The Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail Made a Bold First Impression
Vertical grips have been around for ages, but the Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail attempts to innovate by addressing a common frustration: cable management. Strike Industries promises a solution to the spaghetti of wires often associated with weapon lights and other accessories. For a seasoned gear specialist like myself, the claim of integrated cable management immediately piqued my interest, as a clean and organized rifle is a happy rifle.
I had been searching for a solution to tame the unruly light cable on my patrol rifle. Zip ties were functional but looked sloppy and were a pain to replace, while other cable management solutions felt bulky or added unnecessary weight. The sleek design and the promise of internal storage on this Strike Industries grip seemed like the perfect middle ground.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the polymer material. It felt solid and well-molded, especially considering the price point of $21.95. The flat dark earth color matched my existing furniture perfectly, and the short profile was exactly what I was looking for.
Compared to a standard vertical grip I’ve used from Magpul, the Strike Industries grip offered a more aggressive angle. And when stacked against a simple hand stop, this grip provided a more substantial gripping surface. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – the design was promising, but the true test would be in its functionality and durability on the range. It’s safe to say I was intrigued to see if it could actually tame the cable monster!
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a local outdoor range, simulating a typical patrol environment. I mounted the Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail onto my AR-15 equipped with a Streamlight ProTac weapon light. The weather was partly cloudy, but the grip remained secure even with slightly damp hands.
The angled design took a few magazines to get used to. However, I quickly found that it provided a comfortable and natural wrist position, especially during rapid firing drills. The cable management system proved surprisingly effective, neatly tucking away the excess wire from my weapon light and preventing it from snagging on gear.
The only initial issue I encountered was the slightly slick texture of the polymer. This became more noticeable when my hands were sweaty, however, I quickly remedied this by adding some skateboard tape to the grip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use during range sessions and training exercises, the Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail has held up admirably. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear, even after being subjected to rough handling and accidental drops. The polymer, despite its initial slickness, has proven to be quite robust.
Cleaning is straightforward, as dirt and debris wipe off easily with a damp cloth. The internal cable management compartment remains secure, with no issues of wires becoming dislodged or tangled.
Compared to previous grips I’ve used, this one offers a much cleaner and more ergonomic solution for managing weapon light cables. It outperforms simple zip ties and bulky aftermarket cable management accessories, providing a streamlined and functional design. This grip has quickly become an essential part of my rifle setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail
Specifications
The Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail is specifically designed for M-LOK rail systems. Its grip angle sits at 86 degrees, providing a comfortable and ergonomic hold. The grip is constructed from a durable polymer, keeping the weight down while ensuring robustness.
The most notable feature is the patent-pending cable management system. It is designed to organize and store excess wire from weapon lights and other cabled accessories. The grip also includes side cuts at the top middle, facilitating easier pressure switch attachment.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The M-LOK compatibility ensures easy installation on a wide range of modern rifles. The angled design promotes a more natural wrist position, reducing fatigue during extended use. The cable management system prevents snagging and keeps the rifle’s profile clean and professional.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail excels in its primary function: providing a secure and comfortable grip while managing weapon light cables. Its angled design promotes a more natural wrist position, reducing fatigue during extended use.
The cable management system is a standout feature. It effectively contains excess wiring, preventing it from becoming tangled or snagged. However, the internal space is somewhat limited, requiring careful arrangement of the cables.
Overall, the grip meets and slightly exceeds expectations, especially considering its affordable price point. It offers a practical and well-designed solution for cable management on M-LOK compatible rifles.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is commendable for a polymer grip in this price range. The material feels solid and well-molded, with no noticeable flex or creaking during use. At just a few ounces, it adds minimal weight to the rifle.
The angled design and short profile contribute to a comfortable and ergonomic feel in the hand. The textured surface provides a decent grip, although it can become slightly slick when wet or sweaty. A bit more aggressive texturing would be a welcome improvement.
The grip is user-friendly and requires no special tools or skills to install. The cable management system is intuitive and easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with such features.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction suggests that this grip should last for a considerable time under normal use conditions. After weeks of testing, there are no signs of cracking, chipping, or significant wear.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The internal cable management compartment is easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. The design is simple enough that it should withstand the rigors of regular use without significant issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail is primarily designed to be a standalone grip and cable management solution. It doesn’t require any specific accessories for its core functionality.
However, users may choose to add grip tape or stippling for improved traction. The M-LOK compatibility allows for easy attachment to any M-LOK compatible rail system, regardless of brand.
Side cuts at the top middle of the grip allow for easier pressure switch attachment, increasing compatibility with popular accessories from Streamlight, Surefire, and other major brands. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any M-LOK equipped rifle.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail
Pros
- Affordable price point at $21.95.
- Integrated cable management system effectively contains excess weapon light wiring.
- Comfortable angled design promotes a natural wrist position.
- Durable polymer construction for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Polymer texture can become slightly slick when wet or sweaty.
- Limited internal space for cable management may require careful arrangement.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail?
The Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail is perfect for AR-15 owners and tactical shooters seeking an affordable and effective solution for cable management. It is also a good choice for those who want a comfortable and ergonomic angled grip. Law enforcement officers and security professionals who rely on weapon lights will find the cable management system particularly useful.
This product might not be ideal for competitive shooters who prioritize extreme weight reduction. Also those who require a more aggressively textured grip may prefer other options.
Must-have accessories include skateboard grip tape for enhanced traction and a high-quality weapon light with a compatible pressure switch.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail
The Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail is a well-designed and affordable accessory that addresses a common problem: cable management on tactical rifles. Its angled design promotes a comfortable grip, and the integrated cable management system effectively contains excess wiring. While the polymer texture could be more aggressive, this can be easily remedied with aftermarket grip tape.
The price of $21.95 is more than justified, considering the functionality and durability offered. This grip provides a practical and streamlined solution for a cleaner and more organized rifle setup.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for an affordable and effective angled vertical grip with built-in cable management. Ditch the zip ties and upgrade your rifle with the Strike Industries Angled Vertical Grip Short Flat Dark Earth Polymer with Cable Management Storage for M-LOK Rail today!