Go-Go-Gadget Ear Plugs: Mil-Spec Monkey Retracto-Plugs

Our good friend Mil-Spec Monkey has introduced a new product based on the integrated ear-pro featured in the CoolGuy-Hat DLUX, called Retracto-Plugs.

If you remember our review of the CG Hat DLUX, it has retractable ear plugs built right into the hat, so you’ve always got hearing protection at the ready. These also retract right back into their housing with a simple press of a button.

Utilizing this same principle, the MSM Retracto-Plugs offer the same retractable lanyard ear-pro with the addition of hook and loop, so you can mount them in any helmet you wish. You can even hot-swap them between helmets, as each set comes with two sets of hook and loop adhesive dots.

MSM Retracto-Plugs

What’s nice about the MSM Retracto-Plugs is that they stay tucked out of the way in a helmet until you need them. They don’t get in the way or move around in your helmet causing a distraction. In fact, what I really love about them is that they provide a solution for backup ear-pro in a pinch.

[flickr id=”7645996652″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]

[flickr id=”7645997132″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]

For instance, I commonly run a headset with electronic hearing protection and have had more than one instance where the batteries died on me during live-fire. During a lull, it would have been great to simply grab these and toss them into my ears.  Each pair of MSM Retracto-Plugs carries a 25 dB noise reduction level.

[flickr id=”7645996160″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”right”] Another nice feature of the Retracto-Plugs is that they’re  replaceable. Each ear plug is mounted to a threaded stem, in which you screw the ear plug onto. To replace them all you have to do is unscrew the ear plug from the stem and replace them.

You can also sew the retractors into clothing with the small loop ears that protrude from the top of each retractor.

[flickr id=”7645996850″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]

[flickr id=”7645996524″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]

[flickr id=”7645996990″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”center”]

I have run into a small issue with the Retracto-Plugs where if I don’t pull the lanyard all the way out it occasionally hangs when pressing the button to reel them back in. You can see exactly what I mean in the video below. It certainly doesn’t make the ear plugs unusable and in those situations, I simply pull the ear plug out all the way and hit the push-button again.

I’ve found that I really like the comfort of knowing I have backup ear-pro in my helmet; just in case.

Pick up your MSM Retracto-Plugs by visiting the Mil-Spec Monkey Store!