Ear defenders review: ISOtunes Sport DEFY Slim

Paul Austin reviews the brand new ISOtunes Sport DEFY Slim ear defenders – an over-ear, Bluetooth compatible option that’s new to the shooting market! 

Back in August last year we reviewed the excellent ISOtunes Sport in-ear ear defenders, and now ISOtunes are back with a new product in the form of the over-ear Bluetooth 5.0-compatible Defy Slim range, which like their predecessors allow the wearer to accept phone calls and stream music from any paired device.

If Bluetooth functionality doesn’t particularly interest you there’s also a basic model, which uses all the same sound-cancelling tech minus the Bluetooth connectivity and retails at just £69.99.

The concept of active ear defenders isn’t exactly new, but the combination of active ear defence alongside Bluetooth connectivity is certainly fairly unusual. The level-dependent functionality of these active defenders means that you’re protected from sudden loud impulse noise while retaining situation awareness. Microphones in each ear cup constantly measure the ambient noise levels, blocking excessive sound levels while delivering connectivity to your phone for calls and music.

Pairing was effortless, with audio prompts confirming connection, power on/off, etc. It’s all very slick and cleverly implemented and the sound quality of calls and streamed audio is impressive. Conversation and call connectivity was thoroughly tested during the family’s traditional boxing day trip to the clay ground.

As the name implies, they’re nice and slim, slightly thicker than my old Impact Sport active ear defenders. They’re very comfortable to wear for extended periods and fit snugly thanks to the adjustable headband. In terms of fit and finish, there are no complaints, with a solid feel and a nice soft-touch feel.

I’d class them as pretty good in relation to dedicated audio headphones, with more bass than their in-ear stablemates, but that’s not really what they’re about. Streamed backing music certainly isn’t a must for me when hunting, but being able to listen to the odd tune while tinkering at the range is a very nice option.

The USP for many is the call connectivity, and that is a very useful function, especially alongside the noise-cancelling technology, allowing you to make or receive calls out on the hill or on the range.

There are two adjustment dials available, so you can independently set the ambient sound level – very handy for hunting – while a second dial controls the level of the streamed audio. Add a 25 hour runtime from a couple of AAA batteries and you’re looking at a very complete package.

The icing on the cake is what’s described as Tactical Sound Control Technology, which enhances your hearing up to 8x to improve situational awareness, while still protecting you from damaging noise levels in under 2 milliseconds.

Like their in-ear predecessors they really are an excellent bit of kit, offering loads of features. All the connectivity and streaming options you could ask for, great protection, and enhanced audio to help pinpoint opportunities in the field. All yours for a very reasonable price. These ear defenders come highly recommended.

Key features:

• Tactical Sound Control™ Technology enhances your hearing by 8x while protecting you from high-impact noises in under 2 milliseconds
• Ultra-Slim Profile
• 27 SNR tested and approved to ANSI s3. 19-1974
• Bluetooth 5.0 connects, and dual-connects, devices 30+ feet
• Lightweight Design at just 310 grams
• Up to 25 Hr Battery Life with 2 AAA batteries
• SafeMax™ Technology limits volume output to 85dB for all-day, damage-free listening
• IPX4 Durability for sweat, water, and dust resistant protection
• Noise-Isolating Microphone for clear communication in loud environments
• ISOtunes Sport DEFY Slim comes with 2 AAA batteries and an auxiliary cable. 

Supplier: uk.isotunessport.com 

Price: £109.99