First Impressions of Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak
The Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak promises a blend of lightweight design and functional comfort, a combination often sought but rarely perfectly achieved in the world of outdoor gear. As someone who’s spent over a decade hauling rifles through dense forests and across rugged terrain, the allure of a sling that minimizes weight without sacrificing comfort is undeniable. Allen, a name synonymous with affordable and accessible hunting accessories, is putting their hat in the ring with this offering.
I needed a lighter, more comfortable sling for those long days chasing elk in the high country. My old leather sling, while aesthetically pleasing, became a burden after hours of hiking. The promise of the Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak and its focus on weight reduction and shoulder comfort got my attention.
Unboxing the sling revealed a sleek, minimalist design. The silicone rubber shoulder pad felt surprisingly pliable, and the overall weight was impressively low. Compared to my existing leather sling and a nylon tactical sling I sometimes use, the Allen Cirrus was noticeably lighter and less bulky. I chose this one because of the weight and the BakTrak feature, hoping it would keep the rifle secure on my shoulder.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It certainly felt lighter and more comfortable than my heavier slings, but I was curious about how well the silicone rubber would hold up under real-world conditions. Would it slip? Would it be durable enough? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak on a weekend deer hunt in the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain was a mix of steep inclines, dense underbrush, and rocky creek beds, the perfect environment to put the sling through its paces. The weather was typical for that time of year: damp and cool.
The Allen Cirrus performed surprisingly well in these conditions. The BakTrak padding did an admirable job of keeping the rifle securely on my shoulder, even when navigating steep slopes. The sling’s one-handed adjustment system made it easy to shorten or lengthen the sling as needed when transitioning from hiking to glassing. I didn’t experience any significant slipping, even with a wet jacket.
There was a slight initial concern about the silicone rubber’s durability after snagging it on a few branches, but it seemed to hold up without any visible damage. Overall, my first use was positive, providing a lighter and more comfortable carrying experience than my traditional sling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during hunting trips and range sessions, the Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak has proven to be a reliable and comfortable option. The silicone rubber hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or tearing, despite being exposed to sun, rain, and mud. I appreciate how easy it is to clean; dirt and debris simply wipe off.
The sling’s swivels show no signs of loosening or corrosion. I do inspect them regularly to ensure continued safe use. Compared to my experiences with cheaper nylon slings that quickly fray and degrade, the Allen Cirrus seems significantly more durable.
Maintenance is minimal: I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally apply a silicone protectant to keep the rubber pliable. Thus far, it appears to be outperforming my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak
Specifications
- The Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. It helps carry your rifle for extended periods.
- Its length is adjustable from 28 to 36 inches, accommodating different body sizes and carrying preferences. The 3-inch width of the shoulder pad helps distribute the rifle’s weight.
- The sling is constructed from silicone rubber with BakTrak padding, ensuring a non-slip grip on your shoulder. The black finish keeps a low profile in the field.
- The swivels are rated to 500 pounds, providing a secure and reliable attachment to your firearm. These high-rated swivels are critical for preventing accidental drops.
- The Faston one-handed length adjustment allows for quick and easy customization of the sling’s length. This is especially useful in dynamic hunting situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak excels in its primary function: comfortably carrying a rifle for extended periods. The BakTrak padding truly minimizes slippage, keeping the rifle securely in place. The Faston adjustment is smooth and intuitive, allowing for quick changes in sling length as needed.
The sling’s biggest strength is its combination of lightweight design and comfortable shoulder pad. The main weakness is the limited padding depth. The sling definitely meets expectations for comfort and weight reduction, but a bit more padding would enhance its long-term wearability.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak is simple and functional. The silicone rubber shoulder pad conforms well to the shoulder, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The sling is lightweight and unobtrusive, adding minimal bulk to your firearm.
The sling is incredibly user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve. The one-handed adjustment system is intuitive and easy to operate, even with gloves.
Durability & Maintenance
The silicone rubber construction appears to be quite durable. The material seems resistant to tearing and cracking. With proper care, the Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak should last for several seasons of hunting or range use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Simply wiping down the sling with a damp cloth after each use is typically sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak comes with standard swivels for attaching to your firearm. There aren’t any included accessories beyond the sling itself. However, the sling is compatible with most standard aftermarket swivels if you prefer a different style or attachment method.
Pros and Cons of Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak
Pros
- Ultralight design reduces fatigue during long days in the field.
- BakTrak silicone rubber shoulder pad provides a secure, non-slip grip.
- Faston one-handed adjustment allows for quick and easy length changes.
- 500-pound rated swivels offer peace of mind and reliable attachment.
- Affordable price makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious hunters and shooters.
Cons
- Padding depth on the shoulder pad could be improved for enhanced long-term comfort.
- Limited customization options compared to more tactical-oriented slings.
Who Should Buy Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak?
The Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak is perfect for hunters, hikers, and recreational shooters who prioritize lightweight comfort. It is also perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, reliable sling that minimizes slippage. Those needing a highly customizable, tactical-style sling with multiple attachment points should consider other options.
Must-have accessories would include high-quality sling swivels if your firearm lacks them, and potentially a thicker shoulder pad if you anticipate carrying heavy rifles for extended periods.
Conclusion on Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak
The Allen Cirrus Ultralight Silicone Rubber Gun Sling w/BakTrak delivers on its promise of lightweight comfort and secure firearm carry. Its affordable price point makes it an excellent value for hunters and shooters looking for a functional and reliable sling without breaking the bank. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive tactical slings, its simplicity and effectiveness are hard to argue with.
The price is absolutely justified by the comfort, weight savings, and secure grip it provides. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a lightweight and comfortable sling for hunting or recreational shooting. Upgrade your carry experience and ditch those heavy, uncomfortable slings!