The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer Made a Bold First Impression
I’ve spent over a decade tinkering with firearms and fine-tuning outdoor gear. Organization is paramount, especially when dealing with small, easily lost parts. That’s why the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer immediately piqued my interest. This tray promised a durable, contained workspace, capable of wrangling rogue springs and screws.
My workshop resembles a hurricane zone after any project involving small pieces. I was constantly losing detent pins, springs, and screws in the chaos. Several times, I have even stepped on a stray firing pin retainer. I needed a solution that could keep these small parts contained and organized during disassembly and reassembly.
Upon unboxing, the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer feels robust and well-made. The flat dark earth polymer has a slightly grippy texture, and the embedded magnet provides a reassuring pull. It’s lightweight and the ability to flatten it for storage is a huge plus.
Compared to similar products like generic plastic parts trays or even magnetic parts bowls, the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer stood out due to its packable design and reputation for durability. I picked this over others because I was seeking a durable, portable solution backed by Magpul’s name. I anticipated a product that would withstand the rigors of my field work.
My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of a clutter-free workspace. It offered a secure place to keep small parts. The flat pack design sealed the deal. I was eager to see if it lived up to Magpul’s reputation for quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved disassembling and cleaning my AR-15 bolt carrier group after a muddy range day. I used the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer on my tailgate at the range, creating a contained workspace. It performed flawlessly, keeping the small parts secured even on a slightly uneven surface.
The DAKA material proved to be incredibly resistant to oil and solvent. The magnetic feature worked even better than I anticipated. The magnetic feature held even the smallest detent pins firmly in place. The wet conditions posed no issue.
The tray was intuitive to assemble; simply snapping the corners together. The shallow walls kept everything contained. No time was needed to get accustomed to the tray.
I did notice that very tiny steel parts, like some optic mounting screws, had a weaker magnetic attraction. The tray still kept them contained within its walls. But the magnet was not strong enough to strongly hold them.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer has become an indispensable part of my field kit. It has held up incredibly well to repeated use and abuse. I have used it while cleaning firearms at the range, repairing outdoor gear on camping trips, and even organizing small electronics components on the workbench.
The DAKA material shows no signs of wear or tear. It resists scratches and abrasions. The corners still snap together securely, and the magnet remains strong.
Cleaning the tray is incredibly easy. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removes any dirt, oil, or debris. I even accidentally spilled some CLP on it and it wiped right off, with no staining.
Previously, I used a combination of plastic trays and magnetic bowls. The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer outperforms them all in terms of durability, portability, and containment. Its flat-pack design also makes it easy to store in my range bag or tool chest.
Breaking Down the Features of Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer
Specifications
- The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer is made from Magpul’s proprietary DAKA polymer material. This material is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and non-slip texture.
- Flat dimensions are 11.50″ x 11.50″, while tray dimensions are 8.75″ x 8.75″. This size is perfect for handling most small parts without being too bulky.
- The tray features a strong embedded magnet. This magnet secures metallic items such as springs, bolts, pins, and screws.
- It features a snap-together corner design. This creates a walled workspace.
- The Flat Dark Earth color provides a low-profile, tactical look. The polymer is also UV resistant.
These specifications matter because they translate to a durable, reliable, and functional product. The DAKA material ensures that the tray can withstand the rigors of field use. The size provides ample workspace. The magnet keeps small parts secure.
Performance & Functionality
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a contained, magnetic workspace for organizing and securing small parts. It prevents lost components and makes disassembly and reassembly processes much more efficient.
The strength of the magnet is a major strength. The durability of the DAKA material is also great. The snap-together design is simple and effective. A minor weakness is that very small, non-ferrous parts are not secured by the magnet.
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer exceeds my expectations. It is far more durable and versatile than other parts trays I have used in the past. The fact that it can be flattened for storage is an added bonus.
Design & Ergonomics
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer boasts excellent build quality. The DAKA material feels robust and well-made. The tray feels comfortable in hand, although it is primarily designed to be used on a flat surface.
The snap-together design is intuitive and easy to use. There is no learning curve. The texture of the DAKA material provides a secure grip.
Durability & Maintenance
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer is built to last. The DAKA polymer is highly resistant to wear, tear, and chemical damage. I anticipate that this tray will provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed to keep the tray clean and in good condition. The DAKA material is also resistant to staining.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer does not come with any specific accessories. However, its simple design makes it compatible with a variety of aftermarket organizers and storage solutions.
Its flat dark earth color matches other Magpul accessories, allowing for a cohesive aesthetic. You can also easily add adhesive labels or markers to customize the tray for specific tasks or projects.
Pros and Cons of Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer
Pros
- Exceptional durability thanks to the DAKA polymer material.
- Strong embedded magnet securely holds metallic parts.
- Flat-pack design for easy storage and portability.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Provides a contained workspace to prevent lost parts.
Cons
- Magnet may not be strong enough to hold very small, non-ferrous parts.
- Limited to organizing small parts only.
Who Should Buy Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer?
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer is perfect for gun owners, mechanics, hobbyists, and anyone who frequently works with small parts. It is especially beneficial for those who need a portable and durable solution for organizing components in the field. This tray is useful for those doing backcountry repairs or cleaning firearms after a long range day.
Those who only occasionally work with small parts or prefer a more traditional parts organizer may not find this product as essential. It is also probably not very useful for someone working with car-sized components.
A must-have accessory for the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer is a good set of small parts organizers or containers to further sort and categorize components within the tray.
Conclusion on Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer
The Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer is a well-designed and durable solution for organizing and securing small parts. Its strong magnet, durable DAKA construction, and flat-pack design make it a versatile and essential tool for any serious tinkerer or outdoor enthusiast.
The price of $19.99 is justified by the quality and durability of the product. It offers excellent value for the money, especially considering its long lifespan and versatility.
I would highly recommend the Magpul DAKA Magnetic Field Tray Large Flat Dark Earth Polymer to anyone looking for a reliable and portable parts organizer. If you value organization and dislike losing small parts, you need this tray. Add this tray to your kit! It will save you time, frustration, and money in the long run.