I have been thinking about getting one, did some research and have found nothing but good things. What do you guys think about it?
I’ve got one and it does a damn fine job. Does nothing for reacoil reduction of course as it is not a compensator. Few do a better job at hiding flash and the ones that do are usually a good deal more money.
Many tests have shown it to be the clear number 2 muzzle device for flash suppression after the AAC blackout. Both are really effective and it’ close to being a negligible diff. b/t the two.
So having said that…Is it worth $50 more to have the very best flash suppressor?
I love blackouts and that is what I run but its not the most prudent decision considering that Vortex’s work awesome at half the cost.
I haven’t heard of blackouts before.
I notice they both make a ringing sound. I wonder if its because of its design lol sounds like a tuning fork.
AAC Blackout isn’t twice the cost of a vortex unless you get a QD version. Midway USA carries them
Is this is? If so I found it for basically the same price as a vortex. I see there are different versions,…is this the right one?
http://www.thegunfever.com/AACO100197.html
Exactly. They are both around the same price for the non suppressor version. I like the looks of the blackout better also.
I didn’t know there was a less expensive version of the blackout…interesting…learn something new every day…lol
Vortex’s also don’t need crush washers, peel washes or rocksett. Al you do is screw it on and give a good twist. Its tines or flutes are angled so it self tightens as it fires.
Can you point to those tests?
I always liked this.
Our film showed the Vortex to be better than the AAC using M855. We’re not scientists so it was far from a perfect test. Sorry, I don’t have the video to share.
The tuning fork sound won’t bother you while you’re shooting it. If it does, you’re doing it wrong.
I can’t point to any single one as Ive seen a number of them over the last several yrs., but maybe my pal Google can.
eta…correction time…AAC makes a non QD blackout that is indeed about half the price.
I will say that from my testing and human eyes I could not tell a difference between the AAC and the Smith when it came to flash suppression. I will say that even as close as 5’ away it is hard to pick out the flash even when looking for it. From the shooter perspective it is almost non existent in comparison to just your standard A2, that does a pretty good job.
I will say however that in person, the tuning fork effect was noticeably more pronounced (louder) on the AAC than the Vortex. About twice as loud. But these judgments are with my own uncalibrated eyes and ears. 
yea i have been pretty set on vortex and think i’m going to get one,…for installation all i need is,…the flash suppressor, a barrel clamp, a butane torch to head the existing flash suppressor, a wrench, and lock tight?
I’ve smacked my Vortex a couple times going to and from the range and those are the only times I’ve noticed it. With earplugs in its negligible.
All you need is the FH itself and a 3/4" wrench for installation. Of course it obviously helps to have the barrel secured in a vise for installation; however, I don’t know why you need a torch to take off the old FH and no you don’t need loctite with the Vortex.
I was assuming the original was probably on there and the torch was to losen it up. I think my leo buddy has a co worker who has a barrel clamp, so i may be hitting him up soon.
I would never buy one for a fighting/defense gun. The tines are too long and prone to bending.
They used to be bad about blooming after a number of rounds, but you don’t read too much about that any more.
They have their place, I suppose… just not on any of my guns.
Really? I haven’t read anything about that, then again I didn’t look. I want one for a defensive/survival purpose.
The blackout or vortex?