First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate
The Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazines have always intrigued me with their translucent design and promise of enhanced reliability. I’ve seen them at ranges and gun shows, always filed away as “interesting, but not essential.” But recently, I found myself prepping for a local 3-gun competition, and the need for higher-capacity magazines became increasingly apparent.
I needed a magazine that could handle the fast-paced, high-round-count stages of the competition. Specifically, I was looking for something that could feed reliably, even with rapid firing, and offer a significant increase in capacity over the standard Glock magazines. The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the clear polymer body. It felt sturdy, not flimsy, and the Gen 2 Floor Plate looked significantly more robust than the original ETS floorplates I’d seen online. The magazine had a good weight to it, suggesting a strong spring and well-made follower.
Compared to the standard Glock 17 magazine and a Magpul PMAG Glock magazine, the ETS magazine definitely stood out. I chose the ETS over the Magpul for its clear body, allowing instant visual confirmation of remaining rounds. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see how it performed on the range.
I was excited about the potential for increased capacity and visual round count, but I was also wary of the reliability issues that some aftermarket Glock magazines can suffer from. Would it live up to the hype, or would it be just another range toy? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate was at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a variety of scenarios, from static shooting bays to dynamic movement courses, perfect for testing the magazine’s capabilities. I primarily used my Glock 19X for testing, as it represents a good middle ground in terms of Glock models that the magazine is compatible with.
I started with some basic drills, loading the magazine with various types of 9mm ammunition: standard FMJ, defensive hollow points, and even some steel-cased ammo. To my surprise, the ETS magazine fed flawlessly through the first 100 rounds. There were no hiccups, no failures to feed, and no double feeds.
The ergonomic design of the floor plate proved its worth right away, making magazine changes faster and more secure. The conditions were fairly dry and sunny, but the magazine felt solid and provided excellent grip even with slightly sweaty hands. Overall, the initial range visit was incredibly promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and over 1000 rounds, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate has proven to be surprisingly reliable. I’ve used it in multiple range sessions, including a couple of rainy days and one particularly dusty outdoor course.
Despite the harsher conditions, the magazine continued to perform admirably. I did experience one failure to feed with the steel-cased ammo after about 700 rounds, likely due to a build-up of grime. A quick cleaning of the magazine internals solved the issue.
The clear polymer body has shown minimal wear and tear, with only minor scratches from repeated loading and unloading. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward: a simple disassembly and wipe-down are all that’s needed. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used, the ETS magazine has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate is designed to be compatible with a wide range of Glock pistols chambered in 9mm. This includes the Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, and 45. Its compatibility across generations of Glock pistols (Gen 1 through Gen 5) makes it a versatile choice for Glock owners.
The magazine boasts a generous 32-round capacity, providing a significant advantage in competitive shooting or defensive situations where higher round counts are beneficial. It is chambered for 9mm Luger, the most common pistol caliber in the world. The magazine’s body is constructed from a durable, translucent polymer, allowing for quick visual confirmation of the remaining rounds.
One notable feature is the Gen 2 Base Plate, designed for improved retention and resistance to separation upon impact. This is a crucial upgrade, addressing a common weakness in earlier ETS magazine designs. The magazine is also compatible with most aftermarket floor plates designed for Glock magazines, offering customization options.
These specifications are essential for practical use. The high capacity is a clear benefit for competitive and tactical applications. The durable polymer construction and improved floor plate enhance the magazine’s reliability and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate performs its primary function of feeding ammunition reliably in a variety of Glock pistols. The new and improved internal geometry noticeably increases feeding reliability. The magazine had improved feeding reliability across all ammo types including steel and aluminum casings.
The magazine fed reliably with most common 9mm ammunition types in my testing, including FMJ, hollow points, and even some +P loads. I experienced a small number of failures to feed with steel-cased ammunition, but that was after a substantial number of rounds fired.
The biggest strength is the magazine’s increased capacity. The weaknesses I noted were the occasional issues with steel-cased ammunition, and the overall length can make it less suitable for concealed carry. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a high-capacity aftermarket Glock magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate features a clear, translucent polymer body, which is both visually appealing and functionally beneficial. The ability to quickly assess the remaining rounds is a significant advantage in high-pressure situations.
The build quality feels solid, with the Gen 2 Floor Plate providing a noticeable improvement in durability and grip. The magazine has a slightly extended length compared to standard Glock magazines, but it still fits comfortably in most standard magazine pouches.
The ergonomic design of the floor plate makes it easy to grab and manipulate during reloads. The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading or unloading.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate is constructed from a high-strength polymer, designed to withstand impacts and resist cracking. The extreme impact resistance ensures the magazine will survive drops and rough handling.
The magazine’s resistance to harsh chemicals and UV light should prevent degradation over time. Simple disassembly allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
With proper care, the ETS magazine should provide years of reliable service. The translucent polymer allows for easy inspection of the internals, making it easy to identify and address any potential issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate is compatible with most aftermarket floor plates designed for Glock magazines. This allows users to customize the magazine with different colors, textures, or even extended base pads for increased capacity.
The magazine is designed to function with standard Glock magazine loaders, making it easy to load to its full 32-round capacity.
While the magazine itself doesn’t require any specific accessories, it pairs well with magazine pouches designed for extended Glock magazines. The compatibility with aftermarket floor plates provides ample customization options for users looking to personalize their gear.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate
Pros
- High Capacity (32 rounds): Provides a significant advantage in competitive shooting or defensive situations.
- Translucent Body: Allows for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
- Gen 2 Floor Plate: Offers improved retention and impact resistance.
- Wide Compatibility: Fits a wide range of Glock models (17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45).
- Ergonomic Floor Plate: Facilitates faster and more secure magazine changes.
Cons
- Occasional Issues with Steel-Cased Ammo: May require more frequent cleaning when using steel-cased ammunition.
- Extended Length: Can be less suitable for concealed carry.
- Polymer Construction: While durable, may not be as robust as steel magazines in extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate is perfect for competitive shooters, tactical training enthusiasts, and individuals seeking a high-capacity magazine for home defense or emergency preparedness. The increased round count and visual round count are especially beneficial for those who prioritize firepower and situational awareness.
Those primarily focused on concealed carry may want to skip this product, as the extended length can make it less practical for everyday carry.
Must-have accessories include a quality magazine loader to facilitate easy loading and magazine pouches designed for extended Glock magazines.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 9mm Luger 32 Round Extended Pistol Magazine w/Gen 2 Floor Plate offers a compelling combination of high capacity, reliability, and visual round count, all at a reasonable price of $31.99.
The value proposition is solid, as it provides a significant increase in firepower without sacrificing reliability. It’s not perfect, with potential issues arising with steel-cased ammunition, but those are easily mitigated with regular cleaning.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their Glock pistol. The Elite Tactical Systems magazine is a worthwhile addition to any Glock owner’s arsenal. Pick one up, hit the range, and experience the difference for yourself!