old' you are EXACTLY right. I hunted for 15 years without any protection and now in my early 30s I have hearing damage and Tinitus (constant ringing of the ears). When I got my Sako/Lazzeroni Warbird I had a KDF brake installed before picking up the rifle. IMO the recoil reduction is MUCH greater than making a 338 feel like an 06. The gun simply has NO recoil IMO, just a hellaciously thunderous muzzleblast. I used muffs the first season and have since gotten two Game Ear IIs. All my buddies now shoot Warbirds/Firebirds/Patriots and most have gone to those custom molded hearing protection/amplifiers spoken of. They are a MUST for ANY rifleman in my humble opinion. I like the option of removing the brake if you simply had to shoot it without it, perhaps while with a guide who refused or didnt have hearing protection, or while tracking wounded game with help or other trackers (something not typically needed however with thundersticks like 338s and the SuperMags!). Some ranges might not like brakes on such guns as well for interfereing with nearby shooters!

I would do it in a HEARTBEAT! The only downside to magnums and superguns is the recoil and that negative can quickly be eliminated with such options.

Drop em where they stand!
RA

ps
I simply throw an extra pair of muffs in my backpack when I know I will be hunting in a stand/blind with a buddy or even my own children!