
demolitions, etc. The Pro-Slim has an NRR of 28, while the Pro-Mag
has a high NRR of 33. Both are extremely comfortable to wear and
both feature identical electronics. Because of the compounding
effect of pressure waves (vibrations) generated by gunfire indoors,
we recommend Pro-Mag Dimension units for use by Range Masters/Instructors
or anyone exposed to extraordinary high sound levels.
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3.
What is the BEST unit for pistol shooting?
All of the
Dimension Series models can be used for Handgun/Pistol shooting.
The determination of which model is the best depends upon the
application.
When shooting
at an indoor range, using large caliber handguns or when working
in environments with extremely loud noise levels such as construction,
demolition, engine, mechanical or hydraulic, etc. noise levels,
we recommend the Pro-Mag.
When shooting
outdoors where the pressure waves dissipate away from the shooter,
or in moderate-to-loud noise environments, both the Pro-Slim at
NRR 28 and the Sporting Clay at NRR 25 are quite acceptable. Once
again, application becomes important.
The Pro-Slim
model is favored by Law Enforcement, military, IPSC/IDPA, students
taking handgun instruction, as well as for general handgun shooting
and hunting. If the shooter has worn other types of muffs and
did not hit the muff with the stock of a shotgun or rifle, then
the DPS is an excellent choice for all-around use.
The Sporting
Clay and Stalker units are designed for sporting clay, trap, skeet,
game birds and general hunting with shotgun and rifle. This unit
features a low profile 'chop side' cup for better control and
comfort while shouldering/aiming. It also features a unique 'soft
side' soft fleece on one side to protect the gunstock in the unusual
event of the stock tapping the cup.
The Pro-Slim,
Sporting Clay and Stalker models are also perfect for work or
home use where the wearer will encounter moderate-to-loud noise
levels. Home shops, work areas such as electric saws, grinders,
engines, presses, tractors, shredders, chain saws, drill presses,
sanders, lawn mowers and many other noise producers can cause
levels of permanent hearing damage. Concerts and auto races can
also cause hearing loss. Pro Ears will help you keep the hearing
you have and protect against further loss.
For the outdoorsman,
Pro Ears will bring nature closer than ever before possible by
increasing the normal hearing range up to 8 times. Now the hunter,
wildlife photographer, hiker and general outdoorsman can truly
hear nature come alive, long before it comes into sight.
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4.
What
about the Sound Amplification system on PRO EARS?
With our advanced
electronics and audiophile sound quality, PRO EARS models are
capable of increasing one's hearing range up to eight (8) times
that of normal hearing. For the hunter, outdoorsman, photographer
or those who have diminished hearing this is a remarkable achievement.
Now you can clearly hear everything over vast distances so you
are prepared for what may be moving into sight. For the hearing
impaired, you will now be able to hear so many of those sounds
you have missed. And, due to our independent volume controls and
adjustable gain, you can adjust each ear for any need or disparity.
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5.
Detailed
Model Description
PRO-SLIM
(Dimension DPS-1P and DSC-1P)
With an NRR of 28, the Pro-Slim Dimension model is designed for
all-around protection for shooting, law enforcement, home use
and industry.
The Pro-Slim
model offers great protection in manufacturing, production and
assembly line, aviation and other industrial applications. The
unit may also be used as a hearing assistive device for people
with moderate-to-high levels of high frequency hearing loss. The
Pro-Slim is comfortable to wear and perfect for amplifying low
volume sounds up to 50 dB.
Available colors: Black, Hunter Green
Weight of the Pro-Slim with batteries is 12.2 oz.
PRO-MAG
(Dimension DPM-1P, DPM-2P)
The Pro-Mag is the Big Boy when it comes to protection with an
NRR of 33. The Pro-Mag Dimension model is designed for high noise
situations or shooting in an enclosed area such as indoor ranges,
very high caliber loads, demolitions, etc. We recommend Pro-Mag
Dimension units for use by Range Masters/Instructors or anyone
exposed to an extraordinary degree of loud noise or who has moderate-to-high
hearing loss.
All Pro-Mag
models are 7/10ths of an inch larger in cup size than the Pro-Slim
models to accommodate additional insulation and for greater sound
attenuation. These models have the highest attenuation of all
the models we offer. As with other PRO EARS models, the DPM works
extremely well in industrial applications, construction, manufacturing,
production, assembly line, aviation and other industrial environments
where noise levels are high and/or constant.
Available colors: Green & Black
The Pro-Mag weight with batteries is 14.6 oz.
PRO EARS
SPORTING CLAYS (DSC-1P, DSC-2P) / STALKER (DSTL-1P, DSTL-2P)
These units, with an NRR of 25, are designed for sporting clay,
trap, skeet, game birds and general hunting applications with
shotgun and rifles, along with a wide variety of home and industrial
applications. Due to the ability to amplify hearing up to 8 times
normal range, these are great choices for anyone wanting to increase
hearing, such as those in a hunting or field environment. This
is the smallest and lightest electronic earmuff on the market
today and features a low profile 'Chop Side' cup for better control
and comfort while shouldering/aiming shotguns and rifles. It also
sports a unique 'Soft Side' soft fleece on one side to protect
the gunstock in the unusual event of the stock tapping the cup.
Available colors: Black, and Green.
The Sporting Clays/Stalker model weight with batteries is 8.4
oz.
Stalker Colors are Green and Camo
PREDATOR
(P-200, P300P)
The Predator series is our newest low-profile electronic unit.
While these models do not have the higher-cost, high-pass filter
or the sensitivity and gain jumpers found in the top-end Dimension
Series they do feature the same DLSC circuitry. The P-200 is small
and lightweight enough to come with an optional behind-the-head
headband. The P-200 is available in Black only, while the P300P
is available in Black, Green, and Natural Gear Camo. Weights of
the P-200 and P300P with batteries are 8.2 oz. and 9.2 oz. respectively.
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6.
How
do I use my new PRO EARS?
A)
All PRO EARS electronic models are equipped with four 'N' size
1.5-volt batteries, two for each cup. These are superior batteries
that are generally available wherever batteries are sold. Alkaline
batteries will provide the best service. To install, turn the
volume controls to the OFF position. Carefully pull the inner
surface foam down to reveal the battery holder. Place the batteries
into the holder with the negative to negative and the positive
to the positive. The correct polarity is marked inside the battery
box. The spring end of the battery box is the negative end. Once
installed, carefully replace the foam. Even though your PRO EARS
have the longest battery life in the industry, it is recommended
that the volume controls be turned to the off position when not
in use.
B)
The headband may be adjusted to ensure the cups fit correctly
and comfortably around the ears by sliding the headband apart.
Place the headband directly in the middle of the head with the
cups over the ears. Place the thumb of each hand against the ear
cups and press gently upward while simultaneously using your fingers
to tighten the headband against the head firmly. The special,
replaceable foam Sealing Rings are made for maximum contour and
noise, and will fit snugly around the ears even when wearing eyeglasses.
C)
To adjust the volume, start with the units in the OFF
position. Turn on and adjust the volume as needed for comfort.
Both sides should be adjusted depending upon individual hearing
and purpose.
| IMPORTANT:
Your
PRO EARS have high gain volume controls and high quality,
omni directional microphones. These units are designed for
law enforcement and tactical teams that must have the ability
to hear extremely low noises (whispers or low volume speech)
at longer distances.
For
normal use it is recommended that you set each volume control
in the mid range.
Each
volume control may be adjusted to allow proper hearing for
a specific distance. If a person is 30 to 50 yards away,
adjust the volume control upwards to enable you to hear
this person clearly. The volume control may be lowered when
the person is speaking to you at closer distances.
|
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7.
Warranty Information
All PRO-EARS
Dimension models carry a full Five (5) Year Warranty on the electronics.
The Predator P200 model carries a One (1) Year Warranty and the Predator P300P carries a Three (3) Year Warranty.
Not only do
we offer the highest quality products and back them with the industry's
longest, most inclusive Warranty, if you should need to return
your PRO EARS for any reason, we make it easy. All you have to
do is simply call ahead and obtain an RMA number that must be
printed on the outside of the package. It's possible however,
that our technicians can solve the problem over the phone. If
not, you will be given instructions on how to return your unit.
Because of our high quality and low return rate, repairs usually
have a turn around time of less than 72 hours.
For full warranty
information, please go to Warranty / Repairs
/ Service / Instructions.
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