As usual, this thread type has produced many angles of approach. A moderator is not just a moderator. There are multiple factors that make up a buying decision - some of which have been alluded to here.
The Elite (Compact) was designed with the highest quality build principles in the forefront, creating longevity of service, together with sound attenuation. The Elite body is almost twice the thickness of an equivalent Ase SL7 for example. So no, it is not the lightest, nor is it the cheapest - but it fills the market requirement left by the oft maligned Ase CQB retirement for example and makes a marked improvement in general in this space. It will take a range pasting from the non-magnum calibres, which the lighter ones will simply not do. I would describe it as class leading for what it was designed for - as is it's bigger sibling. I and a number of friends and acquaintances are converts to the Elite and its all-round quality and performance, in all its forms.
It is not an Evo, nor a replacement for the Evo (I believe the replacement is in design phase).
It should be remembered that all moderators are consumables - gas cutting is inevitable and especially in today's desire for short-barrelled 'truck guns' and use of powder that doesn't burn effectively in the barrel length. Evo was designed to be a maintainable moderator - what has become clear is that the majority of complaints relate to incorrect maintenance as opposed to any defect in the product itself. Most commonly O-rings are put back in the wrong place and compromise the moderator's ability to seal properly. It's still a massive step on from the rotting T8's - and made only of aluminium that's quite a feat.
