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Radians Lowset Behind-the-Head Ear Muffs - NRR 19 Low-Profile Passive (Black)
$19.99
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Radians Lowset Behind Head Nrr 19Blk Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published Radians specifications and category fit. We did not laborato...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Radians Lowset Behind Head Nrr 19Blk
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published Radians specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
Radians Lowset Behind-the-Head Ear Muffs - NRR 19 Low-Profile Passive (Black) Overview
The Radians Lowset is a low-profile, behind-the-head ear muff carrying a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 19 dB tested to ANSI S3.19. The neckband sits behind your head instead of over the crown, which is the whole point of this form factor: it leaves the top of your head free for a hard hat, billed cap, welding hood, or face shield that an over-the-head band would fight with. If you've ever had a standard muff push your hard hat forward or break the seal against safety glasses, this is the layout that solves it.
NRR 19 is a moderate, lower-tier rating in the muff lineup - this is deliberately a slim, comfortable, all-day muff rather than a maximum-attenuation one. It fits light-to-moderate noise: mowing, leaf blowers, lower-dB shop and assembly work, general construction, and as a confined-space-friendly profile. For the loudest impulse environments (heavy machinery, indoor ranges, jackhammers) step up to a higher-NRR muff or layer plugs under muffs. Browse the full ear muffs range and the broader hearing protection catalog to compare ratings.
Honest protection note: the printed NRR is a lab number. Per NIOSH and OSHA, real-world attenuation is meaningfully lower because of fit, seal, glasses temples, and band tension. OSHA's standard 50% derate on the NRR puts the field-estimated protection near 9-10 dB for this muff. Use that derated figure when you check your exposure against OSHA 1910.95, and see how to calculate the NRR you need before you buy. The Lowset is a passive muff - it has no Bluetooth, radio, or electronic amplification - so it works continuously with no batteries; if you specifically want amplification or audio, see our electronic ear muffs instead.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Hard hat / cap / face shield work | Excellent | Behind-the-head band clears the crown so a hard hat, brim, or welding hood sits normally without breaking the muff seal. |
| Mowing, leaf blowers, yard work | Good | NRR 19 (derated ~9-10 dB) covers typical 90-100 dBA outdoor power equipment for routine sessions. |
| General construction / assembly noise | Good | Moderate-noise jobsite tasks; pair with the OSHA exposure math to confirm you're under the action level. |
| Indoor range / loud impulse shooting | Limited | NRR 19 is on the low side for sustained gunfire indoors - step up in NRR or double up with plugs under muffs. |
| Heavy machinery / 100+ dBA continuous | Poor | Derated ~9-10 dB is not enough headroom; choose a higher-NRR muff or dual protection. |
| Amplification / situational awareness | Not applicable | This is a passive muff with no electronics; for sound restoration choose an electronic model instead. |
Earmuffs reduce noise, but the labeled NRR is a laboratory number — real-world protection is lower (NIOSH and OSHA both derate it). The muff only protects if the cushions seal fully around the ear: long hair, eyeglass temples, and gaps under a hard-hat-mounted muff all break the seal. In very high noise, wear muffs and earplugs together (dual protection). Electronic muffs amplify quiet sounds and cut loud impulses but still protect only to their rated NRR. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 sets the 85 dBA action level; size protection to your measured noise — see how to calculate the NRR you need.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Behind-the-head band clears hard hats, caps, brims, and face shields where over-the-head muffs interfere
- Low-profile, lightweight design for comfortable all-day and confined-space wear
- Passive operation - no batteries, no charging, works continuously
- ANSI S3.19-tested NRR 19 with honest, label-grounded attenuation
- Simple, durable construction with no electronics to fail
Cons
- NRR 19 is on the lower end - real-world (OSHA-derated) protection is only ~9-10 dB
- Not enough attenuation for the loudest impulse or heavy-machinery noise on its own
- No electronic amplification, Bluetooth, or radio - passive only
- Behind-the-head bands can feel less secure than over-the-head for some users
How It Compares
Within Radians' muff lineup, the Lowset (NRR 19) is the slim, behind-the-head passive option built for hard-hat and brim compatibility, not for maximum attenuation. If you need a higher passive rating in an over-the-head band, the Radians Def-Guard 23 earmuff steps up to NRR 23 for louder tasks. If you want electronic sound-restoration that amplifies quiet sound and compresses gunshots while still only protecting to its own NRR, the Radians 430-EHP electronic earmuff (a separate, battery-powered model) is the comparison - it is electronic where the Lowset is passive. For other behind-the-head and low-profile picks across brands, see our best passive ear muffs guide. Choose the Lowset when crown clearance and all-day comfort matter more than squeezing out the last few decibels.
Specifications
| Form Factor | Behind-the-head, low-profile neckband |
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 19 dB (ANSI S3.19) |
| Real-World (OSHA 50% derate) | ~9-10 dB field-estimated |
| Technology | Passive (no electronics, no batteries) |
| Hard Hat / Cap Compatible | Yes - band clears the crown |
| Color | Black |
| Brand | Radians |
| Standard | ANSI S3.19; use under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 |
| Audio Input / Bluetooth | None |
Related Resources
ear muffs electronic ear muffs hearing protection noise-canceling headsets best passive ear muffs best electronic ear muffs ear plugs vs ear muffs how to calculate NRR what is NRR OSHA 1910.95
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the Radians Lowset ear muff?
It is rated NRR 19 dB under ANSI S3.19. That is a moderate, lower-tier rating; real-world protection after the OSHA 50% derate is roughly 9-10 dB, so plan around that figure rather than the label.
Is this a behind-the-head or over-the-head muff?
It is a behind-the-head, low-profile design. The band wraps behind your head instead of over the top, which is why it works with hard hats, caps, and face shields. Compare other layouts in our best passive ear muffs guide at /blogs/guides/best-passive-ear-muffs.
Does the Radians Lowset have Bluetooth or a radio?
No. The Lowset is a passive muff - it has no electronics, Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, or amplification, and needs no batteries. If you specifically want audio or sound restoration, see our electronic ear muffs at /collections/electronic-ear-muffs.
Will these fit under or with a hard hat?
Yes - the behind-the-head band leaves the crown of your head clear, so a hard hat, billed cap, welding hood, or face shield sits normally without breaking the muff seal. That crown clearance is the main reason to choose this form factor.
Is NRR 19 enough for shooting at an indoor range?
It is on the low side for sustained indoor gunfire. For loud impulse environments, either step up to a higher-NRR muff or double up with foam plugs under the muffs. NRR 19 is better suited to mowing, yard work, and moderate jobsite noise.
How much real protection do I actually get?
Use the OSHA 50% derate: half of NRR 19 is about 9-10 dB of field-estimated attenuation. That accounts for imperfect fit, seal, and glasses temples. See how to calculate the NRR you need at /blogs/how-to-guide/how-to-calculate-the-nrr-you-need.
Does this meet OSHA hearing protection requirements?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requires protection that keeps your time-weighted exposure under the limits (90 dBA PEL, 85 dBA action level). Whether NRR 19 is sufficient depends on your measured noise level - run your dBA through the derated NRR. Details at /blogs/guides/what-is-osha-29-cfr-1910-95-hearing-conservation.
What color does it come in?
Black. The cups and band are black; it is a plain, low-profile industrial muff with no high-vis or electronic features.
How does it compare to the Radians Def-Guard 23?
The Def-Guard 23 (/products/radians-def-guard-23-earmuff-red) is an over-the-head passive muff with a higher NRR 23, better for louder tasks. The Lowset trades a few decibels for a slimmer behind-the-head band and hard-hat clearance. Pick by whether you need attenuation or crown clearance.
Should I get muffs or plugs for this kind of noise?
Muffs are faster on and off and seal consistently; plugs go higher in NRR and fit under hoods. For moderate noise with frequent breaks, the Lowset muff is convenient. See ear plugs vs ear muffs at /blogs/guides/ear-plugs-vs-ear-muffs to decide.
Is this muff good for loud heavy machinery?
Not on its own. With a derated value near 9-10 dB it lacks the headroom for 100+ dBA continuous machinery. For those environments choose a higher-NRR muff or layer plugs under muffs. Browse higher-rated options under /collections/ear-muffs.
Can I use this for general construction and yard work?
Yes - that is its sweet spot. Mowing, blowers, assembly, and moderate jobsite noise are well within NRR 19's range when you confirm your exposure with the OSHA math. Explore the full /collections/hearing-protection catalog for matching gear.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from Radians published data. Compare the range in hearing protection.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Brand / Vendor
Radians
Model / SKU
LS0101CS
Product Type
Earmuffs
Price
$19.99 (Amazon)
Rating
3.5 / 5 — 4 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆3.8 / 5· 24 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Worked well for me in a manufacturing facility
I have used them for about 3 weeks. My hearing has actually improved. They are much better than the free ear plugs the company provides.
Verified Purchaser · April 19, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Don't bother
Bought two pairs of these for some of my crew to use. Both sets fell apart after one day of use. Toilet paper balls would have lasted longer.
Verified Purchaser · January 29 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Four Stars
Broke second time I used them.
Verified Purchaser · July 18, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Lowset earmuff are great!
i bought this earmuff to skeet practice. This product is really good and comfortable, and also reduce noise very well, and headache too. Good product, good price, good shoot!Highly recommended!
Verified Purchaser · June 29, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 4 of 24 Amazon reviews.
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