Dead Air RXD 22 TI Review
TL;DR:
The Dead Air RXD 22 TI is a quiet and low backpressure rimfire suppressor with a unique QD system.
Transparency note:
I do not have any business or financial relationship with Dead Air.
Included mounting hardware:
The RXD 22 TI uses a proprietary QD mounting system. It can be thought of as a smaller Plan-B system with a taper to seal off ahead of the relatively fine right hand threads. One muzzle device is included with the suppressor, and more can be purchased separately.
The mounting interface is built into the suppressor, so you don’t need a separate adapter.
Barrel -> muzzle device -> suppressor
Test method:
We went out to the range and shot a bunch of rounds through the RXD 22 TI and CGS Hydra back to back multiple times. We stood in the same spots and took notes after each one for gassiness and sound. Considering I don’t have Jay’s fancy sound metering equipment, I think this is a decent way to compare them.
All of this was done outdoors with a light breeze and away from reflecting surfaces. You may have different results in other environments.
Host:
The host was my Taurus TX22 Competition. No modifications have been made to the pistol other than the Holosun optic.
Cost, weight, and size:
Both suppressors were weighed after shooting. The RXD weight includes the muzzle device.
RXD 22 TI vs CGS Hydra AL:
For all of the various suppressors I’ve collected, the Hydra AL is my only other rimfire can. But don’t worry, it’s well loved! Since there’s only two suppressors here, I’m going to compare them directly.
As far as sound, the RXD 22 TI was definitely quieter. It wasn’t a huge difference, and the bullets were starting to push supersonic, but it was noticeable. I imagine with proper subs the difference would widen. Although I always wear hearing protection, I would consider both to be “hearing safe” for shorter range trips.
I’ve seen mixed opinions of the value of reduced backpressure on rimfire suppressors. Based on shooting both of these, I would say it is valuable on automatic hosts. The Hydra had a noticeable amount of blowback and left bits of carbon on my face and shooting glasses. Conversely, the RXD 22 TI had very minimal blowback and was much more pleasant overall.
The QD system is interesting. According to the Dead Air engineers, it captures some lead out of the bore which reduces deposits in the suppressor. Although it's neat, I’m not entirely sure how useful this system is since I’ve never really had issues with regular direct threaded rimfire cans coming loose. I’ll need to use it more to see if the functionality ends up growing on me. If not I’ll just Rocksett the muzzle device into the can.
Even though the RXD is $200 more than the Hydra (at MSRP), I think it’s worth it for the reduced backpressure alone. This isn’t an issue on a bolt gun, but on a semi auto host like the TX22 it makes for a significantly better shooting experience to not have debris spit back in your face.
Cleaning:
The RXD 22 TI has a removable outer sleeve which gives you some access to the internals, but the central core does not come apart. Cleaning is probably simplest with a sonic cleaner and/or cleaning solution. But since it’s titanium you can clean it basically however you want.
Just a quick safety note, Breakthrough suppressor cleaner is far more hazardous than their advertising makes it out to be. Once it’s been used and has picked up lead and other contaminants, it needs to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Also, regular nitrile gloves don’t provide good protection, look for butyl rubber of Silver Shield 4H. To be honest it doesn't seem any safer than The Dip…
Future reviews:
I picked up a Bear Creek bolt action 300BLK upper. At some point I’ll make a post about that and a comparison of it with low, medium, and high backpressure suppressors.
Have a great weekend!
- Nathan Comstock
