The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown Made a Bold First Impression
The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown isn’t just another sling; it’s a testament to minimalist design meeting tactical functionality. Blue Force Gear, known for its robust and innovative gear, has slimmed down their iconic Vickers Combat Application Sling™ to create a lighter, more versatile option perfect for modern lightweight builds. This 1″ sling promises to offer the same legendary performance in a streamlined package, piquing my interest as I constantly seek lighter, more efficient loadouts.
For years, I’ve relied on heavier, wider slings, but as I’ve transitioned to building increasingly lightweight AR platforms and dabbling more with pistol caliber carbines (PCCs), I needed a sling that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk. The promise of a 23% weight reduction compared to the original Vickers Combat Application Sling™ was a key selling point.
My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the CORDURA® webbing felt durable and well-constructed, despite its slimmer profile. The DuPont Zytel® Nylon hardware felt sturdy and robust. Comparing it to my older, wider slings from other manufacturers like Magpul and VTAC, the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling immediately felt less cumbersome. I was excited to see how this minimalist design would translate into real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown was at an outdoor range during a carbine course. I was running a lightweight AR-15 chambered in 5.56, and the weather was typical for late spring – sunny, but with a slight breeze and a chance of rain. The sling was easy to install onto my rifle using standard QD swivels (not included) in moments.
The Vickers ONE Sling performed admirably under these conditions. The quick-adjust pull tab made transitioning between carrying the rifle and engaging targets incredibly smooth. I appreciated how the lighter weight didn’t pull or fatigue my shoulder during drills that required frequent changes in stance and position. There were no noticeable issues or surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple range trips, a weekend-long tactical training course, and even a few hikes, the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve encountered dust, mud, and light rain. Despite the abuse, the webbing shows no signs of fraying or excessive wear.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is typically all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime. Compared to my previous, bulkier slings, the Vickers ONE doesn’t absorb as much sweat or moisture, making it more comfortable during extended use. I’d say it far outperforms other slings, particularly in hot weather when bulkier slings become uncomfortable.
Breaking Down the Features of Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown
Specifications
- The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling utilizes a 1″ wide Invista solution dyed CORDURA® webbing for optimal balance between comfort and weight savings. The choice of CORDURA® ensures excellent abrasion resistance and long-term durability.
- The hardware is constructed from glass reinforced DuPont Zytel® Nylon. This material provides exceptional strength and impact resistance while keeping the weight to a minimum.
- The sling’s length is adjustable from 54″ (tightened) to 64″ (fully extended). This provides ample adjustment for various body sizes and tactical gear configurations.
- A patented Quick Adjuster with a contrasting pull tab allows for rapid length adjustments. This facilitates seamless transitions between different carry positions and shooting stances.
Performance & Functionality
The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling excels in its primary function: providing a secure and comfortable way to carry a rifle while allowing for rapid deployment. The quick-adjuster is intuitive and easy to use, even with gloved hands. The 1″ webbing, while thinner than some other slings, provides sufficient support for lightweight rifles and PCCs without digging into the shoulder.
While the Vickers ONE sling is excellent for lightweight builds, heavier rifles might benefit from a wider sling for increased comfort during extended carry. The sling more than meets my expectations for a lightweight, streamlined sling.
Design & Ergonomics
The minimalist design of the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. The coyote brown color provides excellent camouflage in a variety of environments. The sling’s weight is negligible, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The sling is very user-friendly. Even users new to two-point slings will quickly learn how to operate the quick-adjuster and customize the fit.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality materials and construction of the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling suggest a long service life. The CORDURA® webbing is highly resistant to abrasion, tears, and fading. The DuPont Zytel® Nylon hardware is impervious to corrosion and impact damage.
Maintaining the sling is easy. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth will keep it looking and performing its best.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling itself doesn’t come with additional accessories, but it’s designed to be compatible with a wide range of sling hardware, such as QD swivels, HK hooks, and mash hooks. This allows users to customize the sling to their specific needs and preferences. It’s also fully compatible with any standard sling mounting points on AR-15s and other modern sporting rifles.
Pros and Cons of Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown
Pros
- Lightweight and Minimalist Design: The 1″ webbing and lightweight hardware significantly reduce weight and bulk, making it ideal for lightweight rifle builds and PCCs.
- Rapid Adjustability: The patented Quick Adjuster allows for fast and easy length adjustments, facilitating seamless transitions between carrying and shooting positions.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality CORDURA® webbing and DuPont Zytel® Nylon hardware, the sling is built to withstand demanding conditions.
- Versatile Compatibility: The sling is compatible with a wide range of sling hardware and mounting points, allowing for easy customization.
- Comfortable for Lightweight Builds: The 1″ webbing provides sufficient support for lighter rifles without digging into the shoulder.
Cons
- Sling hardware is not included.
- Wider sling is needed for heavier rifles.
Who Should Buy Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown?
The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling is perfect for users who prioritize lightweight and streamlined gear, particularly those running lightweight AR-15 builds or pistol caliber carbines. It’s also an excellent choice for competitive shooters, tactical trainers, and anyone who values ease of use and rapid adjustability. It may also benefit hunters and recreational shooters who appreciate a comfortable and unobtrusive sling.
Those who regularly carry heavier rifles (e.g., AR-10s or rifles with heavy optics) might prefer a wider sling with more padding for increased comfort. Users who need a sling with integrated features like storage pockets or built-in bungee cords should also consider alternative options.
To fully utilize the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling, users will need to purchase compatible sling hardware, such as QD swivels or HK hooks, depending on their rifle’s mounting points. There are no other required modifications, but some users may choose to add a sling pad for extra comfort during extended carry.
Conclusion on Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown
The Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling 1″ Wide Coyote Brown delivers on its promise of providing a lightweight, streamlined, and highly functional sling option. Its durable construction, rapid adjustability, and comfortable design make it an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize mobility and efficiency. At $54.95, the price is justified given the quality of materials and construction, as well as the sling’s proven performance.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Vickers ONE Sling to anyone looking to upgrade their rifle sling, especially those with lightweight rifles or PCCs. It offers a significant improvement in comfort and maneuverability compared to bulkier slings, making it a valuable addition to any tactical or recreational shooting setup. Ditch the heavy, cumbersome slings of the past, and experience the freedom and efficiency of the Blue Force Gear Vickers ONE Sling. You won’t be disappointed.