Low Backpressure 5.56 Suppressors: SIG Sauer Hexium Vs. Dead Air CT5P

The circle of fashion in 5.56 cans has been in the low backpressure phase now for a couple of years, and we’re all about it. A diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning tends to focus the mind on what’s being absorbed via our lungs, and if we don’t absolutely have to ingest lead and antimony, we’d rather avoid it, thanks all the same. 

SIG and Dead Air both have relatively new offerings in this market segment, so we thought it would be a good idea to compare them side by side. Both are geared toward the semi-auto user, both are made using DMLS methods (3D printing in metal), they’re both about the same price point, and both claim to reduce backpressure through the gun’s operating system, be it DI or piston. 

SIG HEXIUM

We chose to test the titanium version of SIG’s 5.56 can, as it’s closer to the Dead Air’s weight class. There’s an Inconel model available in the lineup, but at 20 ounces for the direct thread version, it’s a chonky boi and very noticeable hanging off the muzzle of an AR. While the Ti can might not be our first choice for a belt fed, let’s face it, not many people are going to shoot multiple Table 2 tests back-to-back, so we don’t envision any durability issues. Last year, when we ran several silencers through a high-intensity assessment, none of the dedicated 5.56 cans failed, no matter the material used in their construction. 

At a diameter of 1.75 inches, you’re probably not going to tuck this one under a standard handguard, but the increased girth creates much more internal volume, hence lower backpressure. If you want increased compatibility across mounting options, the SIG is HUB compatible, so you can swap out the rear adapter to accommodate the flash hider of your choice. 

Sig Sauer Hexium 1/2×28 Suppressor

$899.99

GritrSports $899.99

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

DEAD AIR CT5P

Using their proprietary Triskelium baffle design, the awkwardly named CT5P is aimed squarely at the hard-use end of the market, being printed from Haynes 282 alloy. Despite this, the direct thread model tips the scales at 13.7 ounces, with a steel 1/2×28 adapter. 

Although it’s just 1.7 ounces  heavier than the SIG, it carries its weight farther forward, so feels heavier in comparison, particularly when mounted on carbine. The CT5P is not HUB compatible, so your options are limited to either direct-thread, or Dead Air’s proprietary Xeno or Keymo muzzle devices, should you want QD. 

SILENCER SHOOTOFF

Mounted on an 11.5-inch barreled AR, both cans lived up to their low-backpressure claims. Although we didn’t have a high-speed camera to measure bolt velocity, when we swapped them out they both dropped brass into the same neat pile, right around the 3 o’clock position. And while we didn’t have a sound meter available, according to our Mk1 eardrums, the SIG had an edge when it came to both volume and tone, but both could be shot without ear pro. 

If you’re after a 5.56 can for general recreational shooting, the SIG Hexium Ti gets our nod. If you want a suppressor that’ll outlive several barrels (and probably its owner), the Dead Air CT5P should be on your list.

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