kp91

Tool: Peltor Work Tunes AM/FM
Reviewer: KP91
Tool Rating: 8 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best )

Review: On an impulse, I picked up a pair of Peltor Work Tunes am/fm hearing protectors. I usually use a pair of over the ear muffs or ear plugs (sometimes both at the same time) depending on what I'm doing. Of course, in order to hear the radio I've got to take them on and off when I'm not using power tools, OR have the shop radio cranked up so that it annoys my child bride who's office is on the opposite side of the wall the radio is mounted on.

The Great:
I keep them on. Instead of taking them on and off, they stay on. I probably now use them in applications that are 'on the edge' of needing hearing protection.

The Good:
As hearing protectors they aren't bad. They have a NRR 22, which is not out of line for over the ear muffs. They fit my big melon comfortably. The radio isn't bad, and has a great volume range. The controls are placed well and pretty easy to adjust while wearing.

The not so Good:
The battery cover could have been designed a little beefier. I don't know how long it will last over the years, but we'll see.

The Bad (maybe):
If the volume is too high on the radio, the combination of hearing protection and radio preventing me from hearing things around me. I've been focusing on keeping the volume reasonably.

In conclusion:

I've only had them a short while. but they are quickly becoming one of my favorite new things. They go on right after the shop coat everytime I head out to the shop.


I got them at home depot (had a gift card) but I've seen them at HF and Amazon for around $40. They also make one with an input for an MP3 or CD player for $5 more, but the last thing I need is a cord hanging down off my head.

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__________________
Doug
1 John 1:9

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Update

Still enjoy the work tunes, but there is one annoyance I have experienced with them. When listening to AM radio some tools can cause interference with the signal.

The biggest offenders are the soft start tools. When the scroll saw or router starts, there is a second or two of nasty static. Not a big deal, but it can be a bit annoying. The worst static comes when using one of my cordless screwdrivers. That one particular tool has so much 'noise' that it makes a high pitch squeal that can knock a filling loose.

Other than that one complaint, I am very happy with the unit. It has survived a couple of bounces off the concrete floor without any adverse effects, and has a surprisingly long battery life.

__________________
Doug
1 John 1:9

Bob

Doug,

Thanks for the bump of the orginal review as I somehow missed it back in April. Also thanks for the follow up as well. I have been considering a set of these to replace my dead silent and boring ear muffs, but was not sure how well they would pick up reception. I normally listen to only FM so the AM annoyance you described should not be too much of a factor for me. I think your review will now help me make a decision and with the holidays coming around and me being accused as "the guy who has everything" this might be the perfect item for my gift list.

I appreciate the time spent in making your review and perhaps it has and will help others also.

__________________
Cheers,
Bob

Hamlin

Hi Doug,

Great review.
I don't wish to dampen anyone's desire to purchase a set but, I'd like to point at 1 possibly 2 slight errors with them.

We all like to listen to music, whilst doing wood or metal working IMHO isn't wise. The reason is: distraction.

Where I work, headphones or earplugs are mandatory. Some of us, myself at one time included. Had a "ear piece" mounted inside these, covered by the "insulation", (foam piece). Over time, this has caused hearing loss for a few of us. Yes, the volume was as low as it would go without the radio's being turned off. I should note, these radio's are more like walkie talkies. The principle is still the same.

Again, I'm not trying to 'suade people from purchasing them, just trying to point out a few down sides to them.

__________________
Ken

"A VETERAN"
"Whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life". That is HONOR, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -Author Unknown