Walker recently released a new product for hearing protection with the ability to adjust volume to block the sound of gunfire and amplify normal conversations and other sounds. This new set of earbuds is called the Razor X. The Razor X earbuds are contained within a pliable plastic housing that fits comfortably around the user’s neck. When not in use the earbuds retract into the unit and out of the way.

When the user is ready to use them you simply pull the earbuds out as long as you need them and plug them into the ear canal (shown in the feature photo). On the unit itself is a off/on slide switch to activate them. A rocker switch is also available allowing the user to adjust the volume. The main unit also contains two stereo microphones, one on each side, which pick up the incoming sound which is then processed and transmitted to the earbuds small digital speakers at the proper volume for the type of sound received. The neck unit also has a micro USB port to use with the included wall charger. A charge last approximately eight to ten hours on average.

Earbuds extended

Also each side of the main unit has a single button to depress which instantly retracts each earbud back into the unit. A packet of assorted size ear plugs are included to help you get a comfortable fit.

The contoured shape and soft material make these very comfortable to wear over long periods. They are also much less prone to snagging on guns and gear when the earbuds are retracted.

Since receiving these I’ve used them a number of times on the range and found they work very well at blocking gunfire sound while allowing normal conversation with others as well as hearing other sounds on the range.

Earbuds retracted

Most hearing protectors I’ve used and or tested with these features run in the range of $300 to almost $400. The MSRP of the Razor X is $119.00. I’ve found them on the Internet for as little as $88.00. This is really a good buy with the features you get especially considering the price of other brands products with the same feature set.

Features:

Retractable Digital Ear buds
31dB NRR
Sound Activated Compression (SAC)
Powered by Rechargeable LIPO battery 250mAH battery for 10 hours of use.
Hi Gain omnidirectional microphones for clear sound enhancement.
HD speakers in the ear buds for wide range audio quality.
Includes 3 pairs of 12mm foam tips (S/M/L) and two pairs of 16mm coated foam tips (M/L)
Auto-Shut Off (low power mode) after 4 to 6 hours. Timer resets and unit wakes after any button is pressed.
Integrated Micro USB port .
AC wall adapter with USB port and included 1 meter micro USB cord for charging.
Storage case Included

The Razor-X incorporates a neck worn device featuring retractable digital ear buds that provide incredible comfort for all day shooting. The “behind the neck” design allows for ZERO interference with you or your weapon, allowing you to focus on your target. These remarkable patent-pending buds allow the user to be in loud environments without damaging their hearing, providing an impressive 31dB of noise reduction.

The Hi Gain omni-directional microphones provide clear sound enhancement for enjoyable conversations on the range or to hear firearm instructors’ directions while training. The Razor-X HD digital speakers provide a wide range audio quality that enhances the users experience. The kit includes two different styles of noise reducing foam tips in a variety of sizes to ensure a proper fit for maximum noise reduction. The Razor-X is equipped with an auto-shut off (low power mode) after 4 to 6 hours. The timer will reset and the unit will wake up after any button is pressed. An AC wall adapter with USB port and a one-meter micro USB cord is provided for convenient charging.

Each time I’ve looked at this kind of design I haven’t really been sold on it and thought they would be uncomfortable and frankly annoying. I was very wrong. The rubber type material is so pliable they can be twisted in just about any direction as well as being rather soft. In short they are comfortable and well designed. Couple that with the fact they work as advertised and the price is right. In fact I’ll probably be using these one the range rather than the higher priced ones I have that use somewhat expensive batteries that last around eight hours and you’re done. Just plug these in and charge them up which only takes about an hour.

Charging port

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