Hands-On Review: ShellShock Protection EXO PRO Earmuffs & Eclipse Sunglasses

I’ve spent a lot of time at the range over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that quality hearing and eye protection can make or break a session. Whether its the glasses fogging up, the hearing protection not being responsive, or either being flat out uncomfortable, you really need to prioritize your PPE. 

Recently, I got my hands on ShellShock Protection’s EXO PRO electronic earmuffs and Eclipse Sunglasses with adaptive light technology (shoutout to the team for sending them out for this review), and I’ve been putting them through their paces.

A perfect pair made for range time.

They both fall in that sweet spot from a value perspective, where they don’t break the bank, yet still deliver the features most serious shooters look for. On paper, they both sounded great, but did they actually deliver when it mattered? I’m glad you asked. 

First Impressions

Both the eyes and ears came nestled inside handy cases, which, for the glasses, is definitely appreciated. One thing I noticed right off the bat was how comfortable the gel ear cushions are. I’ve had other ear pro come out of the box with the gel or foam pads hard as a rock, and it took several wears to “break them in”, whereas these required no break-in. 

A nice, complete package with cases.

The Eclipse sunglasses fit my face well and were comfortable around the temples, which is where I usually have complaints with other glasses. When I paired the earmuffs and glasses together, they were comfortable and lightweight enough to get a sense that I could wear them for hours at the range without trouble. 

Included in the box with the earmuffs were two AAA batteries, an AUX cable, and a carabiner clip, so you’re ready to hit the range immediately. 

EXO PRO Electronic Earmuffs

Comfort & Fit

Comfort is always a priority with earmuffs, especially when you’re running them with glasses at the same time. The gel ear pads on the EXO PRO provide a solid seal without any feeling of suction.

Gel ear cups for the win.

I wore them for several couple-hour range sessions, and while I was obviously aware I was wearing them, I never reached the point of discomfort or needing to take a break because of them. The headband features a wire frame construction with ample padding, ensuring it doesn’t create any pressure points.

Electronic Performance

The electronic performance is where their true value shows. The sound amplification is not only clear, but sounds natural. Some cheaper ear protection that I’ve tried has had voices sounding higher-pitched and distant.

With these, I could hear conversations well and environmental sounds without needing to lift the ear cups. When shots went off, the 0.005s attack time kicked in immediately, without any noticeable lag. During group drills, this clarity made a big difference.

Battery Life

The EXO PROs run on 2x AAA batteries (which are included), and I actually prefer standard batteries over rechargeable, so this is a plus for me. I tested them across several range sessions totaling roughly 12 hours of use. Of course, this comes nowhere close to the 300-hour battery life, but I appreciate knowing I won’t have to swap batteries constantly.

The battery LED lets you double-check that they are turned on or off.

EXO PRO Specifications

Eclipse Sunglasses with Adaptive Light Technology

The most important feature to note is the ANSI Z87.1+ certification. If you’re shooting, this is the level of impact protection you should be looking for. Anything less shouldn’t be considered true “shooting glasses”

Adaptive Lenses

The Eclipse Sunglasses are especially intriguing because of their adaptive light technology. I’ve tried transitional lenses before, and they usually respond too slowly or unevenly. 

That said, they adjusted quickly to changing light conditions. When I stepped from shade into bright sunlight, the lenses darkened quickly enough to reduce glare and protect my eyes. When moving back into shade or indoors, they lightened relatively fast, but slower than going from shade to sun. 

After only about one minute in the sun, you can see the difference.

I do appreciate that they never got “too dark” where it was hard to see. If anything, some may say they don’t get dark enough outside, but for shooting, I wouldn’t want them darker, regardless. 

Fit & Comfort

The TR90 frames are lightweight and have slim temples, which makes them a good match with earmuffs. Paired with the EXO PROs, the temples didn’t create pressure points under the ear cups. The nose piece is comfortable and overall, the glasses sit very close to your eyes, making sure that debris and spent casings have no chance of getting in.

Even with an extra-large head, they fit great.

Fog Resistance

I tested the Eclipses indoors, outdoors, and going from air conditioning to a humid afternoon, and there was never any fogging. The lenses are coated with FogGuard Pro, and whatever that technically is seems to work great. 

Eclipse Sunglasses Specifications

Running Them Together

The combination of earmuffs and sunglasses worked very well. The gel cups of the muffs and the slim frames of the glasses prevented the usual pinching or awkward fit. I could maintain full hearing protection while having clear vision and, most importantly, full protection. This compatibility isn’t always a given with electronic muffs and glasses, so it’s worth noting.

The pair proved to be worthy of more range time.

Pros & Cons

EXO PRO Earmuffs

Pros:

• ANSI Z87.1+ rating
• Comfortable gel ear cups with a good seal
• Clear audio amplification with fast cutoff
• Reliable battery life for many extended range sessions
• Come with a case and batteries

Cons:

• Requires manual battery swaps, no recharging option (this is considered a pro for some like me)

Eclipse Sunglasses

Pros:

• Adaptive lenses adjust to changing light conditions
• Lenses are very clear and easy to clean
• Lightweight and secure fit
• Virtually no fogging
• Fit comfortably with earmuffs

Cons:

• Lenses don’t get as dark as traditional sunglasses (this is a pro in my opinion)

Final Thoughts

After multiple range sessions with both products, my overall impression is that they are practical, reliable, and functional. The EXO PRO earmuffs delivered consistent hearing protection with clear audio, while the Eclipse Sunglasses provided adaptive light adjustment and clear optics. Together, they are comfortable and make an excellent pair for the casual or professional shooter. 

I see many range days ahead with these.

For me, dependability, comfort, and safety are more valuable than anything, and these seem to check those boxes. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun. 

Ryan Domke

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