First Impressions of Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate promises to bridge the gap between modern modular rail systems and the ubiquitous Arca Swiss standard. It’s a simple concept, but one that’s often overlooked, leaving users cobbling together makeshift solutions. For years, I’ve been jury-rigging camera and optic setups onto my rifles, using a mix of Picatinny adapters and zip ties (don’t judge!). I was looking for a solid, reliable, and low-profile solution for attaching my spotting scope and camera to my rifle when scouting new hunting grounds, and the Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate seemed like a promising candidate.
Upon unboxing, the plate felt solid and well-made. The Aluminum construction inspires confidence, and the black finish looks professional. At 4 oz, it feels surprisingly lightweight, which is crucial when you’re already burdened with a rifle and other gear.
I considered other options, like the Magpul M-LOK Arca Adapter and some generic Amazon-sourced plates. I chose the Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate for its advertised precision fit and the reputation of Warrior Tripods for building quality gear. My initial impression was positive – a well-made, potentially essential piece of kit.
Real-World Testing: Putting Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the local shooting range, setting up my Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate on my AR-15’s Mloc handguard to mount a spotting scope. The plate attached quickly and easily using the Mloc hardware, providing a secure and wobble-free platform. I used it on a day with moderate wind, and I felt secure with the setup.
The conditions were dry and sunny, so I didn’t face any immediate environmental challenges. The plate was easy to use, requiring no special tools or techniques. It simply bolted onto the Mloc slots and provided a secure Arca Swiss interface. There were no surprises – it worked exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including a hunting trip in the Oregon backcountry, the Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate has held up remarkably well. I have removed and reattached it several times as well. There are no signs of wear and tear, and the finish still looks like new.
I’ve subjected it to dusty trails, damp mornings, and even a light rain shower, and it continues to perform flawlessly. The plate is easy to clean with a simple wipe-down. Compared to my previous cobbled-together solutions, the Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate is a massive improvement in terms of stability, convenience, and overall reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate
Specifications
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Warrior Tripods.
- Color: Aluminum.
- Length: 5 inches.
- Weight: 4 oz.
- Compatibility: Mloc rails and Arca Swiss accessories.
These specifications are important because they dictate the plate’s usability and performance. The 5-inch length provides ample surface area for securely mounting accessories, while the lightweight Aluminum construction minimizes added weight. The Mloc and Arca Swiss compatibility ensures seamless integration with a wide range of gear.
Performance & Functionality
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate excels at its primary job: providing a stable and secure mounting platform. Its solid construction and precise tolerances eliminate wobble and play, ensuring accurate and consistent performance.
The plate’s strengths lie in its simplicity and reliability. It just works, plain and simple. One area for potential improvement could be the inclusion of more Mloc slots for increased versatility in mounting positions. The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate certainly meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate features a minimalist and functional design. The Billet CNC construction gives it a clean and professional look. Its smooth edges and low profile prevent snags and ensure comfortable handling.
The plate is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools to install or use. There is no learning curve, even a novice can install it.
Durability & Maintenance
The Aluminum construction suggests excellent long-term durability. The hard-anodized finish protects against scratches and corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functioning properly. This product is very simple, which ensures long life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate doesn’t come with any included accessories, but its Mloc and Arca Swiss compatibility opens up a world of customization options. Users can mount a wide range of Arca Swiss-compatible accessories, such as camera ball heads, tripods, and scope mounts.
The plate is also compatible with various Mloc accessories, allowing users to customize its positioning and configuration on their rifle or gear. The versatility is excellent for what it is intended to be.
Pros and Cons of Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate
Pros
- Provides a rock-solid and stable mounting platform for Arca Swiss accessories.
- Lightweight Aluminum construction minimizes added weight.
- Easy to install and use, with no special tools required.
- Durable Billet CNC construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Universal Compatibility with Mloc rails and Arca Swiss accessories.
Cons
- The $39.99 price point might be a bit steep for some users.
- Limited Mloc slots might restrict mounting options in some cases.
Who Should Buy Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate?
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate is perfect for:
- Hunters who want a stable platform for their spotting scopes or cameras.
- Competitive shooters who need to quickly and easily switch between different accessories.
- Tactical operators who require a reliable mounting solution for their gear.
- Photographers wanting to stabilize a camera on a rifle platform.
Those who should skip this product:
- Users who don’t utilize Mloc or Arca Swiss systems.
- Individuals on a very tight budget.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- A high-quality Arca Swiss ball head for maximum versatility.
- A sturdy tripod for stable shooting.
Conclusion on Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate
The Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate is a well-designed and well-executed product that delivers on its promises. It provides a rock-solid and versatile mounting solution for Arca Swiss accessories on Mloc-compatible platforms.
The $39.99 price point is justified by the plate’s quality construction, reliable performance, and universal compatibility. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a seamless and secure way to integrate Arca Swiss accessories into their Mloc setup.
If you’re tired of jury-rigging your gear and want a professional-grade solution, the Warrior Tripods Mloc 5in Arca Plate is the answer. Upgrade your setup and experience the difference.