HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 01-21 Maplewood-based 3M launches "smart"-hearing protecton for hunters, civilian shooters STAR TRIBUNE2/1/2017 Maplewood-based 3M launches'smarY-hearing protection for hunters, civilian shooters - StarTribune.com
BUSINESS
Maplewood-based 3M launches 'smart'-
hearin��rotection for hunters� civilian
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3M offers phone-compatible products that automatically adjust to
background noises
By Dee DePass (http://www.startribune.cam/dee-depass/10644746/) Star Tribune
JANUARY 21, 2017 — 2:OOPM
Determined to expand its consumer safety offerings, 3M Co. has introduced a"smart"
hearing-protection headset for hunters and shooters that automatically measures and
cancels out specific gun noises while simultaneously amplifying voices and phone
conversations.
3M's device, the Peltor Sport Electronic Hearing Protector, was introduced last week
with positive reaction at the Nadonal Shoodng Sports Foundation's SHOT Show in Las
Vegas.
The technology is designed to offer superior hearing protection to hunters, firing-range
hobbyists and other civilian sports shooters.
While 3M is well known for making ear plugs and other hearing protectors for factories,
farms and the military, the new Peltor product is expected to greatly expand its reach
into the civilian shooting market.
It is also 3M's first foray into the adjustable or "smart" hearing-technology arena,
officials said.
For the first time, 3M's new devices can measure the energy coming from each specific
gunshot in the area and automatically adjust to suppress each noise for the right amount
of time.
Such automadc adjustments protect the hearing, no matter if shooters who are nearby
are firing sma11.22-caliber firearms or automatic rifles, said Lindsay Adams, 3M's
marketing manager for the Peltor Sport line.
The new Peltor Sport headsets also filter out sound from fans, wind and other
background noises while amplifying voices.
Shooters don't need to remove headsets to talk on a cellphone or to hear the people
around them. Instead, the technology attempts to make ear protection seamless and
constant euen if the shooter's environment changes from inside to outside.
"Hunters need to be able to hear their surroundings," Adams said.
It took 3M more than a year and eight electronic and mechanical engineers and
marketers to produce the new products.
If successful, the Peltor Sport headsets will double and triple 3M's current protection
sales from the hunting and shooting consumer market.
3M has a solid footing in hearing protection in the construction market via channels
such as Home Depot and Lowes.
Now, 3M hopes for similar success as it launches the new smart Peltor Sport line in
Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shops and on Walmart.com and Amazon.com.
3M launched two versions of its new Peltor headset at the SHOT show. Attendees were
able to borrow 3M's headsets and test them during the preshow firing range event and
gave rave reviews.
Unlike previous models, the Peltor Tactica1500 model is Bluetooth capable and offers a
noise-reduction radng of 26. The Tactica1300 model is compatible with other mobile
devices and offers a noise-reduction rating of 24.
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3M's Peltor Sport Electronic Hearing Protector,
introduced last week, is the company's first
foray into the adjustable or "smart" hearing-...
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2/1/2017 Maplewood-based 3M launches'smarY-hearing protection for hunters, civilian shooters - StarTribune.com
Noise reduction ratings generally range from 0 to 34. The higher the number, the better
the noise cancellation.
The new products are expected to sell for roughly $149.99 and $199.99.
"We really feel like these, along with the products we developed in the last two years,
round out our portfolio and put us in a competitive position to gain market share,"
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Both new electronic hearing protectors also feature foldable vented headbands that can
release heat and increase comfort.
They sport low-profile cups with rubber bumpers and durable recessed microphones to
reduce wind noise.
3M officials declined to reveal the cost to bring the new product to market.
The company does, however, expect the investment to pay off.
Industry analysts agreed, noting that the Maplewood based maker of Scotch tape,
respirators, ear plugs, goggles and harnesses has its sight set on a growing market.
Global Industry Analysts Inc. predicts that U.S. hearing-protection sales will grow on
average 6 percent a year and reach $714 million Uy 2020.
Some of that growth will be fueled by regulations and changing hearing-protection needs
in workplaces such as factories, oil fields and farms.
If correct, that bodes well for 3M and Honeywell Inc., the two largest players in the
nation, followed by SensGard, Westone, Moldex Metrics and David Clark Co. Inc.
dee.depass@startribune.com 612-673-7725 DePassStrib
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