Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch Review

Let’s Dive into Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch is designed for speed and efficiency in competitive shooting, particularly IPSC and USPSA. Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear aims to provide a secure and rapid magazine retrieval system with this pouch. Its magnetic retention and compatibility with STI 2011 magazines are key features worth exploring.

As a competitive shooter, I’ve long sought a magazine pouch that offered both secure retention and lightning-fast access, essential for shaving seconds off stage times. The frustrating fumbling and occasional dropped magazines that plague many competitors are a constant source of annoyance and lost points. The promise of magnetic retention and a design specifically tailored for STI 2011 double-stack magazines drew me to this product.

Upon unboxing, the pouch felt surprisingly lightweight, primarily constructed from ABS Polymer. The rectangular magnet was visibly embedded within the pouch body. The construction appeared robust enough for competition use, though the polymer finish seemed somewhat basic.

I’ve used various magazine pouches in the past, including kydex options from Blade-Tech and injection-molded pouches from Safariland. While the Blade-Tech pouches offered excellent retention adjustability, they sometimes felt too rigid, slowing down reloads. The Safariland pouches were quicker, but their friction-based retention wasn’t always consistent. The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear pouch intrigued me with its unique magnetic system, promising a different approach to balancing retention and speed.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped the magnetic retention would provide a consistent and reliable hold, but I also worried about its strength, particularly during dynamic movement. It’s definitely a departure from the standard friction-based systems I’m used to, so I am keen to see how it performs.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was the local USPSA range during a practice session. I ran several stages, focusing on smooth reloads and aggressive movement to simulate match conditions. I tested the pouch in dry conditions.

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear pouch performed admirably during the first few runs. The magnetic retention held the magazine securely during movement, and the draw was surprisingly fast and intuitive. The magazine seemed to “jump” into my hand with minimal effort.

However, after about an hour of use, I noticed a slight issue. While performing a rapid reload during a particularly fast-paced stage, the magazine slipped from the magnet’s grasp upon drawing. This happened a couple of times, forcing me to adjust my grip and reload technique.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear pouch showed some wear, primarily cosmetic scratches on the ABS polymer body. The magnetic retention, however, remained consistent.

I monitored for signs of degradation, but the magnet seemed to retain its strength. I used compressed air to clean the pouch regularly, removing any accumulated dirt or debris. The polymer construction made cleaning relatively easy.

Compared to my previous kydex pouches, the Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear pouch offered a quicker draw, but the occasional slippage issue remained a concern. My Safariland pouches offered more consistent retention in my experience, though they weren’t as fast. The user feedback that I read indicated that mags would fall out during running, and I am beginning to think that is a concern.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch

Specifications

• The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch is manufactured by Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear. Its focus is compatibility and speed for competition use.
• The pouch is constructed from ABS Polymer. This material is lightweight and provides decent durability.
• It’s designed specifically for Double Stack magazines, up to 170mm in length. This makes it ideal for STI 2011 platforms.
• The pouch is ambidextrous, suitable for both left and right-handed shooters. This is a great feature for versatility.
• It’s tailored for use with STI International firearms, specifically the STI International 2011 model. This guarantees optimal fit and function.
• The belt loop accommodates belts up to 1.5 inches wide. This is a standard size for competition belts.
• It uses a rectangular magnet capable of holding up to 30 lbs (13.60 kg). This high magnetic strength is designed to ensure secure retention.
• The magazine is designed for Outside the Waistband (OWB) carry. This allows easy access on the range.
• The cant is user-adjustable 360 degrees with a 3mm hex key. This enables customising the angle of the mag for the perfect draw angle.
• The pouch comes with a lifetime warranty from Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear. This shows commitment to quality.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear pouch excels at providing a quick and easy magazine draw. The magnetic retention allows for a minimalist design and reduced friction.

However, the magazine slippage issue during rapid movements is a significant drawback. The magnet strength, while considerable, isn’t foolproof in all situations. It would appear that the pouch is better suited to static environments like steel challenge.

The pouch mostly meets expectations for speed, but it needs improvement in retention reliability, especially during dynamic movement. More consistent retention is a must for competitive environments.

Design & Ergonomics

The ABS polymer construction keeps the pouch lightweight and comfortable to wear. The rounded edges prevent snagging on clothing or gear.

The adjustable cant allows for personalized positioning and draw angle. This allows customization for different body types and shooting styles. The lack of adjustable tension is a negative point.

The pouch offers a streamlined profile and user-friendly design, but the retention issue affects its overall appeal. The design should also include an option for adjustable tension in order to further customise the draw.

Durability & Maintenance

The ABS polymer seems durable enough for regular use, though it’s prone to cosmetic scratches. The magnet appears to be well-protected within the polymer body.

Cleaning requires only occasional wiping with a damp cloth and compressed air. The simple design makes maintenance easy and straightforward. The lifetime warranty adds to the longevity of the product.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch doesn’t come with many included accessories. It’s primarily a standalone unit focused on basic functionality.

The adjustable cant is the main customization option, allowing users to fine-tune the draw angle. There are no readily available aftermarket accessories for this specific model. Additional colours would also provide a wider appeal.

Pros and Cons of Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch

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Who Should Buy Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch?

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch is perfect for competitive shooters using STI 2011 double stack magazines who prioritize speed above all else, particularly those who mainly shoot steel challenge. It is also suitable for those who prefer a minimalist and lightweight setup, and those who prefer outside of waistband carry.

Those who require absolute magazine retention in dynamic environments should avoid this product. Individuals who compete in fast paced uspsa stages might be better suited to kydex options with fully adjustable retention.

A must-have modification would be some form of additional retention mechanism to supplement the magnetic system. Additional tension screws to adjust the fit of the magazine would be very welcome.

Conclusion on Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch

The Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear STI 2011 Double Stack Competition Magnetic Magazine Pouch offers a compelling blend of speed and simplicity, but its shortcomings in retention need to be addressed. The design is sleek and user-friendly, and the adjustable cant is a welcome feature.

At $22.65, the price is reasonable for what it offers, but the magazine slippage issue makes it a hard sell for serious competitors. The value proposition improves significantly if Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear can improve the retention issue with minor tweaks.

I can’t fully recommend this product in its current state. The potential is there, but the lack of consistent retention is a major stumbling block. If you’re willing to experiment with draw techniques and potentially modify the pouch for better retention, it could be a worthwhile purchase. If you value reliable retention above all else, look elsewhere.