The Axil GS Extreme 2.0 Real world Review

Alright, listen up, we have all heard about the electronic ear buds that are equal (or better) in sound reduction quality as those good old bulky Walkers, but come at a much higher price, but the question is: Are they really just as good (or better) and worth it?

Well, I’ve spent some quality time with these little ear gadgets, and I am “hear” to relay my experiences with them. So, have a seat, and listen up as I dive into the world of the Axil GS Extreme 2.0 Tactical Hearing Protection Buds.

Overview

First and foremost, the Axil GS Extreme 2.0s are in-ear tactical electronic hearing protection designed for anyone who wants to protect their precious hearing while simultaneously feeling like they're in a Tom Clancy novel. They boast hearing enhancement, Bluetooth connectivity, and a compact size that makes traditional shooting muffs look like they belong in a museum (or on a very large, furry animal).

My Pros:

• Pocket-Sized Powerhouse: These things are tiny! You could probably lose them in your lint collection, which is actually a downside, but their compact size is a huge win for portability. If you are running through a skill range, you will definitely appreciate how little they interfere with your movement. Say goodbye to lugging around earmuffs that take up half your range bag. You can now use that space for more ammo… or more ammo 😊
• Hearing Enhancement: It's Like Having Super-Ears (But Not Really): The digital circuitry in these bad boys amplifies ambient sounds, allowing you to hear whispers, rustling leaves, and my terrible jokes with crystal clarity, all while protecting you from the BOOM. It's like having a superpower, except you still can't fly. Sorry.
• Bluetooth: Because Everything Needs Bluetooth: Connect these to your phone and suddenly you're listening to death metal while simultaneously hearing the range officer call your number. Multitasking at its finest. Just try not to get too distracted.
• Outdoor Noise Reduction: Not Quite Soundproof, But Close: They block out a good amount of noise, enough for most shooting outdoor scenarios. Think of it as a bouncer for your eardrums. They're not going to stop a sonic boom, but they will definitely handle your average gunshot.
• Multiple Ear Tip Options: Finding Your Cinderella Fit: Axil provides a variety of ear tips, which is crucial because everyone's ears are different. Finding the right fit is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – a struggle, but so worth it when you do.

My Cons:

• Pricey: Prepare Your Wallet for a Workout: These aren't cheap. MSRP is listed at $199 (as of this review). You're paying a premium for the tech, so if you're on a budget, there are other options. Think of it as an investment in your hearing… or a really expensive pair of earbuds.
• Indoor Noise Reduction: The Reverb: My experience with these at a traditional indoor range is that they are not as effective. They are just not as good at reducing the initial report of your shot indoors, definitely because of the surrounding environment. The closer you are to an edge lane, and a wall, the less effective they were. In fairness, they still drop the sound impact level a lot.
• Battery Life: The Achilles' Heel of All Gadgets: The battery life is decent, but not spectacular. You'll get a few hours of use, (a normal range trip for most of us) but you'll need to charge them regularly. Don't be caught at the range with dead batteries – that's like showing up to a gunfight with a water pistol.
• Fit Can Be Finicky: The Ear Tip Struggle is Real: Even with multiple tips that came with the buds, I still had a lot of trial and error in finding the right fit for my ears and some other members that tried these just couldn’t get a good seal. This is crucial for both comfort and noise reduction. If they don't fit right, they're not going to work well. It's like trying to wear shoes two sizes too small – painful and ineffective.
• Durability: The Million-Dollar Question: Some folks have reported issues with the electronics crapping out. I haven't had this issue myself in probably a couple dozen or more trips to the range, but it's something to keep in mind. Treat them with care, and maybe invest in some ear insurance (just kidding… mostly).

Comparison to Traditional Shooting Earmuffs (aka "Old” vs. “New” School)

• More expensive than traditional shooting muffs
• Less bulky than traditional shooting muffs
• Less weight and interference than traditional muffs
• Traditional muffs will continue to work when the battery dies (and it will)
• Cooler looking than the traditional bulky muffs 😊

Some Recommendations:

• Ideal User: Someone who values portability, hearing enhancement, and Bluetooth. Hunters, competitive shooters, tactical ninjas… you get the idea.
• Not Ideal For: People who are broke, prioritize maximum noise reduction above all else, or have unusually shaped ears (no offense).
• Fit is King (or Queen): Spend time finding the right ear tips. A good seal is essential. I cannot stress this enough.
• Battery Management 101: Don't expect all-day battery life. Charge them regularly.
• Do Your Homework: Read reviews, watch videos, and compare prices before you buy. Knowledge is power… and saves you money. ½ off sales happen a lot on their website (that’s how I go them 😊)

My Verdict (aka my opinion):

The Axil GS Extreme 2.0s are a solid choice for hearing protection, but they're not perfect. I go back to my good old bulky Walkers when at the indoor range but have found myself grabbing these buds at the outdoor ranges. You can find Axis here.

They are expensive (shop around), the battery life could be better, and the fit can be tricky. But if you value portability, hearing enhancement, and Bluetooth, and you're willing to shell out the cash, they're definitely worth considering. Just remember to find the right ear tips, manage your battery expectations, and pray to the earbud gods that they don't break. Now go forth and protect your hearing! And maybe buy some ammo. You deserve ammo.