Streamline sound data

[Michigander]

There have been some questions about sound levels for the Streamline, so I thought I would try to generate some comparative data, with the emphasis on comparative. I included data for what I consider to be my most quiet rifle, a FWB 300S, and my loudest, a Daystate Harrier minus its moderator. I took the measurements in my basement shooting range using the SPlnFFT app for the iPad. The iPad was about 2 feet off my right ear, with the microphone port pointing up. I was surprised how consistent the readings were, and how well they corresponded to my impressions of each gun's loudness. The only situation that generated noise approaching pain level was that of the unmoderated Harrier. That sucker is loud without the moderator. Along with dB readings, I also provide the corresponding sound pressure levels to make comparisons easier. Thus, the unmoderated Harrier generated sound pressure levels about 5 times that of the 300S. It might be surprising that the R9 had the highest peak sound level. Subjectively, it had a bit of a crack to its sound signature, even though it didn't sound as loud overall as the unmoderated Harrier.

​Conclusions? The Streamline on low power is not quite as quiet as the 300S, but still perfectly useable indoors without hearing protection, and would probably be neighborhood friendly outdoors. On high power, it generates less noise than the Harrier with 20 year old moderator technology, even though it is producing half again as much muzzle energy. If you have neighbors within say 100 yards, they might hear the Streamline on high power. Beyond that, I doubt they would be bothered.

Chuck

 

[Dave]

Yeah, the streamline barks a bit on high power. I guess that is why they did the 1/2- 20 unf as standard, knowing your going to moderate it.

With a moderator and medium power it's plenty steathly for a little back yard pesting, and high power is no problem indoors. 

 

[rwsmike]

I ordered a new streamline today ...I wanted a rifle that could get a lot of shots and not be that heavy. No other gun gets that many shots with. a 190cc air tube and it will not be that long with a moderator. I thought maybe daystate air ranger but it will be long with moderator,heavy,non regulated ....the streamline seems to be a clear winner in the rifle department. 

 

[FunGun]

I would have to second Dave's response. I Actually did some dB measurements on my Streamline on high power with the DonnyFL Sumo installed and it came in at an average of 79dB at 3 feet from the end of the moderator at 30 degrees to the side. I realize these dB readings do not directly compare to your numbers but, I will say the human ear can really tell the difference when the moderator is on and off, especially on high power. As the shooter, all I hear is PHFFT, then Whack, when the pellet hits my box of rubber mulch. Squirrels at 30 yards just keep on playing and don't even care.

Great data and thanks for sharing!

 

[FunGun]

"rwsmike"I ordered a new streamline today ...I wanted a rifle that could get a lot of shots and not be that heavy. No other gun gets that many shots with. a 190cc air tube and it will not be that long with a moderator. I thought maybe daystate air ranger but it will be long with moderator,heavy,non regulated ....the streamline seems to be a clear winner in the rifle department.

Congrats, I would suggest you use this time before the gun arrives to work on your face muscle exercises! Get those muscles toned up and well stretched! Once the gun gets here and you start shooting you are going to be doing alot of grinning and smiling!

 

[rwsmike]

Thanks pal ....with the winter sneaking up i didn't want to keep coming in the house for more air plus I wanted a nice shot string from something regulated . I have been down the road with many bps but never got a warm and fuzzy on them .

 

[AirgunBill]

Thanks for the testing and comparative sound reading. If you saw in my video about my new FX Streamline in .22 I thought it was pretty loud as it came from the factory. I'm sitting here as I type with a Sumo due here today. I had planned to due a comparative sound reading of my Streamline as it comes from the factory, with my Neil Clague moderator and the Sumo. I was wanting to help out any air gunners here too with some useful information. Bill

 

[FunGun]

"AirgunBill"Thanks for the testing and comparative sound reading. If you saw in my video about my new FX Streamline in .22 I thought it was pretty loud as it came from the factory. I'm sitting here as I type with a Sumo due here today. I had planned to due a comparative sound reading of my Streamline as it comes from the factory, with my Neil Clague moderator and the Sumo. I was wanting to help out any air gunners here too with some useful information. Bill

I would be very interested in your thoughts and comparison on the Sumo when it arrives.

 

[Michigander]

AirgunBill:

​Yes, some comparative data with and without moderator would be very helpful. I started my testing outdoors, but switched to indoors because it was a more controlled environment and seemed to make any differences more obvious.

So far the Streamline is working well for me. I really wanted to stick with Daystate, but the advantages of a regulator and power adjustment were too great to ignore. I think Daystate is going to have to offer a regulated model in order to stay competitive at the low end. Good luck with your Streamline!

Chuck

 

[AirgunBill]

"Michigander"AirgunBill:

​Yes, some comparative data with and without moderator would be very helpful. I started my testing outdoors, but switched to indoors because it was a more controlled environment and seemed to make any differences more obvious.

So far the Streamline is working well for me. I really wanted to stick with Daystate, but the advantages of a regulator and power adjustment were too great to ignore. I think Daystate is going to have to offer a regulated model in order to stay competitive at the low end. Good luck with your Streamline!

Chuck

Just posted my video and results on the Other Parts, Accessories... section if you want to check it out.