Performance Data — How This Works
Before you watch the video, understand this:
Most suppressor data online looks good because of how it’s measured and presented. Many companies mix A and Z weighted, further confusing consumers.
We don’t do that.
Our Testing Setup
All data shown here is collected using:
- Brüel & Kjær (HBK) 2255
- Z-weighted (LZpeak) impulse measurement
- 64 kHz sampling rate
- Multiple shots per test (no cherry-picking)
This is real impulse data—not filtered numbers and not marketing-driven results.
A-Weighted vs Z-Weighted (Why Most Numbers Look “Better” Online)
Most published suppressor numbers use A-weighting.
That method:
- Filters out low-frequency energy
- Reduces the reported dB level
- Makes results look quieter than they actually are
You’ll see claims like:
- “129 dB at the ear” on 5.56 platforms
Those are filtered numbers.
We Use Z-Weighted (LZpeak)
Z-weighting:
- Captures the full pressure wave
- Includes all frequencies
- Reflects true impulse exposure
That means:
- Higher numbers
- More honest data
- Realistic expectations
Sampling Rate — What 64 kHz Means
Impulse noise happens extremely fast.
The faster the sampling rate:
- The more accurately it captures the true peak pressure
- The higher (and more accurate) the number becomes
Typical Comparison:
- ~48 kHz (common meters)
→ Misses peak energy
→ Reads artificially low - 64 kHz (our current setup)
→ Captures the majority of the impulse
→ Strong real-world accuracy - ~200–260 kHz (high-speed lab-grade capture)
→ Captures the full impulse peak
→ Highest level of accuracy
How Our Numbers Compare
Because we run at 64 kHz instead of higher-speed systems (~200–260 kHz):
Our readings will typically be ~1–1.5 dB lower than higher-speed impulse systems measuring the same event.
That does NOT mean:
- The suppressor is quieter
- The suppressor is louder
- Performance changes
It simply means:
Higher sampling rates capture slightly higher peak values of the same shot.
Why This Data Is Still Reliable
At 64 kHz, we are still capturing:
- True impulse behavior
- Consistent shot-to-shot performance
- Real-world pressure levels
- Meaningful comparisons between suppressors
This is significantly more accurate than:
- Filtered (A-weighted) data
- Low-sampling consumer meters
- Single-shot “best case” results
Independent Third-Party Testing
Our internal testing is designed to reflect real performance as closely as possible.
Independent third-party testing with PEW Science is currently pending publication.
Final rankings and composite performance data will be determined through that independent testing.
What Actually Matters (Beyond a Single Number)
A suppressor is not just a dB rating.
Real performance includes:
- Peak pressure (dB)
- Impulse shape (sharp vs smooth)
- Duration of the pressure wave
- First round pop (FRP)
- Back pressure
Two suppressors can show similar numbers and perform completely differently.
Bottom Line
We would rather show you slightly conservative, real numbers than artificially low ones.
No filters. No cherry-picked shots. No inflated claims.
Just data you can trust from suppressors that perform at a high level.