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

by July 25, 2012 07/25/12

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.

MSM Retracto-Plugs 04
All Rights Reserved by ITS Tactical MSM Retracto-Plugs 07
All Rights Reserved by ITS Tactical

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.

MSM Retracto-Plugs 01
All Rights Reserved by ITS Tactical 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.

MSM Retracto-Plugs 05
All Rights Reserved by ITS Tactical MSM Retracto-Plugs 03
All Rights Reserved by ITS Tactical MSM Retracto-Plugs 06
All Rights Reserved by ITS Tactical

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!


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2 Comments

  • Phil says:

    Pretty cool idea, they ought to make a set with some sort of clips on the back instead of velcro for us civies who don’t necessarily wear helmets when they go to the range or wear anything with a lot of velcro on it and don’t want to sew their ear pro to their clothes.

  • Leck0231 says:

    I see that this isn’t the first review for your helmet set up. Can you please provide a list/ price of the complete set up?

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