ACE Schakal by Sordin – Active Hearing Protection with Gel Cushions for Range, Hunting, and Training
Active hearing protection must not only attenuate shots but also function properly on the head.
The ACE Schakal by Sordin is an electronic earmuff based on Sordin technology for shooting ranges, hunting, training, and extended training days.
Its strength lies not only in active ambient sound amplification but also in the ACE version with standard gel cushions and a replaceable textile headband. This is particularly relevant if you train with safety glasses or wear hearing protection for more than a few minutes.
Important note regarding classification:
The ACE Schakal by Sordin is active hearing protection, but not a radio headset. AUX input does not mean radio communication, PTT, or headset function.
Before purchasing, check: glasses fit, capsule seal, desired communication, batteries, headband/color variant, helmet setup, rifle stock fit, and whether you need passive or active ambient awareness.
What makes this product technically special:
✔ Active ambient sound amplification: quiet sounds and speech remain perceptible, while gunshot noise is electronically limited and passively attenuated.
✔ SNR 27 dB according to ACE technical specifications: solid attenuation value for shooting range and hunting; a tight fit on the head remains crucial.
✔ Gel cushions from the factory: better adaptation around spectacle frames and less pressure during long training days than many standard pads.
✔ 1:4 amplification according to manufacturer's description: quiet ambient noises are audibly enhanced without removing the hearing protection.
✔ Sordin manufacturing / Supreme-Pro basis: useful for users who want active awareness and proven capsule technology in one package.
Why this product?
Many inexpensive active hearing protectors only solve one problem: they make loud noises more bearable. However, in practice, other issues arise: pressure points, glasses under the capsule, poor sealing, muffled speech, and an unnatural soundscape.
The ACE Schakal by Sordin is interesting for users who shoot regularly, need to understand commands, and don't want to be annoyed by the fit after a short time. The standard gel cushions are not a minor issue, but a real practical factor.
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Speech remains usable: Commands, conversations, and ambient noises are not completely lost.
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Gel cushions from the factory: reduce typical sound leaks around spectacle frames and exert less pressure.
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Flat capsule design: more comfortable for long gun stock mounting than very bulky capsules.
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AUX input: external audio source possible, but no radio communication in the tactical sense.
Instructor Tip: Check glasses first, then hearing protection
Put on your safety glasses as you would actually wear them on the range. Then put on your hearing protection. Gently press the earcups: If the sound immediately becomes significantly more muffled, the seal was not clean before.
Exactly this small test shows you whether spectacle frames, hair, or a cap are creating a sound leak.
For indoor ranges, large calibers, or long group sessions, additional in-ear protection under the earmuffs may be useful.
Our Assessment
The ACE Schakal by Sordin is strong for shooters and hunters who buy active hearing protection not only for the electronics but for the overall system: sound, gel cushions, fit, capsule profile, and usability.
It is not purely a budget solution. For occasional short range visits, simple active hearing protection is often sufficient. The added value comes when you wear it for longer, shoot with glasses, need to understand commands, or use the hearing protection regularly.
The communication aspect needs critical consideration: AUX is not a radio setup. Those who need PTT, radio, and microphone connectivity should choose a dedicated headset for this purpose.
Suitable for:
- Sport shooters with regular training and safety glasses
- Hunters who want to perceive game, surroundings, and commands
- Instructors and range officers who need to understand speech despite protection
- Users who do not want to retrofit gel cushions
Less suitable for:
- Pure budget buyers with infrequent range visits
- Users expecting a radio headset with microphone and PTT
- Setups where capsules interfere with helmets, stocks, or equipment
- Very loud environments without additional dual protection
Direct Classification:
✔ ACE Schakal by Sordin: useful if you want active awareness, gel cushions, and Sordin basis in one set.
✔ Simple active hearing protection: cheaper, but often weaker in comfort, glasses seal, and sound quality.
✔ Passive hearing protection: simpler and battery-free, but without amplified ambient awareness.
The ACE Schakal is especially worthwhile for regular use. If you only shoot briefly twice a year, you don't necessarily need this equipment.
Application Scenarios
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Shooting Range / Range: Attenuate shots and continue to hear commands.
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Training: Speech, safety commands, and group movement remain more perceptible.
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Hunting: Quiet ambient sounds remain usable, gunshot noise is reduced.
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Long Training Days: Gel cushions reduce pressure and help with glasses sealing.
Practical Tip: Do not mistake volume as a substitute for protection
The electronics regulate ambient listening. However, the actual attenuation depends on the capsule, padding, and fit.
If the earcup is lifted due to spectacle frames, a cap, or hair, even the best electronic system provides poorer protection. First seal, then adjust volume.
Features & Construction
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Active noise attenuation / amplification: quiet sounds are usefully amplified, loud impulses are limited.
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Gel cushions: adapt better to spectacle frames and head shape than hard standard pads.
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Textile headband: removable and washable; useful for sweat, dust, and frequent use.
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Control buttons on the earcup: Volume can be operated more easily with gloves than with small switches.
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AUX input: for external audio source; not to be confused with radio headset function.
Technical Data
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Brand / Model: ACE Schakal by Sordin – ACE version based on Sordin.
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Product type: active electronic earmuff hearing protection – protection plus ambient listening.
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Attenuation value: SNR 27 dB according to ACE technical specifications; H 29 dB / M 24 dB / L 19 dB – actual effect depends on sealing.
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Standards: EN 352-1, EN 352-4 and EN 352-8 according to manufacturer's specifications – relevant for capsule, level-dependent function, and audio input.
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Pads: Gel cushions as standard – especially important for spectacle wearers and longer wearing times.
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Battery: 2x AAA – battery replacement must be done cleanly with correct polarity.
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Audio: Ambient amplification and AUX input – not a PTT/radio solution.
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Variants: various headband/earcup color combinations – functionally identical, optically selectable to match the setup.
Scope of Delivery
- 1x ACE Schakal by Sordin active earmuff hearing protection in selected color variant
- Gel cushions pre-assembled according to product specifications
- Textile headband in selected version
Not included:
No radio, no PTT adapter, no microphone headset, no helmet mount, and no guarantee of compatibility with every helmet or glasses setup. Only list batteries as included if they are explicitly part of your specific product configuration.
FAQ
Is the ACE Schakal by Sordin a radio headset?
No. It is active earmuff hearing protection with ambient listening and AUX input. For radio communication, you need a dedicated headset with a microphone, downlead, and PTT.
Why are gel cushions important at the shooting range?
Gel cushions adapt better around spectacle frames and reduce pressure points. This often makes the earcup tighter and more comfortable than with standard pads.
What does SNR 27 dB mean in practice?
SNR is a single-number rating for attenuation. 27 dB is solid for active earmuff hearing protection, but the actual protection heavily depends on sealing, glasses, and head fit.
Is the hearing protection suitable for hunting?
Yes, because quiet ambient sounds and speech remain perceptible. For very loud shots or confined spaces, additional dual protection may be useful.
For whom is this model not suitable?
It is not suitable if you are only looking for inexpensive passive protection or immediately need radio communication. In that case, either simpler hearing protection or a real comms headset is more logical.
Conclusion: The ACE Schakal by Sordin is a strong choice for regular range, hunting, and training use with safety glasses. The greatest practical benefit lies in active ambient listening, gel cushions, and the Sordin basis. For pure budget buyers or radio setups, it is not the cleanest choice.
