First Impressions of Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension
The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is an intriguing piece of kit, promising modularity and enhanced weapon manipulation. Manufactured by Strike Industries, this M-LOK compatible angled grip extension offers an adjustable length grip option, and a unique cable management system. I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to improve my rifle’s ergonomics, and the claims of the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension to provide a more adaptable grip experience piqued my interest.
I was seeking a solution to my issue of finding a comfortable and consistent grip on my AR platform rifle. Often, standard angled grips feel either too short or not angled enough. The promise of stacking extensions to fine-tune the grip length, along with the integrated cable management, drew me to this product over other fixed-length angled grips on the market.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the polymer construction. It felt sturdy enough, but I was hoping for something with a bit more heft. The textured surfaces were a welcome touch, seemingly providing a positive gripping surface.
Compared to a Magpul AFG, which I’ve used extensively, the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension offers a drastically different profile. Where the Magpul emphasizes a streamlined, low-profile design, the Strike Industries takes a modular approach. A BCM Gunfighter Vertical Grip Mod 3 is another contender, but its vertical design doesn’t suit my preferred shooting style as much as an angled grip.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The modularity and cable management were attractive features, but I reserved final judgment until I could get it out to the range and see how it performed under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension at an outdoor shooting range, primarily focusing on rapid target acquisition and transitions. The weather was dry, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. My testing platform was a 16-inch AR-15 rifle with an M-LOK handguard.
The initial impression was positive, but the grip angle, while stated at 86 degrees, felt steeper than expected. It required some slight adjustments to my wrist angle to find optimal comfort. I found that with the base grip only, it felt too short for my larger hands.
After several magazines, the grip remained secure on the rail, but I did notice a slight flex in the polymer under sustained pressure. Also, routing the weapon light cable through the CMS (Cable Management System) proved slightly fiddly, requiring some patience to achieve a clean, snag-free setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple range trips, the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension showed only minor signs of wear. The textured surfaces began to smooth slightly in high-contact areas, but this didn’t affect grip performance. Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
I added the optional extension after a few range sessions with just the base grip. With the added length it gave a more comfortable fit for my larger hands, which helped with weapon manipulation during rapid target transitions.
Compared to other angled grips I’ve used, the modularity of the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is a clear advantage. However, the polymer construction doesn’t offer the same level of rigidity as some aluminum alternatives, and I think this is where it could improve.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension
Specifications
The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is primarily designed for M-LOK rail systems. It is constructed from a high-strength impact resistant custom blended SI Polymer Extreme material. The grip angle is specified as 86 degrees.
The base grip dimensions are: Length: 1.91 inches, Width: 1.56 inches, and Height: 1.81 inches. The color option available at this time is Black. The grip also incorporates the Strike Industries patented Cable Management System (CMS) for organizing weapon light or other accessory cables.
These specifications directly impact the grip’s ergonomics and functionality. The M-LOK compatibility ensures easy attachment to a wide variety of modern handguards. The polymer construction contributes to a lightweight design, but could compromise durability compared to metal alternatives.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension provides a decent platform for weapon manipulation. The textured surfaces offer a secure grip, even with slightly sweaty hands. The 86-degree angle promotes a more aggressive stance.
While the modularity is a strong selling point, the polymer construction exhibits some flex under pressure, especially when using the extension. The Cable Management System works as advertised, but requires patience during setup. Overall, the grip meets expectations for a polymer-based angled foregrip, but doesn’t necessarily exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is clearly focused on modularity and cable management. The textured palm and finger areas, combined with flat sides, offer a comfortable and secure grip. However, the steep grip angle may not suit all users.
The build quality is adequate for a polymer product, but the weight feels a bit too light. The modular design is user-friendly, with the M-LOK attachment being simple and secure. There is a minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension, made from polymer, is expected to last a reasonable amount of time under normal use conditions. However, it’s unlikely to withstand the same level of abuse as a metal grip. Maintenance is simple.
Occasional cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the grip in good condition. No specialized tools or cleaning solutions are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary customization option for the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is the optional Stacked Angled Grip Extension (sold separately). This allows users to adjust the overall length of the grip to suit their hand size and shooting style. The grip is fully compatible with any standard M-LOK rail system.
Additionally, users can utilize the Cable Management System to organize and route cables from weapon lights, lasers, or other accessories. While there are no direct accessories that attach to the grip itself, the CMS functionality allows for seamless integration with various other weapon accessories.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension
Pros
- Modularity: The ability to adjust the grip length with optional extensions provides a customized fit.
- Cable Management System: The integrated CMS allows for clean and organized routing of weapon light cables.
- Lightweight: The polymer construction keeps the overall weight of the rifle down.
- M-LOK Compatibility: Easy attachment to a wide range of modern handguards.
- Affordable: At $11.95, it’s a budget-friendly option for experimenting with angled grips.
Cons
- Polymer Construction: Lacks the rigidity and durability of metal alternatives.
- Steep Grip Angle: The 86-degree angle may not be comfortable for all users.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension?
The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is perfect for budget-conscious shooters looking to experiment with different grip styles and lengths. It is also well-suited for those who prioritize cable management for their weapon lights or other rail-mounted accessories. New AR-15 owners or casual range shooters looking for a customizable grip at an entry-level price point could benefit from it.
Those who demand maximum durability and rigidity from their accessories should skip this product. Competitive shooters or tactical users who require unwavering reliability in harsh conditions might want to invest in a metal angled grip.
A must-have accessory would be the optional Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension to take full advantage of the modular design. Additionally, a quality weapon light with a compatible cable routing system would complement the grip’s CMS feature.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension
The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking an adjustable and affordable angled grip solution. While the polymer construction may not be as robust as metal alternatives, the modularity and integrated cable management system set it apart from other grips in its price range. The Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension is a good entry level option for those looking to test out an angled foregrip on their AR platform.
At $11.95, the price is certainly justified for the features offered. The modularity of being able to add additional stacked angled grip extensions provides a custom fit that is tough to beat for the price.
I would personally recommend the Strike Industries Stacked Angled Grip Extension to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, customizable, and lightweight angled grip with integrated cable management. Give it a try and see if it improves your weapon handling!