Super Safety vs. FRT Triggers: A Comparison of Performance, Reliability, and Cost
Super Safety vs. FRT Triggers – What We’ve Learned After Years of Running Both
When it comes to forced-resetting triggers, two of the most well-known designs are the Hoffman Tactical Super Safety and the FRT trigger. While both systems offer unique advantages, our experience has shown that the Super Safety stands out as the more modular, reliable, and cost-effective option.
That’s not to say FRT triggers don’t have their place—they pioneered the concept and still have their following—but when it comes to real-world consistency and ease of use, the Super Safety leads the pack.
The History of FRT Triggers and the Super Safety
FRT (Forced Reset Trigger) systems made waves with their ability to reset rapidly using the bolt carrier group’s movement. Rare Breed Triggers led the market, and soon after, other companies started building on the concept.
But with that innovation came complexity—FRTs introduced multiple moving parts, springs, and timing issues that made them hit or miss depending on the upper.
Then came Hoffman Tactical with the Super Safety.
The Super Safety simplified the entire concept. With the lever attached to the safety cam, the cycling bolt carrier group forces the lever backward, momentarily placing the firearm on “safe” before returning it to “fire.” This quick action resets the trigger, allowing it to be pulled again—using your rifle’s natural mechanical motion.
Modularity: The Biggest Advantage of the Super Safety
Unlike FRTs, which come as complete drop-in units, the Super Safety lets you choose your own trigger—and that’s a big deal.
You’re not stuck with a proprietary trigger group (which usually has a clunky pull, too). If you want to run a simple mil-spec trigger, go for it. Want the finesse and precision of a Geissele SSA-E? Even better—we have them pre-cut, polished, and in stock if you’re looking to upgrade your current super safety setup.
Or if you’re new to the super safety system, check out our Premium Super Safety Kit, which includes a pre-cut SSA-E, cam, lever, and detent—ready to drop in with zero modification needed.
We also offer a complete Mil-spec Super Safety Kit, featuring a full mil-spec fire control group that’s been cut, polished, and paired with our super safety components. It’s a true plug-and-play solution for those who want a budget-friendly, reliable way to run the Super Safety system.
Mechanical Differences: Why We Prefer the Super Safety
FRT triggers have a lot of internal components that all need to be working perfectly. They’re picky on buffer weight, spring tension, and gas pressures.
The Super Safety is easier to work with.
Its simplified design just works. Less complexity means less to go wrong—especially when shooting hard or in variable setups. For best results, we’ve found that the Super Safety performs best when paired with heavier buffers.
Cost Comparison: Super Safety vs. FRT Triggers
Let’s be honest—FRT triggers are expensive. Spending over $500 on a trigger group is hard to justify for anyone, especially if you already have a quality trigger in your setup.
With the Super Safety, you can run that Geissele or LaRue with just a minor modification. That means more modularity, fewer limitations, and better performance—all for a fraction of the cost.
Whether you’re running our entry-level mil-spec kit or going full-tilt with the Premium SSA-E kit, the Super Safety delivers the performance you want without blowing your budget.
Final Thoughts: Which Is Best for You?
If you want a lightning-fast, resetting trigger system that’s simple, durable, and modular, the Super Safety is a no-brainer. It’s easy to install, reliable under stress, and doesn’t tie you down to a proprietary fire control group.
Whether you’re starting with a standard mil-spec trigger or stepping up to something elite like the Geissele SSA-E, we’ve got a complete kit for you.
FRTs were first to market—but the Super Safety refined the concept and made it smarter.
👉 [Shop the Complete Milspec Super Safety Kit]
👉 [Shop the Premium SSA-E Super Safety Kit]
