Field testing the Swatcom Active8 ear defenders

For those loyal to over-the-ear protection, rather than earplugs,  the Sordin brand may already be familiar to you. They’re a favourite of mine and thanks to their gel pads, are probably the most comfortable on the market. Now, their UK distributors - Talking Headsets - have collaborated with them to launch a rebranded and enhanced version of their already excellent product. 

360 degree stereo sound

Marketed under the brand Swatcom, the upgrade is designed to the highest possible specification, with the latest ASIC digital technology to ensure the best sound reproduction of any electronic headset of its type in the world. The resulting 360 degree stereo sound has made the new Swatcom Active8 ear defenders even better than the originals, which were labelled "the best ear defenders on the market".

They also come with the added feature of being fully waterproof. In fact, they're totally submersible. If you've ever found your audio cutting in and out owing to a rusty battery contact, you'll know how valuable this is, and that you often only realise the problem when it’s already too late!

Clarity and noise reduction

Some of you will be wondering what the fuss is about: one electronic ear defender vs another? Fieldcraft on the peg is vitally important and being able to hear the sounds of beaters approaching or the beating of wings in the wood or over the moor gives you a great advantage. "Forewarned is forearmed", as they say, so when the next bird or covey arrives you'll be ready for it.

The new Active8 headsets provide the clearest sound of any ear defenders that I've tried, and the technical upgrade means there is far less distortion during the shot and from other movements. What I really noticed when trying these on a day in the field was the reduced effect from the sound of a nearby river, I’m sure there’s a number of you who can relate to this.

Low-profile, comfortable

Whilst I’m talking about ear defenders, it’s worth talking about the one aspect that keeps ‘plug’ users loyal - size. Often, and certainly in the past, ear defenders have been bulky and have been liable to catch the stock of your gun when mounting. The Swatcom Active8s, and their predecessors, have a very low profile and are some of the sleekest on the market. I have had this problem with other brands, but not with these. These come into their own when you’re on a peg which either requires snap shooting, or close to it, when your gun mount may not be as perfect as perhaps it should be.

For those who want the best

At nearly £300, these are not cheap. Many might wonder why on earth you need to go to such expense on a set of ear defenders, and those happy with a £20 ‘pair of cans’ will think it slighly bonkers to spend that amount of money. For me, however, its a case of "once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back".

Yes, they’re a lot of money, but so is a day out in the field. Once you’ve spent a fair wedge on a day out it makes sense to have the best kit to make sure your day is as good as it can be. If that theory resonates with you and you prefer ‘over-the-ear' defenders to plugs then you need look no further.