Flash hiders. What's the deal? Are some really that much better than others???

[tank_monkey]

I was going to get some new flash hiders for my ARs, when I started looking around. A SOCOM three prong for $129 bucks?? A Knights Armament for 159??? For a flash hider???? Are these really that awesome? or are they just overpriced Mall Ninja crap?

I have classic birdcage flash hiders and I wanted to spruce up some of my M4s.

Anyone have an opinion on flash hiders? And what they recommend as a worthwhile investment?

Thanks.

[Schuetzenman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtVB4IubWyc part 1 Yankee Hill Machine's Phantom flash suppressor for about $39 bucks came off as best in flash reduction. http://yhm.net/phantom-5-56mm-flash-hider.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Z9R3-Jq2I part 2 Surfire brand of flash suppressor was shown as the best in flash signature in this 2nd part.

Just keep watching and part 3 and 4 will start auto playing.

[skorpion]

This was a while ago, but I once read a piece highlighting the results of a test/review involving multiple flash suppressors. I remember that the basic A2 birdcage and the Phantom came out on top as the best-performing all-around flash suppressors. The test excluded muzzle brakes and compensators. With that said, I've always thought highly of Phantom flash suppressors between price and performance.

[FunkyPertwee]

Here is the phantom for $16.99: http://www.cncwarrior.com/Phantom-FH...28-p/21638.htm

I use this flash hider on my ARs and AKs.

[cevulirn]

I've wanted to grab one of these for one of my AR's, but I'll admit, looks was a factor.

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.as...28&groupid=579

[FunkyPertwee]

I also like the six-slot Phantom, but to be honest it doesn't come close to taming the fireball from this sucker:

[Partisan1983]

One of the gun channels on Youtube just did a test with a bunch of 'em a couple of months ago...but I cannot remember who.

It was done really well with video comparisons from the shooter's perspective (the back), from the side and from the targets perspective (the front).

[tank_monkey]

I also like the six-slot Phantom, but to be honest it doesn't come close to taming the fireball from this sucker:

What about the classic AK74 style muzzle brake? I think those work really well at least on AK firearms.

[Partisan1983]

I can't seem to find the vid on Youtube at all. It must have been posted on another site.

[FunkyPertwee]

What about the classic AK74 style muzzle brake? I think those work really well at least on AK firearms.

They work decent enough as a muzzle break. There are better out there now though.

But on my guns I'm trying to reduce the blast, not increase it.

[JTHunter]

Another thing to consider is that, by having a flash hider on the front, the barrel is protected should the gun be dropped. The dirt/mud will only jam the flash hider and not the barrel. It also protects the crown of the gun and, if you are lucky enough to be in a state that allows supressors, it protects the threads for them.