The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent years humping gear through unforgiving terrain, and the one constant source of frustration has always been the relentless shoulder bite of a poorly designed sling. Countless miles carrying rifles, shotguns, and even heavy camera equipment taught me the value of a good sling. That’s why the promise of the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch instantly piqued my interest. Butler Creek is a name synonymous with practical, no-nonsense accessories, and this sling promised a solution to a very real problem: carrying heavy loads comfortably.
My search for the perfect sling was driven by the need for something that wouldn’t dig into my shoulder during long treks, whether it was a multi-day backpacking trip or a quick afternoon at the range. I was looking for something that could actually reduce felt weight. Upon receiving the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch, I immediately noticed its simple design and the promise of stretchable comfort.
The sling arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was that it looked well-made, with a clean finish and no obvious defects. Compared to a standard nylon web sling, which often feels stiff and unforgiving, the Butler Creek offered a noticeable difference in padding and flexibility right out of the box. Another sling I considered was a high-end padded leather sling. While beautiful, leather requires extensive care and can be prone to damage in harsh conditions. I needed something rugged and ready for anything, leading me back to the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned by “comfort” products before that turned out to be anything but. But the simple design and the reasonable price point made it worth a shot. If it lived up to even half of its claims, it would be a significant improvement over my existing slings.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch was during a weekend hunting trip in the mountains. The terrain was steep and rugged, and I was carrying my trusty .30-06 for whitetail. The varied weather conditions, from cool mornings to warmer afternoons, provided a great opportunity to see how the sling performed under real-world hunting conditions.
The sling was surprisingly easy to use, attaching quickly to my rifle’s sling swivels. Initially, I didn’t notice a massive difference, but after a few hours of hiking, the subtle cushioning and stretch became apparent. Instead of the usual pressure points digging into my shoulder, the Comfort Stretch seemed to distribute the weight more evenly. A pleasant surprise was the non-slip grippers; they genuinely kept the sling in place, even when scrambling over rocks and logs.
There was one minor issue that I noticed after the first few hours of use. The sling tended to slip slightly if I was wearing a rain jacket made of slick material. This was quickly remedied by tightening the sling slightly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range trips and another hunting expedition, the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of fraying or wear on the stitching. The padding still feels comfortable.
The sling has been exposed to mud, rain, and even a bit of snow, and it’s proven to be surprisingly durable. Cleaning it is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes. Compared to my previous experiences with standard nylon slings, the Butler Creek offers a significant improvement in comfort and overall usability. The stretchable construction truly makes a difference, reducing felt weight and minimizing shoulder fatigue.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch
Specifications
The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is designed with a focus on practical comfort and durability. Its key features include:
- Stretchable Construction: This is the core of the sling’s comfort. The elastic nature of the material allows it to absorb shock and distribute weight more evenly across the shoulder.
- Soft Padding: The generous padding provides cushioning, further reducing pressure points and increasing comfort during extended use.
- Non-Slip Grippers: Strategically placed grippers prevent the sling from sliding off the shoulder, even when wearing slick clothing or navigating challenging terrain.
- Uncle Mike’s® QD Swivels (optional): Some versions of the sling come with pre-attached Uncle Mike’s® QD swivels, allowing for quick and easy attachment to firearms.
- Camo Patterns: Available in a variety of popular camo patterns, allowing users to match the sling to their hunting gear.
These specifications translate to a more comfortable and secure carrying experience. The stretchable construction and padding work together to reduce felt weight. The non-slip grippers keep the sling in place, enhancing stability and control.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch performs its primary function exceptionally well: providing a comfortable and secure way to carry a firearm. The stretchable construction genuinely reduces felt weight, making it easier to carry heavier rifles for longer periods. This makes a noticeable difference during long hikes or extended periods of standing or sitting.
The sling’s strengths lie in its simplicity and effectiveness. It’s easy to install and use, and it provides a significant improvement in comfort compared to standard slings. The only potential weakness is that the stretchable material could be more susceptible to wear and tear over the long term, although my testing hasn’t revealed any issues so far. Overall, the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch meets and even exceeds my expectations for a comfortable and functional sling.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is simple and functional, with a focus on comfort and usability. The materials used are high-quality and feel durable. The weight is negligible.
The sling is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install. The adjustable length allows for a customized fit. The non-slip grippers are a welcome addition, providing added security and stability.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch appears to be quite durable. The materials and construction seem to be of high quality. Only time will tell how it holds up under extreme conditions.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I anticipate the sling lasting for several years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is primarily a standalone product, and doesn’t come with extensive accessories. Some versions include Uncle Mike’s® QD swivels, which is a convenient and practical addition.
The sling is compatible with a wide range of firearms and can be easily adapted to fit different carrying styles. While there are limited customization options, the sling’s simplicity and functionality make it a versatile and practical choice for most users.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch
Pros
- Noticeably Reduces Felt Weight: The stretchable construction effectively minimizes shoulder fatigue during long carries.
- Comfortable Padding: The soft padding provides excellent cushioning, reducing pressure points and increasing comfort.
- Non-Slip Grippers: The strategically placed grippers prevent the sling from sliding off the shoulder, even with slick clothing.
- Easy to Install and Use: Simple design and adjustable length make it easy to install and customize the fit.
- Affordable Price: At around $16, it’s an excellent value for the level of comfort and performance it provides.
Cons
- Sling may slip slightly with very slick rain gear.
- Long-term durability of the stretchable material is unknown.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch?
The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is perfect for hunters, hikers, and anyone who carries a firearm or heavy equipment for extended periods. It’s also a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and effective way to improve carrying comfort.
Those who might want to skip this product are individuals who require extremely heavy-duty slings for specialized tactical applications. People needing specialized features, like quick detach for immediate weapon deployment, might prefer a more specialized tactical sling.
A must-have accessory is a good set of QD swivels if the chosen model doesn’t include them. This facilitates quick attachment and detachment of the sling to different firearms.
Conclusion on Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch
The Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch is a simple yet effective solution for improving carrying comfort. The stretchable construction and soft padding genuinely reduce felt weight, making it easier to carry heavy loads for extended periods. The non-slip grippers provide added security.
The price is definitely justified. For around $16, it offers a significant improvement in comfort and usability compared to standard slings.
I would absolutely recommend the Butler Creek 180019 Comfort Stretch to anyone who is looking for a comfortable, affordable, and reliable sling. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in your overall carrying experience. Do yourself a favor and ditch that old, uncomfortable sling. Your shoulder will thank you!