Dead Air's Asylum Program: A Five-Year Journey

Around five years ago, I wrote one of my first TFB articles announcing Dead Air's Asylum program - a unique loyalty system in an industry where customer rewards remain uncommon. The suppressor market typically focuses on products rather than customer retention, making Dead Air's tiered approach particularly interesting. While that first article could only outline the program's framework, five years of personal experience now provides insight into what customers actually receive at each level.

Dead Air @TFB:

• Welcome to the Asylum! Dead Air Silencers Appreciation Gift
• SILENCER SATURDAY #279: Spotlight On Dead Air Silencers
• SILENCER SATURDAY #99: Dead Air Wolverine PBS-1 For Commie Guns
• SILENCER SATURDAY 301: The Dead Air Mojave 9 Suppressor
• SILENCER SATURDAY #131: Dead Air NOMAD-TI Review

Important Disclaimer:

The time it took for the rewards to show up and the contents within are only my personal experience.This journey from initial article to complete program experience spans five years of regular customer interaction with Dead Air. It's important to note that my experience represents just one path through the Asylum program, and Dead Air may adjust rewards based on various factors including supply chain availability or program evolution. The waiting periods between submission and reward delivery suggest batch processing, likely tied to inventory availability and program administration efficiency. Nothing was received, discounted, or expedited as a result of me being a staff writer for TFB.

What is The Dead Air Asylum Program?

The Asylum program recognizes Dead Air suppressor owners through three ascending tiers:

• Out-Patient: Two suppressors
• In-Patient: Three suppressors
• Habitual: Five suppressors

Dead Air processes these rewards in batches, with delivery times ranging from three to six months after documentation submission. The verification process remains straightforward - providing proof of purchase and serial numbers for each suppressor.

Dead Air Asylum - Out-Patient

My journey began with the Dead Air Mask HD, a decision driven by practical considerations. Rimfire suppressors typically serve as many enthusiasts' entry point, and the Mask HD's reputation for minimal first-round pop and straightforward maintenance made it an obvious choice. The baffle design includes proprietary standoffs that minimize surface contact with the tube, making disassembly manageable even after extensive use. This proves particularly important with rimfire suppressors, which accumulate fouling more rapidly than centerfire cans.

The Odessa 9 followed, offering interesting versatility across multiple hosts. Its 1.1-inch tube diameter allows use of standard-height sights rather than requiring suppressor-height replacements. The modular design, allowing configuration with between zero and ten baffles, provided flexibility for different applications. Testing proved particularly interesting on various hosts - from modern platforms like the Beretta 92X and Tomcat Covert to more unusual applications like my Nagant Revolver. The ability to tune length versus sound suppression adds practical utility beyond simple noise reduction.

Dead Air Asylum - In-Patient

The Wolverine, specifically designed for AK-pattern rifles, marked the progression to In-Patient status. This choice complemented my Zastava M70 perfectly, addressing the common AK suppression challenges of concentricity and mounting security. The Wolverine's design accounts for the occasionally non-concentric AK threads and uses the front sight retention pin for additional mounting security.

The final tier's reward package demonstrated a significant step up in both quantity and quality. The contents included a substantial pack of silhouette paper targets, a Dead Air branded bar rag, a cool little gold challenge coin bearing Dead Air's branding, a clear branded display mat suitable for retail-style presentation, A T-shirt, flask, and a final welcome card. The package lacked the tier-specific patch and sticker found in earlier levels so that was a little disappointing but I guess the coin was supposed to fill the space.

All of these suppressors can be  purchased through Silencer Shop, making the process of adding one to your chosen host as seamless as possible. Whether you prioritize versatility, compactness, or a balance of both, there's always a Dead Air suppressor option that can take your host to the next level!

Final Thoughts: Dead Air Asylum

Throughout this progression, the Asylum program has added a unique layer to the Dead Air ownership experience. Each tier’s rewards are well-packaged and thoughtfully curated, reflecting the premium quality of the brand. While the lower-tier rewards might feel modest, the higher-tier packages deliver a satisfying payoff for dedicated customers.