3M Peltor Sport tri-flange earplugs (97317, NRR 26, corded reusable)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review β the 3M Peltor Sport tri-flange earplugs (97317) Read the full 3M Peltor Sport tri-flange earplugs (97317, NRR 26, corded reusable) review β Editorial assessment by Steven...
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Read the full 3M Peltor Sport tri-flange earplugs (97317, NRR 26, corded reusable) review β
Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
SHOP SHOOTING HEARING PROTECTION β
3M Peltor Sport tri-flange earplugs Overview
The 3M Peltor Sport tri-flange earplugs (SKU 97317) are corded, reusable triple-flange plugs rated NRR 26 dB, built for the range, shooting, and hunting. Three soft thermoplastic flanges stack on the stem and seal in turn against the ear-canal wall, so the plug holds its seal without rolling and expanding like foam β and its low profile clears a cheek weld. The neon-yellow cloth cord joins the pair and keeps them around your neck between strings.
As corded reusable earplugs, this is the reach-for-them-again option: the flanges wipe clean and go back in, so a single pair covers many range days. NRR 26 dB is a solid rating for a plug β enough for a lot of outdoor shooting where you still want to hear range commands β but firearm noise is intense impulse noise, so for indoor ranges or magnum calibers many shooters wear these tri-flange shooting earplugs under a set of earmuffs for double protection. As Peltor Sport tri-flange plugs they suit hunters and recreational shooters who want reusable protection in a range bag. As neon 97317 earplugs they read as high-visibility ear plugs in a range bag and drop into an ear plug dispenser for a club armory.
Fit decides everything: seat all three flanges until the report dulls noticeably, because a loose plug protects far below its shooting ear plugs NRR 26 rating. Compare formats and the double-up approach in our best in-ear hearing protection for shooting guide and foam vs reusable ear plugs guide, or start with the best hearing protection guide.
What These Sport Tri-Flange Earplugs Are Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor range / hunting | Purpose-built | Low-profile plugs clear a cheek weld and NRR 26 covers a lot of outdoor shooting; you still hear range commands. |
| Indoor range / magnum calibers | Double up | Wear the plugs under earmuffs for extra margin; impulse noise indoors is intense and NRR 26 alone may be marginal. |
| Reusable protection in a range bag | Strong | Washable flanges and a spare-friendly multi-pair pack beat a fistful of foam plugs over a season. |
| Not losing plugs | Good | The neon-yellow cord keeps the pair together and easy to spot if dropped. |
| Flanges worn out | Replaceable | Replace the pair when the flanges crack, harden, or stop sealing β a degraded plug loses its rating. |
Hearing protection only works when it seals and when its rating covers your noise. The printed NRR 26 is a laboratory figure; derate it per NIOSH, and remember firearm noise is intense impulse noise β real-world attenuation runs below any laboratory NRR, and a plug seated loose or with hardened flanges protects far less than one inserted correctly. For indoor ranges or large calibers, wear the plugs under earmuffs for double protection rather than relying on NRR 26 alone. Browse shooting hearing protection and reusable ear plugs.
Pros & Cons
- NRR 26 dB with a low profile that clears a cheek weld
- Triple-flange seal fits a range of ear canals and inserts without rolling
- Washable and reusable β one pair lasts many range days
- Neon-yellow cloth cord keeps the pair together and easy to find
- Can be worn under earmuffs for double protection at indoor ranges
- NRR 26 alone may be marginal for indoor ranges or magnum calibers β double up
- Passive only β no amplification of range commands like electronic muffs
- One-size flange may not seal every ear canal perfectly
- Flanges wear out and must be replaced to keep the seal
How It Compares
Match the format to where and how you shoot:
| Format | NRR | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Peltor Sport Tri-Flange (this page, 97317) | 26 dB | Reusable, corded plugs for outdoor range and hunting |
| Electronic earmuffs | Varies | Hearing range commands and game while the shot is cut |
| Foam disposable earplugs | Often higher (fit-dependent) | Maximum single-device attenuation, single use |
Choose the tri-flange for reusable, corded convenience at NRR 26; add electronic muffs to hear commands and game, or a higher-NRR foam plug for the loudest work. Many shooters combine plugs and muffs β see our shooting hearing protection guide and the reusable ear plugs range.
Specifications
| Brand | 3M Peltor |
| Model / SKU | Sport Tri-Flange, SKU 97317-10C |
| Type | Reusable in-ear plug (triple-flange), corded |
| NRR | 26 dB (derate per NIOSH for real-world use) |
| Cord / Color | Cloth cord, neon yellow |
| Material | Flexible thermoplastic flanges |
| Pack | Multi-pair consumer pack (confirm count on listing) |
Related Guides
best in-ear hearing protection for shooting, best hearing protection guide, foam vs reusable ear plugs, corded vs cordless ear plugs, NRR explained.
Related Resources
shooting hearing protection reusable ear plugs corded ear plugs ear muffs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M Peltor Sport Tri-Flange earplugs?
They are rated NRR 26 dB per 3M. That is a laboratory figure; derate it per NIOSH against your actual environment. For indoor ranges and larger calibers, many shooters double up with earmuffs over the plugs for extra margin.
Are these good for shooting and hunting?
Yes - the Sport Tri-Flange is aimed at the range, shooting, and hunting, with a low-profile fit that clears a cheek weld and a neon-yellow cord that is easy to spot. For loud indoor ranges, pair them with earmuffs; in the field, the plugs alone suit most shooters who still want to hear range commands.
What does 'tri-flange' (triple-flange) mean?
Three soft, tapered flanges are stacked on the stem; as you insert the plug, each flange seals in turn against the ear-canal wall. That helps it fit a range of canal shapes and hold a seal without rolling and expanding like foam. It is a pre-molded reusable design.
Are the Sport Tri-Flange earplugs reusable?
Yes. The thermoplastic flanges are washable and made to be worn repeatedly, unlike single-use foam plugs. Wash with mild soap and water, dry them, and replace the pair when the flanges crack, harden, or stop sealing.
Are they corded?
Yes - a cloth cord joins the pair and lets them hang around your neck between strings or stands, so you are not fishing loose plugs out of a range bag. The neon-yellow color makes a dropped plug easy to find.
How do the plugs compare to electronic earmuffs for shooting?
Electronic earmuffs amplify quiet sounds and cut the gunshot, which helps you hear range commands and game. Passive tri-flange plugs are cheaper, lower-profile under a cheek weld, and can be worn under muffs for double protection. Many shooters keep both - see our best in-ear hearing protection for shooting guide.
How do I insert the tri-flange plugs correctly?
Reach over your head, pull the ear up and back with the opposite hand, then push the plug in until all three flanges seat and the sound drops noticeably. A plug sitting loose in the canal protects far less than NRR 26. Fitting basics are in our best hearing protection guide.
Are these electronic hearing protectors?
No. They are passive plugs with no electronics or amplification. If you want to hear range commands and conversation amplified while the shot is cut, look at electronic ear muffs instead, or wear these under a set of muffs.
Do they come in different sizes?
The Tri-Flange is one-size; the three graduated flanges accommodate a range of canal sizes. If a plug will not seat or feels loose even fully inserted, a different style or a fitted foam plug may seal better for your ear.
How many pairs come in a pack?
This is a multi-pair consumer pack rather than a single pair, so you have spares in the bag and the truck. Confirm the exact pair count on the listing before ordering.
Is NRR 26 enough for shooting?
NRR 26 is a solid rating for a plug, but firearm noise is intense impulse noise. For indoor ranges or magnum calibers, double up with earmuffs for added attenuation; for outdoor field use, well-seated plugs alone cover many situations. Always derate the NRR per NIOSH and err toward more protection.
How do I clean and store them?
Wash the flanges with mild soap and water between uses and let them dry; keep them in the case or a clean pouch. Inspect for cracks or hardening and replace the pair when they no longer seal, since a degraded plug loses its rating.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in shooting hearing protection.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site; we did not laboratory-test this product. Match the protector to your noise exposure and follow safe-shooting hearing practice.
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