First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3
The Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3 promises high capacity and compatibility with a wide range of Glock pistols, all wrapped in a patriotic package. Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) aims to deliver reliable performance with a touch of flair through their translucent, colored magazines. These magazines stand out with their red, white, and blue color scheme, offering a unique aesthetic compared to standard black magazines.
My interest in this particular magazine pack stemmed from a desire for high-capacity magazines for training and range sessions. I wanted a cost-effective solution to reduce reload frequency, while also adding a bit of visual distinction to my gear. The Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack, with its three 32-round magazines, seemed to offer both capacity and a bit of personality.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the vibrant colors of the magazines. The translucent polymer gives them a somewhat toy-like appearance, which raised initial concerns about durability. The magazines felt surprisingly lightweight, and while the polymer construction seemed solid enough, it didn’t exude the same confidence as a steel-bodied magazine.
I considered options like the Magpul PMAG GL9 and the Glock OEM extended magazines before deciding on the Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack. The Magpul PMAGs are known for their reliability and affordability, but I was intrigued by the Elite Tactical Systems‘ translucent design and higher capacity. The Glock OEM magazines are undoubtedly reliable, but more expensive for similar capacity.
Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The novelty of the colored, translucent magazines was appealing. However, the lightweight feel and somewhat plasticky appearance left me wondering if they could withstand the rigors of regular use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazines primarily at an outdoor shooting range. The range provided a controlled environment to assess the magazine’s feeding reliability and overall functionality. I used a Glock 19 and a Glock 17 for the tests, ensuring compatibility across different frame sizes.
The weather conditions during the first test were sunny and dry. Loading the magazines proved to be challenging. I experienced significant resistance when loading beyond 20 rounds. The spring tension felt excessively high, making it difficult to seat the rounds properly.
The initial use exposed a significant problem: frequent failures to feed. Multiple rounds failed to chamber correctly. This resulted in stoppages that required immediate action. The high spring tension also seemed to contribute to inconsistent feeding.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing across multiple range sessions, the reliability issues persisted with the Elite Tactical Systems magazines. The magazines showed no improvement with use. In fact, the problems seemed to worsen slightly over time.
The polymer bodies held up reasonably well, with no visible cracks or breaks. However, the feed lips began to show some slight deformation after repeated use. Maintenance involved regular cleaning to remove powder residue. I also applied a light lubricant to the magazine bodies and followers.
Compared to my experience with Glock OEM magazines and Magpul PMAGs, the Elite Tactical Systems magazines performed considerably worse. The Glock OEM magazines are nearly flawless in their reliability. The Magpul PMAGs have proven to be far more consistent and dependable.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3 features a 32-round capacity and is chambered in 9mm Luger. Elite Tactical Systems claims compatibility with Glock models 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, and 45 across generations 1 through 5. The magazines are constructed from a translucent polymer, and the “Freedom Pack” comes with one red, one clear, and one blue magazine.
These magazines are 200mm in length and compatible with Glock models 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45, and 49. These features matter because magazine capacity directly impacts shooting efficiency and reduces the need for frequent reloads. The compatibility ensures broad usability across different Glock platforms.
Performance & Functionality
Unfortunately, the performance of the Elite Tactical Systems magazines was disappointing. The frequent failures to feed made them unreliable for practical use. The high spring tension and inconsistent feeding hindered their ability to function effectively.
The main weakness is the inconsistent feeding. The primary strength is the high capacity. The magazines did not meet my expectations for reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The translucent polymer construction allows users to visually check the remaining round count, which is a notable feature. However, the lightweight feel and somewhat cheap appearance detracted from the overall impression. The ergonomic floor plate is designed for easy gripping from magazine pouches.
The build quality feels less robust than that of Glock OEM or Magpul PMAG magazines. There is a moderate learning curve associated with loading due to the stiff spring. The loading process is noticeably more difficult than with standard Glock magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer bodies seem reasonably durable and have not cracked or broken during testing. However, the feed lips showed some signs of deformation after repeated use.
Maintenance is straightforward: the magazines disassemble easily for cleaning. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions. It is difficult to assess long-term durability based on limited testing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3 do not offer much in the way of accessories. They are intended to function as standalone units.
There are no customization options available for these magazines. They are designed to be used as is. Compatibility with aftermarket magazine extensions is unknown.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3
Pros
- High Capacity: Offers 32 rounds per magazine.
- Visual Round Count: Translucent body allows easy monitoring of ammunition.
- Patriotic Aesthetics: Red, white, and blue color scheme provides a unique look.
- Wide Glock Compatibility: Works with a broad range of Glock models and generations.
- Affordable Price: Relatively inexpensive compared to some other high-capacity options.
Cons
- Unreliable Feeding: Frequent failures to feed during testing.
- Stiff Spring Tension: Difficult to load, especially beyond 20 rounds.
- Questionable Durability: Polymer construction may not be as robust as steel magazines.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3?
The Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3 might appeal to casual range shooters looking for high-capacity magazines with a unique aesthetic, and are willing to gamble with potential reliability issues. Those who prioritize visual appeal and novelty over proven performance may find them interesting.
This product is NOT recommended for serious shooters, law enforcement, or anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense. The reliability issues make them unsuitable for situations where consistent performance is critical.
A must-have modification would be a replacement spring. However, replacing the spring would likely negate any cost savings compared to more reliable options. Thorough testing is crucial before trusting these magazines for anything beyond recreational use.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3
The Elite Tactical Systems Freedom Pack Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45 9mm 32 Rounds Pistol Magazine, Pack of 3 offers high capacity and a unique visual appeal at an affordable price. However, the disappointing reliability issues outweigh these advantages.
The value proposition is questionable given the inconsistent performance. While the price is attractive, the frequent failures to feed negate any cost savings.
I would not personally recommend these magazines for anyone who relies on their firearm for serious applications. The risk of malfunction is too high. Consider investing in more reliable options like Glock OEM or Magpul PMAGs. The Elite Tactical Systems magazines are a case where aesthetics and high capacity do not compensate for subpar performance. Spend your money on magazines that won’t let you down when you need them most.