Suppressors (let's pretend that terminology in airsoft has some importance and average airsoft player gives a foot that magazine is not a "clip." Suppressors suppress sound, produced by violently exiting powder gases; silencing would mean that weapon is completely silent, which is not the case) are used to obscure position of the shooter and to silently eliminate the target. That is probably the reason behind unfavorable opinion of civilian suppressor ownership in most, if not all countries. This is only of tangential importance in Europe, as we mostly don't have access to guns (and if we do, we have to jump through numerous hoops to get one). Our American friends have more lax legislation- with no exception to the suppressors (technically not entirely true, as it is possible for civilians to own a suppressor, but it is costly and time consuming endeavor). Actually, definition of suppressor by BATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) is so broad, that covers also airsoft suppressors. Please don't commit federal crime and buy "US-legal" products, which are actually barrel extensions. Naturally armed forces don't have similar problems and have several top tier manufactures of suppressors to choose from. One of them is Gemtech, who is not complete enigma to regular readers of our reviews. As mentioned in previous reviews, Gemtech is a manufacturer of suppressors and firearms related products. Their homepage describes HALO suppressor as follows:
"...The HALO is our true ‘grunt’ suppressor – rock solid, easy to use, and requires no modification to the host weapon. It utilizes a simple, patented, no-tools mounting system that slips over most NATO weapon 5.56mm flash hiders. There is no need for proprietary mounts or modifications to the barrel. It may be swapped between many different weapons easily, including the M16, M4, HK416, and M249. HALOs have earned a reputation as a product of exceptional quality at an absolutely fair price..."
Basically, everything in above statement is also 100% true for airsoft version. I'll digress this is why I believe that involvement of real world companies in airsoft is ultimately beneficial for all involved. Licensed products are accurate, high quality copies and I personally don't have any problem with slight markup in favor of such licensed products. Madbull's decision to make products under Gemtech's license reflects that very well. Gemtech naturally won't allow their hard earned reputation of top tier manufacturer to be tarnished by crude semi products and Madbull has incentive and obligation to make high quality products with higher markup- and we have an option to buy excellent products.
Installation is indeed very simple. Unscrew the fixing ring ("halo") and put it over the flash hider (only works with STANAG "birdcage" M16A2 type- does not work with FAMAS nor Minimi Para. It marginally works with AUG flash hider, but it is too long replica suppressor does not sit properly).
Next you need to slip it over flash hider and than simply screw the replica suppressor back on. Gemtech's website estimates needed time at thirty seconds, but it can be done considerably faster. This may not be very quick method of installation, but what is lost in speed is gained in very secure connection between replica and replica suppressor. Not to mention that it is idiot proof.
Fixing ring has anti-slip checkering and won't slip when dirty or wet. Storing is simple, just use one of the commercially available suppressor pouches.
Now we have our replica suppressor installed we can sit back and marvel its glory. Body is made out of aluminum and has deep and very rich black, which is fairly scratch resistant. White stenciled markings are found on center of the body (GEMTECH, BOISE ID, MB06-00257, HALO 5,56 mm) and on base of the silencer (UK PATENT, 90077096-2; LEI GEMTECH). Product is most certainly externally top notch and among most visually pleasing airsoft products.
HALO replica is filled with "felt-like" material, which absorbs sound. And it does- up to the point. Problem in airsoft is that noise is not caused by bullet going supersonic and expanding gases, but mostly by motor and piston, slamming into gearbox housing- good luck in suppressing that. But its function does surprisingly well. First, sound is much less "directed" and secondly, it definitely is muffled. That is important, as it helps to conceal your position.
No special maintenance is necessary, but i strongly suggest that you regularly clean threads on your replica suppressor. It is specially important that there is no sand or grit, as it may damage the threads. Also, it is wise from time to time unscrew front plate and check if "channel" is not blocked.
Negatives? None. Ok, maybe the price, which is higher than comparable products without license. And if you soil the checkering it is terribly hard to clean it up. Otherwise? None. Hopefully someday Mad Bull decides to manufacture full AEGs.
