I have recently had the chance to spend quite a bit of quality time with the Geissele Automatics Super Tricon trigger. Much of my desire to try the Super Tricon has come from my very positive experiences with the flat trigger bows of Geissele’s Super Dynamic triggers. The Super Tricon is unique among Geissele’s offerings for a few reasons but the most obvious one is its interesting part curved, part flat trigger bow.
The Same but Different
Those of you who are already familiar with the SSA Trigger (and its derivatives like the SD-C) will find the feel of the Super Tricon very familiar. It has the same roughly 4.5# total pull weight that is split between the 2 stages (2.5# first stage, 2# second stage). Mine comes in right at 4.4 pounds on average. It has the same “carrot” break with light take-up in first stage and very slight creep in the second stage (hence Geissele’s “carrot” terminology). It has the same full power spring weight as the proven SSA. Basically, the Super Tricon is just like an SSA in all the right places.
If differs in two ways in addition to the the unique bow shape thanks in large part to the maritime operations background of the trigger’s namesake and designer, Jeff Gonzales of Trident Concepts (TRICON). First, while the springs are full power like those on the SSA, the Super Tricon has stainless springs which are an obvious plus when you are working around water (especially salt water).
Second, the Super Tricon has a very unique trigger bow. The trigger bow is curved at the top and tapers to straight as you move down the bow. It is thin and rounded much like a standard GI trigger. The trigger face is serrated. The serrations from the top of the trigger face to the bottom and are not overly sharp. The serrations provide more tactile feedback and grip when using gloves (especially wet/muddy/cold gloves).
Observations from Use
I knew going into this review that, internally, the trigger was going to be spot on. I was mainly interested in trying the Super Tricon’s trigger bow especially after my experiences with Geissele’s flat Super Dynamic (SD) trigger bows. The stainless steel springs make basically no difference whatsoever in the feel or performance. Everything else (pull weight, reset, geometry, materials, full power springs, etc.) is straight out of the SSA and that commands my trust immediately. All that was left was the trigger bow which could be great or make the Super Tricon fall flat.
Thankfully, I liked the trigger bow immediately. It feels kind of like a cross between a regular curved trigger bow and the flat SD trigger bow and it seems to have some (not all) of the best elements of both.
I like that the thinner, more rounded trigger face is comfortable if the shooter puts a bit more finger on the trigger. In this sense it is a lot like a standard curved trigger. The flat SD trigger bow feels more square and broad. It just feels wrong if you use anything other than the pad of your finger. I know some of you precision shooters will have a heart attack about this but sometimes it can help to push a bit more finger into the trigger guard to get a faster, straight back trigger pull.
The flat bow on the SD triggers extends the trigger reach a bit. The Super Tricon curves back toward the grip a bit and provides a trigger reach that is very similar to a standard curved trigger bow. I like the longer reach of the SD series but the Super Tricon is still very useable.
The Super Tricon has the same lightening effect that you find on the SD triggers. The flat trigger bow lets you move your finger down toward the end of the trigger bow to increase leverage which lightens the trigger pull. It’s science but I think there is probably some magic in there, too.
I think what surprised me the most was how much I liked the serrations. I don’t like serrations on long, heavy triggers like Glocks or revolvers but they work on the short, light Super Tricon. They really seem to provide more feedback to your trigger finger especially when I am wearing gloves which I generally do. It is like I can feel the trigger more effectively. The serrations are rounded enough that I haven’t had any issues with hot spots or blisters.
SD-C or Super Tricon
I have been comparing the SD-C and Super Tricon throughout this review due to their similar flat-ish trigger bows and I can already hear you asking, “Do I buy the SD-C or Super Tricon?” As usual, I think the answer is… it depends.
Assuming you want a flat trigger bow… If you need stainless steel springs, get the Super Tricon. If you prefer to place more than the pad of your finger on the trigger face, get the Super Tricon. If you prefer a shorter trigger reach, get the Super Tricon. If you prefer a slightly longer trigger reach and/or you only use the pad of your finger on the trigger face, you will probably prefer the SD series.
Wrap Up
The Super Tricon gives much of the benefits of a fully flat trigger bow like those found on the Super Dynamic series but without being such a radical departure from the typical curved trigger. While the trigger bow is very unique, it still has the SSA pedigree that you know and love. It’s a great trigger.
Check out the Geissele Super Tricon Trigger at Geissele and Brownells.
