Safariland Liberator HP 2.0 Hearing Protection

Why Hearing Protection Matters (Unless You Want to Spend the Rest of Your Life Saying “Huh?”)

When it comes to shooting, the most overlooked piece of equipment is often the one that could save you from a lifetime of regret: quality hearing protection.

I’ve seen it all - fingers stuffed in ears, makeshift earplugs fashioned out of crumpled tissue, and cheap foam plugs from the nearest gas station. Sure, they’re better than nothing, but if you’re running top-tier gear - expensive rifles, upgraded triggers, and premium optics that cost more than your first car, and still relying on $2 foam plugs… then you're doing it wrong. 

Whether you're out hunting, dialing in your shot at a local range, attending a long-range shooting course, or competing in an NRL Hunter or PRS match - your hearing is one of your most valuable assets. And once it's gone, you can't just go to the nearest Bass Pro Shops and pick up a new set of ears. That ringing in your ears after a day of unprotected shooting? That’s your hearing cashing out early, and the truth is, tinnitus - that constant ringing you’ll never escape - isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a thief that steals from your quality of life, often in ways you don’t fully realize until it’s too late.

The Truth About Noise Exposure (Hint: It's Worse Than You Think)

You might think, “I don’t shoot that much without protection so I’m safe from permanent damage, right?” 

Wrong.

The average rifle shot can range from 150-170 decibels, which is way above the 120 decibel threshold where hearing damage occurs. For reference, safe everyday sounds hover around 70–85 decibels. So, even a single shot without proper ear protection can cause irreversible damage. Plus, when we’re at the range or in a match we’re shooting way more than one shot - you can see how those could add up pretty quick. 

If you're serious about protecting your hearing and staying sharp, electronic hearing protection is the best way to go. These devices let you hear what you need to hear while blocking out harmful sounds. The market is flooded with options, ranging from in-ear to over-the-ear models, but not all are created equal. In-ear models are often more affordable but lack the durability for extended use. Over-the-ear models are more rugged, comfortable, and built to last, even under heavy use. Sure, they come with a higher price tag, but they're an investment in your ears, and they’ll serve you for years. That’s where the Safariland Liberator HP 2.0 stands out.

Why the Liberator HP 2.0 Reigns Supreme

I’ve used a lot of hearing protection over the years. My previous pair, a popular over-the-ear model, was demoted to my back up pair. It did an adequate job, but after switching to the Safariland Liberator HP 2.0, I was blown away by the quality difference. I’ve spent long days on the range and at an NRL Hunter match, where shooting was happening constantly around me and clear comms were necessary, and my ears never felt better. I can clearly see why it’s used and preferred by so many law enforcement and military units around the world. Here's why I liked them: 

1. Situational Awareness:

It offers active noise reduction and real-time sound localization, which is crucial when you need to hear everything around you - footsteps, radio chatter, even a whisper from your spotter saying, "The buck’s bedded at 200 yards." Three customizable modes - Enhanced, Move, and Clarity - instantly reduce dangerous impulse noises while enhancing important sounds. No more missed communications. 

2. Built Like a Tank:

These aren’t just tough; they’re practically indestructible. Made in the USA, water-resistant, shockproof, and field-tested in some of the toughest tactical environments in the world - these things thrive in mud, rain, and whatever else nature throws at you. Plus, you can convert it to a behind-your-head or over-your-helmet setup. 

3. Long Battery Life:

You won’t be scrambling for fresh batteries mid-match or at the range. With up to 300 hours of runtime on just two AAA batteries or one CR123 battery, these ear pro outlast just about anything. There’s a rechargeable battery setup option too, but I prefer using the physical batteries. 

4. Clear Communication:

They come equipped with an integrated mic system, so you can plug into a radio or simply chat with your hunting buddy without shouting across the ridge. The clarity is clear, crisp, and unmatched from my experience - no more sounding like you're trying to talk while at a loud concert. 

5. All Day Comfort:

It’s easy to forget you're even wearing them. The padded headband and contoured ear cups provide a snug fit, and the low-profile design won’t interfere with your cheek weld on your rifle stock. After a long day of shooting, you’ll take them off and be amazed at how much you were hearing all along.

The only drawback that I can think about for these so far is the cost, but you really do get what you pay for. It may not be in the price range for everyone, but if you can afford it, care about your hearing, and want to protect it for the long haul, the Safariland Liberator HP 2.0 is my confident recommendation. It’s comfortable, durable, and most importantly, it preserves your ability to hear what matters. No matter what brand or model you decide to choose, just remember one thing: Protect your ears. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck answering everything with a confused, “Huh?” for the rest of your life.