Comparing the Best Materials for Suppressor Covers

The materials used in a suppressor cover impact its effectiveness and affects everything from heat resistance and durability to weight and environmental adaptability. Let’s compare the best materials for suppressor covers to understand how each performs under different conditions. 

The Basics of Suppressor Covers

A suppressor cover is a protective sleeve designed to fit over a suppressor. These covers help manage external heat dissipation, reduce mirage, and protect the suppressor and the shooter.

The choice of material for suppressor covers is important since it impacts durability, heat resistance, and overall performance. The material also affects the cover’s weight and how it performs under various conditions – which can be critical for shooters in extreme climates or demanding settings.

Suppressor Cover Materials

To maximize performance and durability, it’s important to understand the specific materials used for suppressor covers. The most common materials include Kevlar, Nomex, Cordura, and fiberglass.

Kevlar

Kevlar is often praised for its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and being lightweight but strong.

• Pros: High heat resistance, lightweight, and durable.
• Cons: Generally more expensive than other materials and limited color selection.

Best for: Users who need maximum heat resistance and durability in their suppressor covers.

Nomex

Nomex is known for its flame-resistant properties. It’s perfect for high-intensity shooting scenarios where suppressors can reach extreme temperatures. 

• Pros: Excellent heat resistance and flexibility.
• Cons: Less durable than Kevlar and can be more expensive.

Best for: Users who need heat protection but prefer a lighter, more flexible cover.

Cordura

Cordura is a reliable choice for outdoor applications because of its durability, abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

• Pros: Durable, abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and a large selection of colors and patterns to choose from.
• Cons: Heavier and doesn’t offer the highest heat resistance.

Best for: Users working in harsh environments and outdoor applications.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass’s ability to manage extreme heat justifies the higher cost for serious shooters.

• Pros: Superior heat resistance, durable, and lightweight.
• Cons: More expensive and not as flexible as some fabric-based options.

Best for: Users who require top-tier heat resistance and are willing to invest in premium materials for high performance.

What to Consider When Choosing Suppressor Cover Material

Selecting the right suppressor cover material requires evaluating your specific needs and shooting conditions. 

Your Shooting Requirements

When choosing a suppressor cover, the type of shooting you plan to do, the caliber, and the barrel length are the most important factors to consider. 

A cover that excels in heat resistance is essential for high-caliber firearms and longer barrels, while shooters using shorter barrels or engaging in rapid-fire scenarios may prioritize mirage mitigation. 

For example, our thinnest and lightest cover offers the highest temperature ratings, while our heavier one is better suited for managing mirage during long shooting sessions.

By determining the intensity and frequency of your shooting, you can select the cover that best fits your needs – whether it’s for heat protection, mirage reduction, or balancing weight and maneuverability.

Heat Resistance

Different materials provide varying levels of heat resistance. For instance, Kevlar and fiberglass are known for exceptional heat resistance and are ideal for high-intensity use.

Durability

Durability is another factor since it determines how well a cover withstands the rigors of repeated use. Materials like Cordura are favored for their abrasion resistance and longevity.

Weight

The weight of the suppressor cover can affect the balance of your firearm. Lighter materials (like Nomex) can help maintain your firearm’s balance in scenarios requiring maneuverability.

Environment

Consider how the material will perform in various environmental conditions. Cordura’s water-resistant properties make it suitable for rain and mud, whereas Nomex’s flame-resistant qualities make it better suited for high-heat environments.

Cost

Budget is always a consideration, with materials like Kevlar and fiberglass typically being more expensive due to their advanced properties. Weigh the cost against the benefits to determine the best value for your needs.

Material Choice for Different Scenarios

• Close-quarter tactical operations: Lightweight materials like Kevlar and Nomex are ideal for tactical operations where speed and agility are important.
• Long-range shooting: The best option is fiberglass tube covers for long-range tactical scenarios where suppressor mirage can interfere with accuracy.
• Competitive shooting: The choice of cover depends on the type of competition. For fast-paced competitions, a lightweight suppressor cover made from materials like Kevlar or Nomex will keep weight to a minimum. However, a fiberglass tube cover would be the best option for long-range shooting where mirage is an issue.

Recommended Covers by Material

Kevlar & Nomex Suppressor Covers

Our Corset Suppressor Cover combines Kevlar and Nomex to provide exceptional protection in high-heat environments. This cover excels in scenarios like rapid-fire shooting or tactical training, where managing extreme heat is critical. 

It is also our go-to recommendation for short barrel rifles (SBRs) since its heat-resistant properties are particularly suited to the intense conditions created by SBR setups.

Cordura Suppressor Covers

Our Python Suppressor Cover and Baby Python Suppressor Cover feature an outer shell made from 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon. These covers are perfect for hunting and outdoor applications where equipment is exposed to rough terrain or inclement weather.

The plastic buckles for the Python and Baby Python Suppressor Covers are specifically chosen to minimize heat transfer so they’re easy to handle even after extended use.

For shooters requiring more durability, our Metal Python Suppressor Cover and HTP Suppressor Cover offer the same tough Cordura construction but with metal buckles for added strength. Metal buckles offer greater durability but transfer more heat than plastic ones, so this cover best suits shooters who can manage the heat transfer from the metal buckles.

Fiberglass Suppressor Covers

Our High-Temperature Python (HTP) Suppressor Cover features an inner lining made of a woven fiberglass tube dipped in high-temperature silicone to withstand extreme heat of up to 3000°F.  

This cover is designed for long strings of rapid-fire or extended tactical exercises, where heat management is critical to maintaining performance and protecting your equipment.

Customization at Cole-TAC

Each shooter’s needs are unique, so we offer a range of customization options so your suppressor cover matches your requirements. 

Whether you need a specific size, color, or additional features, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures you’ll receive a product that meets your specifications.

Making Your Decision

Just remember, with a well-chosen suppressor cover, you can focus on what matters most – your shooting.