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TFB Review: Silencer Central Banish Speed K TI

 

When I first saw this silencer over a year ago at Silencer Central’s headquarters, I was impressed by how such a small package could pack such interesting technology. The BANISH Speed K TI represents something pretty unique in the suppressor world – a 3D-printed titanium can that weighs next to nothing while still promising hearing-safe performance. After getting some quality time with it both at the factory and now on my own rifles, I’ve got some thoughts to share about this lightweight wonder.

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Specifications: Silencer Central BANISH Speed K TI

The BANISH Speed K TI is what happens when you take an already successful design and put it on a serious diet. Originally developed in partnership with Federal Premium Ammunition for law enforcement, this titanium version maintains the same suppression capabilities while dropping significant weight.

The Speed K TI features clipped-wall baffles and a finned blast chamber, all produced using advanced 3D printing technology. What’s particularly interesting is how they’ve managed to keep the gas blowback increase to just 5.8% over unsuppressed shooting – a feat that becomes more impressive when you consider the compact 4-inch length.

Length: 4″Diameter: 2″Weight: 8.6 ozMaterial: 100% TitaniumMount: Industry Standard Hub MountCaliber: .223/5.56Caliber Range: .17 – 5.56Sound Reduction: 20.9 dBThread Pitch: 1/2x28Full-Auto Rated: NoFinish: CerakoteColor: Black

The Speed K TI comes with an MSRP of $1,399 and that might make some folks wince – it’s definitely playing in the premium suppressor space. However, if you’re looking to save some coin, the standard Inconel version offers identical performance at a lower price point ($1,199), just with a weight penalty. For those counting ounces for their builds, the titanium version’s price premium might be worth it considering you’re getting one of the lightest 5.56 suppressors on the market.

“When Silencer Central partnered with Federal Premium Ammunition to develop a suppressor for the law enforcement market, the result was the award-winning BANISH Speed K. We took that design and made it lighter for hunting, home and livestock defense, and the competition shooter. The result is the new BANISH Speed K Ti that gives you a 20.6 decibel reduction. The Speed K Ti is made from durable and lightweight titanium and is perfect for AR-platform rifles. It has a 2-inch diameter and is just 4-inches long, and it only weighs 8.6 ounces.The BANISH Speed K Ti is a .223/5.56-caliber suppressor with clipped-wall baffles and a finned blast chamber. Using controlled flow technology and a vented 4th baffle, the Speed K Ti minimizes gas blowback that allows for only a 5.8% increase in blowback from unsuppressed shooting, enabling rifles to function smoothly without additional modification. It also lessens recoil, eliminates muzzle flash, and cuts muzzle rise helping make follow-up shots easier and faster.”

First Impressions: Silencer Central BANISH Speed K TI

Back in August 2023, I got my first hands-on experience with the Speed K series during a tour of Silencer Central’s headquarters. The titanium version immediately caught my attention – it’s about the size of a soda can but weighs practically nothing compared to traditional suppressors. Even under the covered range where we did initial testing, it was clear this was a hearing-safe option, though the enclosed space made it difficult to get a true read on the sound signature. The 3D printing technology used in manufacturing these cans is legitimately impressive, though I was a bit disappointed to learn it’s not user-serviceable.

Fast forward to unboxing my review unit, and it arrived in Silencer Central’s standard packaging – pretty basic stuff with just the suppressor, a sticker, and a QR code linking to the manual. For the price point, I would have liked to see a 1/2×28 direct thread mount included. While Silencer Central provided a mount for this review, it’s worth noting that no mounts come standard. I decided to pair it with a KeyMo system using the hub mount for testing.

Range Time: Silencer Central Banish Speed K TI

The lightweight design is fantastic for handling, but it does come with some quirks. The lack of wrench flats on the suppressor body itself makes it challenging to get proper torque when mounting adapters. This became apparent when trying to remove the can – instead of the adapter functioning as intended, the suppressor would unscrew from the adapter itself. Not ideal.

Performance-wise, it’s definitely hearing-safe, though don’t expect whisper-quiet operation. I tested it on an 11.5″ Rosco upper with an adjustable gas block, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled gas management. Unlike other suppressors I’ve run on this setup, the Speed K TI didn’t turn my range session into a fog bank. The point of impact shift was minimal – another pleasant surprise for such a lightweight can.

However, there was one concerning aspect during initial testing – significant sparking from the suppressor that looked alarmingly like baffle strikes.

After reaching out to Silencer Central, they provided this explanation:

“This is due to them being 3D printed. There is some remaining residue from the printing process inside the suppressor when new. The first 50 rounds or so there will be some sparking until that is fully cleared out. It won’t be as bad on the Inconel due to the material type. The titanium will be ‘sparky’ when new due to how titanium reacts to heat (similar to titanium suppressors vs. stainless steel but at a greater level due to any remaining titanium powder residue being shot out). From what I have found after 50-100 rounds the sparks are significantly reduced on the Inconel to little to none, and reduced but still visible on the titanium.”

The manual mentions a 50-100-round maintenance period, which might seem frequent for a sealed suppressor. However, considering the compact size and its intended use on short-barreled rifles where carbon and unburnt powder buildup are more significant issues, the interval makes sense from an engineering standpoint but is still a letdown considering the lack of user serviceability. The user manual does offer some tips for the cleaning department.

Conclusion: Silencer Central BANISH Speed K TI

The  BANISH Speed K TI has definitely earned a spot in my rotation, despite some initial concerns about the fireworks show. The combination of minimal weight, impressive gas management, and solid sound suppression makes it a compelling option for those building a lightweight setup. While the price point and initial break-in period might give some pause, the performance benefits make it worth considering if you’re in the market for a compact 5.56 suppressor. Just be prepared for some interesting conversations at the range during those first few magazines.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Silencer Central for allowing TheFirearmBlog and myself the opportunity to try out their Silencer Central BANISH Speed K TI silencer. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think?