First Impressions of Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple
The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple promise to elevate the already fantastic Benchmade Bugout to a new level of aesthetic appeal and potentially enhanced grip. The Bugout, a lightweight champion in the EDC knife world, is often criticized for its somewhat flimsy factory scales. Flytanium aims to address this by offering aftermarket scales with improved materials and a unique crossfade texture.
For years, I’ve been modifying and customizing my gear to perfectly suit my needs and preferences. The Benchmade Bugout, while a reliable companion on countless backcountry trips and everyday tasks, always felt like it was missing a little something. When I saw the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple, the striking color and textured design immediately caught my eye.
The scales arrived in simple, bulk packaging. My initial impression was positive; the purple G10 was vibrant and the crossfade texture looked aggressive. Picking them up, they felt noticeably more substantial than the factory scales, suggesting an immediate upgrade in durability.
I considered several other aftermarket scale options before settling on the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple. There were titanium options from other manufacturers that offered greater weight reduction, and micarta scales known for their grippy texture. However, the purple G10 and unique crossfade design of the Flytanium scales ultimately won me over, promising a blend of aesthetics and functionality that was hard to resist.
I was definitely excited by the potential of these scales. The promise of enhanced grip and a unique visual upgrade to my well-worn Bugout was compelling. The initial feel of the scales left me optimistic about a significant improvement over the factory options.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple to the Test
First Use Experience
My first use experience with the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple came during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I specifically chose this trip to test the scales in a real-world setting where the knife would be used for various tasks, from food preparation to fire starting. The weather was typical for that time of year: damp with occasional rain showers.
The immediate difference was noticeable in wet conditions. The crossfade texture provided a much more secure grip compared to the smooth factory scales, even when my hands were wet or muddy. I found myself using the Bugout with greater confidence, especially when making feather sticks for fire starting.
Installation was relatively straightforward, utilizing the hardware from the stock knife. The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple fit perfectly on my Bugout without any modifications. One surprise was how much more solid the knife felt after the scale swap.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple have held up remarkably well. They’ve accompanied me on numerous hiking trips, camping excursions, and everyday tasks around the house. There are no signs of chipping or cracking.
The G10 material has proven to be quite durable. Despite regular use and occasional accidental drops, the scales show no significant wear and tear. The purple color remains vibrant, and the crossfade texture is still providing excellent grip.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep the scales clean. I’ve occasionally used a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt from the textured areas. Overall, maintaining the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple is far easier than dealing with scratches on titanium scales.
Compared to my previous experience with the factory Bugout scales, the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple have far exceeded my expectations. The enhanced grip, improved durability, and aesthetic upgrade have transformed my Bugout into a more capable and enjoyable tool. It is a significant improvement that has enhanced my confidence in the Bugout platform.
Breaking Down the Features of Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple
Specifications
The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple are specifically designed as a direct replacement for the factory scales on the Benchmade Bugout. The scales are constructed from purple G10 material. Each scale set weighs approximately 0.04 lbs.
This weight increases the overall weight of the knife, but adds greater durability. The scales utilize the existing hardware from the Benchmade Bugout, including the screws and standoffs. The crossfade texture provides enhanced grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple is to enhance the grip and durability of the Benchmade Bugout. The G10 material is far more robust than the factory polymer scales, offering greater resistance to impacts and abrasion. The crossfade texture significantly improves grip, even with wet or gloved hands.
The scales perform exceptionally well in this regard. The increased grip provides better control over the knife during use. The increased durability provides greater peace of mind knowing that your knife can withstand more rugged use. One minor area for improvement would be to offer different levels of texturing for users with varying preferences.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple feature a visually striking design with a vibrant purple color and aggressive crossfade texture. The G10 material provides a comfortable and secure grip. The slightly increased thickness of the scales improves the overall ergonomics of the Bugout, making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
The build quality is excellent. The scales are precisely machined and fit perfectly on the Bugout. The crossfade texture is evenly applied. The weight is slightly heavier than the factory scales.
Durability & Maintenance
The G10 material is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple are expected to last for many years with proper care. The scales are easy to clean and maintain.
The crossfade texture is resistant to wear. The color is embedded within the G10 material. This means that scratches are unlikely to affect the appearance significantly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple do not come with any additional accessories. They are designed to be a direct replacement for the factory scales. Users can customize their Bugout further by adding aftermarket pocket clips, thumb studs, and lanyard beads.
The scales are compatible with all standard Benchmade Bugout hardware and accessories. They also work well with aftermarket deep-carry pocket clips from various manufacturers. The design allows for a variety of modifications to create a unique tool.
Pros and Cons of Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: The crossfade texture provides a secure and confident grip in various conditions.
- Improved Durability: G10 material offers significantly greater resistance to impacts and wear compared to the factory scales.
- Aesthetic Upgrade: The vibrant purple color and unique texture adds a distinctive and personalized touch to the Bugout.
- Easy Installation: Scales use existing hardware for straightforward installation.
- Ergonomic Improvement: The slightly increased thickness of the scales improves comfort during extended use.
Cons
- Slightly Increased Weight: The G10 material adds a bit of weight compared to the factory polymer scales (approximately 0.04 lb).
- Texture Can Be Abrasive: The aggressive crossfade texture might be too abrasive for some users, especially during prolonged use without gloves.
Who Should Buy Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple?
The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple are perfect for Benchmade Bugout owners who want to enhance the grip and durability of their knife. They are also ideal for those who want to add a personalized touch to their EDC gear. Outdoor enthusiasts who frequently use their Bugout in wet or challenging conditions will appreciate the improved grip.
Those who are extremely weight-conscious might want to consider lighter alternatives, such as titanium scales. Individuals who prefer a smoother, less aggressive texture might find the crossfade pattern uncomfortable.
A deep-carry pocket clip is a must-have accessory to improve concealability. Custom lanyard beads can further personalize the look and feel of the knife.
Conclusion on Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple
The Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple are a worthwhile upgrade for the Benchmade Bugout. They provide a significant improvement in grip and durability. The aesthetic upgrade transforms the knife into a more personalized tool.
At $41.59, the price is justified by the enhanced functionality and improved build quality. The scales offer excellent value for money.
I would highly recommend the Flytanium Crossfade Bugout Scales Purple to any Bugout owner looking to elevate their knife to the next level. They are a functional and aesthetic upgrade that will enhance the overall user experience. Transform your Bugout today and experience the difference that Flytanium quality makes.