Suppressors *** NEW *** Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen L & S .30 caliber Suppressors

[FuhQ]

Well, my new Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen-L & Hydrogen-S cans made it to the SOT on Form 3. I got to get in a few test shots this afternoon through my Remington 700 5R .260 Rem with the KeyMount Brake/KeyMo setup.

*** Video will be coming soon on the YT channel, and will be posted here when it drops.

For now, I’ll just tell you, these cans are super light (will be awesome for hunting), and they sound great! The Hydro-L is maybe within a couple DB of my Nomad-LT (just judging it by-ear). And the Hydro-S is slightly louder (boomier) than the Hydro-L, but still VERY smooth tone and a manageable Volume.

The Hydrogen-S might end up being my dedicated 6.5 Grendel or .300 BLK suppressor… But I plan to do tests on 5.56, .300 BLK, and 6.5 Grendel AR’s in the very near future to see how much backpressure/gas I get in the face on the AR’s.

Here’s some suppressor porn for you…

*** Nomad-LT is in the thermal wrap. I had to share the KeyMo, since I don’t have an extra one laying around (for now). ***

Be the first to see the *** BRAND NEW *** Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen suppressors in action!

 

[kthomas]

Glad they work well, as they made these look pretty ugly/cheap with those "ribs", IMO.

 

[FuhQ]

Glad they work well, as they made these look pretty ugly/cheap with those "ribs", IMO.

Agreed that it's not my favorite aesthetic design (same with AB Suppressors and several others that have the "ribbed" look), but they do work well so far. And function over form, is more important. And I'm sure someone makes a suppressor cover that will fit over it. And those ribs might actually help the cover to stay in place from inching forward under recoil. I will be testing them on subsonic .300 BLK and 5.56 next.

 

[kthomas]

Agreed that it's not my favorite aesthetic design (same with AB Suppressors and several others that have the "ribbed" look), but they do work well so far. And function over form, is more important. And I'm sure someone makes a suppressor cover that will fit over it. And those ribs might actually help the cover to stay in place from inching forward under recoil. I will be testing them on subsonic .300 BLK and 5.56 next.

Yes, a suppressor wrap will cover the ugly aesthetics. I am curious if the ribs are done to help aid in cooling under a wrap.

Most suppressor wraps (or at least the ones I have) are pretty grippy, I think having more surface area for that grippy area to purchase on would be better than less.

 

[FuhQ]

Yes, a suppressor wrap will cover the ugly aesthetics. I am curious if the ribs are done to help aid in cooling under a wrap.

Most suppressor wraps (or at least the ones I have) are pretty grippy, I think having more surface area for that grippy area to purchase on would be better than less.

You seem to be in a pretty foul mood today, with your sights aimed towards me... What's got you pissed off?

 

[kthomas]

You seem to be in a pretty foul mood today towards me... What's got you pissed off?

Not pissed off at all, nor in a foul mood.

I do like to jest, and my humor tends towards the side of sarcasm (which admittedly doesn't always translate well in an online environment).

I'm curious to hear these suppressors and your video review on them, but I do hope future iterations has them changing the aesthetics.

I know Otter Creek Labs suppressors generally meter very well, so I'm sure these will also be great suppressors.

 

[FuhQ]

Not pissed off at all, nor in a foul mood.

I do like to jest, and my humor tends towards the side of sarcasm (which admittedly doesn't always translate well in an online environment).

I'm curious to hear these suppressors and your video review on them, but I do hope future iterations has them changing the aesthetics.

I know Otter Creek Labs suppressors generally meter very well, so I'm sure these will also be great suppressors.

Yeah, text makes inflection hard to read. I used to be the same way, and got in trouble on forums a lot, because people thought I was just being a dick, when I was really being a smartass to be funny, so that's why I ended up starting to use those stupid emoji things, so much in my posts...So they weren't misread.

I know my videos are pretty boring, and I wish I had proper sound metering equipment, maybe someday... But we all gotta start somewhere, right?

 

[FuhQ]

Forgot to post a link incase anyone wants to know the specs on the 3 different Hydrogen models (L, S, & K).

Hydrogen Series (K, S, L 6.5 & 7.62) | Otter Creek Labs

The Hydrogen series are extremely light weight, extremely quiet suppressor made with the PRS shooters and hunters in mind.

ottercreeklabs.com

 

[E. Bryant]

Yes, a suppressor wrap will cover the ugly aesthetics. I am curious if the ribs are done to help aid in cooling under a wrap.

Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to improve heat transfer when using a cover/wrap. The thermal resistance of the cover itself is likely 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than whatever's going on under the cover.

I don't find the appearance to be an issue, but as an engineer I'm completely unqualified to be offering a meaningful opinion on aesthetic matters

 

[FuhQ]

Added the video to the OP just to avoid any confusion.

 

[Clayman]

Glad they work well, as they made these look pretty ugly/cheap with those "ribs", IMO.

A lot of dealers/people complained about his PR series being too boring looking.

The ribs also shaved weight.

 

[FuhQ]

A lot of dealers/people complained about his PR series being too boring looking.

The ribs also shaved weight.

I didn't know about that...But that makes sense as to the unusual look of them. I don't mind the looks of them, it's just not my favorite aesthetics for any suppressor to have the "ribbed" look. That's why I won't own an AB Suppressors can, unless they sent me one or highly discounted one for T&E.

I DID buy these out of my own pocket, just incase anyone is wondering...They were definitely NOT freebies, so I am being completely unbiased in my opinions and reviews. LOL I don't mind helping a small business, because my dad owned a small business for 30 years, and I watched and lived that struggle growing up. And since I follow @AndrewKing on IG, I was able to see a lot of his testing videos to get an idea how quiet these were going to be, and aesthetics aside, that's what got me interested in them. His videos he posted were accurate, these are impressive cans, especially given how lightweight they are, and the fact they're only 9" x 1.625" OD. I would say the Hydrogen-L is within a couple DB of my Nomad-LT (8.4" x 1.735" OD).

The weight savings are also impressive. The Hydro-L (9" long) is 12.4 oz. and the Nomad-LT (8.4" long) is 12.6 oz. (both weighed open-end without any mount in them). But the Nomad-LT is larger in diameter by 0.110". And they are within a few DB of each other, just judging by my own ears without ear pro.

The Hydro-S is 7" long x 1.625" OD, and is only 9.5 oz! It's ridiculously light! I'd say it's almost a direct competitor to the regular Nomad-Ti, which is 6.5" long x 1.735" OD and weighs only 9.6 oz. I would imagine they are going to be extremely close in DB performance, as well.

 

[FuhQ]

Anyone else planning on getting one, or was in the first alpha-run for T&E? I know Tim over at Alabama Arsenal, and Jay at PEW Science both got a Hydrogen-L 7.62 and a Polonium 5.56 (dedicated hard-use 5.56 can) for evaluation from the first run. So be on the lookout for their videos and write-ups on those cans.

 

[Clayman]

Might grab a polonium.

I already have L suppressors, Nomad, Omega, Helios qd ti, etc.

For the time being I don't feel I need anymore .30 cal stuff.

 

[SBRSarge]

Glad they work well, as they made these look pretty ugly/cheap with those "ribs", IMO.

I saw on a package once “ribbed for your pleasure”.. oh, wait, that was something else.

Seriously, the polonium being 6mm might be of interest to me for my ARC. I’m not familiar with Otter Creek labs so some more reading is in order.

 

[FuhQ]

Might grab a polonium.

I already have L suppressors, Nomad, Omega, Helios qd ti, etc.

For the time being I don't feel I need anymore .30 cal stuff.

I might end up getting a Polonium later on, as well. From the videos he posted on IG, it was pretty damn quiet.

 

[FuhQ]

I saw on a package once “ribbed for your pleasure”.. oh, wait, that was something else.

Seriously, the polonium being 6mm might be of interest to me for my ARC. I’m not familiar with Otter Creek labs so some more reading is in order.

Yeah, I found the 6mm bore on the Polonium a smart choice as well. It will not only help cut some of the back pressure, but makes it slightly more versatile, too. I bet it would be nasty on a .22-250.

 

[Lunchbox27]

@kthomas you’re welcome to try mine if you want. Just picked mine up today.

 

[heavy65]

@kthomas you’re welcome to try mine if you want. Just picked mine up today.

Looks like an uncomfortably high back pressure design. Careful about overgassing

 

[FuhQ]

@AndrewKing responded on Instagram to some questions about the “ribbed” design. Basically, they act as a heat sink.

And I did notice that they cooled down quicker than my other cans do. So, I’d say it worked as intended.

 

[FuhQ]

Went to the range today, and put some subsonic .300 BLK and supersonic 5.56 through them...

Impressed with 5.56...Both cans handled it well. I expected the L to hold its own of course, and it did with ease. Hearing safe, great tone, ran great. But the S really surprised me. It was pretty impressive on taming the 5.56, which is a very hard cartridge to tone down in an AR. No notable gas in my face, ran perfect, and volume was very manageable without ear pro for a couple of quick shots. Which I know is subjective to A LOT of folks, but when I'm doing these tests I only shoot 5 rounds at a time, and I like to hear the suppressor and the tone from behind the gun. So it's not like I'm doing 30rd mag dumps, or running a belt-fed without ear pro on.

Now to the .300 BLK... Once again, the L performed as expected...Extremely quiet, great tone, right on-point in every way a quality suppressor should be. The S performed amazing. It was quiet, no gas, no "thumpy" sound like my Sandman-S cans, and was just all-around impressive with subs on a .300 BLK. There were a few folks shooting and everyone stopped, and just watched. One guy asked what I was shooting, and said, "That is the quietest thing i've ever heard...You can't even hear you shooting it with plugs in!" I think the Hydro-S might have found a permanent residency on my .300 BLK...

One thing really shocked me about both of the OCL cans on everything I've tested them on so far... The POI shift was virtually nonexistent from my 100 yard zero, even at 200 yards. With my DA cans, I notice a very slight (maybe 2" max) POI shift to the right with .300 BLK 220 subs at 200 yards, because they're moving so slow and that's a decent stretch for any subsonic cartridge. The POI shift with the DA cans doesn't happen with any other cartridge or rifle I have tested them on, just the .300 BLK with subs, so it must be a subsonic thing.

Will post videos soon.

 

[FuhQ]

Hydrogen-S on my 16” .300 BLK

 

[FuhQ]

Went and tested 4 of the cans today back to back on the .300 BLK with subs…Videos to come… The Nomad-LT, Hydrogen-L, Sandman-S, and Hydrogen-S.

 

[FuhQ]

After more shooting this weekend (150-200 more rounds)…Dude, I’m honestly impressed with the Hydro-S. It’s the best mix of length, weight, and suppression. Its so light, you don’t even feel it on the end of the gun, even on the bags. I think it’s found is new home on the .300 BLK.

 

[FuhQ]

New video comparing the new Otter Creek Labs Hydrogen-S against the Dead Air Sandman-S MIL Contract suppressor on my 16" .300 BLK with 220 subsonics.

 

[FuhQ]

Went to the range today and tested them on the 20” 6.5 Grendel DMR. Videos coming soon.

 

[Joeg26er]

@FuhQ To put you on the spot here - If you HAD to choose just one, which would you keep between the Nomad LT vs Hydrogen S vs Hydrogen L?
Which one is quietest to your ear on your grendel?
thanks

 

[FuhQ]

@FuhQ To put you on the spot here - If you HAD to choose just one, which would you keep between the Nomad LT vs Hydrogen S vs Hydrogen L?
Which one is quietest to your ear on your grendel?
thanks

Get ready for the novella...


Purely based strictly on decibel volume, and not on any other factor... It's a REALLY close tie between the Hydro-L and the Nomad-LT. They're both phenomenal cans, and they both sound great on everything I've tested them on.

The Hydro-S is definitely louder than the other 2...But it's still hearing safe, and sounds great, with a very smooth sound signature. Volume differences, and weight and size differences of the 2 new OCL cans, it's almost a spitting image of comparing a regular Nomad-Ti to a Nomad-LT. That's the best well-known comparison I can give comparing the Hydrogen-L to the Hydrogen-S...Just incase anyone was wondering what a more commonly known comparison would look like between the 2 new OCL Hydrogen cans.

The Hydro-S sounds amazing, and for an all-around suppressor, it would be a great option, especially when you factor in the 7" length, and it still has 9 baffles in it, so it's very efficient for its size. Which makes is very maneuverable and perfect for hunting or compact setups...It's very similar to a Nomad-Ti in specs. And it also sounds good on the Grendel. It's slightly louder and has a little more "thump" to the sound than the other 2 long cans, but still hearing safe, IMO. It even sounded good on my 14.5" 5.56 this past weekend. Videos on that to come later. I can't dump all my content at once , as ammo is still not cheap, and while I have all the stuff to reload for 5.56, it was always cheaper just to buy LC XM193 or cheap Tula .223 in bulk, than for me to single-stage load for it. Not currently, but hopefully prices will go back to normal soon. So us "Poors" can afford to shoot.

But if I was forced with absolutely no choice but to pick only 1 suppressor between the 2 different "L" suppressors, as to which one for the 6.5 Grendel based strictly on sound & DB volume alone, and no other factors...I'd have to give a slight edge to the Nomad-LT. But it's NOT by much. When I replay the videos at home with my high-end headphones and my interface with high-quality preamps in it for maximum sound recording/reproduction, the Nomad-LT is a more smooth "wooshy" sound signature, and has zero "thump" in the sound... And the Hydrogen-L does have a very very slight "thump" to the beginning of the sound signature. But you only really notice it in playback...You don't hear it in person, as the guy behind the trigger. This could just simply be a matter of the 2 very different baffle designs in the suppressors creating a slightly different sound signature, and might not even be any DB volume difference...Just strictly different sounding suppressors. I don't know if they sound any different downrange? I am certainly not an expert, and I don't have any sound testing equipment to prove any of this, i'm just going off how they sound to my ears without plugs in, and how they sound in playback from an indirect side angle, after hearing them dozens upon dozens of times while editing and making each of the videos and sound clips. LOL

So, I would say that honestly, the average guy shooting both the Nomad-LT and Hydrogen-L back-to-back (in person) on the same rifle, they would probably never hear a difference between the 2 from behind the trigger. My final thoughts on this... You really can't go wrong with either one of them. All of them are great cans. And the Hydro-S will probably end up being my new dedicated .300 BLK suppressor...It's THAT perfect of a combo with subsonics.

Is there any other specific criteria you might be interested in that might help me advise you on which one to go with?

 

[heavy65]

Have you compared Hydrogen S to Nomad-Ti the way you did the L models?

 

[FuhQ]

Have you compared Hydrogen S to Nomad-Ti the way you did the L models?

No, I don't have a Nomad-30 or Nomad-Ti...Yet. One of them will be my next can for sure...Hopefully sometime this year. Probably a Nomad-30 (stainless) since it will fill a niche spot in my collection that has a gap in it.

But looking at specs, and judging how close the Nomad-LT and Hydrogen-L are (and how similarly they perform), and the Nomad-Ti and Hydrogen-S specs are... I would naturally deduce they the Hydro-S vs. Hydro-L falls along the same pattern as the Nomad-Ti vs. Nomad-LT.

 

[FuhQ]

Here they are on my 14.5” 5.56 M4 with a 15” rail.

 

[FuhQ]

Noticed recently with the weather getting warmer, that my “subsonic” .300 BLK load was no longer subsonic. The 16” barrel already makes it a bitch to keep loads subsonic, but now I’m fighting both.

So, I loaded up a few with 1/2 grain less of Alliant 300-MP with CCI 450’s in some cut-down WCC 5.56 brass, and strapped the MSv2 on the end of the Sandman-S, and walked out to the big empty berm along the driveway. Popped off 3 real quick, nothing went super, so I was happy. Then I looked at the MSv2, and was really happy. Only 21 fps ES, and an 11 SD. Not bad for .300 BLK subs! I will be taking the old MagnetoSpeed to the range with me tomorrow, and will get more data, and shoot for groups @ 100.

 

[BuildingConceptsllc]

No, I don't have a Nomad-30 or Nomad-Ti...Yet. One of them will be my next can for sure...Hopefully sometime this year. Probably a Nomad-30 (stainless) since it will fill a niche spot in my collection that has a gap in it.

But looking at specs, and judging how close the Nomad-LT and Hydrogen-L are (and how similarly they perform), and the Nomad-Ti and Hydrogen-S specs are... I would naturally deduce they the Hydro-S vs. Hydro-L falls along the same pattern as the Nomad-Ti vs. Nomad-LT.

When my Ti comes in you can test it. I've been trying to find a LT also but they are not available right now. Almost went ahead and got a Normad 30 but really would like the LT

 

[FuhQ]

When my Ti comes in you can test it. I've been trying to find a LT also but they are not available right now. Almost went ahead and got a Normad 30 but really would like the LT

Bring it down, and we’ll swap for a few rounds. I’m interested to see how the regular Nomad-Ti stacks up against the Hydrogen-S. Length & weight they’re almost identical. I think the baffle count is close, too.

As far as want…Why not get both? They both serve a role. The Nomad-LT will be a beast of a hunting can with max suppression.

And then get you a couple of the OCL cans… I’m telling you straight-up, they’re nothing to sneeze at. They’re holding their own with the big boys. I’ve been highly impressed. And I bought all of my cans, so there’s no bias going on.

 

[FuhQ]

Went and tested the new subs today… Yep, worlds better than before! You still hear a very slight bit of bullet flight on video because it’s close to the transonic range, but it never breaks the sound barrier, so you don’t hear any “crack” down range. And it’s way quieter than it was before.

 

[shlouf]

@AndrewKing responded on Instagram to some questions about the “ribbed” design. Basically, they act as a heat sink.

And I did notice that they cooled down quicker than my other cans do. So, I’d say it worked as intended.

View attachment 7835065
View attachment 7835066

It's cooling down faster because it's light. Those ribs are not effective heat sinks.

 

[FuhQ]

It's cooling down faster because it's light. Those ribs are not effective heat sinks.

The design does naturally create more surface area… Might not be significant, but it does help.

 

[shlouf]

Increasing surface area, sure, but calling it a heat sink is a pretty big stretch

 

[E. Bryant]

If the ribs on the Hydrogen-L are 0.025" radially, then they add about 5% to the surface area. The net decrease in thermal resistance (increase in heat transfer rate) probably won't be as large due to a few effects (such as stagnation in the inside corners), so overall it's not some huge difference.

 

[kthomas]

If the ribs on the Hydrogen-L are 0.025" radially, then they add about 5% to the surface area. The net decrease in thermal resistance (increase in heat transfer rate) probably won't be as large due to a few effects (such as stagnation in the inside corners), so overall it's not some huge difference.

I imagine any functionality from the design is marginal at best.

Seems to be mostly aesthetics, which would be covered up by a wrap anyways.

 

[FuhQ]

One positive thing of the ridges, is they should help hold the thermal wrap in place from inching forward under any sort of long shot strings during sustained (semi-automatic) fire.

I have noticed that with my Nomad-LT, even as tight as I have my thermal wrap on it, after about 10 shots with my .260 Rem, it will have inched forward about 1/4”-1/2”. Doesn’t really affect anything, but it is irritating.

 

[kthomas]

One positive thing of the ridges, is they should help hold the thermal wrap in place from inching forward under any sort of long shot strings during sustained (semi-automatic) fire.

I have noticed that with my Nomad-LT, even as tight as I have my thermal wrap on it, after about 10 shots with my .260 Rem, it will have inched forward about 1/4”-1/2”. Doesn’t really affect anything, but it is irritating.

Seems like some suppressor wrap designs definitely leave something to be desired.

I know with Rifles Only and Precision Underground suppressor wraps, you can wrap a section of the kevlar cord behind the can to prevent it from slipping forward.

 

[FuhQ]

Seems like some suppressor wrap designs definitely leave something to be desired.

I know with Rifles Only and Precision Underground suppressor wraps, you can wrap a section of the kevlar cord behind the can to prevent it from slipping forward.

Mine is a Rifles Only Cover made for Dead Air, with the DA logo on it.

 

[tthomp302]

I have a hydrogen L on order. Can't wait to try it out on my 26" .284 win. I'm sure it'll be hearing safe and will make hunting a lot more pleasurable not having to reach for ear pro every time something comes out.

 

[FuhQ]

I have a hydrogen L on order. Can't wait to try it out on my 26" .284 win. I'm sure it'll be hearing safe and will make hunting a lot more pleasurable not having to reach for ear pro every time something comes out.

I love the old .284 Win. Great cartridge. IMO, the 7mm cartridges don't get enough love these days. Everyone is either 6.5mm or .30 caliber. I own lots of .30's and a couple 6.5's, but the 7mm is the sweet spot, IMO.

As for the Hydrogen-L, you are going to love it. It's VERY quiet. Definitely hearing safe (in my opinion) on my .260 Rem. And yes, if you've never shot anything suppressed, you are going to be VERY pleased with the result. You will soon find yourself buying more suppressors, and wanting to suppress literally everything in your gun safe. You will start buying suppressors like you used to buy guns... Happened to me. I finally got into the NFA game in December 2020, and I'm already up to 7 suppressors. And have plans for more!

 

[tthomp302]

I love the old .284 Win. Great cartridge. IMO, the 7mm cartridges don't get enough love these days. Everyone is either 6.5mm or .30 caliber. I own lots of .30's and a couple 6.5's, but the 7mm is the sweet spot, IMO.

As for the Hydrogen-L, you are going to love it. It's VERY quiet. Definitely hearing safe on my .260 Rem. And yes, if you've never shot anything suppressed, you are going to be VERY pleased with the result. You will soon find yourself buying more suppressors, and wanting to suppress literally everything in your gun safe. You will start buying suppressors like you used to buy guns... Happened to me. I finally got into the NFA game in December 2020, and I'm already up to 7 suppressors. And have plans for more!

This will be my first suppressor haha I think that will honestly be the case. I love the .284 win, I'm running 180 grain Berger Hybrids at 2750fps. It's really proven to be quite the efficient 7mm I've always wanted. I have a little bastard brake on it currently so I'm sure it will be a huge change for me.

 

[FuhQ]

This will be my first suppressor haha I think that will honestly be the case. I love the .284 win, I'm running 180 grain Berger Hybrids at 2750fps. It's really proven to be quite the efficient 7mm I've always wanted. I have a little bastard brake on it currently so I'm sure it will be a huge change for me.

Dude, you will be in absolute shock going from a muzzle brake to a really quiet well-designed suppressor like the Hydrogen-L or Nomad-LT. It's mind-blowing when you finally get to shoot a REALLY quiet suppressor. It will shock you.

The very first shot... Wear ear plugs or muffs... Then the 2nd shot, take them off. And occasionally, shoot your rifle once without the can, and then with the can, just so you can remember to appreciate the difference of your life now that you're living in NFA world.

 

[kthomas]

I have a hydrogen L on order. Can't wait to try it out on my 26" .284 win. I'm sure it'll be hearing safe and will make hunting a lot more pleasurable not having to reach for ear pro every time something comes out.

No supersonic cartridge is hearing safe, even with a can.

 

[FuhQ]

If you're going to use direct-thread, make sure your can is still tight every 5-10 rounds. Just make sure it's good and snug on the barrel threads. You don't want it to wiggle loose, and then get a baffle-strike on your new can. If you plan on using a Dead Air KeyMo and KeyMount muzzle brakes (that's what I use), then just make sure it's ratcheted tight on there and it should be good to go until you remove it at the end of your shooting session or hunting day. The XENO mount is right-hand threads, so it's designed to NOT come loose during firing. Just a couple things to think about. Also, I get zero POI shift from taking the suppressor on/off using the KeyMo system. It's always repeatable zero every time.

 

[FuhQ]

No supersonic cartridge is hearing safe, even with a can.

Tests have proven othersise, when shooter's ear numbers are in the 120's, that's pretty damn hearing safe. OSHA states 140 DB is where permanent damage occurs. Granted, lower decibels for extended periods can cause the same issues (like working in a factory full of equipment all running at the same time all day long), but those are also for extended periods of time, and gunshots literally last milliseconds.