First Thoughts on the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling promises rapid transitions and comfortable carry for tactical weapons. With over a decade of experience handling diverse outdoor and tactical gear, I’m keen to see if this sling lives up to the hype. Does it offer a noticeable improvement over standard slings, or is it just another piece of kit?
What drew me to the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling was the promise of quick adjustments and comfortable weight distribution. I was seeking a sling that would allow for seamless transitions between shooting positions without digging into my neck. My current sling, a basic nylon strap, simply wasn’t cutting it, especially during long days on the range.
Unboxing the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling revealed a simple, no-frills design. The elastic material felt surprisingly thin, yet appeared robust. Initial impressions were of a lightweight and potentially comfortable sling, but the true test would be in its performance under real-world conditions.
Compared to some of the more complex tactical slings I’ve used from brands like Magpul or Blue Force Gear, the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling appears almost minimalist. However, the lower price point and focus on simplicity made it an appealing option for those who prioritize functionality over excessive features. I chose it because the advertised “razor thin elastic material” promised to eliminate the neck pinch I often experienced with other slings. My hope was that it would provide a comfortable and effective solution without breaking the bank.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for a comfortable and versatile sling, but I also harbored some reservations about the long-term durability of the thin elastic material. Only time and rigorous testing would reveal its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, but I intentionally wore a light jacket to simulate layered clothing. My primary goal was to assess the sling’s adjustability and comfort during rapid transitions between standing, kneeling, and prone shooting positions.
The sling performed adequately in these initial tests. Adjusting the sling length for different shooting positions proved straightforward, though not as lightning-fast as some higher-end slings I’ve used. The elastic material did indeed reduce neck pinch compared to my old nylon sling, but the thinness of the material made me question its ability to comfortably handle heavier rifles.
One immediate issue I encountered was the lack of padding on the sling. After an hour of continuous use, the thin elastic began to dig into my shoulder. This was a minor annoyance with my lightweight AR-15, but I suspect it would be a significant problem with heavier firearms.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling has held up reasonably well, but some concerns remain. I’ve used it during multiple range sessions, a weekend camping trip, and even a short hunting excursion. While the elastic material hasn’t shown any signs of fraying or tearing, I’m still not convinced of its long-term durability.
The most noticeable wear and tear is the slight stretching of the elastic material. After repeated adjustments, the sling seems to have lost some of its original elasticity. This hasn’t significantly impacted its functionality, but it suggests that the sling may not hold up well under heavy use over an extended period.
Maintenance is simple: I’ve spot-cleaned it with a damp cloth after each use. The elastic material dries quickly and doesn’t seem to retain dirt or odors. Compared to my previous sling, the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling offers a slight improvement in comfort and adjustability, but it falls short in terms of overall durability and padding.
Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling
Specifications
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling boasts the following specifications: Length: 12.30 inches; Width: 2 inches; Color: Black; Material: Elastic. The sling is advertised as a “Tactical Sling” designed for rapid transitions and muzzle-down carry. The Manufacturer claims an 800-pound laboratory certified tensile strength.
These specifications are important because they dictate the sling’s functionality and comfort. The 2-inch width aims to distribute weight, while the elastic material is intended to eliminate neck pinch. The 800-pound tensile strength suggests adequate durability, although this claim needs to be verified through real-world use.
Performance & Functionality
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling performs its primary function – carrying a rifle – reasonably well. Its adjustability allows for comfortable carry in various positions, and the elastic material does offer some cushioning. However, the lack of padding and the thinness of the elastic detract from its overall comfort, especially during extended use with heavier rifles.
The sling’s strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. It’s easy to install and adjust, and the price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters. However, its weaknesses include the lack of padding, questionable long-term durability, and slightly cumbersome adjustment mechanism compared to higher-end slings. It meets basic expectations for a two-point sling, but it doesn’t exceed them in any significant way.
Design & Ergonomics
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling features a minimalist design focused on functionality over aesthetics. The all-black color scheme is unobtrusive, and the thin elastic material keeps the sling lightweight. However, the lack of padding detracts from its overall comfort.
The sling is relatively user-friendly, with a simple adjustment mechanism that allows for quick length changes. However, the plastic buckles feel somewhat cheap and may not hold up well under heavy use. There’s a slight learning curve associated with mastering the rapid transition technique, but most users should be able to adapt within a few practice sessions.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling remains a concern. While the Manufacturer claims an 800-pound tensile strength, the thin elastic material feels less robust than the nylon webbing used in many other slings. After several weeks of use, the sling hasn’t shown any signs of catastrophic failure, but the slight stretching of the elastic suggests that it may not hold up well under sustained heavy use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional spot cleaning with a damp cloth. The elastic material dries quickly and doesn’t seem to retain dirt or odors. The sling is not designed to be easily repaired, so any significant damage would likely require a complete replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as the sling is a simple, self-contained unit. Users could potentially add padding to the sling for increased comfort, but this would require some DIY modification.
The sling is compatible with most standard sling attachment points found on modern rifles. However, the lack of QD (Quick Detach) swivels may be a drawback for users who frequently switch between different firearms. To remedy this, aftermarket QD swivel attachments can easily be added to the existing sling loops.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Lightweight and compact design doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your rifle.
- Elastic material reduces neck pinch compared to traditional nylon slings.
- Easy to install and adjust, even for beginners.
- Suitable for a variety of tactical weapons.
Cons
- Lack of padding can cause discomfort during extended use, especially with heavier rifles.
- Questionable long-term durability due to the thin elastic material.
- Adjustment mechanism feels somewhat cheap and may not hold up well under heavy use.
Who Should Buy Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling?
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling is perfect for casual shooters, budget-conscious beginners, and those seeking a lightweight and minimalist sling. It’s also a decent option for those who prioritize comfort over durability and are willing to accept some compromises in terms of features and build quality.
Who should skip this product? Serious tactical users, competitive shooters, and anyone who regularly carries a heavy rifle for extended periods. These users would be better served by investing in a higher-end sling with more robust construction, ample padding, and advanced features like QD swivels.
A must-have modification for the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling is adding some form of padding to the sling. Whether it’s a commercially available sling pad or a DIY solution using foam or cloth, adding padding will significantly improve the sling’s comfort during extended use.
Conclusion on Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling
The Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling offers a decent value proposition for budget-conscious shooters. While it’s not the most durable or feature-rich sling on the market, it provides a comfortable and functional solution for carrying a rifle in various shooting positions. The price is definitely justified, considering what you get for it.
I would recommend the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling to beginners and casual shooters who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use sling. However, more serious users should consider investing in a higher-end sling with more robust construction and advanced features. If you’re looking for a basic, functional, and affordable sling, give the Outdoor Connection Edge Two Point Sling a try. Just be prepared to add some padding for extra comfort!