I've said it many times, but 2026 is the year of the suppressor – and Ambient Arms was making every attempt to stand out from the crowd at SHOT Show 2026.

A Hot Potato Problem

It’s always a good sign when you walk into a booth and find Ian McCollum from Forgotten Weapons. I can’t be the only one easily influenced by Garand Thumb videos. Ever since seeing a video of him shooting the Ambient Arms EXO 5.56 and immediately grabbing the hot can with his bare hands, I have been intrigued. 
 

While the company is less than a month old, Ambient Arms’ claim to fame is that its new “intake” cans dissipate heat quicker and more efficiently than other suppressors on the market. This is especially important for working professionals, whether moving from rifle to pistol transitions or setting the can on your leg. Maybe you’re a medical professional and you need to drop your rifle to render aid, but there is now an extremely hot suppressor on the loose. 
 

Some companies make suppressor covers, but Ambient is working to drop the heat at the source.
 

Ambient’s Solution

The sleeve of the Ambient EXO suppressor has several ports around it. While ports are usually a way to vent gas, the EXO has three low-pressure zones inside the baffle design that pull air in from the surrounding area. Once the ambient air is brought into the suppressor, it mixes with the hot gasses and is vented forward toward exhaust ports at the muzzle of the can. 
 

The HUB-compatible EXO grows progressively cooler from the HUB to the muzzle. At the HUB, after 30 rounds of 5.56, the suppressor will heat up to around 180 degrees F, while the muzzle end will be closer to 85 degrees. This contrasts with most suppressors, which can elevate to around 400 degrees over the same number of rounds.

Ambient’s design helps eliminate the need to add covers, weight, or pieces to the suppressor, all while increasing its safety. Remember, suppressors are safety devices, and it’s time to start shooting civilized!