Let’s Dive into Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork
The Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork is a simple, yet potentially crucial, piece of kit for anyone running a MOLLE-compatible platform. Designed by Safariland, a name synonymous with law enforcement and military gear, this little fork promises to streamline gear attachment and rearrangement. Is it a game-changer or just another piece of plastic? Let’s find out.
I’ve always struggled with the rigidity of traditional MOLLE attachment. Weaving those straps can be time-consuming and a pain when quickly reconfiguring loadouts. The promise of a quick detach/attach solution like the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork was immediately appealing.
My first impression upon unboxing was, “That’s it?”. It’s a fairly small, molded polymer plate with the MLS 16 fork pre-attached. The material feels robust, but the simplicity is almost underwhelming.
Compared to similar MOLLE attachment solutions like MALICE clips or even just standard MOLLE weaving, the Safariland system seemed much faster. I also considered the Blackhawk Speed Clips, but they didn’t offer the same level of versatility as the Safariland MLS system. Ultimately, I chose the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork because of its compatibility with my existing Safariland gear and the promise of rapid reconfiguration.
I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped it would live up to the hype of quick attachment and secure retention, but I also worried about potential bulk and long-term durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork on a range day where I was running drills involving magazine changes and transitions between my pistol and rifle. I attached it to my plate carrier to hold a spare pistol magazine pouch. I also took it with me during a weekend backcountry hike, mounting a small first-aid kit to my pack.
The performance was surprisingly good in both scenarios. Attaching and detaching the pouch was incredibly fast and secure. There was no noticeable wobble or movement, even during more rigorous movements.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork continues to perform admirably. I have used it in various weather conditions, including rain and moderate heat, without any issues.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear. The polymer material has proven to be resistant to scratches and abrasions. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed.
Comparing it to my previous MOLLE attachment methods, the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork is a clear winner in terms of speed and convenience. While traditional MOLLE weaving offers a slightly more flush profile, the time savings and ease of reconfiguration with the Safariland system are well worth the trade-off.
Breaking Down the Features of Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Safariland
- Color: Black
- Quantity: 1
- Finish: STX Tactical
- Age Group: Adults
- Construction: Molded MOLLE plate with slots and MLS 16 Accessory Fork.
These specifications translate to a lightweight, durable, and easily adaptable platform for attaching accessories to MOLLE-compatible gear. The STX Tactical finish provides a non-reflective surface, important in tactical situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork excels at its primary function: providing a secure and rapid attachment point for accessories. It’s far quicker than traditional MOLLE weaving and allows for easy reconfiguration of gear.
The main strength is definitely the speed and ease of use. The primary weakness is that it does add a small amount of bulk compared to weaving your pouch directly to a MOLLE platform.
The product met my expectations, providing a significant improvement in the efficiency of gear arrangement. It is simple, effective, and reliable.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid. The materials used are high-quality polymer, and the molding is precise. The weight is negligible.
The design is user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. Anyone familiar with MOLLE systems will immediately understand how to use the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork should last for years of regular use. The polymer is highly resistant to damage.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe down is all that’s required to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork comes with the MLS 16 Accessory Fork already affixed. It is designed to be compatible with any MOLLE-compatible pouch or accessory.
The key customization aspect is its compatibility with the Safariland MLS (MOLLE Locking System). This allows you to quickly swap accessories between different platforms, such as vests, belts, and thigh rigs, provided they have an MLS 17 or MLS 18 receiver plate installed. This modularity is where the system truly shines.
Pros and Cons of Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory ForkPros
- Extremely fast and easy attachment/detachment of MOLLE accessories. This is the biggest selling point.
- Secure and stable mounting platform. Accessories remain firmly in place, even during strenuous activity.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction. Built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Lightweight and low-profile. Doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
- Facilitates rapid reconfiguration of gear. Quickly adapt to changing mission requirements.
Cons
- Adds a small amount of bulk compared to direct MOLLE attachment.
- Requires separate purchase of MLS receiver plates for different platforms.
Who Should Buy Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork?
Pros
- Extremely fast and easy attachment/detachment of MOLLE accessories. This is the biggest selling point.
- Secure and stable mounting platform. Accessories remain firmly in place, even during strenuous activity.
- Durable and weather-resistant construction. Built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Lightweight and low-profile. Doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
- Facilitates rapid reconfiguration of gear. Quickly adapt to changing mission requirements.
Cons
- Adds a small amount of bulk compared to direct MOLLE attachment.
- Requires separate purchase of MLS receiver plates for different platforms.
Perfect for: Law enforcement officers, military personnel, tactical trainers, and anyone who frequently needs to reconfigure their MOLLE gear. Those who value speed and efficiency in gear management will greatly benefit from the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork.
Who should skip this product? Individuals who rarely adjust their gear or prioritize the absolute lowest profile attachment method might not find the benefits worth the investment. Those with very limited MOLLE real estate might also find other options more suitable.
Must-have accessories or modifications? An MLS 17 or MLS 18 Receiver Plate is essential for attaching the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork to belts, thigh rigs, or other platforms that don’t have integrated MOLLE.
Conclusion on Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork
The Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork is a simple but effective tool for streamlining MOLLE gear attachment. Its speed, security, and durability make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs to quickly reconfigure their loadout.
At $49.99, the price is reasonable for the convenience and time savings it offers. However, consider the additional cost of MLS receiver plates for multiple platforms.
I would personally recommend the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork to anyone looking to optimize their MOLLE gear setup. It’s a small piece of kit that can make a big difference in efficiency and adaptability. If you’re tired of wrestling with MOLLE straps, give the Safariland 6004-24 MLS Accessory Fork a try. You won’t be disappointed.