PTR Industries Vent Suppressor Review and Testing: Performance and Insights
Hey everybody, Rob Orgel here. Today, we’re diving into the PTR Vent suppressors. At first glance, $1,500 for a company’s first-year suppressor might seem steep. So, what makes PTR think their suppressor is worth that price? We’re here to give you an unbiased review, as we’re not paid by any suppressor manufacturers. We do head-to-head testing using my ammunition to ensure you have a solid understanding of each suppressor’s performance.
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Introduction and Thank You
First, a huge thank you to all of you! We just hit 100,000 views in just over three weeks. Your support through likes, comments, and shares helps us continue bringing you these reviews. So, let’s jump into the PTR suppressors.
Interview with PTR Industries
I’m joined by Bill Gentry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PTR Industries. Bill, tell us what justifies the $1,500 price tag on your suppressors.
Bill Gentry: “We’re offering something truly unique with our suppressors. The Vent 3 for 5.56 and Vent 2 for 9mm feature 3D printed titanium, which is both lightweight and durable. Our patented Purposefully Induced Porosity (PIP) technology creates a titanium foam that reduces back pressure and enhances performance both at the muzzle and the shooter’s ear.”
Purposefully Induced Porosity (PIP) Technology
One of the standout features of PTR’s Vent suppressors is their patented Purposefully Induced Porosity (PIP) technology. This innovative design creates a titanium foam within the suppressor, which significantly reduces back pressure and improves overall performance.
Key Benefits of PIP Technology:
- Back Pressure Reduction: The titanium foam structure allows gases to flow through more effectively, reducing back pressure significantly.
- Sound Performance: The porous design helps in diffusing sound, making the suppressor quieter both at the muzzle and the shooter’s ear.
- Weight: The use of titanium and the PIP design keeps the suppressor lightweight without compromising on durability.
However, PIP technology requires more frequent cleaning. The porous structure can accumulate carbon buildup faster than traditional designs. PTR recommends cleaning the suppressor every 1,000 rounds to maintain optimal performance. This can be done using a simple ultrasonic cleaner, making maintenance relatively straightforward.
Testing the PTR Vent Suppressors
5.56 Suppressor (Vent 3)
We compared the Vent 3 against some of the leading suppressors in the market:
- Dead Air Nomad L
- B&T Reduced Back Pressure Suppressor
- SilencerCo Velos
- Omega 300 with 5.56 end cap
16-Inch Rifle Testing:
- Back Pressure: The Vent 3 matched the performance of the Velos and B&T suppressors, indicating very low back pressure.
- Sound: In our subjective sound test, the Vent 3’s deeper tone was less offensive to the ears compared to the Nomad L, particularly on a 16-inch rifle.
11.5-Inch Rifle Testing:
- Back Pressure: The Vent 3 maintained impressive low back pressure, matching the Velos and B&T suppressors.
- Sound: On the shorter configuration, the Nomad L slightly outperformed the Vent 3 in sound reduction.
9mm Suppressor (Vent 2)
For the 9mm testing, we compared the Vent 2 against:
- SilencerCo Osprey 9
- Omega 9K
- Old School Tyrant 9
Results:
- Sound: The Vent 2 proved to be among the quietest of the 9mm suppressors tested.
- Performance: While it performed well, for those who already own several 9mm suppressors, the added expense might not be justified. However, for first-time buyers, it’s a solid choice.
Chart of Data
Below, you will find a detailed chart of our test results, showcasing the performance of each suppressor in terms of back pressure and sound reduction. This will give you a clear comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
The PTR Vent suppressors delivered impressive results. Here are the pros and cons based on our comprehensive testing:
Pros:
- Low Back Pressure: Both the Vent 3 and Vent 2 showed significantly reduced back pressure, comparable to top-tier suppressors like the Velos and B&T.
- Sound Performance: The Vent 3, especially on a 16-inch rifle, demonstrated excellent sound reduction with a deeper, less offensive tone.
- Innovative Design: The Purposefully Induced Porosity (PIP) technology is a game-changer, providing lightweight and durable suppressors with enhanced performance.
- Versatility: The hub system offers compatibility with various mounts, increasing the suppressor’s adaptability.
Cons:
- Price: At $1,500, these suppressors are a significant investment, particularly for first-time buyers.
- Maintenance: The PIP design requires more frequent cleaning to prevent carbon buildup, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- Performance on Shorter Barrels: On an 11.5-inch rifle, the Nomad L slightly outperformed the Vent 3 in terms of sound reduction.
Conclusion
PTR has made a strong entry into the suppressor market with their Vent series. While the price tag is high, the performance justifies the cost. The innovative PIP technology, combined with excellent sound and back pressure reduction, makes these suppressors a worthy investment for serious shooters.
In the comments section, let me know if you would consider buying a PTR Vent suppressor instead of the RC3 or a similar suppressor that costs $1,500. As always, like, comment, subscribe, and stay safe!