3M Peltor X1A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs, NRR 22 dB, Pack of 1, Noise Cancellation

I was looking for a product that can help me focus better while working on my computer or reading books, articles, etc. at my home. The key application was usage inside my house.I was a bit apprehensive while ordering this model because the users rating for this model- X4A was only about 3.5 stars and there were only around 10 ratings, while some other models from 3M have more than 100 ratings, with average rating of 4.4 stars!!!However, I am pleasantly surprised after brief usage, after receiving it.Quick feedback:I got it just today evening and the first impression is that its performance is awesome!!It feels as if 90% of sound is blocked and it's better than what my active noise canceling solutions provide.It's weight appears tolerable to me; it's subjective thing but I am still mentioning this as I moved from ear buds.I got it for ~ Rs3300 and I feel that it's good value for money at this price.I am wondering as to why other users have given it such a low rating!My prior experience with noise canceling earphones:I used Bose QuietComfort 20 (wired earphones with active noise cancellation) for several years.Then I upgraded to a newer model- Bose QuietControl 30 (Bluetooth wireless), and have been using it for several years now.Last year, I got ear infection repeatedly in quick successions (within a week or two weeks) and doctor suggested to avoid earphones! So, I thought to search for some alternative solution, not involving ear buds.I was deliberating whether to go for active noise canceling headphones or something else.Then I found these ear muffs.I spent several hours to find the right brand, right model while I had flexible budget.I was looking for the most suitable solution.So, why did I choose model X4A over X3 or X5?X4A is sleeker than the other two models.X3 provides similar noise reduction and is cheaper by Rs1000 but it appears 'bulkier'.X5 specs are better than that of X4A for noise reduction, but:1. X5 also appears bulkier than X4A,2. X5 is about 100 g heavier than X4A.3. I also suspected that grip of X5 over the head would be tighter which may make it difficult to use continuously for hours everyday.4. X5 is costlier by about Rs 2000, though this was not the decision making criterion here.Potential key negative aspect of the product:It feels pretty tight on area around ears, after few hours of continuous use.I am not sure whether it would still be tolerable after few days of continuous use.I will update my feedback if it turns out to be too difficult to use on a daily basis, for several hours each day.Special Note on Combo of Active and Passive noise suppression:I was able to use my Bose wireless ear buds below these ear muffs without any difficulty!This provides even better isolation and also the ability to watch audio-visual content.Update on 22nd June, 21:Feedback after two and half weeks of use:1. It has become much more easy to use- the sensation on and around the ears due to the pressure of pads has reduced significantly.2. Isolation is very good. Floor cleaning robot is barely audible with these earmuffs on.3. Picking up my pulse: I noticed that there was a repetitive sound. After a while I realised that it was my own pulse! The ear cups must be pressing against some artery around my ear and picking my pulse which I was able to hear due to absence of noise!4. Tip to reduce uneasiness around ears:Push the earlobes inside the rim of ear cups with your finger, this allows you to move the cups slightly up. This creates more space for the upper parts of the ears which now may not be in direct contact of the cups.This significantly reduces the sensation of unease caused by long and continuous use of earmuffs.5. Caution/safety concern:Be aware that you may miss listening to your family member who is shouting for help in an emergency situation in another part of your house!Suggestions:1. Make some alternate arrangement to be able to draw the attention of the wearer of these earmuffs, like some strong electronic buzzer which can be triggered by using a remote control.2. Keeping your mobile phone in your visual range may help, so that you don't miss an incoming call in an emergency.

Highly effective,,, just little overpriced

3M Peltor a name one can always trust in the ear muff category. I had been using a 3M optime 101 over head earmuffs (/ green) for nearly 4 years onboard ships . Finally after years of harsh use the metal part gave away and I had to look for a replacement . I decided to try out the X5A model as it boasts of an noise reduction rating that is best in the market , 31 dbs , plus I trust Peltor to know their stuff . I was quite happy to find it on Amazon India and decided to buy from here instead of amazon.com as it was almost the same price with the duty etc included ( It is made outside India ) .It was delivered before the scheduled date and I was a bit surprised by the size , it was a bit larger than I expected . ( If you would like a more compact model X4A would be an excellent choice and good for most applications ).When I first wore it blew me away with the amount of noise it had cut off . I could hardly hear most of the noise and what ever I could it had been reduced dramatically . It would sound ridiculous but this X5A is almost comparable to a Bose QC35 performance . I am very impressed by its performance , yet to try it out in my work place though .This is worth every penny for students, or people living in noisy environments who cannot concentrate due to the high noise level around them . It is a bit expensive no doubts but it gives a performance that somewhat compares ( somewhat ) to an active noise cancelling head set which is worth 30 k at one tenth the price !If you want good noise isolation without spending too much money this is it . Only thing to remember is this is not very small , it does look a bit large though not very heavy , it is quite comfortable to wear and feels snug. I have not worn it for long period so can not comment on that yet , but with my previous experiences with Peltor I know this will do its job .

I bought it recently and the sound suppression is great. It just has one catch, the grip is too tight.It blocks blood circulation in the head. Not recommended for kids, or for anyone else for that matter.This item is non returnable, I talked to Amazon staff and I received a number. The phone number does not connect and I could not reach seller.Buy at your own risk if the sound is unbearable around you. With 2k as the cost I would not recommend attaching any object to loosen the grip, as it can damage the ear muffs, but it can work.

Amazon seller Cloudtail replaced / exchanged my order within 72 hours. The previous one has sweat marks on both the earmuff cups, where the cup / seal touches the facial skin area around ears.Very satisfying experience. Will try to buy only from Cloudtail India in future.The product itself is excellent. Used for big time noise attenuation.For normal decrease in noise DB levels, buy other 3M X-series products.I myself plan to buy 3M Peltor X1 for outdoors, where situational awareness is important. Alas, X1 model is not available currently with Cloudtail.Buy X5 to get a (sort of) Library like silence in your Living room with TV & other people talking. Best suited for students, i guess.Please note, as mentioned by a previous reviewer, the price mentioned on 3M box is 3000/-. And I got it for 3720/-The outside Amazon box is nicely & safely packed.But note that inside 3M box has no packing material....just the product lying alongwith instruction manual. Youtube videos of unboxing show the same .....that is - no packing material within 3M box. Hence no worry.The cups are quite big. You can not wear it in public. I bought it for home use.The earmuffs are comfortable to wear. Haven't wear it for long duration till date.Anyhow, its an awesome purchase.