Best flow through suppressor

I have not heard about the CAT can. But I was told for shorter barrels the Hux 3D mini did very well. Almost like that can needed the extra umph for it to shine it’s best. I found that odd and wondered if others had heard the same. I almost bought one but went for a SOCOM. Kinda wish I had done for the Hux can after more research.
PB

Hux is likely going to be considered top of the heap until more people get their hands on the Surefire RC3. Both are pricey but the RC3 is more "pricierer".

Might check out KAC’s PRT line up

I have a HUX on a SBR and I'm happy with it

What suppressor is "best" for you depends on your specific wants/use.
Some folks love super short cans, while others want as much sound reduction as possible and are willing to trade physical characteristics.
Evaluation criteria for suppressors includes:
Durability/Lifespan
Sound pressure reduction
Flash
First round flash/pop
POI shift/POI shift consistency
Backpressure
Noxious/toxic gas exposure increase
Weight
Length
Cost
Availability

Honestly rank them in order of importance to you and then see where the market options land.

I have two Huxwrx cans and love them both. I'd also take a look at Radical Defense's cans which can be had in two different lengths and two different materials. The shorter CS5 version in titanium is around 8oz. and the LS5 came out at the top of the heap in Thunderbeast's big silencer shootout test. Can also be had in Haynes 282 which comes in heavier at 14oz. and will be more durable than titanium long-term. https://rdusa.com/products/cs1-suppressor/

I am looking to purchase a flow through can as well to use with my 556 ar15 rifles ranging from 11.5 to 18 inch barrel lengths. My top priorities are low back pressure, low flash signature and it must be hub compatible. I already own a dead air nomad 30 and have keymo and xeno muzzle devices attached to my rifles. Any suggestions based on what new cans have come out this year?

WILLSMITH030382 said:

I am looking to purchase a flow through can as well to use with my 556 ar15 rifles ranging from 11.5 to 18 inch barrel lengths. My top priorities are low back pressure, low flash signature and it must be hub compatible. I already own a dead air nomad 30 and have keymo and xeno muzzle devices attached to my rifles. Any suggestions based on what new cans have come out this year?

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The Radical Defense cans I listed above are low back pressure "flow through" 3D printed and they're HUB compatible and a new release. CAT is another new option and I think they're HUB as well. I have an RD CS3 in Haynes 282 in timeout for a hard use can on my 5.56 rifles as I don't trust my Sierra 5 to last long (it's already back to DA for another issue). Plus I may try one of the new 6mm cartridges and want something that'll work with them.

Lots of good flow through designs. My only advice is do not get a dedicated 556 can, I would always suggest getting one with the ability to shoot other calibers so you are not confined. At least get a 762, the sound increase is negligible most times.

I would highly suggest reading and understanding the articles from Pew Science relating to the Huxwrx Flow 556k, CAT WB 718, Liberty Precision Machine Torch, Huxwrx Flow 762 Ti, and CAT ODB 718.

CAT seems like a pretty arrogant and less than professional company.

Even if they made the best suppressors in the world, just how they operate is a big turnoff. I don't understand the appeal.

kthomas said:

CAT seems like a pretty arrogant and less than professional company.

Even if they made the best suppressors in the world, just how they operate is a big turnoff. I don't understand the appeal.

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I'm fine with less than professional. Arrogance and "holier than though" attitudes are an easily pokeable button of mine though. I really wanted a WB716 until I saw their attitudes towards us (consumers)

sboone said:

I'm fine with less than professional. Arrogance and "holier than though" attitudes are an easily pokeable button of mine though. I really wanted a WB716 until I saw their attitudes towards us (consumers)

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What's the deal with CAT?

canezach said:

What's the deal with CAT?

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They had really douchy verbiage under their warranty section then got lit up. After getting harassed about it they dialed back the douchiness from a 13 on the 1-10 scale to a 9.8. The summary of the verbiage is

"we will not replace or repair any of our products if they break because we never have manufacturing defects and can and will prove it was something you did, not us, we are not to blame for anything. On the very off chance that there is something wrong with our can, if you don't find it out and take action within 5 days of receiving the can, you are shit out of luck because you should have shot it before that and we will probably charge you for the work anyway."

This is a summarization, and yet, still very close to how it was worded originally.

psharon78 said:

Perhaps towards August or so, I'll be looking to purchase a flow through suppressor for my DD AR-15. I know Huxworks makes a great suppressor, but I was wondering if anyone has tried the CAT line of suppressors?

Specifically I'm looking at either the HUXWRX FLOW 556K or the CAT WB 718.

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I don't have any experience with the CAT line of suppressors. However, I have quite a few of the OSS brand before they became HUXWRX.

Their flow through cans will do what they say they will do. My AR-15s don't get any dirtier with the OSS cans than without. I don't have any problems with gas or carbon blowing back on my face.

I highly recommend them.

Following, lots of great recommendations

If you’re going to get ONE can, I’d recommend it be a 7.62 instead of a 5.56 and I’d strongly recommend a known quantity — e.g. the HUX Flow 7.62 Ti.

Everyone else is playing catch-up at the moment.

I was invited to a demo the other day of a new offering coming onto the market. Flow through, titanium, user serviceable, HUB compatible in I want to say 5 caliber confirguration. Alpha Suppressors. The sound and weight were impressive. I provided several precision rifles for some testing. They performed well on the various Creedmoors and 308, but the 300WM was average. Its not a basket I'm willing to put my eggs in just yet, but I own or have shot with most of the mentions above... and I think they're coming to compete in earnest in this space. Worth a look.

Good suggestions. There are a lot of new and some not so new supressor companies making flow through designs, and I am sure there will be a lot of new flow through models available in the near future. But I would personally like to stick with a well known reputable brand that has been around a while if possible.

The sico velos lbp k can in 556, sico velos lbp in 7.62 or 556 , hux ventum in 7.62 or 556 and silencer central banish speed k in 556 look interesting at the moment . Just wish there was more testing at this point to show which ones of these have good flash supression.

If flash is a concern then a 3d printed Ti can may not be the best choice. I have a couple videos of me shooting my Huxwrx flow 7.62 Ti and while the flash has tamed down some since I’ve put more rounds through it it’s still there. I’ll find the videos in a bit

Edit: everything else about the can is great. If the sparking dies down then I will use this can on practically everything lol

At this point I am a suppressor addict. So just so flow through feed back, my personal opinion with no data of any sort.

Of the cans I own, the ones that do the best with pushing gas forward.

1) Hux 556
2) Surefire Socom rc3
3) Deadair Sandman with Ebrake

Behind the gun perceived noise by me from quietest to loudest

1) Deadair Sandman with Ebrake
2) Surefire Socom rc3
3) Hux 556

Sturdiest feeling can for heavy use

1) Surefire Socom rc3
2) Deadair Sandman
3) Huxwurx

Flash suppression
1) Surefire = Sandman
3) Hux 556 - it burbs fire every 6 or 7 shots

Cost from most to least
1) Surefire 1700
2) Hux 1100
3) Sandman 800

The easiest to take off after a day of use has been the Sandman, but barely over the Surefire. I have had to take a wrench to the Hux twice.

Honorable mention that I did not include because it is new to me, CGS Helios. It has an attachment like the Ebrake for the Sandman that lets it become a quasi flow through. It reminds me of the SOCOM 2 in its base configuration but better because of the ability to vent more gas forward versus a standard baffle design.

Just to say it, the most versatile is the Sandman because it is a 30 caliber can and I can put it on more rifles vs the 556 specific cans. For 1800 you can effectively have a Hux and Sandman and for 1700 you can have the RC3.

ut755ln said:

At this point I am a suppressor addict. So just so flow through feed back, my personal opinion with no data of any sort.

Of the cans I own, the ones that do the best with pushing gas forward.

1) Hux 556
2) Surefire Socom rc3
3) Deadair Sandman with Ebrake

Behind the gun perceived noise by me from quietest to loudest

1) Deadair Sandman with Ebrake
2) Surefire Socom rc3
3) Hux 556

Sturdiest feeling can for heavy use

1) Surefire Socom rc3
2) Deadair Sandman
3) Huxwurx

Flash suppression
1) Surefire = Sandman
3) Hux 556 - it burbs fire every 6 or 7 shots

Cost from most to least
1) Surefire 1700
2) Hux 1100
3) Sandman 800

The easiest to take off after a day of use has been the Sandman, but barely over the Surefire. I have had to take a wrench to the Hux twice.

Honorable mention that I did not include because it is new to me, CGS Helios. It has an attachment like the Ebrake for the Sandman that lets it become a quasi flow through. It reminds me of the SOCOM 2 in its base configuration but better because of the ability to vent more gas forward versus a standard baffle design.

Just to say it, the most versatile is the Sandman because it is a 30 caliber can and I can put it on more rifles vs the 556 specific cans. For 1800 you can effectively have a Hux and Sandman and for 1700 you can have the RC3.

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I have the Heilos QD and running it with the vented endcap does reduce backpressure significantly but also makes it shoot a blast of fire out the front on a 12.5in AR. I run it with the solid endcap on a 5.5in 7.62x39 (maxim pdx) and it does extremely well with supers and subs

My older OSS HX-QD Ti with open end cap has performed well on numerous 5.56, 6mm ARC, 6.5 CM, and .308 gas guns. It might not be the quietest can in the world, but it is light in weight, has low back pressure, and produces excellent accuracy. It's also quite versatile in that it can be used in a direct thread mode on both 1/2-28 and 5/8-24 barrels.

The CGS Helios DT is the perfect lightweight can on my lightweight 16" .223 with Proof CF barrel. It too has low back pressure and produces amazing accuracy.

If you want to also be able to shoot the gun without the suppressor installed, the HUXWRX Flow 556K and Flow 762 Ti are hard to beat in the weight, back pressure, and accuracy departments. It's quite nice to be able to mount the 7.62 version on a 5.56 muzzle device. I should add I've been running the Flow 556K through several hundred rounds full auto on a Fightlite 12.5" 5.56 rig with zero issues.

MSTN said:

My older OSS HX-QD Ti with open end cap has performed well on numerous 5.56, 6mm ARC, 6.5 CM, and .308 gas guns. It might not be the quietest can in the world, but it is light in weight, has low back pressure, and produces excellent accuracy. It's also quite versatile in that it can be used in a direct thread mode on both 1/2-28 and 5/8-24 barrels.

The CGS Helios DT is the perfect lightweight can on my lightweight 16" .223 with Proof CF barrel. It too has low back pressure and produces amazing accuracy.

If you want to also be able to shoot the gun without the suppressor installed, the HUXWRX Flow 556K and Flow 762 Ti are hard to beat in the weight, back pressure, and accuracy departments. It's quite nice to be able to mount the 7.62 version on a 5.56 muzzle device. I should add I've been running the Flow 556K through several hundred rounds full auto on a Fightlite 12.5" 5.56 rig with zero issues.

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I have the Flow 762 Ti in jail right now waiting for the government to give me permission to exercise my constitutional rights . Having said that, I like your feedback. I agree with the 556 comments, and I did not write it above but I have a tiny shift when I put my can on, very accurate.

sboone said:

They had really douchy verbiage under their warranty section then got lit up. After getting harassed about it they dialed back the douchiness from a 13 on the 1-10 scale to a 9.8. The summary of the verbiage is

"we will not replace or repair any of our products if they break because we never have manufacturing defects and can and will prove it was something you did, not us, we are not to blame for anything. On the very off chance that there is something wrong with our can, if you don't find it out and take action within 5 days of receiving the can, you are shit out of luck because you should have shot it before that and we will probably charge you for the work anyway."

This is a summarization, and yet, still very close to how it was worded originally.

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That last sentence is what garnered the laugh react from me.

canezach said:

I have a HUX on a SBR and I'm happy with it

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It’s what I’m currently issued..no complaints

The whining about warranty wording is odd to me. You guys expect some textbook T&C page from a company who's suppressors are named after stereotypes like "short round"...LOL

Plenty of posts on here whining about actual warranty service being shit from well known brands as it is. Burris one comes to mind recently, Athlon, Christensen Arms, an AI thread where they straight up told the customer not to contact them again (after a warranty repair where he got a defective product)...

Why not let the product speak for itself, and then let the warranty process do the same? Ive contacted them on their social media, asking NUMEROUS questions about their product. They respond pretty regularly. I highly doubt based on that type of interaction, that they're just going to laugh at you and tell you to fuck off (like some of the well known brands here have done)

They posted recently that any work necessary to the suppressor, not covered under warranty/defect, will be at 20% of purchase price. Thats pretty fair for a DLMS printed can.

Even Otter Creek has this type of exclusionary language on their warranty page, and written in all too casual internet language too.

We understand shit happens, so when it does we have you covered. Our general warranty policy is lifetime warranty, if you mess it up we’ll fix it. If it’s free or not depends on how it got messed up.

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Just about every video posted of their suppressors so far, has above-average results. Lower spark, high suppression, etc.

Im sure they managed to ruffle a few feathers both with industry big boys, and the lovable fanbase of consumers who think that brand worship is a 2 way street, between you and the company you spend your hard earned money with.

Outside of Vortex, I have yet to see a company who truly gives a shit about its consumers in this industry. The rest of them just typically hide that sentiment behind legalese.

OP, even the owner of Otter Creek has publicly stated that the CAT can he has tested, was quieter than the huxwrx equivalent.

AleksanderSuave said:

The whining about warranty wording is odd to me. You guys expect some textbook T&C page from a company who's suppressors are named after stereotypes like "short round"...LOL

Plenty of posts on here whining about actual warranty service being shit from well known brands as it is. Burris one comes to mind recently, Athlon, Christensen Arms, an AI thread where they straight up told the customer not to contact them again (after a warranty repair where he got a defective product)...

Why not let the product speak for itself, and then let the warranty process do the same? Ive contacted them on their social media, asking NUMEROUS questions about their product. They respond pretty regularly. I highly doubt based on that type of interaction, that they're just going to laugh at you and tell you to fuck off (like some of the well known brands here have done)

They posted recently that any work necessary to the suppressor, not covered under warranty/defect, will be at 20% of purchase price. Thats pretty fair for a DLMS printed can.

https://specterscat.com/warranty-and-returns/#:~:text=Combat%20Application%20Technologies%20(CAT)%20offers,or%20refund%20any%20defect%20suppressor.

Even Otter Creek has this type of exclusionary language on their warranty page, and written in all too casual internet language too.

https://ottercreeklabs.com/warranty-policy/

Just about every video posted of their suppressors so far, has above-average results. Lower spark, high suppression, etc.

Im sure they managed to ruffle a few feathers both with industry big boys, and the lovable fanbase of consumers who think that brand worship is a 2 way street, between you and the company you spend your hard earned money with.

Outside of Vortex, I have yet to see a company who truly gives a shit about its consumers in this industry. The rest of them just typically hide that sentiment behind legalese.

OP, even the owner of Otter Creek has publicly stated that the CAT can he has tested, was quieter than the huxwrx equivalent.

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It's a new company, with no track record, and they are partnered up with a company (CGS does their warranty work) that has recently had their own set of QA/QC issues (see numerous threads on ti powder and CGS suppressors).

All we really have to judge them on so far is their gimmicky marketing/branding and online interactions.

And yes, to your point, there's plenty of companies that have a bad track record for CS. Who knows where CAT falls into that when products start getting into customers hands, that's an unknown at this point.

I see the same incorrect response on many forums when it comes to suppressors. Do not just get a 30 cal can instead of a dedicated can. Get the suppressor that is meant for the caliber you want to suppress. Do 30 cal cans work well on 5.56? Yes, but they are usually bigger and heavier.

The only time just getting a 30 cal can instead of a dedicated can is a good option is if you know you will only ever buy one can. If you think you may buy more cans in the future, just buy the right tool for the job.

Tug556 said:

I see the same incorrect response on many forums when it comes to suppressors. Do not just get a 30 cal can instead of a dedicated can. Get the suppressor that is meant for the caliber you want to suppress. Do 30 cal cans work well on 5.56? Yes, but they are usually bigger and heavier.

The only time just getting a 30 cal can instead of a dedicated can is a good option is if you know you will only ever buy one can. If you think you may buy more cans in the future, just buy the right tool for the job.

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True, but most people get 1-3 cans at most so starting with a 762 can that will work with 30cal on down is a great start. Odds are they will have a use for it dedicated to a larger caliber rifle at all times and then they can add a pistol can and a 556 can down the road. Until they are committed to having a can for every single gun or cartridge (and who knows if that will be the case upon buying your first can) then it's wise to stick with a safe purchase like that.

Tug556 said:

I see the same incorrect response on many forums when it comes to suppressors. Do not just get a 30 cal can instead of a dedicated can. Get the suppressor that is meant for the caliber you want to suppress. Do 30 cal cans work well on 5.56? Yes, but they are usually bigger and heavier.

The only time just getting a 30 cal can instead of a dedicated can is a good option is if you know you will only ever buy one can. If you think you may buy more cans in the future, just buy the right tool for the job.

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The flow 7.62 TI has tested as having higher overall muzzle suppression, than the flow 556k, on a 5.56 rifle. I also wont be shocked if the Flow 6k similarly performs less than the 7.62, with a 6mm arc or similar.

I am surprised that you don't have the new RC3 on your list.

For the price of the Surefire can you're basically into the new Knights PRT supressors as well. Seems they've been releasing a lot of them, but I've yet to see much comparative feedback.

I’ve got a Hux on the way. Can’t wait to test it out!

WillHugh said:

For the price of the Surefire can you're basically into the new Knights PRT supressors as well. Seems they've been releasing a lot of them, but I've yet to see much comparative feedback.

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I need the KS1 to go with it or I won't bother lol. No word on when those will hit the streets.

This channel has an interesting way of testing suppressor backpressure: slap it on a 249 and see how much it increases the rate of fire. Worth a watch.

WillHugh said:

For the price of the Surefire can you're basically into the new Knights PRT supressors as well. Seems they've been releasing a lot of them, but I've yet to see much comparative feedback.

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I have shot the MCQ-PRT, it is kind of like a big flash hider as opposed to an actual suppressor. I have not shot the full sized variant yet. I really like the KAC mounting system.

Been waiting on my approval from my HUX 7.62 flow. Anyone see any issues with needing shims for their muzzle brake/ flash hiders? Or are they pretty consistent when swapping out other muzzle brake/ FH?

HUNTERVASSER said:

Been waiting on my approval from my HUX 7.62 flow. Anyone see any issues with needing shims for their muzzle brake/ flash hiders? Or are they pretty consistent when swapping out other muzzle brake/ FH?

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I don't worry about timing the muzzle brakes for my OSS suppressors. I don't intend on shooting them without the suppressors.

So the fact that they are not perfectly timed doesn't affect the accuracy.

^^^This. If you want to align it per their instructions, they include shims that vary in thickness with the muzzle device. I used to align them but no longer do.

Ape_Factory said:

^^^This. If you want to align it per their instructions, they include shims that vary in thickness with the muzzle device. I used to align them but no longer do.

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How long ago did you buy yours?

Huxwrx does not include any shims with the muzzle device in the box now. They don’t even reference the use of them in the instructions

I'd have to go back and look. I believe I got mine out of jail in December? I also have like $1200 worth of Hux muzzle devices but each one came with shims. I don't even remember if I got a muzzle brake or flash hider with mine. I use the flash hider on my Sig LT 300 blackout but everything else has muzzle brakes.

I second/ third the above.

The only reason to need them is a) you want predrilled hole used for P/W to line up at 6:00 or b) you want the P/W to line up at 6:00.

Personally, I ignore A, but shim for B.

I guess... there is an addendum to A. The standard length flashhiders for 1/2x 28 have a hexagonal base that can be used as wrench flats. If it doesn't take too much trial and error, or too many shims, I will shim so that the flats line up nicely. the XL versions put the wrench flats on the extended section.

HUXWRX was having a sale on brakes, so I bought several with the intention to have multiple rifles use the same CAN…until I realized installing them may have timing issues. This info (and experience) helps!!

Looking forward to my FLOW and trying to learn as much as possible prior to it release from “jail”

Ape_Factory said:

I'd have to go back and look. I believe I got mine out of jail in December? I also have like $1200 worth of Hux muzzle devices but each one came with shims. I don't even remember if I got a muzzle brake or flash hider with mine. I use the flash hider on my Sig LT 300 blackout but everything else has muzzle brakes.

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I got mine out in December as well. Definitely odd. Did your instructions mention a shim? I think my box instructions specifically called out not using one.